As prerequisites for acceptance to the Doctor of Philosophy program, applicants should have completed the equivalent of a recognized Master’s degree in an appropriate field of study and have several years of meaningful professional experience. Applicants admitted missing some elements of preparation must complete the missing elements as part of the initial program of studies at the doctoral level. These elements of preparation are discussed in the Master of Science program overview.
Applicants are expected to be proficient in collegiate English language skills and are expected to have access to a computer, email and the Internet, and outside library resources for the full extent of their program.
Completed training from a recognized practitioner program is highly desired, and can be applied toward the diploma or used as elements of the major concentration for the Doctor of Philosophy in Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Some higher level programs of training are eligible for transfer for credit as part of the requirements for the major concentration discussed below.
Degree Requirements
Students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) will complete a minimum of 52 credits above the Master’s level including comprehensive examinations and a dissertation or major scholarly project. The coursework requirements include the academic major, the major concentration, research preparation, the dissertation or major scholarly project, and additional electives, as needed, to satisfy the minimum quality expectations.
The finishing activities for doctoral students include completion of a comprehensive examination at the conclusion of the academic coursework; preparations of a formal dissertation (or project) proposal, complete the dissertation (or major scholarly project), and preparation of the manuscript for faculty review. Doctoral students also complete an oral review of dissertation (or project) after the review of the physical manuscript.
The Doctoral degree expectations include the following elements of 52 credits above the Master’s degree:
- Core Elements of Academic Major (Required: 18 credits minimum)
- Major Concentration (Required: 12 credits minimum)
- Research Preparation (Required: 6 credits minimum)
- Comprehensive Examination (Required: 2 credits)
- Dissertation Proposal (Required: 4 credits)
- Dissertation Project (Required: 8 credits)
- Oral Review of Thesis (Required: 2 credits)
Core Competencies (the following 18 credits)
Doctoral students in CAM must complete 18 graduate credits in core coursework comprising an academic major or the equivalent from another institution. These are the foundational competencies in theories, principles, practices, research, historical, philosophical, and social- cultural implications of the complementary medicine. These courses represent the core competencies and essential elements, which define your field of study and establish the underlying foundations upon which you may base your advanced professional development.
Required: (18 credits)
- CAM 600: Advanced Readings in CAM (3 credits)
- CAM 601: Advanced Essentials of CAM (3 credits)
- CAM 502: Optimal Integral Health (3 credits)
- CAM 530: Anatomy & Physiology of the Human Energy System (3 credits)
- CAM 525: Touch Healing Ethics for Practice & Teaching (3 credits)
- CAM 771: Directed Professional Studies in CAM (3 credits)
Major Concentration (Required: 12 credits)
Doctoral participants complete a major concentration comprised of 12 credits of specialized studies selected from one the following fields of inquiry:
- Energy Medicine
- Energy Psychology
- Energy Kinesiology
- Energy Dynamics
- Transpersonal Studies
- Integrative Health
Energy Medicine (Students in this concentration select 12 credits)
CAM 506: Theories, principles and Practices of Holistic Health (3 credits)
CAM 507: Cross-cultural Traditional Healing Practices in Counseling& Psychotherapy (3 credits)
CAM 508: Integral Healthcare (3 credits)
CAM 526: Directed Intentionality, Prayer and Distance Healing (3 credits)
CAM 529: Preventative Medicine (3 credits)
CAM 540: Program Planning for CAM (3 credits)
CAM 560: Advances in CAM (3 credits)
CAM 751-759: Field Study in CAM (3 credits)
CAM 780: Specialty Theory & Application (3 credits) CAM 781: Specialty Practicum (3 credits)
CAM 782: Specialty Special Project (3 credits)
CAM 783: Specialty Directed Study (3 credits)
Energy Psychology (Students in this concentration select 12 credits)
CAM 506: Theories, Principles and Practices of Holistic Health (3 credits)
CAM 507: Cross-cultural Traditional Healing Practices in Counseling & Psychotherapy (3 credits)
CAM 510: The Embodied Mind (3 credits)
CAM 526: Directed Intentionality, Prayer and Distance Healing (3 credits)
CAM 528: Parapsychology and Transpersonal Psychology: (3 credits)
CAM 540: Program Planning for CAM (3 credits)
CAM 551: Spiritual Health and Healing (3 credits)
CAM 552: Neurolinguistic Programming (NlP) Theory & Practice (3 credits)
CAM 553: Hypnosis Theory & Practice (3 - 6 credits)
CAM 559: Innovative & Unconventional Approaches to Psychotherapy (3 credits)
CAM 560: Advances in Energy Medicine (3 credits)
CAM 561: Mind Resonance Process (3 credits)
CAM 563: Child Development in Applied Eco-psychology (3 credits)
CAM 577: Essentials of Energy Psychology (3 credits)
CAM 578: Mind-Body Medicine I: Clinical Health Psychology (3 credits)
CAM 579: Mind-Body Medicine II: Behavioral Medicine & Psychoneuroimmunology (3 credits)
CAM 580: Mind-Body Medicine III: Integral Healthcare (3 credits)
CAM 588: Psychology of Global Citizenship (2-3 credits)
CAM 661: CAM Self Care (3 credits)
CAM 662: Complementary Therapies Clinical Application (3 credits)
CAM 663: Specialist Training CAM (3 credits)
CAM 751-759: Field Study in CAM (3 credits)
CAM 780: Specialty Theory & Application (3 credits)
CAM 781: Specialty Practicum (3 credits)
CAM 782: Specialty Special Project (3 credits)
CAM 783: Specialty Directed Study (3 credits)
Energy Biofield Feedback (Students in this concentration select 12 credits)
CAM 506: Theories, Principles and Practices of Holistic Health (3 credits)
CAM 507: Cross-cultural Traditional Healing Practices in Counseling & Psychotherapy (3 credits)
CAM 508: Integral Healthcare (3 credits)
CAM 529: Preventative Medicine (3 credits)
CAM 533: Essentials of Qi Gong (3 credits)
CAM 540: Program Planning for CAM (3 credits)
CAM 551: Spiritual Health and Healing (3 credits)
CAM 560: Advances in CAM (3 credits)
CAM 578: Mind-Body Medicine I: Clinical Health Psychology (3 credits)
CAM 588: Psychology of Global Citizenship (2 credits)
CAM 661: CAM Self Care (3 credits)
CAM 662: Complementary Therapies Clinical Application (3 credits)
CAM 663: Specialist Training CAM (3 credits)
CAM 751-759: Field Study in CAM (3 credits)
CAM 780: Specialty Theory & Application (3 credits)
CAM 781: Specialty Practicum (3 credits)
CAM 782: Specialty Special Project (3 credits)
CAM 783: Specialty Directed Study (3 credits)
Energy Dynamics (Students in this concentration select 12 credits)
CAM 503: Principles of Naturopathy (3 credits)
CAM 504: Overview of Complementary & Alternative Medicine (3 credits)
CAM 506: Theories, Principles and Practices of Holistic Health (3 credits)
CAM 510: The Embodied Mind (3 credits)
CAM 522: Traditional Medicine (3 credits)
CAM 523: Herbal Medicine (3 credits)
CAM 524: Natural Medicine (3 credits)
CAM 526: Directed Intentionality, Prayer and Distance Healing (3 credits)
CAM 527: Therapy by Light Biophotonic Fundamentals of Complementary Therapies (3 credits)
CAM 528: Parapsychology and Transpersonal Psychology: (3 credits)
CAM 529: Preventive Medicine (3 credits)
CAM 531: Nutritional & Dietary Healing (3 credits)
CAM 533: Essentials of Qi Gong & other Movement Therapies (3 credits)
CAM 540: Program Planning for CAM (3 credits)
CAM 542: Ayurvedia I (3 credits)
CAM 543: Ayurveda II (3 credits)
CAM 544: Ayurveda III (3 credits)
CAM 546: Herbal Immune Sy7stem Enhancement (3 credits)
CAM 547: Herbal Internal Cleansing (3 credits)
CAM 548: Homeopathic Medicine I: Materia Medica, Laws and Principles (3 credits)
CAM 549: Homeopathic Medicine II: Repertory, Case Taking and Applied Practice (3 credits)
CAM 551: Spiritual Health and Healing (3 credits)
CAM 561: Mind Resonance Process (3 credits)
CAM 563: Child Development in Applied Eco-psychology (3 credits)
CAM 661: CAM Self Care (3 credits)
CAM 662: Complementary Therapies Clinical Application (3 credits)
CAM 663: Specialist Training CAM (3 credits)
CAM 751-759: Field Study in CAM (3 credits)
CAM 780: Specialty Theory & Application (3 credits)
CAM 781: Specialty Practicum (3 credits)
CAM 782: Specialty Special Project (3 credits)
CAM 783: Specialty Directed Study (3 credits)
Transpersonal Studies (Students in this concentration select 9 credits or related credits including transfer:
CAM 555: Shamanism (3 credits)
CAM 581: Fundamentals of Transpersonal Studies (3 credits)
CAM 582: Wisdom Traditions: World Religions (3 credits)
CAM 583: Human Development: Transpersonal Perspectives (3 credits)
CAM 584: Personal Mythology and Dreamwork (3 credits)
CAM 585: Consciousness & Sexuality (3 credits)
CAM 586: Cross-cultural Consciousness & Ethics
CAM 587: Consciousness & Healing (3 credits)
CAM 589: Paradigms of Consciousness (3 credits)
CAM 590: Qualitative Research for CAM (3 credits)
CAM 591: Consciousness & Creativity (3 credits)
Integrative Health (Students in this concentration select 9 credits or related credits including transfer:
CAM 563: The Integrative Model and Philosophy of Self, Culture, and Nature (3 credits)
CAM 564: Integrative Healthcare & Lifestyle (3 credits)
CAM 565: Integrative Psychology (3 credits)
CAM 566: Historical Perspectives on the Body (3 credits)
CAM 567: Somatics in Multicultural Perspectives (3 credits)
CAM 568: Integrative Health and the Future of Healthcare (3 credits)
CAM 569: Spirituality and Awareness of Cult Dangers (3 credits)
Description of CAM 780-783: External Training in CAM Directed Study (3 - 9 credits)
Students pursue special "external" training via an approved CAM training course offered at another accredited and approved institution during or prior to entrance at Akamai University.
An example would be professional courses (often for entry-level or continuing professional development and education certification) in Healing Touch (HT), Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Transform Your Life through Energy Medicine (TYLEM), Touch For Health (TFH), Energy Kinesiology, Polarity Therapy, Wholistic Healing Effective and Effortless (WHEE), Neuro Linguistic Programing (NLP), Thought Field Therapy, Aromatherapy, Acupressure, Hypnotherapy, Reflexology, Yogi, Qigong, Mysticism, Buddhism, or Reiki. These recommendations of qualified training are under the collaborative supervision of qualified faculty from training sponsors, as appropriate.
These course options are intended to allow students to add significantly to their advanced knowledge in the discipline through applied practical energy based training under the leadership of qualified individuals and organizations. Additional documentation may be necessary to determine the current knowledge base of the applying student through interview, submitted documentation and / or additional course work.
Students begin the course of determining appropriate transfer credits with the preparation of a brief training proposal and identification of selective course work and training materials in support of the training. Approved training requires a completion certificate or letter of affidavit from the trainer or training organization. Training may also take the form of an on-the-job training, on-site internship, an apprenticeship or other formal or semi-formal training activity including professionally presented seminars, conferences, workshops, symposia and retreats that can document partial or all credits to be used.
Research Preparation (6 Credits)
Doctoral students must pursue studies providing advanced research knowledge necessary for success in their final projects (dissertation or major project in lieu of dissertation). At least three semester credits of research preparation coursework is required and this might focus upon quantitative and qualitative methods or participatory action research techniques including subject selection, research design, and statistical analysis, as appropriate to each student’s proposed project. Through this requirement, students learn to effectively define applied problems or theoretical issues and articulate the rationale for the study. They should learn to present an effective scholarly review of the academic literature and implement quantitative, qualitative or participatory action methods for evaluating academic issues.
Required (6 credits required):
- RES 591: Research Basics for Evaluating CAM* (3 credits)
- RES 699: Research in CAM* (3 credits)
Comprehensive Examination EXM 980 Required (2 Credits)
Once students have completed the coursework elements of their degree, they will be asked to schedule the Comprehensive Examination. The primary mentor and a faculty member representing the secondary academic area conduct both the written and oral components of the examination. The written portion is open book style with selected essay questions requiring creative responses that reach for the higher levels of cognition. Your answers are expected to draw from both the primary and secondary competencies of your program with proper referencing of the scholarly literature. The oral component of the examination is normally overview of the scholarly literature that sets the foundation for the dissertation. Your research proposal should also include a brief manuscript outline that demonstrates how you will present in written form the various elements of the research project.
Required: RES 985 Dissertation Proposal (4 credits)
The purpose of this course is to write an approved doctoral dissertation in the standard format. The doctoral research / project proposal is devoted to the background and literature review and the second half to the design of the study. Must meet be approved by the students committee as led the committee chair.
Required: Dissertation RES 990 (Required: Minimum 8 credits)
Following approval of your thesis / project proposal, you will begin your research project. Your dissertation may take the form of a traditional research project. Whichever approach to the dissertation is chosen, the resulting project must demonstrate mastery of a body of knowledge in the major field of study, be your original work and represent a meaningful contribution to the betterment of the human condition or an improvement to the professional field. The dissertation is usually more than 150 pages long.
Your dissertation research / project may be conducted via quantitative, qualitative, or participatory action research. The body of your dissertation manuscript, structured according to a set of approved manuscript guidelines, should exceed 150 double spaced, typewritten pages.
Required: EXM 995 Oral Review of Dissertation (2 credits)
Once you have prepared the thesis manuscript, you will be asked to schedule the formal review process. Your primary faculty advisor and a faculty member representing the secondary academic area will conduct both the formal physical review of the thesis manuscript and the oral review of thesis.
The physical review of the dissertation manuscript usually takes the review committee six to eight weeks. Each reviewer will prepare questions and commentary relative to your underlying review of the literature, the thesis methodology, the mechanics of your project, and your presentation of the findings, conclusions and recommendations.
The Oral Review of Dissertation is conducted under the direction of your primary faculty advisor with the assistance of one qualified member of the faculty. The examination is carried out by telephone conference call and is designed to allow detailed investigation of your dissertation.
The Dissertation Committee
Formation of Dissertation Committee
Doctoral students have a Dissertation Committee of three qualified graduate faculty appointed to oversee and govern the student's program structure, progress of studies, comprehensive examinations and thesis / dissertation project.
Responsibilities of Dissertation Committee
Under leadership of the Committee Chair, responsibilities of the Committee are as follows:
- Directing the preparation and approval of the student's plan for study, clarifying the timeline.
- Assignment of faculty to provide instruction and to assist with the functions of the dissertation committee.
- Providing direction regarding the student's foundational studies, core studies, specialization, and research preparation coursework.
- Providing leadership by integrating appropriate research preparation coursework or assignments within the plan for study, distributing the coursework to appropriate faculty for instruction and advisement.
- Providing leadership for the written and oral components of the student's comprehensive final examination.
- Providing oversight, direction, and mentorship during the conduct of the student's research project and manuscript preparation.
- Providing leadership for the physical and oral reviews of the dissertation manuscript.
- Assist the student in making formal changes in the plan study and timeline for completion, by written addendum, as needed to assure effective progress throughout the program of study.
- Providing final approval for the student's dissertation and overall degree program and cooperate fully in building the appropriate archival records for the University.
Committee Appointment Schedule
The Committee Chair is appointed immediately following the student's registration and continues in charge of the student's program until final completion is recorded at the school of record. While the secondary and tertiary members of the dissertation committee are identified and confirmed at the onset of the program, and listed in the plan of study, they become active later, just prior to the activities for which they are asked to participate.
Building the Student's Plan for Study
Immediately following registration, graduate students begin work with their assigned Committee Chair, in structuring their formal plan for study. The process determines and formalizes the elements of the student's doctoral program and the timeline for completion.
The plan for study includes the following essential elements:
- Designation of the degree major for the Study Plan
- Identification of the required array of coursework for each element of the program.
- Identification of the secondary and tertiary members of the dissertation committee.
- Appointment and notification of the course module instructors
- Acceptance of transfer courses for the student's program.
Timeline for Completion of the Degree Program
These activities require active participation in program planning by the student and may take considerable time to complete the dialogue and exchange of information. Students are strongly advised to discuss in detail the elements in the plan for study including the coursework, the examinations, and elements of research including the manuscript guidelines.
Once all of the decisions have been made concerning the plan for study, the student and Committee Chair sign the formal document. Copies of the document are sent to the University headquarters for entry to the permanent student record. The plan for study is then distributed to the participating schools and becomes the document that determines effective progress toward the degree. When the expectations laid out in the plan for study have been successfully accomplished, the student is recommended for the degree by the Committee Chair.
Students are alerted that the University can make no commitment to inclusion of course modules and assignment of instructors to a student program until after the plan for study has been fully processed and approved.
RES 990: Dissertation Project (8 credits)
This course governs the conduct of the dissertation project for the Doctoral level student. The dissertation is a major undertaking that is a demonstration of mastery of a field of\ study and an original contribution to the field. Usually more than 150 pages in length the final project may take any of several forms, depending upon the field of study and the expectations of faculty. This may be quantitative or qualitative research or participatory action research.
EXM 995: Oral Defense of Dissertation-Doctoral Students (2 credits)
This examination is an oral defense of the doctoral dissertation conducted by the
graduate committee immediately following their reading of the dissertation manuscript. The process follows guidelines published by the University.