Master of Arts in Integrative Health Studies
Equipping students to support clients in making lasting transformation
Program Overview
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.
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 Health & Wellness Coaching Certifying Examination to become National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches.
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 non-governmental 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 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.
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Semester 1 | Fall
IHL 6060 Integrative Wellness Coaching (3 units)
IHL 6512 Indigenous, Folk, and Ancestral Medicine (1 unit)
IHL 6055 Contemporary Topics (2 units)
IHL 6992 Introduction to Academic Writing (1 units)
IHL 6050 Lifestyle Medicine (2 units)
Semester 2 | Spring
IHL 6061 Advanced Health Coaching (3 units)
IHL 6550 Integrative Nutrition (3 units)
IHL 6362 Mindfulness and Stress Physiology (3 units)
Semester 3 | Fall
IHL 6085 Holistic Medicine and Modalities (3 units)
IHL 6093 Transformative Imagery (3 units)
IHL 6333 Sustainable Health and Ecological Resilience (3 units)
Semester 4 | Spring
IHL 6995 Integrative Seminar (3 units)
IHL 6443 Wellness Entrepreneurship (3 units)
IHL 6064 Patient Navigator (3 units)
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Semester 1 | Fall
IHL 6050 Lifestyle Medicine (2 units)
IHL 6060 Integrative Wellness Coaching (3 units)
IHL 6512 Folk, Indigenous, Ancestral Medicine (1 unit)
Semester 2 | Spring
IHL 6061 Advanced Health Coaching (3 units)
IHL 6550 Integrative Nutrition (3 units)
Semester 3 | Fall
IHL 6366 Sustainable Health and Ecological Resilience (3 units)
IHL 6055 Contemporary Topics (2 units)
IHL 6992 Academic Writing (1 unit)
Semester 4 | Spring
IHL 6064 Patient Navigator (3 units)
IHL 6362 Mindfulness and Stress Physiology (3 units)
Semester 5 | Fall
IHL 6085 Holistic Medicine and Modalities (3 units)
IHL 6093 Transformative Imagery (3 units)
Semester 6 | Spring
IHL 6443 Wellness Entrepreneurship (3 units)
IHL 6995 Integrative Seminar (3 units)
Entry Requirements
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Online Admissions Application: Begin the application process by submitting an online application and paying the non-refundable $65 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: A writing sample of three pages minimum (typed, double-spaced) that demonstrates your capacity to think critically and reflectively and demonstrates graduate level writing abilities. A sample that uses outside sources must include proper citations and references.
Autobiographical Statement: Four-to-five 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?
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.
Resume
Our Department in Action
An Online Event with Kelson Pamarang and Valentina Salazar
Attend the Virtual Fall Open House on October 14, 2023 to get to know your Admissions Counselors and learn more about CIIS' Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. programs.
A Free Online Info Session with Meg Jordan
Take the Next Step
For over 50 years, CIIS has been at the forefront of education that integrates rigorous science, innovative scholarship, and social justice. You will learn from faculty at the forefront of their fields, local artists and activists, and a community of peers as passionate and dedicated as you. There’s never been a better time to be here – let’s build a healthier and more equitable world.