Health is not simply the absence of illness, but proactive care for sustainable well-being. PLNU’s M.S. Integrative Wellness (iWell) is an interdisciplinary program focused on whole-person health — expanding beyond treating a specific disease to restoring, maintaining, and preventing illness across a lifetime. Grounded in an understanding of how biological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors intersect, this program will equip you with a comprehensive view of health and disease. 

The integration of lifestyle medicine within healthcare systems and health professional education is not just clinically effective, but powerful and life-changing for individuals and communities. Our program uniquely brings together practicing and aspiring health professionals from across disciplines to provide holistic care as part of an interdisciplinary team. 

Through this program, you’ll become a confident, innovative, and professional individual within a variety of health-related sectors:

• Lifestyle medicine
• Health and wellness coaching
• Health education
• Corporate wellness 

Evidence-Based

Grounded in evidence-based practice and shaped by industry-leading professionals, this program offers students a rigorous but rewarding track of study. Upon completion, PLNU’s iWell program allows students to sit for two nationally recognized board certifications — the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM). 

PLNU is the first institution in the nation to implement ACLM's full academic pathway. This graduate program demonstrates our commitment to innovation and investment in the exciting future of wellness specialists.

Specialized Experience

With a program designed to support multiple pathways, students will be equipped to develop expertise in specific health fields aligned with their interests and career goals. This personalized experience is shaped by diverse elective offerings and faculty who bring deep professional experience—expanding pathways into meaningful and specialized careers.

Core courses include:

• Lifestyle Medicine and Whole Health
• Mind-Body Medicine
• Exercise and Nutrition for Health and Healing
• Health Equity and Social Justice
• Behavior Change Models
• Methods and Theories
• Foundations of Health and Well-Being Coaching

Elective course options include:

• Culinary Medicine
• Wellness Entrepreneurship
• Sport and Exercise Nutrition for Peak Performance
• Clinical Exercise Prescription
• Internship

Personalized Mentorship

At PLNU, the iWell program extends beyond the classroom with intentional faculty mentorship, community engagement, and a supportive cohort experience — cultivating professional excellence and personal growth long after graduation. Supported by faculty who invest in you professionally and spiritually — and by an extensive alumni community — you will form lasting relationships and have access to opportunities long after graduation.

Professional Preparedness

This program will empower you to foster relationships with industry leaders and learn from faculty and professional colleagues through a robust, flexible curriculum. You’ll benefit from clinical placements and internships with [top-tier] healthcare organizations, both in San Diego and around the nation.

Purposeful Care

iWell invites you into developing a deeper understanding of how to faithfully apply your work to the wellness of the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. This program encourages students to explore a desired area or population which aligns with their unique gifts and vocational calling.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

When you complete the program, you will be prepared to:

• Apply evidence-based coaching strategies and behavior change techniques to facilitate meaningful lifestyle changes and improved health outcomes.
• Evaluate the influence of biopsychosocial factors on health, healing, and well-being to design lifestyle interventions to prevent and manage chronic diseases.
• Qualify for the opportunity to sit for the exam for the national board certification in health and wellness coaching (NBC-HWC credential through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching).
  • M.S. Integrative Wellness is an NBHWC-approved training and education program.
• Qualify for the opportunity to sit for the exam for the lifestyle medicine board certification (DipACLM) through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
  • M.S. Integrative Wellness is a full academic pathway program through ACLM.

Program Start Date(s):

• Fall 2026 —  August 31, 2026

Application Deadline(s):

• Fall 2026 —  August 14, 2026

Start Application

The Selection Process

The educational context at PLNU will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, Christian values and principles are woven into the educational experience. We understand your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it reflects you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program. Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy per your particular program.* Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission under exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's M.S. iWell program, no prerequisite courses are required. However, a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in a health, wellness or fitness related program OR a non-health related baccalaureate degree and a reputable health, fitness, or wellness certification (or equivalent) and a minimum of three years of professional experience in the field of health, wellness, or fitness is required. If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor. 

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.* (If you are a PLNU alumnus, please notify your counselor to have your transcripts retrieved. You do not need to request transcripts from the PLNU Office of Records.)
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
   
   *Please note, official transcripts must be sent directly from the regionally accredited institution.
3. Submit a personal essay. Specifically state how you would like to use your master’s degree from PLNU to further your career. Make sure you clearly touch on the three points below:
   1. Clarify what job setting you see yourself pursuing upon completing the Integrative Wellness M.S. and specify how this degree program will help you in that setting.
   2. Describe what wellness means to you and explain how you intend to provide a whole-person approach to health in your professional practice.
   3. State how your previous education and work experiences have uniquely prepared you for success in this program.
4. Submit a resume/vita.
5. Three professional references.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Start Application

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

Professionals in integrative wellness provide clients with evidence-based, whole-person approaches to health and well-being. By gaining your integrative wellness degree at PLNU, you’ll be equipped to foster meaningful relationships with patients and clients, while effectively working towards optimal health using lifestyle medicine interventions and behavior change strategies. 

An iWell degree also prepares you to continue your education and pursue a variety of health professions such as registered dietician, physician assistant, or physical therapist. 

PLNU’s M.S. iWell program will prepare you for leadership in a variety of fields:

• Health and wellness coaching
• Dietetics and nutrition
• Corporate wellness
• Nursing
• Health education
• Lifestyle medicine
• Health promotion

What do integrative wellness jobs look like post graduation?

Integrative health is an $82 billion global industry. As our world continues to become more physically active and medically advanced, the market share of this field is expected to grow at a rate of 22% annually between 2021 to 2028, with more and more individuals seeking this type of integrative health care. 

The following are some career paths you can take with an integrative wellness degree: 

Director of Wellness

2023 Median annual salary: $110,680
Projected growth: 29% from 2023-33

Wellness directors are responsible for a company’s or organization’s planning and execution of programs centered around health, safety, and well-being. You’d be the go-to person for promotion of overall health — mental and physical wellness — of all staffers, and ultimately save your company money. At its root, integrative wellness aims to apply evidence-based practices into lasting behavioral changes.

Health Coach

2023 Salary: $62,860 (Upper 10% Median, $107,920)
Projected growth: 7% from 2023-33

Health and wellness coaches work alongside their clients to develop an understanding of their own health and how to achieve their health and wellness goals – including dietary changes, physical activity, stress management, and restorative sleep. Health coaches meet with their clients to discuss goals, progress, and challenges. They also act as support and accountability for their clients as they work toward difficult and demanding goals.

Health Education Specialist

2024 Median annual salary: $63,000 (Upper 10% Median, $112,900)
Projected growth: 4% from 2024-34

Health education specialists aim to teach individuals and communities about preventative well-being or programs to manage existing conditions. Within sectors such as healthcare facilities, nonprofits, or public health departments, specialists will create or suggest workplace programs to adopt healthy behaviors. The work can vary in one-on-one education and support or can lead efforts in identifying health concerns and solutions for communities. 

Scholarships

Scholarships ranging from $500-2500 are available to those who qualify. It is also important for students to be supported throughout their academic journey — with scholarship opportunities available for those currently enrolled in the program. Please contact your Enrollment Counselor for further information.

For information about the courses required for the Integrative Wellness, M.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information