Post-Baccalaureate Health Education Certificate – Online

Overview

Are you passionate about promoting wellness and positively impacting public health? SCU’s Health Education Certificate program will equip you with the knowledge you need to drive meaningful change.

Delivered 100% online, this nine-course program for those who have completed a bachelor’s degree, explores the psycho-social aspects of health-related behavior and motivation, epidemiology, assessment of community health, the latest advances in health education and promotion, and more.

In as little as nine months, you’ll be ready to sit for the CHES® exam to become a Certified Health Education Specialist—a profession that is expected to grow by 7% (faster than the average) between 2023 and 2033.

Program at a Glance

  • Completed in as little as 9 months full-time or up to 2 years part-time
  • 100% online, delivered asynchronously, meaning that you may watch lectures and complete assignments whenever it works best for you during a given week
  • Curriculum that specifically prepares you to sit for the CHES® exam and become a Certified Health Education Specialist
  • Fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional scholarship opportunities

Upcoming Start Dates

  • Summer: June 25th, 2025
  • Fall: September 2nd and October 22nd, 2025
  • Spring: January 5th and February 25th, 2026

What Sets Our Program Apart?

CONVENIENT AND ENGAGING

All nine of your courses will take place online and be delivered asynchronously, meaning that you may watch lectures and complete assignments whenever it works best for you during a given week. To keep you interested and fully engaged, each course will be taught and facilitated by seasoned faculty members and will include peer-to-peer discussion board posts and replies, self-directed exercises, written assignments, case studies, and assessments.

COMPLETED ACCORDING TO YOUR TIMELINE

You’ll have the option to progress through the program at a pace that works best for you—moving quickly and completing your coursework in as little as 9 months or progressing more slowly and taking as long as 2 years to complete the program.

DESIGNED TO HELP YOU PASS YOUR CERTIFICATION EXAM

Our curriculum is specifically designed to build your knowledge in skills across the following “Eight Areas of Responsibility” for Health Educators, as defined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). These eight areas serve as the foundation for the NCHEC’s Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) exam.

  1. Assessment of Needs and Capacity – Identifying and analyzing the health needs of individuals and communities through data collection and assessment methods
  2. Planning – Developing measurable health education and promotion goals, objectives, and strategies based on assessment findings
  3. Implementation – Executing health education programs using evidence-based methods while ensuring inclusivity, engagement, and cultural relevance
  4. Evaluation and Research – Conducting research and evaluating the effectiveness of health education programs using qualitative and quantitative methods
  5. Advocacy – Promoting policies and initiatives that support public health and advocating for resources to improve health outcomes
  6. Communication – Using various communication strategies, including social media, public speaking, and written materials, to educate and inform diverse audiences
  7. Leadership and Management – Leading teams, managing health education initiatives, securing funding, and overseeing program operations to achieve health goals
  8. Ethics and Professionalism – Adhering to ethical principles, engaging in lifelong learning, and maintaining professional standards in health education

Where Might the Program Take Me?

After completing the Health Education Certificate program, you’ll be prepared to sit for the CHES® exam to become certified as a Health Education Specialist and to then work in a wide range of settings such as:

  1. Healthcare – Educating patients and communities on health promotion and disease prevention
  2. Government & Public Health Agencies – Working on health policy, education campaigns, and community health initiatives
  3. Insurance Companies & Healthcare Organizations – Managing preventive care initiatives and educating policyholders about healthy lifestyle choices
  4. Workplace/Corporate Wellness Programs – Developing employee wellness programs focused on physical and mental health
  5. Schools & Universities – Promoting health education for students, faculty, and staff
  6. Community & Nonprofit Organizations – Helping to run health outreach programs
  7. Research & Advocacy Organizations – Conducting studies, evaluating health programs, and working on health advocacy policies

As healthcare providers, workplaces, and communities increasingly prioritize prevention and wellness, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for Health Education Specialists will increase by 7% (faster than the average) between 2023 and 2033. It’s a great time to pursue your passion for improving health and wellbeing!