Doctor of Whole Health Leadership

Curriculum Overview

This intellectually rigorous program incorporates advanced Whole Health concepts and care models, personal self-exploration, and leadership development. In just over two years, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to influence the complex challenges of adopting an integrative, Whole Health approach to health in the United States or, for students outside the United States, to localize these principles to the systems wherever you are in the world.

DYNAMIC AND TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

• Engaging Online Courses: Asynchronous online courses that promote meaningful faculty-student interaction and feature expert interviews alongside real-world, practical assessments.
• Immersive Experiences: U.S. Track students participate in four in-person Weekend Intensives, while Non-U.S. Track students complete two non-credit courses focused on Whole Health and group facilitation. Both paths cultivate self-awareness, personal growth, and practical self-care through experiential learning and reflection.
• Capstone for Real-World Impact: The Capstone project bridges personal and professional development, empowering students to design innovative solutions that drive meaningful change

Curriculum

WHOLE HEALTH LEADERSHIP CORE (20 CREDITS)

• DWHL 610 Whole Health Concepts and Clinical Applications (3 credits)
• DWHL 612 Implementing a Whole Health System: VA Case Study (2 credits)
• DWHL 620 U.S. Healthcare Systems and Policies (3 credits)
• DWHL 622 The Case for Whole Health (2 credits)
• DWHL 630 System Transformation and Transformational Leadership (3 credits)
• DWHL 632 Foundations for Living Whole Health (2 credits)
• DWHL 640 Whole Health Coaching (3 credits)
• DWHL 642 Whole Health Models and Interprofessional Collaboration (2 credits)

CAPSTONE (14 credits)

• DWHL 750 Introduction to  Capstone (2 credits)
• DWHL 753 Capstone Proposal (2 credits)  repeated for 4 credits
• DWHL 755  Capstone Implementation (4 credits) repeated for 8 credits
• DWHL 755E Capstone Implementation Extension (0 credits, if needed)

TRACK-SPECIFIC CREDIT (4 credits)

• DWHL 704 Weekend Intensive (1 credit) repeated to earn 4 credits
• DWHL 600 – Taking Charge of My Life and Health (0 Credits)
• DWHL 605 – Whole Health Facilitator (0 Credits)
• DWHL 650 International Healthcare Systems, Policies, and Whole Health Models   (4 credits)

*Students in the U.S. Track complete DWHL 704. Students in the Non-U.S. Track complete DWHL 600, DWHL 605, and DWHL 650.

ELECTIVES (13 CREDITS)

• CPM 0409 Public Health (3 credits)
• CRE 0201 Research and Evidence-Based Healthcare (2 credits)
• DWHL 730 Survey of Integrative Approaches 1 (2 credits)
• DWHL 732 Survey of Integrative Approaches 2 (2 credits)
• DMSC 620 Organizational Behavior, Leadership, and Strategy (3 credits)
• DMSC 633 Evidence Based Approaches to Public and Population Health (3 credits)
• DMSC 640 Improving Healthcare Equity, Inclusivity, and Outcomes (3 credits)
• DMSC 643 Leadership and Communication Strategies (3 credits)

Elective course credits are eligible for advanced standing options, including block transfers, transfer credit for individual courses, and prior learning credit.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Whole Health Principles and Practice: The graduate will be able to apply comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Whole Health principles, practices, and the implementation of a Whole Health System of Care.
• The Imperative for Change: The graduate will be able to make an evidence-based case for the transformation to Whole Health, grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the current challenges within their healthcare system.
• Leading Large System Transformation: The graduate will have the knowledge to assume leadership roles in organizations committed to the transformation to Whole Health, influence policy development, and work to improve health and well-being, outcomes, and costs.
• Creative Solutions in the Real World: The graduate will be able to conceive of and advocate for innovative, financially viable, cost-effective, outcomes-based solutions for complex real-world problems in their fields to advance the transformation to Whole Health.
• Purpose, Empowerment, and Practical Skills: The graduate will demonstrate the skills needed to empower and equip others and themselves to take charge of their physical, mental, and spiritual health and live their most meaningful life.
• Interprofessional Collaboration and Whole Health: The graduate will serve as an effective member of a healthcare team and collaborate with other professionals to improve Whole Health and patient outcomes for individuals and the community.

Schedule

The DrWHL program is designed for busy working professionals. Students typically take two to four courses per term.

Learn More

• Attend a DrWHL Program Webinar and get a chance to meet with our faculty, ask questions, and learn more about whole health leadership.