The Department of Health Education and Behavior, with a foundation in the social and biological sciences, offers coursework focused on health information and theory application. Health Education and Behavior students learn techniques to promote healthy lifestyle choices in individual and group settings, with special attention given to diversity and culturally appropriate health education methodologies.
Section MenuTo graduate with this major, students must complete all university, college, and major requirements.
For more than 60 years, the Department of Health Education and Behavior has been at the forefront of the health promotion and public health field, demonstrating leadership in instruction and mentoring, research and scholarship, and service and practice. By emphasizing innovation and data-driven advancements, the department’s efforts ensure that students are well prepared for the health promotion and public health careers of the future.
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The Bachelor of Science in Health Education degree program allows students maximum flexibility to choose department specialization coursework during the junior and senior years that relates to personal interests in the health field. Students can focus their coursework on interest areas in health education and health promotion in community, clinical or worksite settings or in health studies as they prepare for professional health occupations.
Students with a primary interest in community health education or worksite health promotion should select the Community Health Promotion specialization. Coursework in this specialization is focused on illness and disease prevention among special target groups within a particular community, with the ultimate goal of providing practical health information to diverse population groups through the use of behavioral interventions. Community health promotion specialists generally find employment in local, state or national government health agencies (state or county health departments, CDC, NIH) and in voluntary organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes and American Heart Association. Worksite health promotion specialists find employment opportunities within diverse small and large businesses and organizations.
This specialization is also appropriate for students planning to pursue graduate programs in health education or related fields (community or public health, health administration, health policy and epidemiology and disease preventions).
Students who want in-depth knowledge of diverse health topics, with the intention to complete postbaccalaureate work in a professional health program such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, occupational therapy and physical therapy should select the health studies specialization. This specialization enables students to gain knowledge on a variety of health issues plaguing diverse population groups and to complete required prerequisite coursework for professional health programs. Students may also pursue graduate programs in health education or related fields (public health, health administration and epidemiology and disease prevention).
Students who want in-depth knowledge of diverse health topics, with the intention to complete postbaccalaureate work in a professional health program such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, physician assistant, occupational therapy and physical therapy should select the health studies specialization. This specialization enables students to gain knowledge on a variety of health issues plaguing diverse population groups and to complete required prerequisite coursework for professional health programs. Students may also pursue graduate programs in health education or related fields (public health, health administration and epidemiology and disease prevention).
Additional science coursework is included within the semester plan to help students meet prerequisites for professional health programs. However, it is imperative that students review the requirements for targeted graduate programs as additional prerequisite coursework outside the curriculum for the major. Students should meet regularly with a pre-health advisor in the Academic Advising Center (100 Farrior Hall) as well as the department academic advisor to ensure adequate preparation for application to professional health programs. Ultimately, students are responsible for ensuring completion of the required prerequisites for their chosen professional health program.
Students majoring in health education and behavior are also eligible for the Bachelor/Master of Science combined degree program, thus receiving both degrees within approximately five years. Students interested in this program should schedule an appointment with the department academic advisor before the start of their junior year. More information about the health education and behavior BS/MS program.
Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.
Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.
All General Education requirements, including International (N) and Diversity (D), must be completed prior to the final internship semester.
To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.
This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.