Bachelor of Science in Education in Public Health Education
On this page:
- Why Choose the Public Health Education Program?
- Academics, Curriculum, and Advising Information
- Admission
- Careers
Why Choose the Public Health Education Program?
The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S. Ed.), with specialization in Public Health Education is an interdisciplinary, community-focused program, which trains graduates to:
- Design and implement evidence-based programs that assist individuals, families and the community.
- Advocate for and implement changes in health policies, procedures, and services.
Students learn to develop, implement and coordinate health-improvement campaigns and organize communities around health and disease issues. Curricula include a unique combination of instruction from the behavioral/social, epidemiological, environmental, and human services, as well as health administration and education.
Upon completion of the degree, students are prepared, qualified and highly encouraged to sit for the national CHES (Certified Health Education specialist) certification exam. The CHES designation signifies that an individual has met eligibility requirements for and has successfully passed a competency based examination demonstrating skill and knowledge of the Seven Areas of Responsibility of Health Education Specialists, upon which the credential is based. Visit the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing website to learn more.
Academics, Curriculum, and Advising Information
- Public Health Education Program of Study (Undergraduate catalog)
- Public Health Education 4-Year Planning Guide (PDF)
- What is a Health Education Specialist? (PDF)
Admission
Admission Requirements
- 30 semester credit hours of college coursework
- Cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5
Admission Process
New Students
Apply to the University. You will be admitted as a pre-major until you meet the criteria for acceptance into the major.
After meeting the acceptance criteria, submit:
Successfully complete an interview with program faculty.
Careers
Public Health Education graduates leave prepared for careers as independent consultants or in nonprofit community organizations, private businesses, hospitals, schools (non-teaching), or city, county, state or other governmental health departments or agencies. They may specialize according to specific health concerns, illnesses, or work or setting. If desired, graduates may choose to continue their education with graduate studies in public health, medicine, law or public policy. For more in-depth information on where Health Educators are employed, salaries, and future projections, go to the Society of Public Health Educators' (SOPHE) website.
Job Outlook and Salary Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) Health educators held 63,400 jobs in the US, and that number is expected to grow to 37% (must faster than average) by 2020. (see table below from the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics) http://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
Quick Facts: Health Educators
2010 Median Pay: $45,830 per year , $22.03 per hour
Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s degree
Number of Jobs, 2010: 63,400
Job Outlook, 2010-20: 37% (Much faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20: 23,200
