January 8, 2021
Responding to growing demand for careers in health and wellness, Ursuline College’s Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions is offering a new master’s degree program in Integrative Wellness Studies, with classes starting in May.
“We’re calling this degree program a curated Master of Arts in Integrative Wellness Studies because students select, or curate, a variety of courses and practical experiences that together will empower them to help others improve their lives,” said Kathryn M. LaFontana, PhD, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Ohio’s only master’s degree program in wellness, the MA in Integrative Wellness includes five different specialties. Students choose one, earning a micro-credential in that area, in addition to the master’s degree:
- Financial Wellness
- Integrative Health and Wellness
- Longevity Wellness
- Mental Performance
- Spiritual and Social Wellness
Upon completion of the Financial Wellness micro-credential, students may choose to pursue Financial Fitness Coach certification through the Association of Financial Counseling & Planning Education.
In addition to the courses in these five specializations, all students in the Integrative Wellness master’s program take four core courses; participate in an immersive field experience related to the micro-credential they have selected; and undertake an independent study.
“The independent study could be a community-based project, applied research, or it might involve starting a wellness business,” explained Dr. LaFontana.
The new master’s program will accept some transfer credit and in some cases award credit for prior learning experience or MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), as approved by faculty.
“Ursuline’s Breen School of Nursing is top-rated for educating nurses who go on to improve the health of others by providing medical care. With this new master’s in Integrative Wellness, we will prepare professionals to improve health and wellbeing through interventions in behavior change and a holistic approach to wellness,” Dr. LaFontana added.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Overall employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations."
Further information is at Ursuline.edu/WellnessMA.
