The Maryland-based Tai Sophia Institute was awarded university status by the Maryland Higher Education Commission this month and will change its name to Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) effective March 1, according to school officials.

The 12-acre university currently offers graduate degree and certificate programs in a wide range of health and wellness disciplines, including nutrition, herbal medicine, health promotion, health coaching, and acupuncture and Oriental medicine. The on-campus Natural Care Center also offers affordable healthcare from student interns and professional practitioners, and the university delivers more than 35,000 clinical treatments a year.

School officials said the latest news will allow them to continue the fast-paced growth they have seen in the last three years.

The Maryland University of Integrative Health has seen its enrollment increase from 400 to more than 730 graduate students and its academic programs grow from four to 18, according to school officials.

"In achieving university status, we strongly feel that Maryland University of Integrative Health is on its way to becoming the preeminent institution in this country in the area of integrative health," said Frank Vitale, president and chief executive officer in a statement. "This designation validates our academic excellence and is a significant milestone. It also positions us as leaders in bridging ancient wisdom and contemporary science."

Vitale also noted the name change will also coincide with the direction the university plans to go from now on.

"The decision to change the institute's name from Tai Sophia Institute to Maryland University of Integrative Health stemmed from the significant role the state of Maryland plays in the area of healthcare delivery combined with the desire to distinguish our specific areas of study and clinical services offered," said Vitale. "Our goal in adopting a new name is to clearly represent our academic focus and to attract and engage prospective students on a national and international level."

In an additional effort to reach a broader base of students, MUIH has plans to launch online delivery of some of its graduate courses in September for the first time in the institution's history.

For more information, visit www.tai.edu

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