Master of Science in Health and Wellness

Overview

The mission of the MS in Health and Wellness degree program is to help others achieve health and wellness in a non-clinical setting through education and coaching strategies and to provide a healthier lifestyle for individuals and their families. It specifically meets the goal of the National Prevention Strategy (NPS) to “maintain a skilled, cross-trained, and diverse prevention workforce” and explicitly integrates many of the goals of the NPS across the program.

The MS in Health and Wellness program offers students a broad range of elective choices, designed to allow each student to select modalities that meet their personal and career goals. There is an emphasis on integrating health and wellness research and coaching skills to prepare graduates for a role in directing wellness programs, coaching in an individual or group setting, or for personal goals. The program culminates in a capstone project, which, if approved, may be conducted at your institution or company. For example, this could include creating a wellness program at your institution or company.

Educated professionals with knowledge and training in health and wellness provide wellness and physical health recommendations from which community programming and client education can be based. A focus on health and wellness education impacts communities by helping people learn how to live healthier lives by focusing on prevention and holistic lifestyle modifications that reduce the risk of chronic disease while promoting wellness. Learn more about health and wellness and health promotion in this accredited degree program.

Please note this degree does not satisfy the requirements to become a CHES Health Educator.

Highlights

Meets the education requirements for graduates to sit the Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition exam offered by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board [1]

[1] In addition to completing this program, documentation of 500 hours (includes a minimum of 250 direct contact hours and up to 250 indirect contact hours) of professional experience in holistic nutrition is also required. NANP also offers an exception for new graduates that defers these requirements for two years if the exam is taken within 12 months of graduation. Please visit https://achs.edu/alumni/professional-exams-registration for more information or contact https://www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop strategies to provide people with information to make healthy choices in nutrition and lifestyle.
  • Create activities and coalitions with community organizations to promote health policies that improve health and wellness.
  • Interpret current research, theories, practices, ethical and cultural issues, and research methods to support integrative health and wellness.
  • Explain the body’s structure and function in health and disease to professionals, clients, and consumers.
  • Evaluate when to refer individuals to other healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Synthesize a study or research review on a current issue or theory in health and wellness.

Electives or Specialization Track: If a specialization track is not selected, students will complete 12 credits of elective study to further specialize their training and may choose from all graduate courses; prerequisites must be met where applicable.

Aromatherapy Science Online – AROMA 501

Aromatherapy I Online – AROMA 503

Aromatherapy II Online – AROMA 504

Aromatherapy III Online – AROMA 505

Aromatherapy Chemistry Online – AROMA 507

Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership – BUS 510

Managerial Economics – BUS 512

Business Law – BUS 514

Accounting and Financial Management – BUS 516

Project Management – BUS 518

Business Analytics – BUS 520

Entrepreneurial Skills for Wellness Professionals – BUS 522

Human Capital – BUS 531

Operations & Value Chain Management – BUS 533

Sustainable Community Economies – BUS 535

General, Organic, and Biochemistry Online – CHEM 501

Advanced Herbal Materia Medica I Online – HERB 502

Advanced Herbal Materia Medica II Online – HERB 503

Advanced Herbal Materia Medica III Online – HERB 504

Principles of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Online – HERB 521

Botany and Plant Identification for the Holistic Practitioner Online – HERB 531

Toxicology and Safety in Botanical Medicine & Herbal Supplements Online – HERB 541

Foundations of Health Education Online – HLED 553

Program Planning for Health Educators Online – HLED 554

Homeopathy Online – HOM 501

Integrative Health & Wellness Pathways Online – IHS 500

Advanced Applied Holistic Nutrition Online – NUT 501

Nutrition Biochemistry I Online – NUT 502

Nutrition Biochemistry II Online – NUT 503

Advanced Sports Nutrition Online – NUT 504

Graduate Topics in Holistic Nutrition Online – NUT 509

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements Online – NUT 510

Career Goals:

  • Health and Wellness Consultant, Educator, Writer, or Speaker
  • Health and Wellness Consultant within Community Health Organizations, Government, Residential Care Facilities, Schools, Prisons, Community Wellness programs, Retirement Villages, Old Age Homes, Frail Care Centers, Nursing Homes and Home Healthcare Agencies
  • Health and Wellness Practitioner
  • Health and Wellness Educator², Writer, or Speaker - [2] Please note that this program does not prepare students to be eligible to sit for the NCHEC CHES exam and become a Certified Health Education Specialist.
  • Health and Wellness Coach
  • Health Coach
  • Wellness Coach
  • Lifestyle coach or consultant
  • Health Care Industry Assistant - Day Spa, Holistic Retreat, Spa facility
  • Administrative or support role in any company in the health care industry such as medical center, fitness or wellness center, private practice yoga studio, natural food store, restaurant or educational facility
  • Customer service role within the health care industry
  • Sales associate role within the health care industry
  • Medical Assistant, administrator, reception, or other support role in a licensed naturopathic clinic or other healthcare setting
  • Medical professionals wishing to increase their knowledge of health and wellness to augment a new or existing practice, including Medical Doctors, Psychologists, Pharmacists, Naturopaths, Nurses, Veterinarians, Respiratory Therapists, Mental Health Counselors or Social Workers
  • Consumers looking to integrate holistic health and wellness principles into their life for personal health and well-being

Current Instructors:

View all ACHS instructors, including bios, photos, and courses taught.

Admissions Requirements:

Candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree or higher from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education. Candidates must submit official transcripts directly from the issuing institution along with one professional letter of recommendation. All applicants must be recommended for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.

Tuition and Fees:

To estimate the program tuition and fees, click on the required course name to view each Total Course Price. Information is also provided in the Program Fact Sheet.

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