Bachelor of Arts Degree - I.P.S.B. - International Professional School of Bodywork, San Diego Ca., (858) 505-1100, Massage Therapy, Holistic Health Practitioner, Continuing Education, Asian Healing Arts, Holistic Bodywork, COMTA accredited.

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor’s Degree in Holistic Health includes the Associate Degree program coursework which provides depth in the major subject area of massage and bodywork. The additional units required add cultural context and literacy to the vocational studies. A graduate is qualified to obtain a massage permit in San Diego and most areas in the nation, as well as to sit for the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. The instruction involves specialization of a practical and theoretical nature.

Programmatic Objectives:

1.To establish a new level of literacy encompassing a variety of holistic health philosophies so that graduates will be able to demonstrate competency in intellectual and kinesthetic applications of somatic methods.
2.To provide students with a liberal arts education which puts holistic health in context historically, philosophically, and culturally.
3.To expand the practitioner’s skill level through additional bodywork specializations.
4.To assist students in negotiating the crucial shift from a linear perception of disease as externally imposed to a systemic perspective that understands illness to be a function of one’s relationship to self and the environment.
5.To further prepare graduates for careers that complement medical, physical and psychological practices.

Putting bodywork into the context of a Bachelor of Arts study is a somewhat innovative step since, traditionally, the body has been the province of natural sciences. In this program we study the “somatic” body, the “experiential” body. We believe this is an essential part of growth and deepening learning. Numerous traditions assert that the body is a key to wisdom. We think it is, and we have created a college which enables a developing study of that body.

We have chosen three educational methods best-known to empower students as learners: Dialogue, Dynamics of Personal Learning and Self-Directed Learning.

Dialogue means that teaching centers on discussion rather than lecture. Students are expected to read the materials and come prepared to discuss them. The tutor’s role is to question, evoke, and assist, rather than pass personal conclusions.

Dynamics of Personal Learning supports students in understanding and developing their personal learning style and brilliance. The Self-Directed Learning project is planned and organized in this course.

Self-Directed Learning means that the student actively participates in evolving their course of study. The students have considerable latitude in selecting the content and the way the subject matter is approached and explored.

The Bachelor of Arts in Holistic Health provides solid training in body-oriented therapies; the curriculum provides theoretical grounding in the nature of consciousness, paradigms of consciousness, and principles of holism. This assists students in negotiating the crucial shift from a linear perception of disease (as externally imposed) to a systemic perspective that understands illness to be a function of one’s relationship to self and the environment.

The course content in the Bachelor’s Program includes the humanities. Students explore history through the ages, as well as art, music, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. In addition, there will be some study of the ‘Great Works’ in the English Cannon to expand the student’s ability to understand voices from the past. The self-directed learning allows the student to integrate many other avenues of exploration, which provide a well-rounded education in holistic health and massage and bodywork.

Success in the body therapy relationship is determined by the authenticity and clarity of the therapeutic relationship, and as such, the program places significant emphasis upon the student’s self-exploration and transformation. Intensive experiential components of the curriculum have been designed to aid the student in self-discovery, for only by knowing oneself with insight and compassion can a holistically-oriented therapist obtain the inner wisdom necessary to help others.

To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts Degree Program, students must complete the IPSB A.S. Degree Program, or provide transcripts showing that they have completed 750 hours of massage/ bodywork training and have an Associate Degree. Those enrolling in the Bachelor’s program at IPSB with an Associate degree not earned at IPSB are required to take five prerequisite classes which are not subject to transfer credit: Introduction to Dialogue Methods, Intro to Dynamics of Personal Learning, Research and Study Strategies Introduction, Dynamics of Personal Learning—A, and Research: Case Report.

The B.A. program including the A.S. degree and all prerequisite classes is expected to be completed by full-time students within 16 quarters, by three-quarter-time students within 22 quarters and by half-time students within 32 quarters. For students who have already completed the prerequisite courses through an Associate degree, the Bachelor level courses are scheduled to be completed in a 7 quarter timeframe for full-time students, 10 quarters for three-quarter-time, and 14 quarters for half-time. Please note that certain classes may only be offered once during a particular enrollment period and summer courses may need to be taken.

Upon satisfactory completion of this training, graduates will be qualified for jobs such as: director of a spa, wellness center, or health center; Health Education Director; Director of Soft Tissue Therapy; or Public Health Consultant. A graduate is qualified to obtain a massage business permit in San Diego and most areas in the nation.

Bachelor of Arts – Holistic Health

DEGREE PROGRAM COURSE REQUIREMENTS

2160 CLOCK HOURS / 190.50 CREDITS

Prerequisites: Essentials of Massage and Bodywork

Massage Therapy Program

Holistic Health Practitioner Program

Associate of Science in Holistic Health

Required Courses

Lower Level

EL304 Bodywork Electives

EL205Movement Elective

SP322 Specializations