2017-2018 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Spring Addendum [Archived Catalog]
Integrative Wellness Coaching, M.A.
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Integrative wellness coaching (IWC) is quickly becoming recognized as an essential component of holistic health and wellness services, education, and research. Drawing from current research in professional coaching, lifestyle medicine, positive psychology, and mind-body interventions, students enrolled in the IWC program learn how to apply evidence-based, best practice approaches to support wellbeing in others. Students within the program receive extensive knowledge in current research and are provided highly experiential practice, training, and mentorship in coaching and wellness. Educated and trained as a wellness practitioner and certified coach, graduates are prepared to pursue careers in private practice, medical offices, wellness centers, community and public health, corporate organizations, and education. This program is best suited for individuals who are interested in the art and science of coaching, starting a wellness coaching practice or implementing a wellness coaching program, and earning a graduate-level degree.
IWC is a solution-focused, holistic, and sustainable approach to wellness that forms an intersection between lifestyle, health needs, and personal transformation. Additionally, by satisfying the required coursework in all IWC programs, students are eligible to earn the Certificate in Integrative Wellness Coaching, which can be completed before the end of their degree program. The certificate curriculum is approved by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaches (ICHWC) for training and education.
Program Learning Outcomes
The Program Learning Outcomes are specific to this MA Degree, and reflect skills and competencies required for national certification in professional coaching:
1. Demonstrate critical thinking skills to evaluate and utilize evidence-based theories and practices in the professional field of integrative medicine.
2. Appraise, assess, and differentiate client needs in preparation for the implementation of a plan that addresses fundamental health, wellbeing, and personal life direction.
3. Compare and contrast effective approaches in coaching to meet individual client, business or organization goals.
4. Explain and integrate ethical principles and professional practice standards within the field of coaching.
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Admission Requirements
Applicants for this Master of Arts degree in Integrative Wellness Coaching must:
1) Submit an official transcript from an accredited university demonstrating successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree, with a 3.0 or better GPA;
2) Complete the personal statement; and
3) Provide a writing sample demonstrating academic writing skills. Students with challenges in academic writing may be accepted, but will be required to take an academic writing class.
By approval, Saybrook may accept up to three graduate transfer credits into the Master of Arts degree in Integrative Wellness Coaching from other regionally-accredited colleges and universities prior to entrance. Transfer credits are applied to the required number of elective credits or required courses for degree completion. Three transfer credits may be accepted to fulfill one three-credit elective course requirement for the degree program.
These credits must be suitable for transfer to the intended degree as determined by the Department Chair and Registrar. For further details regarding transfer credit policies, consult the Institutional Transfer Credit Guidelines section of the University Catalog.
Degree Requirements
The MA Degree includes 31 credits of graduate coursework, distributed in four semesters, for a 16-month program. Coursework includes a graduate colloquium (1-credit), nine academic courses (27 credits), and a capstone seminar (3 credits). Students in the MA in Integrative Wellness Coaching must attend each day of two 5-day RCs, ordinarily in their first two semesters. They must attend any additional RC days, as required for courses in which they choose to enroll.
Total Credits (years 1-2) 31
Degree Requirements for 2017-2018 Academic Year were approved by the CIMHS Degree Program Committee.
Notes:
- The degree completion time for a student following the default course sequence will average between 16 and 20 months. Some students may complete degree requirements in fewer terms and some may require more terms to complete the degree.
- A listing of acceptable CIMHS courses and electives is available in the University Catalog. Students may also choose an elective from the required courses in other specializations and degree programs
- As part of the 5593 Advanced Practicum course, students will complete a practical examination. It is possible to pass the course requirements; however, passing the examination is the final requirement to earn the certification.
- This is a structured cohort program and the sequence of courses is different for students who start in the fall than for students who start in the spring.
Learning Outcomes and Career Opportunities
The Master of Arts degree in Integrative Wellness Coaching teaches students to utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate and apply evidence-based theories and practices in integrative medicine; assess client needs in preparation for the implementation of a plan that addresses fundamental health, wellbeing, and personal life direction; adopt effective approaches in coaching to meet individual client, business, or organization goals; and integrate ethical principles and professional practice standards within their practice of coaching. Students receive a comprehensive overview of the integrative healthcare field combined with a thorough understanding and experience of the core integrative wellness coaching skills and competencies.
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Integrative Wellness Coaching program will work in:
- Independent consulting and private practice
- Medical centers, hospitals, and other clinical care settings
- Integrative medicine and wellness centers
- Community organizations, public health, and policy settings
- Medical spas and yoga retreat centers
- Corporate wellness
- Health promotion and wellness education programs
- Sports medicine programs
- Research and development
- Health and wellness writing/journalism (non-technical, technical)
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