Master of Science (M.S.) Major in Public Health Education and Promotion (Non-thesis Minor Option)
Program Overview
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Public Health Education and Promotion prepares students for advanced careers in community and public health education settings in one of the fastest growing career sectors in the U.S. Graduates can pursue employment in public health departments, state and federal health agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other community health organizations working in areas including disease prevention, substance abuse prevention, adolescent health, and many other areas. Students are prepared to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist exam offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
Application Requirements
The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website. International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.
- completed online application
- $55 nonrefundable application fee
or
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
- baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
- official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted
- minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
- statement of purpose (500 words, double-spaced, computer-generated) addressing the following:
- Why public health education and promotion is an interest area for the applicant
- How will the applicant use a graduate degree in Public Health Education and Promotion to reach career goals
- three letters of recommendation from persons best able to assess the student’s ability to succeed in graduate school
- resume
Applicants should refer to the Graduate College website for additional information regarding the admission process.
TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS Scores
Applicants are required to submit TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS scores that meet the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science (M.S.) degree with a major in Public Health Education and Promotion requires 36 semester credit hours, including a minor.
Course Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
PH 5310 | History and Philosophy of Public Health Education and Promotion | 3 |
PH 5315 | Applied Behavioral Statistics in Public Health | 3 |
PH 5321 | Advanced Health Behavior Theory | 3 |
PH 5346 | Public Health Research and Population Surveillance | 3 |
PH 5350 | Advanced Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation | 3 |
Prescribed Public Health Electives | ||
Choose 12 hours from the following: | 12 | |
Environmental Health Issues | ||
Current Issues in Public Health | ||
Social Determinants of Health | ||
Grant Proposal Writing in Public Health | ||
Writing for Public Health Professionals | ||
Foundations of Public Health | ||
Ethical Principles in Public Health | ||
PH 5330A | ||
Public Health Leadership | ||
Public Health Issues in Human Sexuality | ||
Independent Study in Public Health | ||
Disease Prevention and Health Promotion | ||
Internship in Public Health | ||
Applied Epidemiology | ||
Global Public Health | ||
Health Promotion in the Workplace | ||
Minor | ||
Choose a 9 hour advisor-approved minor | 9 | |
Total Hours | 36 |
Comprehensive Examination Requirement
All students must complete a comprehensive examination during their last semester in the program. Students may choose to complete a written comprehensive examination or an oral comprehensive examination. The examination will cover content explored in the core PH courses in the major. Students must satisfactorily pass the comprehensive examination during their last semester in the program. If a student does not pass the examination, the student must retake the comprehensive examination during the next regular semester.
Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for the degree within the timelines specified will be dismissed from the program.
Master's level courses in Public Health: PH
Courses Offered
Public Health (PH)
PH 5199B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
1 Credit Hour. 1 Lecture Contact Hour. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
PH 5299B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
2 Credit Hours. 2 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
PH 5301. Environmental Health Issues.
This course is an examination of the ecological impact on the environment resulting from contemporary sociopolitical action and its resulting influence on human health. Students will be guided to research and interpret evidence-based information on major current environmental issues facing local, national, and global communities.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5302. Current Issues in Public Health.
This course will investigate the contemporary issues impacting public health on the local and national levels. Particular attention will be paid to the goals and objectives of the U.S. Healthy People Initiative and the ten essential public health services. Topics will focus on emerging trends in morbidity and mortality as identified by public health governing institutions, while exploring historical and current perspectives on public health practice. Students will examine the impact of current issues on the roles and responsibilities of the Certified Health Education Specialist.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5303. Social Determinants of Health.
This course explores the social ecological conditions which impact health and quality of life among various communities. Public health impact of socioeconomic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment, and social and community context will be analyzed. The link between social determinants and the U.S. Healthy People Initiative will be examined.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 3 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5305. Grant Proposal Writing in Public Health.
This course provides the fundamentals of writing grant proposals in the social sciences. Instruction covers how to package a successful proposal from start to finish, including defining program objectives, selecting approaches and a plan, and preparing a program evaluation and budget.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5310. History and Philosophy of Public Health Education and Promotion.
This course is an intensive study of historical and philosophical contributions to public health education and promotion program development. Current political issues, public health issues, and influential cultural changes are examined. Focus is placed on developing a professional philosophy of practice in public health education and promotion practice.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5312. Writing for Public Health Professionals.
This course provides a systematic approach to improve technical and professional writing skills. Specifically, theory-based methods for establishing a productive writing habit, generating and editing text, and self-identifying and self-correcting writing problems are presented. Writing for and application of public health research are emphasized.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5315. Applied Behavioral Statistics in Public Health.
This course focuses on the study of introductory and intermediate statistics and procedures commonly used in public health practice and research. Emphasis will be placed on application of statistical models, analysis software, and interpretation of findings.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5320. Foundations of Public Health.
This course is an in-depth study of past and current public health programs. The course focuses on the examination of public health programs, policies, and systems that have impacted health status in different populations. A collection of current case-studies will be examined.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5321. Advanced Health Behavior Theory.
This course focuses on the presentation and critical analysis of the role of theory in health behavior, the description of different theories being utilized in health research and interventions, and the application of these theories to interventions and research.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5325. Ethical Principles in Public Health.
This course provides an in-depth analysis of ethical standards, principles, and behaviors related to the field of public health. Students will explore how to apply, monitor, and model ethical standards in the profession.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5331. Health Disparities.
This course explores social determinants of health and health disparities in the U.S. and globally. Students explore past and existing public health initiatives to address health disparities in various U.S. and global communities.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5335. Public Health Leadership.
This course covers structured experiences for developing administrative leadership for public health programs. Included are leadership philosophy, staffing, programming, budgeting, public relations, facilities, and evaluations.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5345. Public Health Issues in Human Sexuality.
This course provides for an in-depth study of human sexuality as a lifelong process of acquiring information and forming healthy attitudes, beliefs, values, and practices regarding sexuality. Students analyze information and resources for implementing and advocating for quality inclusive instruction, policies, and evidence based approaches.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5346. Public Health Research and Population Surveillance.
This course focuses on research models used in public health and population surveillance. Students learn how to design data collection strategies for research and program evaluation in the social and behavioral sciences and public health initiatives.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5347. Independent Study in Public Health.
This course allows for independent study of one or more problems in public health that hold special interest for a student or offers opportunity for professional improvement and growth. Open on an individual basis by special arrangement with the Program Coordinator. Repeatable once with a different emphasis. Prerequisites: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
PH 5348. Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
This course provides an overview of the etiology of communicable and noncommunicable diseases with special emphasis on public health initiatives and health promotion activities which reduce the incidence and burdens of disease in both individuals and communities.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5350. Advanced Public Health Program Planning and Evaluation.
Students examine social ecological influences on population health in the context of public health program development. Students explore the use of epidemiological data to assist in developing health education and health promotion programs. Concepts include needs assessment, strategy selection, coalition development, implementation plans, and evaluation approaches.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5360. Internship in Public Health.
This 200-hour internship provides students with professionally related experience. Students may work with diverse target audiences in public health settings. The internship is approved and supervised by a Program Coordinator or assigned faculty. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 20 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
PH 5370. Applied Epidemiology.
Applied epidemiology is the science of tracking diseases and disease determinants in populations. Students will explore principles of epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as methods of disease and behavior surveillance. This course highlights the use of surveillance data to develop public health interventions and prevention programs.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5374. Global Public Health.
This advanced course focuses on principles of international health with global populations. Emphasis is placed on assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating prevention strategies. Students explore roles of health educators collaborating with providers of health services to diverse populations. Prerequisites: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5376. Health Promotion in the Workplace.
In this course, students will learn the standard approaches of developing and implementing evidence-based workplace health promotion programs. The course will focus on practical methods for needs assessment, intervention development, and program evaluation in various workplace settings.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
PH 5399A. Thesis.
This course represents a student's initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until the student has completed the thesis in PH 5399B. Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
PH 5399B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
PH 5599B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
5 Credit Hours. 5 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
PH 5660. Internship in Public Health.
This course requires students to complete a 400-hour internship to gain professional experiences. Students may work with diverse target audiences in public health settings. The internship is approved and supervised by a Program Coordinator or assigned faculty. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
6 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 40 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
PH 5999B. Thesis.
This course represents a student’s continuing thesis enrollments. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding. Graded on a credit (CR), progress (PR), no-credit (F) basis.
9 Credit Hours. 9 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit