Oriental Medicine (Ph.D.)

OBJECTIVE

The American Liberty University Department of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offers a course of study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.  The doctoral program is research oriented and is designed to provide the theoretical and scientific knowledge necessary for scholarly pursuit in oriental medicine. Students are required to show competence in appropriate areas relevant to their major area of study by completing theory and research courses in oriental medicine and related disciplines.

This advanced research program is offered to students who have completed their Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and are looking forward to continuing their academic goals to the Ph.D. level.

The graduate of the doctoral program will:

• Synthesize and critique knowledge in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and identify future directions for knowledge development;
• Generate Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine theory that contributes to Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine science;
• Conduct research that contributes to the development of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine science;
• Articulate the ethical, social, legal and moral responsibilities involved in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine research;
• Pose research-based solutions to major issues in health care that are of social and ethical significance;
• Articulate the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine science perspective in interdisciplinary dialogue;
• Collaborate with others to promote the use of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine research to improve health care.

Ph.D. Colloquium

The Ph.D. Colloquium is a monthly seminar for doctoral students on various topics of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Research Advancement. Content is based on student needs and interests.

Doctoral Student Research Annual seminars provide doctoral students with opportunities to present their research to their peers and faculty.

Method of Study

During the Ph.D. program at the Department of College of Health Sciences, students are enrolled in oriental medicine courses and support courses. They explore content related to advanced theoretical bases for diagnose, treatment and understanding values of research. The Ph.D. courses include lecture, research, on-line study, group discussion, independent study, and clinical practice. In addition, students participate in professional seminars designed to develop group leadership skills.

Research Development

ALU may offer monthly and/or annual seminars provide doctoral students with opportunities to present their research to their peers and faculty.

Criteria
Total Units:       81 units
Total Hours:      51 units courses X 15 = 765 hours
30 units clinic X 30 = 900 hours
Total: 1665 hours

Prerequisite:

1. A master’s degree in oriental medicine (or equivalent) from accredited school.2. An Acupuncture Licensed to Practice3. Have sufficient experience in the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine field(s) as a practitioner, instructor and/or researcher.

Credit for Clinical Courses

Ph.D. candidates in Oriental Medicine may earn up to 30-unit credits for their past clinical experience. Credits may also be received for time involved with clinical research. Such credit awards relate to candidates who obtain their license in Oriental Medicine.
In order for credit to be acknowledged, candidates must provide documentation, which confirms applicable experience in reputable medical centers, research centers, colleges or universities along with their Application for Admissions.

Admission Requirements/Application Procedure
Priority placement in the Ph.D. program is given to graduates of accredited master’s degree programs in oriental medicine. Applicants must provide evidence of the following:

Complete the Application for Admission and submit it with a non-refundable Check or money order in the amount of $110.00 payable to American Liberty University.             A master’s degree in Oriental Medicine (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.Three letters of reference affirming the applicant’s potential for scholarly, investigative, and creative endeavors in oriental medicine.Official transcripts from the previous colleges and/or universities.A statement of educational objectives, specific focus of research, and program and career goals.Two current color passport size photos.Optional: It is recommended that applicants submit course descriptions of Master’s Degree courses to assist the Admissions Committee in determining if prerequisites have been met.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Completion of course requirements with grade “B” or higher.Completion of all research projects.                   A dissertation that must be relevant to the student’s field of study.Successfully pass dissertation oral defense.        Maintain a cumulative 3.00 GPA.If a candidate does not meet any of the above requirements within the allowed time of 4.5 years, his/her candidacy will be terminated and the candidate will not receive a degree from ALU.

PERIOD OF STUDY

The period of doctorate program for students is an average 3 academic years (minimum of 5 and a maximum of 13 semesters). Students who have not passed all credit courses by the end of the fourth semester or whose cumulative grade point average is below the minimum requirement (3.00/4.00) are dismissed.Students who have passed all of their credit courses and whose dissertation proposal has been accepted, but who have not submitted their dissertation by the end of the period of study outlined above, may, upon the recommendation of the department and the approval of the Dean/Director of Department of Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine, be granted an extension of a maximum of two semesters for the dissertation defence.

DISSERTATION

Each doctoral candidate is required to complete a dissertation that embodies original and independent research and demonstrates advanced scholarly achievement. As soon as possible after a student’s admission to candidacy, and during or before enrollment in Dissertation Course, the student forms a dissertation committee.
The dissertation committee consists of a minimum of three members. Two shall be chosen from the faculty of the Department of College of Health Science; the third may be a member of the faculty of another Department within the American Liberty University, or a person holding doctorate degree outside the University. The Chairperson and committee are chosen by the student, approved by his/her advisor, and then formally appointed by the Dean of Department of College of Health Science.
The candidate shall defend the dissertation in a public oral examination. Official approval of the dissertation committee is required; committee members certify their acceptance by signing the title page of the dissertation. Three signed copies of the dissertation, one original and two clear copies should be filed in the Department of College of Health Science.

The submitted dissertation becomes the property of American Liberty University, but the University does not limit the author’s right to publish the results.

The dissertation must satisfy one of the following criteria:
1.      Introducing an innovation in a scientific/scholarly field
2.      Developing a new scientific/scholarly method
3.      Applying an already-known method in a new area

Ph.D. Courses