Southern California University of Health Sciences

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced research training with deep study of complementary and alternative medical systems, integrative clinical approaches, and health systems perspectives. You will complete core work in research methods, biostatistics, epidemiology, research ethics and clinical trial design, together with specialist modules that examine theoretical frameworks and evidence for traditional and complementary modalities, health services and systems integration, and translational strategies for implementation.

• Research methods and biostatistics — quantitative and qualitative methods, mixed methods, advanced statistics, data management and reproducible research practices.
• Clinical trial and outcomes design — randomised controlled trials, pragmatic trials, comparative effectiveness research and patient-reported outcome measures.
• Health systems and policy — models for integrating complementary care into healthcare systems, regulatory and reimbursement landscapes, and health economics.
• Theory and history of medical systems — foundational principles of major complementary systems (for example, Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, naturopathic, chiropractic and homeopathic perspectives) and cross-cultural approaches to health and healing.
• Implementation science and translational research — strategies to move evidence into practice, community-engaged research and clinician–researcher partnerships.
• Specialist seminars — modules or readings in areas such as pain management, mind–body medicine, herbal and botanical therapeutics, manual therapies, or health behaviour change, depending on supervisor expertise and student research focus.
• Doctoral research and dissertation — a sustained, original research project that contributes new knowledge to the field; includes proposal development, comprehensive examination/qualifier, supervised research and dissertation defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a health-related or research discipline, together with a demonstrated record of academic achievement. Clinical experience in a complementary or conventional health profession is strongly preferred. Typical requirements include:

• A completed master’s degree in a relevant field (health sciences, clinical profession, public health, or a related discipline) or substantial equivalent professional/research experience.
• A statement of research interests and a preliminary research proposal that aligns with the expertise of available faculty supervisors.
• Evidence of academic ability, such as transcripts showing satisfactory graduate-level performance and letters of recommendation from academics or professional supervisors.
• Curriculum vitae outlining clinical, research and teaching experience.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, an approved English language qualification or other evidence of English proficiency as required by the university.

Additional requirements may include an interview with potential supervisors and the doctoral admissions committee. Applicants without a master’s degree but with exceptional professional and research experience may be considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers that require advanced research skills and deep knowledge of complementary and integrative medical systems. Common career pathways include:

• Academic and research positions — university faculty, principal investigator roles, research institute appointments and postdoctoral research.
• Clinical leadership and programme development — directing integrative clinics, developing evidence-based clinical programmes and leading quality improvement initiatives.
• Policy, regulation and advocacy — roles with government agencies, professional associations and non-governmental organisations shaping integration of complementary approaches into health systems.
• Industry and product development — research and development, clinical affairs or evidence generation roles within companies producing botanical medicines, medical devices for manual therapies, digital health tools or integrative health services.
• Education and continuing professional development — designing and delivering postgraduate curricula, continuing education for healthcare professionals and public health outreach.

Why study at Southern California University of Health Sciences

Southern California University of Health Sciences has a long-standing focus on integrative and complementary health disciplines, offering a learning environment where clinical practice and scholarly research intersect. The university’s faculty include clinician-researchers with expertise across manual therapies, naturopathic and traditional systems, mind–body medicine and health services research, enabling cross-disciplinary supervision tailored to student projects.

Students benefit from a small-cohort doctoral experience with close mentorship, access to clinical sites and interdisciplinary collaborations, and training designed to produce rigorous, practice-relevant research. The programme emphasises methodological rigour, ethical research conduct and translational impact, preparing graduates to contribute to the evidence base and to lead integration initiatives in clinical, academic and policy settings.