M.S. in Community Health Education

The Master of Science (M.S.) program in Community Health Education is designed to prepare students to work as health educators in community settings. Students are employed in not-for-profit organizations (e.g., YMCA, American Diabetes Association, Planned Parenthood), state and local health agencies and organizations, and hospitals. The Community Health Education program allows health educators and physical educators to complete the master's degree necessary for permanent or professional certification, and offers those already working in related areas such as dietetics or nursing an opportunity to share their expertise in the community setting.

The Community Health Education program is designed to address the increased interest in wellness in the workplace and community. There is rising demand for educators to work in agencies and organizations that promote health and fitness, including corporate fitness programs, managed care organizations, and hospital and community-based health care settings. For many teachers who must complete a master’s degree for certification, especially physical educators, the Community Health Education program provides a master’s degree that does not require a semester of student teaching. Instead, Community Health Education students complete a practicum in a community health setting. The practicum is arranged during evening hours, on weekends, or in the summer, allowing full-time teachers to meet certification requirements without leaving their teaching position.

All matriculated students complete a signed program schedule. Any change in stated coursework must receive written approval of the assigned faculty advisor.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for Sage Graduate School, students must complete:

  • the following prerequisite courses and/or experiences:

    • Anatomy and Physiology (grade C or better), and
    • Human Development (grade C or better) OR Developmental Psychology (grade C or better)
  • an assessment of written expression and critical analysis skills.