- Accredited Doctorate Degree
Few accredited terminal degrees in integrative health exist in the United States — and the need for qualified professionals at this level has never been greater. ACHS's Doctor of Science in Integrative Health is designed for practitioners, educators, and healthcare professionals who are ready to lead, contribute to original research, and help reshape how integrative health is understood and practiced.
Fill a Critical Gap
This program prepares you to step into leadership and research roles that the field urgently needs.
The DSc Advantage
This degree positions you at the forefront of a rapidly growing field with the credentials, research skills, and specialized expertise to make a lasting impact on individual, community, and global health.
Industry-Recognized Credentials
Meet professional credentialing standards from the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) and the American Nutrition Association's Board Certification for Certified Nutrition Specialists.
Original Research
Design, conduct, and publish original research through a doctoral dissertation project.
Personalized Support
Experienced instructors guide you through the program with direct feedback and professional mentorship at every stage of your doctoral journey.
Professional Pathways & Credentialing
CNS®️ Exam – Certified Nutrition Specialist
Candidates must meet the educational requirements by completing a qualifying program and submit a completed application including two letters of recommendation, current CV, and official college transcripts.
Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (BCHN®)
Graduates of qualifying programs may pursue the Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (BCHN®) credential through NANP’s Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board, subject to examination, membership, and documented practice requirements.
National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)
Meets the educational and approved program requirements to become a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach.
National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)
Approved by NANP to prove that graduates have completed a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare them for professional practice and eligibility to sit for the Holistic Nutrition Board Exam.
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Apply Your Education in Real-World Settings
This online degree prepares you to lead at the highest level of integrative health practice across research, education, advocacy, and clinical settings. Graduates go on to contribute to community and global health initiatives, bringing doctoral-level expertise to a field that is reshaping modern healthcare. Whether you’re advancing an existing practice or moving into a research or academic role, this program gives you the tools to make a measurable difference.
Career goals among ACHS graduates include:
Advocate, Speaker
Educator*
Lifestyle Coach
Adjunct to an Existing Healthcare Practice
Admission Requirements
Here’s what you’ll need to do to get started:
Step 1: Hold a Master's Degree
Provide official transcripts for a master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Learn more.
Don’t have a master’s degree yet?
Explore ACHS master’s degree programs designed to prepare you for doctoral study.
Step 2: Apply Online
Complete and submit your application online to begin the admissions process. Learn more.
Step 3: Achieve Acceptance for Admission
Your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee for an admission recommendation.
Step 4: Confirm Your Funding
Work with the ACHS team to finalize your funding, including payment plans, tuition assistance or military benefits, or financial aid for those who qualify. Learn more.
Step 5: Complete Your Enrollment
Review and sign your Academic Plan and Enrollment Agreement once accepted.
Step 6: Attend Orientation
Explore ACHS learning and student support resources through our online Orientation and Welcome Week activities.
Required Courses
The Doctor of Science in Integrative Health is a 60-credit program delivered entirely online and designed to be completed in three years. The curriculum includes a structured core, elective specialization courses, and a doctoral dissertation project that culminates in original published research in integrative health or functional nutrition.
Core Requirements
Required Courses
Electives
(16 Required)
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze current research including the major literature, theories, practices, problems, ethical issues, and research methods in integrative health and area(s) of specialization such as functional nutrition, aromatherapy, or herbal medicine.
- Use theory and research evidence to identify, design, and assess behavioral and action-focused functional nutrition and integrative health education protocols.
- Create activities and coalitions with global, national, state, or community organizations to promote health policies and environments that support food and health sovereignty.
- Synthesize and review evidence-based research and literature to apply best practices in integrative health.
- Evaluate the impact of ethical, socioeconomic, and racial influences on health outcomes.
- Implement integrative health professional scope of practice and code of ethics based on specialization.
- Design, conduct, and publish original research in integrative health and functional nutrition as demonstrated by the Doctoral Dissertation Project.
Plan Your Integrative Health Science Path With An Advisor
Connect with an academic advisor to talk about your goals. Get personalized guidance and explore your path in herbal medicine.
The Value of Accreditation
ACHS is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
This status ensures that your education meets high academic and professional standards, giving you confidence in the quality and credibility of your training.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Estimate your total tuition by selecting any required course below to view its price. Tuition and fees are subject to change. You may also be able to reduce your total cost through credit transfers, challenge exams, and eBook textbooks. Financial aid opportunities are available as well. The projected maximum cost for the Doctor of Science in Integrative Health program is outlined below.
$49,020
Estimated Total
$200
Registration Fee
$44,100
Tuition
$4,671
Books and Supplies
$50
Graduation Fee
This estimate includes all textbooks, materials, and the online ACHS eTextbook. It reflects the courses with the greatest out-of-pocket costs and is based on 2026-2027 tuition rates. Your actual cost may be lower if you qualify for transfer of credit, pass a challenge exam, or opt for eBook options.
Program Disclosures
- Approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP)
- 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 achs.edu/alumni/professional-exams-registration for more information or contact www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility.
- 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.
- Meets the education requirements for graduates to sit for the Board Certification in Holistic Nutrition exam offered by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals**
FAQs
What is a Doctor of Science in Integrative Health?
The Doctor of Science in Integrative Health at ACHS is a terminal degree that prepares graduates for leadership, research, and advocacy roles in the integrative health field. It is one of few accredited doctoral programs of its kind in the United States, making it a distinctive credential for professionals committed to advancing the field.
Who is this program designed for?
This program is designed for practitioners, educators, and healthcare professionals who want to contribute to research, lead community and global health initiatives, and apply doctoral-level expertise in integrative health. Applicants must hold a master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
Is this program recognized by professional organizations?
Yes. The Doctor of Science in Integrative Health is approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) and meets the educational requirements for graduates to sit for the Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition, subject to additional eligibility requirements. The program is also aligned with educational standards associated with the Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) credential. Students interested in professional credentialing should review the current requirements of the applicable credentialing organization.
What does the dissertation project involve?
The doctoral dissertation at ACHS is the culminating requirement of the program. You’ll design, conduct, and publish original research in integrative health or functional nutrition, contributing new knowledge to the field and demonstrating doctoral-level scholarship.
What can I do with a Doctor of Science in Integrative Health?
A Doctor of Science in Integrative Health can support advanced professional pathways in research, education, integrative health and nutrition, community health, advocacy, and the health and wellness industry. Depending on their existing credentials and area of specialization, graduates may apply their doctoral-level expertise in academic or corporate research, education, dietary supplement and natural products industries, health and wellness organizations, or alongside an existing healthcare practice.
Ready To Turn Your Passion Into a Profession?
Apply now, or speak to one of our expert advisors.