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Careers in public health and health education are some of the most lucrative and secure in the world at present, with a steady rise in the need for qualified healthcare professionals. Earning a health education degree will provide students with the necessary skills and training needed to handle entry-level roles in different fields and settings. Students enrolled are prepared to design various health promotion programs for different audiences and assess their efficiency.
Health education is a socially crucial area of study, considering your job will have a massive impact not only in your local community but the world. Health educators work in non-clinical or clinical settings, while there are some that center around education or incorporate the education of visitors to medical clinics.
These job positions require healthcare leaders who are strong and versatile and who don’t only know the basics of science, but also in technology. They also need strong management skills as they are expected to facilitate positive results in the healthcare industry.
Health education is an interdisciplinary field, blending medicine, education, and public relations. Students will learn how to efficiently manage, coordinate, and evaluate health promotion programs. These programs teach individuals about serious health problems and encourage them to go for healthier choices.
Quick Summarization
An online bachelor’s in health education degree is a specialized program that is concerned about public health and health sciences. Offered online, this undergraduate degree produces skilled graduates that can address the many challenges that people, the community, and organizations come across.
Through the skills and fundamental knowledge that students earn in the program, they will ultimately help bring out positive changes in health education, focusing on community health, public health, mental health, and school health. They can also pursue careers that involve educating, planning, maintaining, implementing, and assessing individual or community programs.
Methodology
We feature a catalog of the best online Health Education degree programs, each of which was picked because of these excellent features:
- Delivered as an online or blended undergraduate program to benefit distance learners,
- Features rigorous online Health Education coursework on health care systems, personal and family health, healthy lifestyles, and health behaviors, as well as chronic and communicable disease prevention through statistics, research, and assessments,
- Provides extensive Health Education background to students in the areas of health promotion program planning, public health education, and health education professional development,
- Focuses on improving health and meeting lifestyle needs, both physically and emotionally, while addressing public health problems,
- Prepares students for various entry-level health education careers, such as Patient Educator, Community Health Educator, Public Health Educator, and Health Education Specialist in clinics, schools, hospitals, health departments, non-profit organizations, or governmental social work agencies,
- May offer fast-track Health Education undergraduate options through transfer credits,
- Offers affordable tuition options, on top of federal aid and scholarship opportunities.
- Provides internship and networking opportunities to students,
- Taught by professors with a mastery of the Health education field, with real work experience,
- Accredited by relevant academic agencies, such as the Higher Learning Commission, Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, New England Commission on Higher Education, and associations in the Health Education industry.
For details, visit our Methodology page.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Education
University of Florida
Considered one of America’s all-around universities, the University of Florida is a public land-grant university located in Gainsville, Florida, and is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. UF is ranked among America’s five best in the U.S. News 2022 rankings, with a 96.7% retention rate. By student population, UF is the third largest in Florida and is also the fifth biggest single-campus university in the country.
The University of Florida is home to more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 16 colleges, along with an extensive array of courses in virtually every subject. Through the University of Florida online, students can choose from any of its 24 four-year-degree program options. Its Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior degree is a 120-credit coursework that provides students the chance to join in core courses like:
- Personal and Family Health
- Health Education Professional Development
- Internship in Health Education
- Community and Environmental Health
There are also several specialization courses like Trends in International Health, Minority Health Issues, and Woman’s Health Issues.
This Health Education bachelor’s degree enables students to focus their coursework on interest areas in health promotion and health education in the community, worksite, and clinical settings. This online bachelor’s in health education degree also prepares them for graduate programs or related industry jobs.
- In this online bachelor’s program, students will have training on how they can promote healthy lifestyle choices in both individual and group settings, paying close attention to diversity and culturally appropriate methodologies in health education.
- To qualify for the program, students must have four of six prerequisites completed, including Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with lab courses), Biological Sciences (with lab courses), Principles of Biology (with lab courses), and College Algebra.
- The cost of attendance at UF Online is $129.18 and $552.62 per credit hour for Florida and Non-Florida residents, respectively.
- Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available.
The University of Florida is SACSCOC-approved.
Arizona State University
Located in the metropolitan area of Phoenix, Arizona State University is consistently recognized by US News and World Report as the country’s most innovative school. Governed by the Arizona Board of Regents, ASU is one of the largest public universities in the US by enrollment, with nearly 150,000 students enrolled on campus and 38,000 students attending online. This public university offers 350 degree options across 17 colleges and 170 cross-discipline institutes and centers for undergraduate students. It also has more than 400 certificate and graduate degree programs.
ASU Online offers hundreds of online certificates and degrees as well in fields like digital media, business, sustainability, and engineering, among others. The Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Health Promotion allows students to become public health leaders and help improve the health outcomes of people and communities. Students will gain knowledge in implementation and evaluation, health promotion program planning, health education, healthy behaviors, health disparities, and health advocacy, among others.
- This online bachelor program prepares students for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam.
- On top of the major courses, future health professionals will also take electives like emotional health, social media and marketing specifically for health education, and interpersonal relationships.
- Students are required to complete a six-credit internship before graduation.
Students in the BS in Health Education and Health Promotion program can sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Exam given by the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing. Health professionals who hold such credentials have better employment opportunities.
This is a 120-credit hour program that costs $714 per credit hour. Financial aid and scholarships apply.
Arizona State University is HLC-approved.
Touro University Worldwide
Touro University Worldwide is a nonprofit university established by visionaries who are passionate about developing a connected learning community that can provide students with the support their need to achieve their individual academic goals. Through the Touro College and University system, students can choose from any of its graduate, undergraduate, and certificate programs across the country, online, and abroad.
Those who wish to earn the essential knowledge in dealing with the present issues about individual and community health can take advantage of TUW’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration on Health Education. This online Health Education degree is 120-credit hour coursework spanning up to eight weeks and costs $400 per credit. After financial aid and scholarships, the tuition is down to $280 per credit.
- Unlike most health education programs, this one is only offered to a limited number of students to allow professors to promote a one-on-one, individualized instructional approach.
- This health education online provides students an overview of community health education and health promotion strategies to deal with today’s growing health concerns.
- Students enrolled in the program will have the opportunity to explore topics and hone their skills for organizing, evaluating, and implementing efficient strategies and interventions in communities. They will also learn how to pinpoint and implement educational strategies in the field of health education.
- Graduates will qualify for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing.
- To fast-track the learning process, health education online students can take advantage of their transfer credits. Full-time students can complete the degree in just three years, while part-timers within 7 years.
- After completing their health education classes, students can apply to entry-level healthcare positions or proceed to earn their master’s degree completion program.
Touro University Worldwide is MSCHE-approved.
University of Arkansas – Little Rock
The University of Arkansas-Little Rock is a public research university located in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was initially established as Little Rock Junior College in 1927 until it became a four-year university in 1957. Today, this metropolitan university provides accessible and quality education through internship opportunities and flexible learning options. Because of its commitment as a premier research university, UA Little Rock is the driving force behind the city’s thriving cultural community and the state’s growing profile as a leader in technology, research, job creation, and economic development.
UA Little Rock offers more than 100 undergraduate and 60 graduate degree programs through traditional and online courses, all designed to meet the academic needs and interests of everyone. The Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion is offered 100% and is perfect for aspiring students who wish to have a career path in community and business services.
- This 120-credit program will prepare students as health education professionals in health maintenance organizations, community health agencies, as well as industry and business wellness programs.
- This health education degree online also assists students and entry-level health educators in taking the National Health Education Credentialing exam.
- Students in this online bachelor’s degree must complete an 18-hour minor program of study. Options include Health Sciences, Business Information Systems, Health and Exercise Science, and Human Resources Management, among others.
- Graduating students will also complete a supervised six-hour internship in a health education environment.
- This online program costs $280 per credit hour.
The University of Arkansas-Little Rock is HLC-accredited.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private school located between Hooksett and Manchester in New Hampshire. This private, nonprofit institution is home to more than 3,000 on-campus students, and over 170,000 online enrollees, making it one of the fastest-growing universities in the US. SNHU has reinvented college education to fit the needs of today’s workforce and students, making sure that everybody keeps pace with new technologies and professional requirements.
SNHU offers more than 200 career-focused programs to its students online and on campus. The school’s Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education is a perfect choice for students who intend to take health education in a community setting.
- In this bachelor’s degree, students will learn how to craft, implement, and assess community health programs, and understand more about the assessment strategies and analysis of the field.
- Through this 120-credit program, prospective students will gain the skills they need to help their respective communities achieve wellness. They will also learn topics related to the treatment and prevention of illnesses and injuries.
- This online health education program aligns with the prerequisites for the Certified Health Education Specialist examination. Students who successfully fulfill all the educational requirements set by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing are qualified to sit and take the CHES examination.
- All students in this online health education program are required to take general education courses as part of the school’s newly redesigned program called The Commons. This curriculum is designed to empower students with some of the most in-demand skills, so they become prepared and successful not only academically but also in their personal lives too.
- This bachelor of science in health education program requires 120 credits to complete and costs $330 per credit. The school also accommodates transfer students, allowing them to transfer up to 90 credits from their previous schools.
Southern New Hampshire University is NECHE-accredited.
Kent State University
Kent State University is a public research university based in Kent, Ohio. It also has several regional campuses across Northeast Ohio, Cleveland, Independence, and New York City, and an international facility in Florence, Italy. Considered the highest-ranking public university in Northern Ohio, KSU offers more than 300 degree programs, including 250 bachelor’s programs, 40 associate degree programs, 50 master’s degrees, and 23 doctoral programs of study.
Kent State University also offers over 80 degree and certificate programs online, including the Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a Concentration on Health Promotion and Education. This online bachelor’s degree is geared towards people who wish to help improve health outcomes and immerse themselves in community health.
- This online degree program is 100% online and touches on social and behavioral health, including exercise, sexual activities, violence, and substance abuse.
- Health education degrees like this one will prepare students to join the workforce as public health professionals, community health workers, and health education specialists. They can also join an advanced program of study.
- Students will explore five areas of public health: environmental health, biostatistics, health policy and management, epidemiology, and the social and behavioral sciences through general coursework.
- This online health education degree covers the public healthcare system in the US and abroad, along with emerging public health concerns like new threats to the environment and pandemic infectious diseases.
- After completing this health education degree online, graduates are now eligible to work in various areas such as human services agencies, public health departments, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, corporate work sites, insurance companies, wellness centers, corporate work sites, family planning clinics, community health organizations, and managed care facilities.
- Students can declare one of four optional specializations in public health, such as Allied Health, Clinical Trials Research, Community Health Outreach and Development and Health Services Administration.
- This is a 120-credit coursework that can be completed in 4 years.
Kent State University is HLC-approved.
University of North Carolina-Greensboro
The University of North Carolina-Greensboro is a public university located in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is part of the University of North Carolina system. This is a stand-alone university like all the other members of the UNC system, and can award its degrees.
UNC-Greensboro has more than 175 undergraduate areas of study and over 250 master’s and doctoral programs. It also offers over 75 online degree programs with a wide range of both graduate and undergraduate-level programs. Its Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education, with a concentration on health studies is offered 100% for those who wish to pursue a college degree after earning credits or an associate’s degree.
- This health education degree provides students with a solid foundation on public health and improves their capacity to promote health equity by honing how they can critically think about the main causes of health problems.
- In this online bachelor’s in health education degree, students will be prepared for positions in health-related fields and provide a base for graduate study. This also allows time and location-bound students to complete their undergraduate degree without having to relocate to the UNC Greensboro campus.
- Like other graduates in health education programs, graduates at UNC Greensboro are very competitive in the job market for careers in education, administration, health sciences, public service, human relations, and in other community-based, governmental, and nonprofit settings.
- This online bachelor program is available for those who are looking for a non-professional degree to complement their present career and professional experiences.
- With this bachelor of science in health education degree, students can join Public Health organizations and clubs, including the North Carolina Society for Public Health Education, Eta Sigma Gamma, NC Chapter of the American Association for Health Education, and more.
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a SACSCOC-approved institution.
Excelsior University
Excelsior University is a private online university located in Albany, New York. It is composed of three schools: the School of undergraduate studies, the School of Graduate Studies, and the School of Nursing, and serves mostly non-traditional, adult working students via its distance education programs.
Those who are planning to push their careers in health education can enroll for Excelsior’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Education. This online bachelor’s is suitable for students with military backgrounds or those who plan to shift careers in the health education industry.
- This fully online health education degree program covers the wide scope of responsibilities relative to healthcare careers and will teach students how to succeed as an employee in public health agencies, treatment centers, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other nonclinical health organizations and medical services.
- Students will learn how to foster behavioral change and encourage clients to keep their health and wellness in top shape throughout their life span.
- Whether they plan on becoming community health workers, health educators, or health education specialists, this online bachelor’s in health education help students how to properly approach nutrition, stress reduction, treatment of addictions and obesity, physical fitness, and management of chronic illnesses.
- The core courses teach learners about the purpose, organization, and quality of US health care and insurance provider systems.
- This course requires 120 credit hours to complete and takes four years to finish.
Excelsior University has earned the approval of the MSCHE.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public university in Amherst, Massachusetts, and is the oldest, largest, and flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts system. The school was originally an agricultural college when founded until it became the largest university in Massachusetts today. UMass Amherst offers academic programs in 109 undergraduate degrees, 77 master’s, and 48 doctoral programs.
The University Without Walls is UMass Amherst’s department which provides degree programs for undergraduate and graduate distance learning students. For those who wish to pursue a master’s degree completion program after earning their associate degree credits in health education, the Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies is a great option.
- This online bachelor’s in health studies is an interdisciplinary degree that focuses on health studies. Students will advance their careers in high-demand health professionals such as health education specialists, health educators, human communicable diseases specialists, health care managers, health educators, and mental health and substance abuse professionals.
- Students in this bachelor’s in health science will study with distinguished instructors from the UMass School of Public Health and Health Sciences, the Departments of Sociology and Psychology, and the UMass School of Education.
- Some of the core courses include health education and promotion, public health communications, community development and health education, and introduction to health services management, among others.
UMass Amherst is a NECHE-accredited university.
Walden University
Walden University is a private online for-profit university based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This accredited online university offers bachelor’s, master’s doctoral, and specialist degrees, serving thousands of students from over 145 countries.
For students who wish to understand the dynamics, policies, and organization of the healthcare system, the online Bachelor of Science in Health Education Studies at Walden University is a perfect option.
- This online bachelor’s in health education degree program allows students to choose from any of the three concentrations: Health Management, Health Promotion and Wellness, Health Psychology, and Behavior.
- This is a 180-credit program that can be completed within four to seven years.
- In this online bachelor program, students will gain the skills and knowledge for them to help others shape a healthier future.
- This online degree will demonstrate the skills they need to make efficient health programs and services. They will also demonstrate the right communications skills needed to advance social change ins health promotion and health education.
The HLC has accredited Walden University.
Common Careers in Health Education
Earning a degree in health education opens your doors to many career options in the workforce. From community to public health, there are plenty of roles that will suit the skills and interests you gained with the degree. Here are some of the most common careers you can find in the field of health education.
- Health Educators
- Patient Advocates
- Mental Health Counselors
- Wellness Coordinators
- Health Coach
- Health Journalist
- Case Managers
- Community Organizers
- Youth Outreach Coordinators
- Education Managers
General Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Health Education Degree
History of Health Education
This is an introductory course that focuses on the foundations of health education. It also emphasizes how this field has evolved over time. Through this class, students will consider both the contemporary and historical issues that challenge the field.
Personal and Community Health
Students in this class will learn more about common health issues affecting individuals. They will also learn to create programs for disease prevention and health promotion.
Administration of School Health Programs
This is specifically for students who plan to work in a K-12 setting. Students in this course will learn how to structure health education classes, and how they can deploy these and maximize efficiency and involvement from both students and staff.
Measurements and Evaluation
This is where students learn more about qualitative and quantitative data tools available for health educators. They will also explore how to use these data tools effectively and assess both new and existing health education programs.
Health Education Internship
Students will join semester-long internships at community centers, rehabilitation centers, schools, public health departments, or in similar locations to gain hands-on experience before they graduate. During this time, they will receive professional guidance and the opportunity to network with industry professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can you complete an online Bachelor in Health Education degree program?
Online health education degree programs are usually comprised of 120-180 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this in four years. Those with previous college credits or work experience may be qualified for accelerated programs.
What is the difference between a Bachelor’s in Health Education and Health Promotion?
Both health education and health promotion bachelor degrees are designed to help students to education communities and people about health issues. However, there are some distinct differences between both fields.
Health education degrees focus on collecting data about public health, studying political and social factors of the field, researching and developing policies, and educating people about health issues. By contrast, health promotion programs center on empowering people to adopt healthier behaviors, making promotional materials like pamphlets and lectures, or preventing illnesses.
How do prospective students get started with a degree in Health education?
College admissions often look for correlations with learning experiences or present jobs to check if the student is eligible for admission. But this is not always the case. Fresh high school students need to start their application the summer before their final year in high school.
Generally, the assessment takes months, so it’s best to plan ahead! As part of the school requirements, students will submit their GPA of 2.0/2.5 or higher. High school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, SAT or ACT score, and an application fee, may also be needed.
Key Points to Ponder
- A Health Education program requires 120-180 credit hours and may be completed in four years (average).
- Some schools offer Health Education programs that allow students to choose their concentration, including health science, community health, and physical and health education.
- Most programs have internship components to help students build their hands-on skills. This is also a great way to meet and network with other industry professionals.
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