Master of Arts in Integrative Health Studies

Our Approach

CIIS’ accredited Integrative Health Studies program delivers a master’s degree curriculum that prepares students to become integrative health and wellness practitioners. Our faculty hold a clear commitment to bridging allopathic or biomedical and alternative or complementary approaches to wellness treatments. Students take all required courses as a cohort and experience supportive, collective learning. 

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Graduates of the Integrative Health Studies master’s program also receive three certificates to complement their career development as integrative health coaches.

Our graduates meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches.

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Career Paths

In addition to developing theoretical knowledge during the Integrative Health Studies program, students acquire practical skills with a special focus on integrative wellness coaching. Our graduates go on to work in private practice, hospitals and clinics, wellness programs, and international nongovernmental organizations.

• Health and wellness managers, program coordinators, and specialists (Alameda Health System, SF General Hospital, Charlotte Maxwell Clinic)
• Integrative health coaches, health educators, researchers (CPMC Institute of Health and Healing, One Medical Group, Epiphany Health)
• Writers, editors, or speakers on integrative wellness
• Leaders in social, political and environmental interventions
• Consultants and coaches to digital health platforms, healthy living websites and app developers

Curriculum

The synchronous online meetings are mandatory and are held roughly every two to three weeks for each course. Meeting times are set by the instructors and the schedule of synchronous meetings is available at registration. 

At the beginning of the program, students will meet for a 6-day academic intensive at a retreat center. The retreat combines rigorous academic study with practices that support mind-body-spirit, such as yoga, meditation, hikes, and shared meals. Evening programs introduce complementary medicine studies in subjects like HeartMath, sound healing, subtle energy medicine, and community health advocacy.

Curriculum Highlights

IHL 6060 Integrative Wellness Coaching (3 units) This course launches students' study and experience of being an integrative health coach, and is targeted toward experiential practice of basic coaching skills. Students will engage in case studies, learn strategies for behavior change, and become familiar with basic practical guides and theoretical models. Other courses in the Integrative Health Studies curriculum are designed to supplement the students' special knowledge in health and wellness.

IHL 6093 Transformative Guided Imagery (3 units) Through a compelling and extensive body of research connected to the field of psychoneuroimmunology, we have learned that conscious and unconscious images within us have a direct impact on our physiology, offering guided imagery an important role for a range of health-related conditions. Students will learn and practice an interactive style of imagery facilitation which navigates the mind-body-emotions-spirit matrix, along with an understanding of its applications for a variety of health and lifestyle concerns.

IHL 6085 Holistic Medicine and Modalities (3 units) This course provides an overview of holistic systems of medicine and modalities in use today, including those considered complementary and alternative to allopathic medicine, and of the attempt to blend various forms of healing arts into the field known as integrative medicine or integrative health. Through the exploration of various holistic medical systems and modalities, existing structures for integration, and engagement with holistic practitioners, we will cultivate our own creative visions for the dynamic and potent field of integrative medicine.

Entry Requirements

If you would like to learn more about this program, we’re here to help. Explore our program further with in-depth materials, discuss your personal and career goals at one of our open houses, or get in touch with our admissions counselors, who are ready to assist you in navigating the application process.

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Required Application Materials

Online Admissions Application: Begin the application process by submitting an online application and paying the nonrefundable $68 application fee.

Degree Requirement: An undergraduate degree (B.A., B.S., or the equivalent) from an accredited college or university.

Academic Prerequisites: Two undergraduate psychology courses from an accredited college or university are recommended but not required. Completion of coursework in one of the following areas is strongly recommended: human development, psychopathology, theories of personality, and/or introduction to psychology.

Minimum GPA: A GPA of 3.0 or higher in previous coursework is required. However, a GPA below 3.0 does not automatically disqualify an applicant. CIIS will consider a prospective student whose GPA is between 2.0 and 3.0. These individuals are required to submit a GPA Statement and are encouraged to contact the Admissions Team to discuss their options.

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all accredited academic institutions attended where 7 or more credits have been earned. If transcripts are being mailed to CIIS, they must arrive in their official, sealed envelopes. Transcripts from institutions outside the US or Canada require a foreign credit evaluation through World Education Services (WES) or CIIS will also accept foreign credential evaluations that are in a comprehensive course-by-course format from the current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

Academic Writing Sample or Sample of Work (Optional): Sample of Work may include presentation slides deck, wellness program description, blog.

Autobiographical Statement: One-to-two pages (typed, double-spaced). Please discuss the following: What are the experiences and conditions of your upbringing and early adult years that made you who you are today? How have these experiences informed your interest and future goals? How do you envision your career path with this degree?

Goal Statement: One-to-two pages (typed, double-spaced). Why are you choosing this degree and what do you hope to do with it after graduation?

Two Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation that speak to your academic and/or professional experience. The letters are preferably from a professional or academic in the field of integrative health or people who can speak to your ability to complete graduate work. Recommenders should use standard business format and include full contact information on the letter- name, email, phone number, and mailing address.

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