Online Health Education Degree Programs

An online health education degree is also referred to as an online health promotion degree or health and wellness studies.

The objective of health education masters programs is to provide their graduates with the skills and knowledge to work within communities encouraging good health practices. Health educators take on jobs where they promote good health habits in their communities. Health promoters and educators develop public education programs in various topics for example HIV/AIDS awareness, diabetes and heart disease, teen pregnancy and safe sex practices, adverse effects of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, immunizations, fitness and exercise, diet and health eating habits, mental health issues, etc. In order to keep the increasing health care costs, insurance companies and health care providers are focusing on preventative measures and health care education. Online health education degree programs are offered at different levels include associates, bachelors, masters, and PhD degrees. Specific courses in health education PhD and other health education doctorate degree programs or depend on the actual degree and concentration but mostly the course focus on health promotion and health management.

Online Health Education Degree and Related Programs

A.T. Still University

• Doctor of Health Education
• Master of Health Education

Walden University

• B.S. in Health Studies

Benedictine University

• Online M.P.H. - Health Education

Kaplan University

• Advanced Start BS in Health and Wellness
• Advanced Start BS in Health Science
• BS in Health Science
• BS in Health and Wellness

South University - Campus and South University Online

• Associate of Science in Allied Health Science
• Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management

Grand Canyon University

• BS Health Sciences: Professional Development and Advanced Patient Care

Search for Health Education and Wellness Degree Online Programs

Locate Health Education Colleges in your area

Health Education Training

The associate's online health education degree curriculum may include science courses, human health courses, fitness, drug and sex education, nutrition, etc. The bachelor degree in health education offers coursework in developing health education programs, health leadership, computer technology in health, and health and social theory.

The master's level health education programs offer specializations in health promotion management or health education. Health promotion management qualifies students for leadership positions in health care clinics, hospitals, schools, and nonprofit organizations Health education courses may also include health communication, and health administration in addition to:

• Social policy and prevention
• Human sexuality education
• Health promotion in multicultural populations
• Health promotion for aging clients
• Epidemiology and education
• Maternal and child health
• Substance abuse education
• Workplace health promotion
• Planning health education programs
• Health policy

Graduate degrees in health education focus on teaching and research skills and upon graduation students can work in executive positions directing health programs, while others with a PhD in health education chose to teach.

While certifications are not often required it is an advantage to seek professional certifications through the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing. In addition, to maintain the certification, health educations are required to take continuing education courses or engage in professional development activities where they complete seventy hours of coursework over a five-year period.

Health Education Careers

A career in health education focuses on helping society to improve public health by encouraging people to make health choices. Some responsibilities may may include developing community-wide education initiatives. These programs can include nutrition and healthy eating, fitness and exercise, and disease prevention. Health educators also research health issues, so as to help the community make better use of health services, and also to adopt self-care practices.

Health Educators:

• Perform health training needs assessments
• Design and develop health education programs
• Publish health education materials and literature as well as grant proposals
• Develop health education curriculum
• Teach health in public and private schools
• Plan health promotion interventions

Employers include:

• Local and State Health Departments
• University Health Centers
• Research centers
• Hospitals and Medical Centers
• Corporate Wellness Programs
• Federal Health Agencies e.g. the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Colleges, universities, and schools
• Community centers

With a graduate online health education degree such as a masters or doctorate, students can pursue leadership and management jobs in hospitals, clinics, and state health departments. Others work in for insurance companies and non-profit organizations. Still, others work for school districts promoting health education in school settings.

Expected Salary and Project Career Growth

About 50% of graduates of health education programs work in health care and social services or health services programs. About 20% take on employment with state, local, and federal governments. Others work in social advocacy organizations and grant-funded organizations. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the employment of health educators is expected to grow by 18% between 2008 and 2018.

The average annual income with a camps or online health education degree in the United Sates is about $50,000. The median expected salary for a Health Educator in the United States is $51,892 as of 2011. The median annual wages of health educators was $44,000 in 2008 and the middle 50% earned between $33,170 and $60,810. The lowest 10% earned below $26,210 while the highest 10% earned more than $78,260 (BLS).