What is Health Education (Public & Community Health) ? The Master of Science (MS) in Health Promotion and Education with a concentration in Community Health Education is an ideal program for individuals interested in helping people and communities to adopt healthy behaviors and healthy lifestyles. This nationally recognized program has been especially designed for those who want to work in helping others in community health settings, health departments, nonprofit agencies, wellness centers, hospitals, corporate wellness programs, and health organizations. The program offers courses in all the major areas of health promotion and health education. Successful completion of the degree prepares students to be Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and sit for the national CHES exam. Graduates of this program have obtained positions throughout the US in a wide array of health promotion and health education settings. This degree can also be beneficial for individuals who wish to pursue doctoral level training. Individuals completing the program may also, with faculty approval, transition directly into the doctoral program without further application. Students are prepared through a program grounded in current research and evidence-based practices in the field of health promotion and health education to become community health educators. The Health Education faculty are extremely student-oriented and possess a broad range of experience, skills and knowledge in the field of health promotion and health education. Faculty members provide much research expertise in such health areas as: substance abuse prevention, violence and suicide prevention, minority health, mental health promotion, women's health issues, obesity prevention, nutrition, physical activity, sexual health, health program planning, implementation, and evaluation, stress management, international health, and various other health issues. Students in the program can attend classes both in the traditional face-to-face delivery method, as well as experience classes delivered online via Blackboard - UC's advanced course development and delivery software. Graduates of the program have applauded the program's commitment to excellence in teaching and research opportunities.

Career Possibilities One of the major strengths of the MS Community Health Education Program is the vast and diverse array of career possibilities. Health encompasses many aspects and dimensions and therefore presents many opportunities for employment. Graduates of our program have obtained numerous positions throughout the US. Just a few of the many career opportunities include working as a health educator in community health settings, health departments, colleges and universities, wellness centers, nonprofit agencies such as the American Cancer Society and American Red Cross, hospitals, schools, corporate and worksite wellness programs, fitness facilities, mental health agencies, health organizations and research sites. Community Health Educators are aimed at helping individuals, groups and communities to become healthy in all aspects of their lives. A holistic approach to health is emphasized. Additional career options are listed on the Career Development Center's web site.