Health Education and Promotion (MEd)
Health Education and Promotion (HEP) is a pillar for the broader field of public health, which is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This master’s degree program prepares Health Education and Promotion specialists who may serve in a variety of roles calling for broad knowledge and leadership skills used to address health behavior change across all levels of the socio-ecological spectrum, from individual knowledge, skills and attitudes to community-wide and regional population health, and environmental/policy change leadership. Graduates will be qualified to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. This certification is widely recognized by clinical, corporate, academic and community employment Health Education and Promotion employment settings.
Optional specialization is available for students who desire specific professional development for the K-12 Health Education Certification.
Program Planning
The core education courses are offered year-round, and the required health education courses are offered primarily as weekend and hybrid courses. A limited number of courses will be offered during the fall terms. Content classes are offered on a rotating basis. This schedule allows students to complete their degree in two or three years on a part-time basis. Full-time students may be able to complete the requirements in less time.
Required Concentrations in this Major
Complete one concentration
Health Education and Promotion
Students interested in community, clinical, and corporate health promotion should choose this concentration. Coursework also provides preparation for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination.
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Component | ||
| ED 5000 | Understanding Social Behaviors | 3 |
| ED 5010 | Philosophy, Ethics & Education | 3 |
| ED 5030 | Research Design | 3 |
| Health Education Component | ||
| HP 5010 | Scientific Foundations of Health Behavior | 3 |
| HP 5020 | Designing and Implementing Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
| HP 5030 | Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
| Professional Development Component | 12 | |
| Choose at least four courses from HP, HL or HH based on previous education/experience | ||
| Capstone Experience | ||
| HL 5750 | Individual Research: Health Education | 3 |
| or HL 5800 | Practicum in Health Education | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
K-12 Health Education Teacher Certification
Students in the K-12 Health Education Teacher Certification option must fulfill the Master's Core Component in addition to the requirements below. Passing Praxis I and the Department HE Content Exam is required prior to completing the Teaching Experience Component. Requirements for certification may change, subject to changes made by the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE).
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching and Learning Component | ||
| Choose at least two courses from the following based on previous education or professional experience: | 6 | |
| Foundations of Teaching | ||
or ED 5060 | Exploring Learning Theories and Cognitive Growth | |
| Classroom Interventions and Special Education Strategies | ||
| Teaching Strategies in Health Education | ||
| Health Education and Promotion Component | ||
| HP 5010 | Scientific Foundations of Health Behavior | 3 |
| HP 5020 | Designing and Implementing Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
| HP 5030 | Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
| Professional Development Component | ||
| At least 2 HP, HL or HH courses will be approved by Coordinator depending upon previous education and/or professional experience. | 6 | |
| Teaching Experience Component | ||
| HP 5960 | Health Education Teaching Internship | 6 |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Health Education & Promotion:
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic health content and current health issues appropriate for an entry level health professional.
- Assess, plan and implement health promotion programs.
- Evaluate health promotion programs for process and outcomes
- Obtain national certification as a certified health education specialist (CHES) from the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, INC. (NCHEC)