This innovative online degree in integrative health is designed to help guide the evolution of healthcare by creating, educating, and actively supporting a community of professionals who embody the philosophy and practice of integrative health. This terminal professional degree allows students to work toward a specialization in Aromatherapy or Herbal Medicine or to complete a general degree by completing electives to satisfy the degree requirements.
Emphasis is placed on the science and philosophy of holistic health using diverse wellness tools and techniques that are in harmony with nature and the individual. In this online degree in integrative health, students learn holistic health protocols employed in the industry and and designed to focus on individual needs to achieve personalized outcomes.
Students will be able to integrate their learning from this online degree in integrative health across various sectors of the healthcare industry or in private practice. Throughout this online degree in integrative health, students will learn alongside classmates with diverse experiences and interests, consider their similarities and differences, and engage in dialogue and debate across the modalities studied. This online integrative health degree provides a foundation for personal wellness, tools and strategies to support community health, and professional pathways based on students’ goals and interests.
Note: This program was formerly called the Associate of Applied Science in Complementary Alternative Medicine.
This program is designed to meet all requirements of an undergraduate associate of applied science degree. Credits are completed in the following areas:
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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.
For all graduates, this program:
For Aromatherapy Specialization graduates, this program:
For Herbal Specialization graduates, this program:
ACHS Aromatherapy graduates have a five-year (2019-2023) success rate of 88% on the Aromatherapy Registration Council National Exam, leading to registration as a Registered Aromatherapist.
Learn more about professional credentialing pathways with this degree.
Your advisor will work with you before enrollment to prepare your academic plan for this program including your eligible transfer of credit and opportunities to challenge courses by exam. Our guided pathways are developed by ACHS faculty, subject matter experts, and your advisor and are designed with your success in mind! Chat with an advisor today and learn more!
1Please note: 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 Professional Exams Registration for more information or contact Board-exam-eligibility.
Approved by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) – http://www.nanp.org
Meets the education requirements for graduates to sit for the Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition certification, offered by the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (https://www.nanp.org/board-exam-eligibility) [1]
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.
General Education: ACHS students complete a total of 21 credits of general education. HECC requires students to complete at least 15 semester credit hours in general education courses including the undergraduate English composition requirement.
Core Requirements: ACHS students complete 30 credits of core requirements in this program. HECC requires students to complete at least 24 semester credit hours in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, or in closely related non-vocational courses.
Electives: To complete this program, students may select a specialization track or nine credits of elective study.
Elective Track Option: Herbal Studies
Professional Pathway: Botanical Formulation Fundamentals
This pathway provides a foundation in botanical wellness modalities by combining herbal medicine and aromatherapy. Students study medicinal herbs – learning botanical identification, properties, and safe uses – alongside the therapeutic uses of essential oils and basic blending techniques. Through hands-on coursework, they learn to prepare herbal remedies and formulate simple aromatic products, building practical skills valued in entry-level roles at health food stores, spas, or holistic clinics. Graduates of this pathway have a well-rounded botanical skill set to support natural wellness plans using herbs and aromatherapy.
Badge Name: Foundational Skills in Botanicals
Professional Pathway: Holistic Nutrition Planning Skills
This pathway covers the fundamentals of holistic nutrition, giving students a broad understanding of human nutrition and healthy eating. Coursework explores essential concepts of nutrition science – including macronutrients and micronutrients, and life-cycle nutrition – alongside safe food handling and ingredients for practical skills. Students learn how nutrition impacts health across the lifespan and gain experience developing balanced, culturally aware foods. These foundational nutrition skills prepare graduates for entry-level roles in community health, wellness coaching, or as knowledgeable advocates for healthy living.
Badge Name: Foundational Skills in Holistic Nutrition
Professional Pathway: Foundations in Wellness Coaching Techniques
This pathway covers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with essential knowledge and practical skills for promoting optimal health and wellness. Students learn to design evidence-based wellness plans that include exercise, nutrition, and stress. The pathway also emphasizes foundational wellness coaching, exposing students to contemporary coaching models and holistic health applications, including lifestyle and nutritional counseling. Coursework fosters key competencies in building collaborative, interactive conversations that support client growth and lasting lifestyle improvements, while preparing students to deliver culturally appropriate and customized wellness coaching in diverse clinical, organizational, and public health settings.
Badge Name: Foundational Skills in Wellness Coaching
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Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency and recommendation for admission by the ACHS Admissions Committee.
Already have a Bachelors degree? View the Master of Science in Integrative Health Sciences and expand your education and training with a graduate degree!
View tuition and fees and learn more about funding your education.
