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
Semester
Course Title
Credits
Fall
Introduction to Whole-Body Wellness
3
 
Human Anatomy & Physiology I
4
 
Fundamentals of Nutrition
3
 
College Composition
3
 
Introduction to Psychology
3
Spring
Mindfulness & Meditation Techniques
3
 
Human Anatomy & Physiology II
4
 
Health Behavior Change
3
 
Public Speaking or Communication Skills
3
 
Wellness Coaching Fundamentals
3
Year 2 – Applied Practice & Specialization
Semester
Course Title
Credits
Fall
Holistic Approaches to Stress Management
3
 
Physical Fitness and Movement
3
 
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
3
 
Interpersonal Relations in Healthcare
3
 
Elective (e.g., Art Therapy, Herbalism)
3
Spring
Whole-Body Wellness Practicum
3
 
Ethics and Legal Issues in Wellness
3
 
Capstone Project in Whole-Body Wellness
3
 
Business and Marketing for Wellness Professionals
3
 
Elective (e.g., Spirituality & Health, Nature Therapy)
3
🧾 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