The Integrative Health and Wellness Studies degree prepares students to enhance the health, wellness and well-being among individuals, families, populations and communities. As health educators, graduates of this program will be able to teach integrative health concepts and guide individuals and communities by providing holistic, wellness-focused education.
The current health care system in the United States is in crisis and there is a national call for a widespread adoption of evidence-based preventative measures. This holistic degree will provide a knowledgeable workforce that speaks the language of conventional health care, while also supporting a shift from a focus on disease to a focus on truly promoting health, wellness and resilience. The importance of a strong public health workforce is increasingly evident across the nation and globally. This degree will prepare students for a career working with individuals as well as working with city, county, state, federal and international public health organizations.
Successful completion of this program qualifies graduates to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam and the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) exam.
Graduates will be prepared to work in public health departments, clinics, hospitals, senior centers, non-profit health organizations, recreation and fitness centers. These opportunities will continue to expand as care emphasis moves from acute care to community care.
Opportunities include:
Interested in the Integrative Health and Wellness Studies program? Questions? Looking for more information?
"My experience in the IHW program has been positively enlightening. Through my experience, I have gained knowledge to heal the mind, body, and spirit without entirely relying on conventional Western medicine. I have had opportunities to learn about caring for clients, populations, and communities through a complementary and holistic health lens.
I've learned some interesting concepts like food being medicine, homeopathic medicine, mindfulness, and the social determinants of health. From my studies, I have been able to apply what I have learned to better and supplement my physical and mental wellbeing with different modalities. Due to these concepts, I am passionate about investigating the impacts of health disparities in marginalized populations.
For those interested in minoring or majoring in IHW, I recommend taking an IHW course to test out the field and open your eyes to a different side of health and wellness. To get the most out of your time, though, I recommend applying what you learn in the classroom to your real life. By experiencing the Mediterranean diet, an acupuncture session, or a guided meditation yourself, you have a better grasp of the approach, and you are better prepared to help future clients.
After graduating with my IHW degree, I plan on taking the National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) exam to be a certified health and wellness coach. I hope to gain more experience coaching and in the public health field before applying to earn my master's degree in public health. My career aspiration is to focus on health promotion and education by advocating for health equity, especially for marginalized communities." - Asia Gates
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
