Master of Arts in Integrative Health Studies

Our Approach

The Master of Arts in Integrative Health Studies at CIIS is a rigorous, two-year hybrid program that bridges evidence-based healthcare with integrative approaches. It prepares graduates to promote chronic illness prevention, cultivate resilient communities, and support both individual and planetary health through inclusive, relationship-centered care.

Students progress as a supportive cohort, engaging deeply in scientific-applied health and wellness coaching, and experiential learning designed to cultivate leadership and practical skills. Earning a master’s degree distinguishes them from certificate-holders, demonstrating advanced training, extensive practicum experience, and the ability to lead within the field of integrative health.

Our faculty is dedicated to bridging biomedical science with integrative, evidence-based practices that address the interconnected needs of individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. Guided by their expertise, students graduate with the depth of knowledge and practical skills needed to lead meaningful change, advancing more holistic, compassionate and effective healthcare.

Certificates and Board Eligibility

Graduates receive three certificates that enhance their expertise and professional readiness:

• Transformative Imagery
• Patient Navigation
• Integrative Health Coaching

Students who complete the Transformative Imagery Certificate become ready to assist clients through the gentle process of accessing clarity by exploring images arising from within. The Patient Navigation Certificate provides health coaches with training to help patients navigate the complex U.S. healthcare system. The Integrative Health Coaching Certificate prepares the graduate with theoretical and practical skills in the art of health coaching and the process of establishing wellness programs. Together, these certificates equip graduates with the practical tools and specialized expertise to guide clients through physical, emotional, and systematic dimensions of health

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Completion of the program qualifies graduates to sit for the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach exam. This nationally recognized credential advances careers in health and wellness coaching and leadership. While many certificate programs offer exam eligibility, CIIS provides a graduate-level foundation in integrative healthy theory research and leadership.

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Career Paths

While coaching certificates provide valuable foundational skills, they often limit practitioners to one-on-one client work, while a master’s degree equips graduates for leadership positions that influence broader healthcare systems. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles, including:

• Leaders in policy, advocacy, and community health initiatives
• University instructor or research associate in integrative health
• Wellness program managers and coordinators in hospitals, clinics, and community organizations
• Consultants for digital health platforms and wellness startups

To explore career pathways and learn more about Integrative Health Studies graduates, visit the Impact page.

Curriculum

The synchronous online meetings are mandatory and are held weekly or bi-weekly 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 4- to 5-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.

Featured Courses

• Integrative Wellness Coaching 
  This course launches students' study and experience of being an integrative health and wellness coach, and is targeted toward experiential practice of basic coaching skills.
• Transformative Guided Imagery
  This course teaches students how to 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.
• Holistic Medicine and Modalities 
  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.

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

Your application is your opportunity to share who you are. To be considered essays and written responses must be your own authentic work.

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. Transcripts may be sent digitally to materials@ciis.edu or mailed to CIIS in their official, sealed envelope. Transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. or Canada require a foreign credit evaluation through World Education Services (WES). 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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