Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences

Overview

Throughout the ACHS Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health Sciences (BSIHS) program, students learn to integrate modern science with holistic health and wellness principles. After exploring biological sciences such as anatomy, physiology, psychology, biology, and chemistry, students delve into the scientific world of natural health such as aromatherapy, herbal medicine, lifestyle modifications, and holistic nutrition. ACHS offers a hands-on approach to learning—many classes include practical lab kits, which students use to explore and create natural remedies.

Graduates will be able to embrace the philosophy of holistic health, encompassing the whole person, while developing diverse perspectives on wellness to encourage creative problem solving to achieve balance and wellness.

Nutrition State Law Disclosures

If you are interested in pursuing a career in nutrition or dietetics, you should consult with the appropriate state board to assure that your credentials will allow you to achieve your professional goals. Many states have enacted laws that regulate the practice of dietetics and nutrition services. You can also view more information online here. Please note this degree does not satisfy the requirements to become a CHES Health Educator at this time.1

Completing This Degree

This program is designed to meet all requirements of an undergraduate bachelor of science degree. Credits are completed in the following areas:

Chart depicting 6 credits in English required, 24 general education credits required, 30 Science core credits required, 30 major core credits required, and 30 electives or specialization credits required.

Request more information to learn more and chat with one of our advisors.

Highlights

Meets the curriculum requirements of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy Level II education standards for students selecting the Aromatherapy Specialization

Meets the curriculum requirements of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists’ Advanced Practitioner Aromatherapy education standards for students selecting the Aromatherapy Specialization

Learning Outcomes

  • Explain aspects of the human body’s structure, function, and disease to individuals of all knowledge levels.
  • Apply integrative health modalities, such as nutrition, lifestyle modifications, mind-body techniques, and wellness modalities, to support optimal health.
  • Differentiate therapeutic properties and benefits of various natural ingredients, such as herbs, essential oils, carrier oils, and other botanical preparations commonly used in natural product making.
  • Apply knowledge of the safe and effective use of integrative health and wellness modalities to develop personalized wellness plans.
  • Examine research, including theories, practices, and ethical and cultural considerations to promote holistic health.
  • Develop professional skills and business standards in a health and wellness setting or role, including record keeping, required insurance, scope of practice, ethics, legal considerations, marketing, and networking.

English Composition: Students must complete at least 6 semester credit hours of English composition or equivalent OR Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC)-approved writing courses; testing options also available.

Electives: To complete this program, students may select specialization tracks or 30 credits of elective study

Aromatherapy I Online – AROMA 203

Aromatherapy II Online – AROMA 303

Aromatherapy III Online – AROMA 304

Essential Oil Chemistry for Integrative Health Professionals Online – AROMA 305

Business Communications for Wellness Professionals Online – BUS 304

Entrepreneurial Marketing for Integrative Health Professionals Online – BUS 390

Stress Management and Emotional Health Online – HED 303

Foundations of Herbal Studies II Online – HERB 201

Herbal Materia Medica I Online – HERB 302

Herbal Materia Medica II Online – HERB 303

Herbal Materia Medica III Online – HERB 304

Physical Activity & Wellness Online – HLTH 201

Community Health Planning Online – HLTH 410

Public Health Education Online – HLTH 416

Principles & Practices of Integrative Health Online – IHS 100

Integrative Health Approaches for Wellness Online – IHS 101

Nutrition, Bodycare & Herbalism Online – NAT 101

Energetic Modalities I: Flower Essences Online – NAT 202

Historical Modalities I: Iridology Online – NAT 203

Energetic Modalities II: Homeopathy Online – NAT 204

Wellness Coaching & Communication Skills Online – NAT 305

Introduction to Nutrition Online – NUT 101

Evolution of Food and Culture Online – NUT 210

Advanced Nutrition Principles I Online – NUT 301

Advanced Nutrition Principles II Online – NUT 302

Nutrition Across the Lifespan Online – NUT 303

Sports Nutrition Online – NUT 304

Holistic Nutrition Online – NUT 308

Topics in Holistic Nutrition Online – NUT 309

Food Production & Healthy Cooking Online – NUT 311

Nutrition Profession and Practice Online – NUT 312

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements Online – NUT 401

Nutrition Coaching & Communication Skills Online – NUT 415

Special Topics in Nutrition – Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Diets Online – NUT 499

Personal Fitness Training Online – PFT 101

Professional Pathway: Botanical Therapeutics & Formulation Skills

This pathway builds applied skills in botanical therapeutics, expanding students’ expertise in both herbal medicine and aromatherapy. Students delve into advanced herbal studies and essential oil science, learning to analyze how plant-based remedies work at a chemical and biological level. The curriculum emphasizes formulation principles and evidence-based practice: students practice creating functional herbal extracts and aromatherapy blends for various wellness needs. With these applied botanical skills, graduates can contribute to herbal product development and quality assurance or confidently advise clients in the use of natural botanical remedies.

Badge Name: Applied Skills in Botanicals

Professional Pathway: Applied Holistic Nutrition Counseling

This pathway focuses on applied holistic nutrition skills, building on advanced concepts in nutritional science and client counseling. Students study in-depth macronutrient and micronutrient principles to learn how to optimize nutrition for health and wellness. The curriculum also emphasizes practical communication techniques for nutrition coaching, enabling students to integrate nutritional information into personalized, actionable nutrition plans. With these applied skills, graduates are prepared to develop tailored nutrition strategies and support healthy behavior change as nutrition consultants or wellness coaches, including advising on supplements and holistic nutrition therapies.

Badge Name: Applied Skills in Holistic Nutrition

Professional Pathway: Wellness Coaching & Program Delivery Skills

This pathway focuses on skills in one-on-one wellness coaching and community health education. Students learn coaching methodologies to support clients in making lasting lifestyle changes, as well as strategies for designing and delivering wellness programs in group or public health settings. The coursework emphasizes effective communication, needs assessment, and program planning – enabling students to implement and evaluate wellness initiatives for individuals, workplaces, schools, or community organizations. Graduates are prepared to serve as health coaches, community wellness educators, or wellness program coordinators, equipped to engage diverse groups and foster healthy behaviors through coaching sessions and educational campaigns.

Badge Name: Applied Skills in Wellness Coaching

Career Goals:

  • Health and Wellness Coach, Consultant, Educator1, 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
  • Allied Health professional other support role in an integrative medical clinic or other healthcare setting
  • Continued study in an integrative health program

Current Instructors:

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

Admissions Requirements:

Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency and recommendation 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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