Interested in a career in health and enjoy working with people?
The Master of Education (MEd) in Health Education and Promotion is a unique program offering the flexibility to choose between three concentration areas:
• Health Promotion – option for students seeking job opportunities as a health education specialist. Can be completed entirely online.
• K–12 Certification – leads to endorsement for New Hampshire certification as a K-12 Health Education teacher. Can be completed entirely online.
Each concentration has specific enrollment requirements, and some require specific majors or prerequisites courses. Each program is different in its delivery of online, hybrid, face-to-face, intensive weekends, or in-class sessions. The nine credits of core MEd courses may be taken totally online or in a hybrid format.
Health Education and Promotion (HEP) is a pillar for the broader field of public health, which is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This master’s degree program prepares Health Education and Promotion specialists who may serve in a variety of roles calling for broad knowledge and leadership skills used to address health behavior change across all levels of the socio-ecological spectrum, from individual knowledge, skills and attitudes to community-wide and regional population health, and environmental/policy change leadership. Graduates will be qualified to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. This certification is widely recognized by clinical, corporate, academic and community employment Health Education and Promotion employment settings.
Optional specialization is available for students who desire specific professional development for the K-12 Health Education Certification.
Curriculum & Requirements
Program Planning
The core education courses are offered year-round, and the required health education courses are offered primarily as weekend and hybrid courses. A limited number of courses will be offered during the fall terms. Content classes are offered on a rotating basis. This schedule allows students to complete their degree in two or three years on a part-time basis. Full-time students may be able to complete the requirements in less time.
Required Concentrations in this Major
Complete one concentration
Health Education and Promotion
Students interested in community, clinical, and corporate health promotion should choose this concentration. Coursework also provides preparation for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination.
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Master's Core Component | ||
| ED 5000 | Understanding Social Behaviors | 3 |
| ED 5010 | Philosophy, Ethics & Education | 3 |
| ED 5030 | Research Design | 3 |
| Health Education Component | ||
| HP 5010 | Scientific Foundations of Health Behavior | 3 |
| HP 5020 | Designing and Implementing Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
| HP 5030 | Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
| Professional Development Component | 12 | |
| Choose at least four courses from HP, HL or HH based on previous education/experience | ||
| Capstone Experience | ||
| HL 5750 | Individual Research: Health Education | 3 |
| or HL 5800 | Practicum in Health Education | |
| Total Credits | 33 | |
K-12 Health Education Teacher Certification
Students in the K-12 Health Education Teacher Certification option must fulfill the Master's Core Component in addition to the requirements below. Passing Praxis I and the Department HE Content Exam is required prior to completing the Teaching Experience Component. Requirements for certification may change, subject to changes made by the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHDOE).
Curriculum Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching and Learning Component | ||
| Choose at least two courses from the following based on previous education or professional experience: | 6 | |
ED 5270 | Foundations of Teaching | |
or ED 5060 | Exploring Learning Theories and Cognitive Growth | |
SE 5400 | Classroom Interventions and Special Education Strategies | |
HP 5130 | Teaching Strategies in Health Education | |
| Health Education and Promotion Component | ||
| HP 5010 | Scientific Foundations of Health Behavior | 3 |
| HP 5020 | Designing and Implementing Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
| HP 5030 | Evaluation of Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
| Professional Development Component | ||
| At least 2 HP, HL or HH courses will be approved by Coordinator depending upon previous education and/or professional experience. | 6 | |
| Teaching Experience Component | ||
| HP 5960 | Health Education Teaching Internship | 6 |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
Health Education & Promotion:
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic health content and current health issues appropriate for an entry level health professional.
- Assess, plan and implement health promotion programs.
- Evaluate health promotion programs for process and outcomes
- Obtain national certification as a certified health education specialist (CHES) from the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, INC. (NCHEC)
Admission Information
Requirements
All of the MEd in Health Education & Promotion programs require the following materials to be submitted through our online application
- Recommended 3.0 or better GPA in undergraduate coursework
- Official transcripts from any/all college level work
- Three professional recommendations
- Current Resume
- Statement of interest
- NH Residency Verification form (NH residents only)
Deadlines
Students pursuing Health Education & Promotion can apply for admission to any of the upcoming semesters. Here are the annual application deadlines:
- Fall semester– August 1
- Spring semester– December 1
- Summer semester– April 15
*We suggest submitting your documentation at least two weeks prior to the posted date to ensure your application is complete and can be reviewed by the deadline.
2024-25 Estimated Graduate Per Credit Tuition and Mandatory Fees
| New Hampshire Resident | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Mandatory Fees | Per Credit Total | ||
| Master’s Degrees/Certificates | $584 | $43 | $627 | |
| CAGS | $625 | $43 | $668 | |
| EDD | $681 | $43 | $724 | |
| Out-of-State Resident | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Mandatory Fees | Per Credit Total | ||
| Master’s Degrees/Certificates | $809 | $43 | $852 | |
| CAGS | $782 | $43 | $825 | |
| EDD | $866 | $43 | $909 | |
More information is available through the Student Financial Services Office.
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of student loans only. You will need to complete the FAFSA at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester you wish to begin taking classes. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid – please review our international admission requirements to learn more.
More information can be found on the Student Financial Services website.
Each year, Plymouth State offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to admitted graduate students. Selection criteria include academic and professional achievements, commitment to graduate study, and achievement or pursuit of personal or professional goals. Visit the PSU Scholarship Opportunities webpage for additional information.
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