Associate Degree in Holistic Wellness Coaching

Degree Type: Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Program Length: 2 Years (Full-Time)
Credit Hours Required: 60–66 credit hours
Delivery Mode: Online 
Credential Awarded: Associate Degree in Holistic Wellness Coaching
Career Pathways: Wellness Coach, Holistic Health Consultant, Nutrition Advisor, Corporate Wellness Trainer, Mind-Body Practitioner

📚 Program Overview

The Associate Degree in Holistic Wellness Coaching offers a practical and integrative approach to guiding individuals toward optimal health and well-being. This program blends Eastern and Western philosophies, focusing on the mind-body connection, nutrition, lifestyle change, fitness, mindfulness, and emotional balance. Students will learn how to work with clients one-on-one and in groups, promoting holistic practices that enhance health without relying solely on pharmaceutical or invasive medical interventions.

🧠 Learning Objectives

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

• Conduct comprehensive wellness assessments and develop personalized holistic coaching plans.

• Apply nutritional, fitness, stress reduction, and lifestyle tools in client-centered coaching.

• Understand and explain the science and philosophy behind holistic health modalities.

• Support clients in achieving physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

• Launch or contribute to a wellness-based coaching business or health organization.

📅 Program Structure

🏛️ Core Course List (with Syllabus/Module Breakdown)

Each course includes 3 credit hours unless otherwise noted.

1. Introduction to Holistic Health and Wellness

Description: Explores foundational theories of holistic health, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, naturopathy, and Western holistic systems.

Modules:

• History and Evolution of Holistic Health

• Philosophy of Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

• Overview of Global Healing Systems

• The Role of Energy in Healing

• Introduction to Integrative Medicine

• Assessing Wellness vs. Illness

2. Principles of Wellness Coaching

Description: Focuses on the coaching process, communication techniques, and motivational interviewing.

Modules:

• Fundamentals of Coaching and Client Relationship

• The Psychology of Behavior Change

• Active Listening and Powerful Questioning

• Building Coaching Plans and SMART Goals

• Ethics and Boundaries in Coaching

• Case Studies in Real-Life Coaching

3. Nutrition for Health and Healing

Description: Covers the fundamentals of holistic nutrition and its use in disease prevention and health promotion.

Modules:

• Macronutrients and Micronutrients

• Digestive Wellness and the Gut-Brain Axis

• Inflammation and Anti-Inflammatory Diets

• Detoxification and Clean Eating

• Special Diets (Keto, Paleo, Vegan, etc.)

• Holistic Supplements and Herbal Nutrition

4. Anatomy and Physiology for Wellness Coaches

Description: Teaches the essential functions of the human body systems relevant to holistic wellness.

Modules:

• Introduction to the Human Body Systems

• Musculoskeletal and Cardiovascular Systems

• Nervous and Endocrine Systems

• Digestive, Urinary, and Reproductive Systems

• The Immune and Lymphatic Systems

• How Lifestyle Affects Physiology

5. Stress Management and Emotional Wellness

Description: Introduces stress management techniques and emotional regulation strategies.

Modules:

• Understanding Stress and Its Impact

• The Stress Response System (Fight/Flight)

• Breathwork, Meditation, and Relaxation Techniques

• Cognitive Behavioral Tools for Coaches

• Managing Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

• Creating Emotional Resilience in Clients

6. Holistic Lifestyle Design and Habit Change

Description: Focuses on building sustainable lifestyle plans tailored to individual client goals.

Modules:

• Lifestyle Assessment Tools and Strategies

• Sleep, Hydration, Movement, and Routine

• Integrating Wellness Practices into Daily Life

• Digital Detox and Technology Boundaries

• Time Management and Goal Tracking

• Coaching for Lasting Habit Change

7. Mindfulness and Meditation Practices

Description: Teaches the principles and benefits of mindfulness-based stress reduction and meditation for holistic coaching.

Modules:

• Foundations of Mindfulness and Awareness

• Meditation Traditions and Techniques

• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

• Guided Visualization and Body Scans

• Journaling and Reflective Practices

• Facilitating Mindfulness for Clients

8. Ethics and Business of Holistic Coaching

Description: Covers business planning, ethics, marketing, and setting up a coaching practice.

Modules:

• Business Models in Holistic Health

• Setting Up Your Practice Legally and Financially

• Marketing and Branding as a Wellness Coach

• Ethical and Legal Considerations in Coaching

• Building a Referral Network and Community

• Client Intake, Record Keeping, and Consent Forms

Capstone Project: Holistic Wellness Coaching Practicum (3–6 credits)

Description: A supervised experience in which students complete a real or simulated coaching engagement and submit a written project.

Deliverables:

• Case Study on a Coaching Client

• Recorded Coaching Sessions with Reflection

• Wellness Coaching Plan and Progress Reports

• Business Plan for a Holistic Practice

🎓 Elective Course Options (Choose 4)