The mission of the public health education program is to prepare entry-level health education specialists in the community and public health field who have skills such as health planning, program implementation and evaluation, and health advocacy for diverse populations in a variety of health promotion settings.
The Public Health Education program is a competency-based program with a sequence of courses that are designed to meet the needs of a public health educator. The curriculum builds on theory-based health models, health knowledge, and applying theory to practice.
This is accomplished through student projects, case studies, health agency site visits, internships, and other learner-centered activities in partnership with the Health Sciences Student Organization and public health community partners.
The Public Health Education program presents opportunities for students to conduct community needs assessments to organize, implement, and evaluate health programs to bring about sustainable change.
Completion of this major prepares one to assume an entry-level position as a health educator or a public health professional.
The program also prepares graduates to take the national Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam as offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Continued study may include a master's degree in public health, health education, or other population health areas of discipline.
The requirements for admission to, and graduating from this degree track are: