Associate of Arts in Whole-Body Wellness

Program Duration: 2 Years
Total Credits: 60 credit hours
Program Type: Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.)
Delivery Format: Online 

🌱 Program Overview:

The Associate of Arts in Whole-Body Wellness is a comprehensive 2-year degree program that integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness approaches. This interdisciplinary program draws from the fields of holistic health, nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and behavioral sciences. The goal is to equip students with the knowledge, tools, and practical skills necessary to promote personal well-being and support others in achieving balanced lifestyles through evidence-based practices.

📘 Curriculum Structure:

Year 1 – Foundational Wellness

Year 2 – Applied Practice & Specialization

🧾 Core Course Descriptions and Syllabus Samples

1. Introduction to Whole-Body Wellness (3 credits)

Course Description:
This foundational course introduces the multidimensional concept of wellness, covering physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects. Students explore wellness frameworks and learn how to apply these principles to personal and professional settings.

Module Breakdown:

• Dimensions of Wellness: Understanding Holistic Health

• Lifestyle Factors and Behavior Patterns

• The Mind-Body Connection

• Introduction to Self-Care Strategies

• Goal Setting and Wellness Planning

• Environmental and Community Wellness

• Assessing Personal Wellness

• Final Project: Designing a Personal Wellness Plan

2. Mindfulness & Meditation Techniques (3 credits)

Course Description:
Explores ancient and modern meditation practices, emphasizing their scientific benefits and practical application in daily life. Includes guided exercises and journaling.

Module Breakdown:

• Origins of Mindfulness

• Neuroscience of Meditation

• Techniques: Breath Awareness, Body Scan, Loving-Kindness

• Daily Practice Integration

• Overcoming Mental Barriers

• Group Meditation Facilitation

• Reflective Journaling and Personal Insights

• Practical Application and Final Reflection

3. Health Behavior Change (3 credits)

Course Description:
This course examines theories of behavioral change, motivational interviewing, and coaching skills that support sustainable health habits.

Module Breakdown:

• Theories of Change (e.g., Transtheoretical Model)

• Goal-Setting and Habit Formation

• The Role of Motivation and Self-Efficacy

• Identifying Barriers and Resistance

• Motivational Interviewing Techniques

• Health Coaching Basics

• Cultural Competency in Health Behavior

• Designing a Health Change Plan

4. Holistic Approaches to Stress Management (3 credits)

Course Description:
Teaches students to recognize stress physiology and apply holistic methods for stress reduction including yoga, breathwork, time management, and creative expression.

Module Breakdown:

• Understanding Stress and Its Effects

• Stress and the Nervous System

• Time and Energy Management

• Relaxation Techniques (Breath, Visualization)

• Expressive Therapies (Art, Music, Dance)

• Yoga and Somatic Movement

• Designing Personal Stress-Relief Plans

• Final Presentation: Your Stress Toolbox

5. Whole-Body Wellness Practicum (3 credits)

Course Description:
A supervised hands-on course that allows students to apply learned wellness principles in a real or simulated client coaching scenario. Emphasis is on communication, ethics, and practical planning.

Module Breakdown:

• Creating a Client Wellness Profile

• Building Rapport and Conducting Wellness Assessments

• Implementing Personalized Plans

• Case Study Review and Feedback

• Shadowing/Observation Hours

• Peer Coaching Practice

• Practicum Journaling

• Final Evaluation and Reflection

6. Capstone Project in Whole-Body Wellness (3 credits)

Course Description:
The culmination of the program, this project allows students to create an integrated wellness program or business plan that demonstrates their applied knowledge.

Module Breakdown:

• Capstone Proposal & Topic Selection

• Literature Review and Resource Gathering

• Planning a Program or Service

• Wellness Metrics and Evaluation

• Budgeting and Professional Tools

• Building a Presentation or Workshop

• Peer Review and Feedback

• Final Presentation or Submission