Community Health Programs
The Department of Medical Science and Community Health provides training in the disciplines of health education and public health. The Master of Public Health, the Master of Arts in Health Education, and the Master of Science in Health Education prepare graduate students in the seven major areas of responsibility recognized by NCHEC (National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.) Those core competencies include:
- Assessing individual and community needs for health education
- Planning effective health education programs
- Implementing health education programs
- Evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs
- Coordinating provision of health education services
- Acting as a resource person in health education
- Communicating health and health education needs, concerns and resources (National Task Force, 1985).
Community health professionals may work in: community health agencies, hospitals, clinics, HMOs, wellness organizations, physician offices, federal, state, and local government health agencies and many other types of health care organizations.
Programs
The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree is an entry-level degree into the field of public health. It trains graduates to work effectively as public health professionals in a wide array of health-related organizations.
The Master of Arts in Health Education is designed for school health and physical education teachers and community health educators. It provides a breadth of knowledge in health and trains health educators to assess needs and to plan and implement programs within the school and community settings. In addition, students are trained to coordinate health education programs and act as resources and communication links for health education needs and concerns.
The Master of Science in Health Education focuses on health education, health promotion, and research in various settings including educational, community, health care, and occupational/worksite. It affords students the opportunity to increase their depth of knowledge in health, behavioral science, and research methods and program evaluation.
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