Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches (CIH) are important components of the American health care system and supports a focus on health and wellness. The CIH approaches advocate for care that is patient-centered, healing oriented, emphasize the therapeutic relationship, and use therapeutic approaches originating from conventional and alternative medicine. Health and wellness, mind and body, and natural products are key areas of focus within this area of study. Health care professionals and future health care professionals, wellness and fitness oriented professionals and students, and interested individuals benefit from competency in understanding and critically evaluating the various practices considered as complementary and alternative or integrative.

The focus of this certificate program is an educational foundation regarding the broad use of complementary and integrative practices.  Through coursework, learners explore and evaluate the most common forms of CIH, the history and cultural applications of CIH practices, evidence-based and ethical use of CIH, and the critical evaluation of CIH information and research. Completion provides basic scientific knowledge and skills to critically evaluate the current and future use of integrative health care.

Note: Students must declare their intent to pursue this academic certificate. Professional advisors provide information and guidance to help students make informed educational decisions. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor at least once each semester. To schedule an advising appointment, call the Office of Student Affairs appointment line at (414) 229-2758.

Requirements

To earn the academic certificate, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required in the 15 credits.

Course offerings are subject to change.

Required
BMS 260Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches 13
KIN 365Health Aspects of Mind and Body Practices 13
KIN 368Intervention Strategies in Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches 13
KIN 400Ethics and Values in the Health and Fitness Professions 13
Electives
Select 3 credits (see below)3
Total Credits15
1

Online offering available.

Electives

General Focus
BMS 245Client Diversity in Health Sciences: An Interdisciplinary Perspective 13
COMMUN 381Health Communication 13
PHILOS 244Ethical Issues in Health Care: 13
PSYCH 254Physiological Psychology3
SOCIOL 331Sociology of Health Care3
Health and Wellness Focus
BMS 232Introduction to Nutrition 13
NUTR 241Why We Eat What We Eat: An Ecological Approach3
KIN 556Multilevel Approaches to Changing Physical Activity and Eating Behaviors3
NUTR 235Introduction to Nutrition for the Health Professions3
NUTR 245Life Cycle Nutrition3
NUTR 355Modifying Nutrition and Eating Behavior3
Active Learning (Experience) Focus
SPT&REC 296Exercise and Fitness Activities: (Energy Vinyasa Yoga)1
SPT&REC 298Meditation, Relaxation, and Wellness: (Mind Body Awareness)2
SPT&REC 298Meditation, Relaxation, and Wellness: (Meditation with a Touch of Yoga)2
SPT&REC 298Meditation, Relaxation, and Wellness: (Running with the Mind of Meditation)2
SPT&REC 298Meditation, Relaxation, and Wellness: (The Art of Healing: Introduction to Self-Care Practices)1
SPT&REC 298Meditation, Relaxation, and Wellness: (Wellness: Conscious Living)2
1

Online offering available.