| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-05-13 | - |
Program Overview
The University of West Florida's online MS in Health Promotion & Worksite Wellness prepares graduates for advanced roles in health education, focusing on maintaining healthy lifestyles, reducing stress, and promoting well-being. The program offers a versatile curriculum with elective options, a thesis track, and opportunities for practical experience through internships and projects. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers as health educators, program coordinators, and administrators in community and workplace settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The University of West Florida's online MS in Health Promotion & Worksite Wellness prepares graduates for advanced roles in the field, including specialist, coordinator, educator, director, and administrator positions in both community and workplace settings. The program focuses on assisting individuals in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and promoting well-being across various social and psychological aspects of health education.
Objectives:
Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify, analyze, and synthesize health education concepts, principles, and theories related to health promotion and worksite wellness.
- Compare and contrast health promotion program planning models and theories for application in health promotion and wellness settings.
- Present ideas clearly, effectively, and articulately in written and oral communications.
- Recognize and propose solutions to ethical problems related to health promotion and health education.
- Develop skills related to the administration of health promotion programs in health and worksite wellness settings.
Program Description:
Graduates of the program will be prepared to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam, a competency-based exam that measures the obtainment, application, and interpretation of knowledge in the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists. Recently, graduates of the master's in health promotion degree program have had a 100% pass rate for the CHES exam. Courses in the degree reflect current professional standards and practices in the health promotion field. The curriculum is versatile, allowing students to select electives that specialize their studies in worksite wellness and other areas of interest. Additionally, students have the option of pursuing a thesis track if they are interested in research or a doctoral program.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program curriculum includes a total of 39 credit hours and requires completion of the following courses with a grade of C or higher:
Required Courses:
- Research Procedures
- Research Seminar
- Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals
- Philosophical Foundations of Health Education
- Current Issues in Worksite Wellness
- Health Education Program Planning and Evaluation
- Social Marketing in Health Education
- Health Literacy and Cultural Competency
Elective Courses:
Students can choose 15 credit hours from the following elective courses:
- Internship
- Thesis
- Health Communication
- Social and Behavioral Sciences in Public Health
- Health Delivery Systems
- Directed Study
- Human Resources in Healthcare
- Prevention of Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Health
- Management of Diversity
- Fundamentals of Occupational Safety and Health
Course Schedule:
The program is offered online and follows a 16-week course schedule.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Assessment methods may include:
- Exams
- Quizzes
- Projects
- Presentations
- Papers
- Participation
Assessment Criteria:
Assessment criteria may include:
- Accuracy
- Completeness
- Clarity
- Originality
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program is taught through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous online instruction. Asynchronous instruction allows students to access course materials and complete assignments at their own pace, while synchronous instruction involves live online classes and discussions.
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members with expertise in health promotion, worksite wellness, and related fields.
Unique Approaches:
The program offers a thesis track for students interested in research or a doctoral program. Additionally, the program provides opportunities for students to engage in real-world projects and internships, allowing them to gain practical experience in the field.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of career paths in the field of health promotion and worksite wellness, including:
- Worksite Wellness Program Coordinator
- Director of Health Education
- Research Assistant
- Health Educator
- Tobacco Treatment Specialist
Opportunities:
Graduates will be prepared for a wide range of job opportunities in various settings, including:
- Business organizations
- Government agencies
- Universities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public health organizations
University of West Florida
Overview:
The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Personalized Attention:
UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.Diverse Programs:
Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.Strong Reputation:
UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.Engaging Campus Life:
UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.Academic Programs:
Other:
UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:
Archaeology Institute Field Schools:
Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.HeirStory Project:
Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:
Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.Entry Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts confirming a bachelor's degree
- Letter of intent describing reasons for applying to the program and associated career goals
- Contact information for two professional references
- Resume including appropriate employment at increasing levels of responsibility
- Submission of two professional references' contact information (title, email, and phone number)
- Submission of a letter of intent describing reasons for applying to the program and associated career goals
