Features and highlights

What makes this minor unique?

Credentialing preparation

The minor curriculum is rooted in the core competences for health education specialists and prepares individuals to be eligible to complete the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Credentialing is optional and not automatic upon graduation. Refer to NCHEC’s website for more information on the CHES exam.

Interdisciplinary and inter-professional approach

Health promotion requires a village approach drawing expertise from a number of disciplines. Students from a variety of undergraduate majors may find this minor appealing as it provides a credentialing opportunity for individuals interested in the wide variety of careers that focus on improving the well-being of individuals and populations.

Hybrid and experiential design

All core courses in this minor are offered in a hybrid format. Course activities enable students to translate what they are learning directly into practice and to work with peers, community members, and experts to tackle real health issues and priorities. Consequently, projects and assignments also help to enhance the students’ professional portfolios, networks, and marketability.

Social ecological and human rights-based approach

Students in the minor will examine factors that impact health inequities, human rights, and health promotion practice by using a holistic, social ecological framework.

Learning goals

The goals of the Health Education & Promotion Minor are to:

  1. Describe historical milestones, contemporary issues, and future trends related to health education and promotion.
  2. Analyze how biological, social, political, educational, cultural, environmental, and behavioral factors impact individual and population health.
  3. Assess community needs and capacity for health education and promotion.
  4. Develop and evaluate tailored health education & promotion programs and communication using health behavior theories and models.
  5. Interpret and apply health-related research to develop evidence based health education & promotion programs and strategies.
  6. Apply key leadership and management principles and skills to effectively administer health education and promotion programs and services.
  7. Use best practices of health communication to promote and advocate for individual and population health.
  8. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the U.S. health system and issues that impact health equity and quality of care.
  9. Recognize the means by which social inequities and racism, generated by factors such as power and privilege, undermine health.
  10. Apply concepts and theories in practice by collaborating with others to complete community-based activities and projects.

Student testimonials

Updated October 2023