About this Program
Health and wellness coaching is a growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health educator jobs (including health/wellness coaches) are projected to increase by 17% between 2020 to 2023.
Students will gain foundational skills and knowledge in a new and evolving field. The Health and Wellness Coaching Minor includes classroom learning as well as practical skill development through client coaching.
Acquired Skills
- Students will learn to assess the current health/wellness needs of clients through coursework such as Human Nutrition, Health and Wellness Strategies for Life, and Facilitating Healthy Lifestyles.
- Students can select electives of interest such as exercise adherence, cross-cultural psychology, and human behavior in social environments.
Career Possibilities
Health/wellness coaches have opportunities for career growth in private or group practice, fitness center practice, doctor's offices, wellness organizations, and corporate wellness programs.
Growth is driven by efforts to improve health outcomes and reduce costs by removing ambivalence about healthy habits and empowering people to utilize available health care services. By 2025, there will be an estimated 137,000 coaches practicing.
What can you do with this degree?
Health and wellness coaching pairs well with many careers such as allied health professionals, psychologists, social workers, chiropractors, nutritionists, and more. You can also seek further certification through one of the certifying bodies such as Wellcoaches, or the Mayo Clinic Wellness Coaching Program. Further licensure is available through the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching if you meet their training requirements.
Requirements
Admission requirements include the following courses (a total of 10 credits):
- Health and Wellness Strategies for Life (HLTH 1100)
- Human Nutrition (HLTH 1470)
- Developmental Psychology (PSY 2021)
Faculty Highlights
Faculty have expertise in exercise science and public health, are certified Health and Wellness coaches with coaching experience, and have additional health and wellness certifications. Faculty have a broad range of complementary research interests, including international cross-cultural learning (e.g., COIL), mental health, peer to peer coaching, and the use of motivational interviewing techniques.