Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches (CIH) are important components of the American health care system and support a focus on health and wellness. Students who complete the Certificate in CIH will learn to advocate for patient-centered and healing-oriented care, 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 certificate. Current and future professionals in health, wellness, exercise, and sport, will benefit from competency in understanding and critically evaluating practices considered as complementary and alternative or integrative.

The CIH certificate program provides an educational foundation in the broad use of complementary and integrative practices. Through coursework, learners explore and evaluate the most common forms of CIH, study the history and cultural applications of CIH practices, examine evidence-based and ethical use of CIH, and critically evaluate CIH information and research. Completion of the CIH certificate provides basic scientific knowledge and skills to critically evaluate the current and future use of integrative health, wellness, and fitness practices. 

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.

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.