Health is more than the absence of disease — and GCU's M.A. in Integrative Health is built on that belief. This program prepares health and wellness professionals to bridge Eastern and Western approaches to healing, bringing mind-body-spirit integration into their practice, their teaching, and their leadership.
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Integrative health isn't a trend — it's a growing evidence-based movement that the world's leading health systems are embracing. GCU's M.A. is grounded in a philosophy of interconnectedness: the idea that physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental dimensions of health are inseparable. You'll develop the theoretical foundation and practical tools to bring that philosophy into your work.
From anatomy and physiology to energy medicine, Ayurvedic healing, Eastern nutrition, homeopathy, holistic spirituality, humor and healing, Native American medicine, and counseling and coaching techniques — the curriculum is one of the most genuinely comprehensive integrative health programs in the region. You'll encounter approaches that most health professionals never study, and you'll develop a personal philosophy of holistic practice that is distinctly yours.
Unlike programs where self-reflection is an afterthought, GCU's Integrative Health M.A. builds journaling into every course. Starting in HH501, you'll maintain a continuous reflective journal documenting your personal and professional development through the program — your evolving relationship with mind-body-spirit integration, your growth as a practitioner, and your deepening empathy and awareness. The journal culminates in your capstone project (HH599), where you evaluate your own transformation alongside your professional contribution.
Not ready to commit to a full master's? Start with the Graduate Certificate in Integrative Health (18 credits, available entirely online) — which covers HH500 and HH501 plus 12 elective credits. Every certificate credit stacks directly toward the M.A. If you decide to continue, you pick up exactly where you left off. No wasted effort, no repeated coursework.
Current GCU undergraduates can apply for advanced admission to the M.A. in Integrative Health after completing 75 credits with a 3.2+ GPA. With three letters of recommendation (including one from a GCU Integrative Health faculty member) and an interview with the program director, accepted students may take up to 12 graduate credits in their senior year — giving them a significant head start on the master's degree.
The healthcare landscape is changing. Patients are seeking practitioners who understand the full picture of their well-being — not just their symptoms. Healthcare systems are integrating complementary approaches alongside conventional medicine. And the wellness industry is growing at a rate that outpaces nearly every other health sector. GCU’s M.A. in Integrative Health prepares professionals to lead in this evolving landscape.
The 36-credit program is built on a philosophy that integrates Western (conventional/allopathic) and Eastern (traditional) approaches to health, drawing on mind-body-spirit principles, scientific foundations, and philosophical traditions spanning Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Native American healing systems. The curriculum includes anatomy and physiology with a holistic lens, foundations of holistic healing, advanced healing methods, holistic stress management, energy medicine, integrative counseling and coaching techniques, research methods, holistic spirituality, and a capstone project that synthesizes your entire program experience.
Nine required credits of electives let you customize your learning around your specific interests and professional direction — whether that’s Eastern nutrition, Ayurvedic healing, integrative healing arts, humor and healing, homeopathy, Native American medicine, or special topics. Throughout the program, a continuous journaling practice builds the reflective self-awareness that distinguishes exceptional integrative health practitioners from knowledgeable ones.
The program attracts a wide range of professionals: nurses, social workers, physical therapists, educators, counselors, clergy, and wellness practitioners who want to deepen and expand their understanding of health beyond the biomedical model. The required personal interview and academic preparation in behavioral or health-related sciences ensure that students enter ready to engage with challenging, nuanced material.
GCU’s M.A. in Integrative Health is a great fit if you:
Integrative health is one of the fastest-growing sectors in American healthcare — and New Jersey’s dense healthcare ecosystem creates strong demand for professionals with this expertise.
| Entry Level | NJ Median — Health Education Specialists | Experienced / Program Director Level |
|---|---|---|
| $48,000–$62,000 | $66,860 | $80,000–$110,000+ |
Salary in integrative health varies significantly by setting and role. Hospital-based integrative medicine program directors and corporate wellness directors in NJ frequently earn above $85,000. Independent practitioners’ earnings depend on practice volume and specialization.
Job Outlook
Health education specialist and community health worker positions are projected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033 — much faster than average — driven by expanding employer wellness programs, aging population needs, and growing investment in preventive and integrative care across healthcare systems.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HH500 | Anatomy & Physiology:A Holistic Approach | 3.0 |
| HH501 | Foundations of Holistic Healing | 3.0 |
| HH502 | Advanced Healing Methods | 3.0 |
| HH515 | Holistic Stress Management | 3.0 |
| HH520 | Energy Medicine | 3.0 |
| HH525 | Integrative Counsel Coach Tech | 3.0 |
| HH530 | Research Methods | 3.0 |
| HH555 | Holistic Spirituality | 3.0 |
| HH599 | Project in Holistic Health | 3.0 |
| Electives | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9.0 | |
HH535 | Eastern Approach to Nutrition | |
HH540 | Humor & Healing | |
HH545 | Ayurvedic Approach to Mind-Body Healing | |
HH550 | Integrative Healing Arts | |
HH560 | Native American Medicine | |
HH565 | Homeopathy | |
HH570 | Special Topics in Holistic Health | |
HH580 | Health & the Environment | |
| Total Credits | 36.0 | |
To be admitted to the M.A. in Integrative Health, applicants must submit:
Applicants who do not have the necessary background will be required to complete HH500 Anatomy & Physiology: A Holistic Approach with a grade of B or better before full matriculation into the program.
Graduate Certificate in Integrative Health — Admission: Same requirements as the M.A., except:
Contact Graduate Admissions at 732-987-2770 or [email protected] with any questions.
Graduates of GCU’s M.A. in Integrative Health will demonstrate:
Q: What kind of jobs does this degree lead to? A: Graduates work as holistic health practitioners, wellness program directors (in corporations, hospitals, or community organizations), health coaches, integrative medicine program coordinators, community health educators, and faculty in health and wellness programs. Salary depends significantly on setting and role. The degree is also a strong complement to existing licensure — many nurses, social workers, and therapists pursue this M.A. to expand and deepen their practice, not to change careers entirely.
Q: Do I need a health-related undergraduate degree to apply? A: You need academic preparation in behavioral or health-related sciences — but not necessarily a degree in a health field. The program director will evaluate your background at the required personal interview. If you lack HH500 background, you may be asked to complete that course before full matriculation.
Q: What is the journaling practice in this program? A: Starting in HH501 Foundations of Holistic Healing, you maintain a continuous reflective journal throughout the entire program — documenting your personal and professional development, your evolving relationship with integrative health principles, and your growth as a practitioner. The journal culminates in HH599 (the capstone), where you evaluate your own transformation alongside your professional contribution. This practice is a hallmark of GCU’s program and distinguishes it from more purely academic graduate degrees.
Q: Can R.N.s apply without a bachelor’s degree? A: Yes — but only for the 18-credit Graduate Certificate in Integrative Health. R.N.s may apply to the certificate program without a baccalaureate degree. The full M.A. requires a bachelor’s degree.
Q: Is the certificate available online? A: Yes — the Graduate Certificate in Integrative Health is available entirely online. The M.A. program’s online availability should be confirmed with the program director.
Q: Does this degree lead to any professional licensure? A: The M.A. in Integrative Health is not a licensure program — it does not lead to a specific state-issued professional license. It is an advanced academic degree that complements existing licensure (nursing, social work, counseling, etc.) or supports roles in wellness, health education, and program development that don’t require independent clinical licensure.
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