Bachelor of Science - Herbal Sciences

Learn How to Be an Herbalist

Bastyr University's herbal sciences degree completion program trains professionals who can respond to the growing demand for herbal medicine experts.This is not a clinical degree program and does not qualify graduates to treat patients. By studying with master herbalists, students undertake a thorough and scientifically rigorous education. Graduates complete the program in two years and are prepared to enter the herbal products field directly, begin work as botanical medicine experts or pursue further education in related areas.

We are more than an "herbal school," and this is more than an "herb program." This bachelor's degree is the first of its kind to be offered at an accredited university in the United States. The program equips students with both scientific knowledge and a multifaceted, personal understanding of plants, empowering them to bridge the gap between traditional herbalism and modern science.

Study Herbs in an Academic Environment

The program curriculum, facilitated through our School of Naturopathic Medicine and Department of Botanical Medicine,  includes such study areas as:

• botanical identification of medicinal herbs
• disease prevention and health maintenance using medicinal herbs
• learning to cultivate herbs
• economic, historical and sociopolitical perspectives regarding botanical medicine 
• herbal manufacturing and quality assurance

In the past, herbalists were either self-taught or trained through certificate programs or apprenticeships. This  program brings much-needed academic credentials to the field while also offering a traditional, holistic study of herbs. The curriculum provides students with a deep foundation in current research methods, preparing them for direct employment as an herbalist in the herbal products field. 

Herbal Program Features

• Bastyr University's 51-acre campus — set next to the 316-acre Saint Edward State Park — is the perfect outdoor classroom for studying plants throughout the seasons. The park features miles of wooded hiking, running and biking trails and offers many opportunities for nature study.
• Expert faculty coupled with a strong academic advising program.
• Hands-on curriculum equips students with real-world skills in evaluating and maintaining quality control of herbs, thus preparing graduates for direct employment in the herbal products field.
• A 44-hour practicum helps students transition confidently to the workforce, providing a valuable interface with herbal manufacturers, growers, wildcrafting experts, practitioners and researchers.
• Bastyr Medicinal Herb Garden features more than 350 species of Western and Chinese herbs. The garden allows students to learn to grow herbs year-round, harvest herbs for classroom study or for making herbal products, and fulfill relevant work-study hours.
• An on-campus herb lab allows students to hone their skills in herbal medicine making.
• Summer outdoor elective and study abroad options include: Cascade Herb Experience, Island Herb Experience, two-week herbal medicine in Italy immersion experience, and a herbal medicine trip throughout Oregon, among others.

Prerequisites - Study Herbal Science

Entering undergraduates must have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA with a grade of C or better in all basic proficiency and science requirement courses. Exceptional applicants who do not meet this minimum requirement will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Prior to enrolling, students must have completed 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits), including a minimum number of credits in the basic proficiency, science and general education categories.