Online Bachelor of Science in Health Education & Health Promotion
With a public health education degree, you can become a public health leader and improve the wellness of individuals and communities. You will gain knowledge in health promotion program planning, implementation and evaluation as well as health education and health advocacy. This degree will also prepare you for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/08/2024
Total classes: 39
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Degree questions, answered.
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What is public health education?
Public health education is the act of teaching communities and individuals how to make changes that can improve their well-being. Health education programs create changes in communities, schools, businesses and other groups to improve health outcomes. Topics range from improving diet and nutrition to combating substance abuse and preventing HIV.
The field of public health education emphasizes the practical application of strategies that promote well-being. In this career path, you can:
- Advocate for resources that promote health in diverse communities.
- Fight obesity.
- Help people handle stress.
- Lead diabetes management and prevention education.
- Promote healthy practices that prevent disease for an aging population.
- Respond to disease outbreaks through epidemiology.
How can I become a public health educator?
Completing a bachelor’s degree in public health education is an important first step to becoming a public health educator. A bachelor’s degree related to health education will prepare you for entry-level jobs in the field at community health agencies, hospitals, schools, government organizations and more. A bachelor’s degree is the required prerequisite to sit for the CHES exam. Earning the CHES designation can open more job opportunities and may be required for some public health education positions.
After five years of working as a Certified Health Education Specialist, you can pursue the Master Certified Health Education Specialist designation. The Master Certified Health Education Specialist is also eligible to become a Certified Diabetes Educator. These certifications can help you qualify for higher-paying jobs and advance your career in public health education. You can also consider continuing your education. A master’s degree in public health can prepare you for senior positions and management roles in the field.
What is the CHES exam?
The BS in health education and health promotion program at ASU qualifies students to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist® (CHES) exam offered by the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing. CHES is a national and globally recognized credential that can improve employment opportunities for health professionals.
Will my health education degree say 'online'?
Public health education courses
Public health education classes often consist of application-based, experiential coursework. Required courses will focus on fundamental public health care concepts and techniques for implementing health promotion programs. Elective courses cover a wide variety of wellness topics including stress management, substance abuse, violence prevention, conflict mediation, emotional health and more. At the end of the program, you will take an applied project course in which you will complete a capstone project, do an internship, work as a teaching assistant or be a part of a community-based research study related to public health education.
CHS 300: An Exploration of Well-Being (SB)
CHS 100: Optimizing Your Health and Performance (SB)
CHS 340: Health Theory
HEP 102: Foundations of Health Education and Health Promotion
HEP 348: Methods of Health Education
HEP 452: Health Advocacy in Health Education
HEP 454: Health Promotion Program Planning and Implementation (L)
HEP 466: Health Promotion Program Management and Administration
What can I do with a degree in health education?
Health education and promotion professionals enjoy a wide variety of potential work environments and substantial opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average income for health education jobs is $60,500 per year. The bureau also predicted jobs in the field would grow 16% throughout the decade. As a health education specialist, you might work in public policy, the insurance industry or for local and national nonprofits.
With a public health education degree, you can take the CHES exam and apply for positions as a health education specialist. If you’ve earned your CHES credential, you might also be interested in pursuing a master’s degree in public health. Potential career opportunities include but are not limited to:
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Environmental Protection Specialist
Epidemiologist
Fitness and Wellness Coordinator
Genetic Counselor
Healthcare Professor
Medical and Health Services Manager
Physician Assistant (PA)
Public Health Physician
Learn from leaders in the field of health care
Our faculty brings a high-level of expertise to every research project. In addition to cutting-edge approaches to research, we’re focused on creating a better future for people. We’re lifelong learners with a goal to improve health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of our research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- How health behaviors affect and improve health among older adults.
- How social networks and relationships impact health.
- Utilizing advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.
Learn from leaders in the field of health care
Our faculty brings a high-level of expertise to every research project. In addition to cutting-edge approaches to research, we’re focused on creating a better future for people. We’re lifelong learners with a goal to improve health outcomes for the communities we serve. Some of our research focuses on:
- Discovering the impact of the environment and policy on food security and community health.
- Exploring mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- How health behaviors affect and improve health among older adults.
- How social networks and relationships impact health.
- Utilizing advanced technology to monitor and promote healthy lifestyles.
Admission requirements for the public health education program
first-year student
You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
A world-class institution for tomorrow’s health education specialists
At the College of Health Solutions, students and faculty research solutions to pressing global health challenges while preparing the health workforce of the future. Ongoing partnerships with the medical community offer students access to professional resources and networking opportunities with Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, HonorHealth, Dignity Health and more.
6,500+
students.
250+
Barrett honors scholars.
160+
faculty members.
$14.5 million
in research expenditures.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
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