Department Overview
Long recognized as a leader in the field, CIIS’ Integrative Health Studies department embraces a unique, multifaceted approach to integrative health that includes key principles of psychological behavior change, use of complementary practices, holistic lifestyle medicine, and addressing community-based health disparities.
Our NBHWC-approved program centers a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates to become behavior change experts, equipped with evidence-based practical skills in a range of integrative modalities.
The depth provided in our master’s level training allows students to design a capstone project that can help launch their professional careers providing culturally sensitive knowledge, practices, and resources needed to advance the health of individuals and communities.
Our graduates meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the Health & Wellness Coaching Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches. They become leaders and are trained for professional careers in medicine, coaching, research, policy, education, corporate wellness, community health centers, and more.
Our faculty have a variety of research interests, among them: naturopathic, botanical and Ayurvedic medicine, behavioral medicine, stress physiology and neurobiology, health psychology, women's health, community-based and culturally-adapted interventions, health disparities, social connection, fitness and sports nutrition, psychoeducational and behavioral approaches to chronic disease prevention, health policy, ecological stewardship, mindfulness-based interventions, and guided imagery in psychotherapy.
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Our Approach
We offer a biopsychosocial approach to integrative health that trains students to become experts in supporting clients to develop the new habits, behaviors, and mindsets that lead to lasting transformation.
Our coursework is a combination of biomedical, integrative, and complementary health approaches that takes into account culturally-sensitive knowledge, practices and resources.
Students are exposed to a wide range of health-oriented knowledge including: behavioral theories, coaching psychology, mindfulness and neurophysiology, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and health equity and social justice in preventive health.
We also incorporate the wisdom of subtle energy medicine, human flourishing, and spirituality, so students learn to create integral wellness plans that focus on whole-person healing. Students are also encouraged to use their gained knowledge to deepen their own self-care and holistic health practices.
Throughout the course of study, students hone their specific interests and develop strategic professional communications and effective entrepreneurial skills and leadership. The capstone project is intended to represent their scholarly development of an effective integrative health program or concept for population health that they often choose to manifest upon graduation.
"Healing is a Path to Justice" - Kevonya Elzia, Integrative Health Studies Alum
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NBHWC-Approved Continuing Education
Integrative Health Studies is pleased to be NBHWC CE provider #100071. Any upcoming programs or workshops offered for CE units are listed on our Events page or contact us for more information. Further, graduates who serve as mentor coaches for current students earn NBHWC CEs.
How to Apply
Application Open Dates
Apply for Spring 2023 starting September 15, 2022 - see a list of spring-admitting programs.
Apply for Fall 2023 starting November 15, 2022 - all programs accept fall applications.
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Questions? Contact us.
We are here to help! If you have any questions about applying to a program or registering for an Info Session, please reach out to the Admissions Office.
