Health Education & Behavior M.S.

Upon completion of the M.S. graduate program curriculum requirements, students are eligible to register and sit for the national Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) examination administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. The M.S. degree includes thesis, non-thesis and project in lieu of thesis options.

Thesis and Project In Lieu of Thesis Options

The 30-Credit, Thesis and the 30-Credit, Project In Lieu of Thesis options are for students interested in improving their research skills through conducting evaluation projects and empirical studies, as well as pursuing advanced graduate study, particularly the doctoral degree.

Students typically complete these options in about four semesters.

Non-Thesis Option

The 30-Credit, Non-Thesis option is for students seeking an advanced practitioner’s degree. A distinctive feature of this option allows students to choose a minimum of 15 credits of HSC elective coursework that matches their personal and professional interests and allows them to plan a program that achieves their goals.

The degree prepares health education specialists to work in local, state and federal health agencies, voluntary health organizations, patient care settings and private industry. The degree also can assist students seeking a competitive edge when applying to graduate and professional schools, particularly in the health professions.

Full-time students can complete this M.S. option in one year.

Non-Thesis, Pre-Professional Health Science Track Option

The 30-Credit, Non-Thesis, Pre-Professional Health Science Track option is for students seeking a career in health care. A distinctive feature of this option allows students to choose a minimum of 12 credits (including 6 credits of undergraduate level courses [3000-4999]) of basic science elective coursework which are prerequisites for dental, medical, nursing, occupational therapy, physician assistant, physical therapy and other health professional programs.

This degree track prepares students who are interested in graduate studies in the health sciences and/or pursing health professional training.

Full-time students can complete this M.S. option in one year.