Why This Matters
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DEMAND FOR HEALTH EDUCATORS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 13%
Skilled professionals are needed to teach the population ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, reduce health care costs, and prevent diseases.
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TOP HEALTH EDUCATION SPECIALISTS EARN $98,680 PER YEAR
The highest 10% of health education specialists earn more than two times the average U.S. worker. The median annual wage for health educators and community health workers is $46,910.
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17,000 MORE OF YOU ARE NEEDED BY 2029
The projected 15% job growth for community workers is significantly higher than the national average. It’s estimated there will be 144,100 health educators and community health workers nationwide by the end of the next decade.
Our Research
This list covers graduate programs in health education that prepare students for careers as case managers, community outreach coordinators, and health education programmers. Degrees offered include Master of Arts in Health Promotion, Master of Science in Health Promotion, Master of Science in Health Education, Master of Arts in Health Education, and Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior. Students can choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid learning formats.
National and regional accreditation is given to programs that meet specific academic criteria. The programs on this list are accredited nationally by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), and Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 76 hours to write this article
- 173 universities and colleges we assessed
- 265 education programs we compared
The Top 40 Master’s in Health Education Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
When choosing a career in health education, you should also consider pursuing a Master’s in Public Health (MPH). Students enrolled in MPH programs gain a comprehensive overview of different public health sectors, including epidemiology, public health administration, biostatistics, and health policy management. Graduates are eligible for many career opportunities, including roles as health policy coordinators, public health analysts, and community health workers. Master’s programs in health education specialize in evaluating health education programs and developing initiatives to improve the general public’s well-being. Determine the types of jobs you’d like to be eligible for after graduation when deciding which program is right for you.
Certifications can help professionals gain further knowledge about specific topics in public health and health education. The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing provides the highest level of health education certification in the United States. You may consider obtaining certifications such as the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES). Both credentials require you to pass a written exam.
The job outlook for graduates with a Master’s in Health Education is expected to remain positive over the next decade. Graduates are also eligible to pursue similar occupations such as dietitian and nutritionist, epidemiologist, substance abuse counselor, and social worker.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask yourself when researching graduate programs in health education:
- Am I eligible for this program? Most graduate degree programs require students to hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field. Some schools require a minimum GPA, a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score, and prior professional work experience.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Master’s programs in health education take two and a half years to complete. The programs on this list require a minimum of 30 credits and a maximum of 56 credits to graduate.
Each program has specific academic prerequisites and application deadlines. Research detailed information about the program you are applying to by visiting the school’s website or contacting the admissions department.
Determine how you will cover the financial costs associated with your graduate degree. Some employers may pay for all or part of your tuition fees. You may also be eligible for scholarships, grants, and federal student aid. Make sure to turn in all financial aid applications on time.