Herbal Science Degree Program and Career Facts
You can study herbal science through degree programs at the associate's through doctoral degree levels, in the field of herbal science specifically or in related fields like complementary and alternative science or naturopathy. Read on for information about coursework and career options.
What You Need to Know
<p>A growing variety of degree programs focus on herbal science and alternative medicine in general. To prepare for careers in herbal science, students study a wide range of topics related to holistic health and well-being. Continuing education is a popular choice, with many health care professionals seeking advanced degrees in alternative medicine as an adjunct to their professional credentials.
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<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Programs</b> </td><td> Associate's and Master's Degrees in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Bachelor's Degree in Herbal Science, Master's Degree in Alternative Medicine, Master of Science in Herbal Medicine</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Courses</b> </td><td> Botany and Plant Identification, Nutritional Fundamentals, Anatomy and Physiology, Botanical Medicine, Herbal Manufacturing</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Careers</b> </td><td> Herbalist, Manufacturing Consultant, Industry Representative, Naturopathic Physician, Researcher, Quality Assurance Specialist</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatTypeOfDegreeProgramsAreAvailable">What Type of Degree Programs are Available?</h3>
<p>You can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), a Bachelor of Science in Herbal Science, a graduate certificate in herbal science, a Master of Science in CAM, a Master of Science in Health Sciences with an integrative health and wellness concentration or a Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health. Herbal science degree programs may lead to a Doctor of Naturopathy (ND) degree.
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<p>The Council on Naturopathic Medical Examination provides accreditation for four naturopathic degree programs in the U.S. You may wish to seek an advanced degree for professions such as teaching, consulting or research science.
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<h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3>
<p>Your coursework in an herbal science program might begin a study of the following:
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<ul><li>Botanical identification
</li><li>An overview of medicinal herbs
</li><li>Disease prevention research
</li><li>Health maintenance
</li><li>Economic, historical and socio-political perspectives of herbal medicine
</li></ul><p>Advanced degree programs may include a research-based focus, with studies of evidence-based programs, pharmacology, phytochemistry, toxicology and epidemiological research of herbal medicine.
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<h3 id="section---WhatCareerOptionsWillIHave">What Career Options Will I Have?</h3>
<p>Career opportunities in herbal sciences vary from commercial to scientific. Career fields in herbal sciences include herbalist, manufacturing consultant, industry representative or entrepreneurial grower. You may wish to pursue research projects sponsored by either pharmacological commercial interests or university research grants.
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<p>Practicing naturopathic physicians treat patients seeking herbal remedies and other alternative treatments to various ailments, mental health disorders or nutritional concerns. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't publish stats for naturopathic physicians, it does include stats for all health diagnosing and treating practitioners. All of those professionals are expected to see job opportunities grow 13% from 2021-2031, which is much faster than average.</p>