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 specializations are available for students who desire specific professional development as certified K-12 Health Education Teacher or in the area of Eating Disorders awareness, education and treatment.

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

Health Education and Promotion, Eating Disorders

Program Coordinator: Margaret Burckes-Miller, EdD
E-mail: margaret@plymouth.edu

This concentration is designed to offer students the knowledge and skills to understand eating disorders and disordered eating. This concentration is for health care professionals, counselors, social workers, nurses, and dietitians, and school professionals. The focus is on education and outreach for schools/communities and training health care and mental health professionals to treat and counsel those with eating disorders.

The courses specific to eating disorders are also offered as a graduate certificate program, the Eating Disorders Institute Certificate, for post-baccalaureate students.

Curriculum Requirements

 Health Education and Promotion, K-12 Teacher Certification Only

This program is for certified teachers who hold a Master's degree and are seeking to add Health Education Teacher licensure.

Curriculum Requirements

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)

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic information in the eating disorders field for entry level l eating disorder specialists.
• Demonstrate knowledge of assessment and treatment modalities of eating disorders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of medical complications of eating disorders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of nutrition education, assessment, and counseling of eating disorders.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in an eating disorders capstone experience in a clinical setting or educational/outreach setting.