Integrative Holistic Health and Wellness

Lori Gray, Program Director

Main Office: Room 2400 College of Health and Human Services
Telephone: (269) 387-2650
Advising: (269) 387-2656, to schedule an appointment
Website: wmich.edu/holistic/academics

Western Michigan University's Integrative Holistic Health and Wellness (IHHW) program offers a graduate certificates (18 credit hour and 9 credit hour options) that can be pursued as independent certificates or to supplement other graduate training. The certificates complement the coursework of related fields, enabling students to work within their chosen profession from a holistic perspective that may enhance career opportunities. Students in the helping professions such as social work, counseling, psychology, theology, occupational therapy, health studies, nursing, education, and the arts will especially benefit from this program. Students who earn the graduate certificate will understand the philosophy of holism (the interconnectedness of body-mind-spirit and the realization that healing really occurs at the systemic level and is supported by life style behaviors rather than at independent parts of the body that receive focused treatments) and the connection between their personal journey and their expression of this in the world of relationships and work.

These academic programs introduce students to contemplative, complementary and alternative modalities at both an academic and experiential level, that promote optimal health and healing. Students are exposed to a variety of topics and encouraged to carefully evaluate the research on evidence-based holistic practices as well as utilize contemplative methodologies to increase their understanding. Students are also presented with a holistic framework for wellness, assisting them to make informed life-style choices and establish respectful, cooperative relationships with others and the environment.

There are several graduate certificate options including an 18 credit hour certificate and four 9 credit hour certificates with special emphasis.

Please be aware that financial aid for the integrative holistic health and wellness graduate certificates may only available if you are pursuing another graduate degree at Western Michigan University.

Application Process

IHHW uses an online application system that can be accessed at: wmich.edu/holistic/academics/grad/apply-cert.

Deadlines

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. The application must be complete (i.e. all official transcripts and required documents received) two weeks prior to the start of any given semester/session or the application will be deferred to the following semester/session. Once a semester/session has started, all applications will be deferred to the following semester/session.

Program Grade Requirements

Students in the graduate certificate program should maintain at least a 3.0 GPA and may be placed on probation should they receive a 2.0 or lower in any individual class. Students will need to comply with university standards regarding successful completion of their graduate education.

1. Copy of passport identification page
2. Proof of English language proficiency*
3. Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended or are attending, including diplomas, examination results, mark sheets and certificates.* Unofficial transcripts and other academic documents are acceptable for admission decision-making. Uploaded documents will show as received only AFTER an admissions counselor has completed the evaluation.

   The Office of International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) may accept credential evaluation reports from certain credential evaluation services to make admission decision at Western Michigan University for undergraduate and graduate international admissions. Although it is not required, we strongly encourage submission of evaluation reports to expedite application processing and decision-making. Admitted and enrolled students are required to send your official high school or university transcripts and proof of degree before the beginning of the second semester of your studies. Following are the evaluation agencies that you may use to get your transcripts evaluated: World Education Services: www.wes.org Educational Credential Evaluators: www.ece.org Academic Evaluation Services: www.academicevaluations.org Global Credential Evaluators: www.gceus.com Spantran: The Evaluation Company: www.spantran.com

4. $100 non-refundable application fee
5. Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance. Proof of sufficient funds is a bank statement in your own name for cost of attendance. If the bank statement is not in your own name, then additionally provide a letter signed by your financial sponsor indicating that they will pay your cost of attendance.

*Official documents are those sent directly to International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) from the issuing institution or testing agency. Hand-carried transcripts will be accepted if in a sealed envelope from the institution. Documents sent by the student cannot be accepted as official.If any original documents are not issued in English, also provide an official English translation of each document. 

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