Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Health Promotion

The degree offered is a Master of Education. It is possible to enroll as a post-master's or non-degree candidate to obtain professional development points (PDPs) or gain advanced knowledge in a specialized topic.

Program Features:

  • The program provides a strong basis for students to gain national certification as Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES).
  • The program is supported by strong technological resources.
  • Most courses, and all required courses, are offered in the late afternoon or evening, and during the summer to accommodate the working professional.
  • Enrollment in graduate courses is small and instruction is personalized.
  • When appropriate, individualized study can be provided through directed studies, theses or projects.
  • A wide variety of course offerings range from professional courses to health science content.
  • Opportunities exist to take elective courses outside the department.

Program requirements:

All master’s degree candidates in health promotion will be required to successfully complete the following core:

  • HEAL 504 Seminar in Health Promotion Theory and Literature (3 credits)
  • HEAL 511 Research and Evaluation Methods in Health Promotion (3 credits)
  • HEAL 518 Quantitative Methods in Health Promotion and Epidemiology (3 credits)
  • HEAL 519 Scientific and Philosophical Foundations of Health Promotion (3 credits)
  • HEAL 520 Designing and Administering Health Promotion Programs (3 credits)

All master’s degree candidates will be required to choose one of four alternative courses of study:

  • Option A
    1. Successful completion of the core requirements (15 credits)
    2. Individualized program of health (HEAL) electives by advisement (18 credits). Non-health electives may be taken only with prior written consent of advisor.
    3. Comprehensive Examination on core requirements
  • Option B
    1. Successful completion of the core requirements (15 credits)
    2. Individualized program of health (HEAL) electives by advisement (18 credits). Non-health electives may be taken only with prior written consent of advisor.
    3. Health Promotion Project (HEAL 501) (3 credits)
    4. Comprehensive Examination: oral defense of health promotion project
  • Option C
    1. Successful completion of the core requirements (15 credits)
    2. Individualized program of health (HEAL) electives by advisement (18 credits). Non-health electives may be taken only with prior written consent of advisor.
    3. Thesis in Health Promotion (HEAL 502) (6 credits)
    4. Comprehensive Examination: oral defense of thesis
  • Option D
    1. Successful completion of core requirements (15 credits)
    2. Concentration Courses (18 credits)
      • PHED 518 Advances in Exercise Metabolism
      • PHED 519 Advances in Exercise Prescription
      • PHED 544 Applied Laboratory Techniques in Exercise Science
      • Total of nine semester hours chosen with the approval of the graduate faculty advisor. These may include HEAL 501 or HEAL 502.
    3. Comprehensive Examination
      1. Examination on core requirements
        or
      2. Oral defense of HEAL 501
        or
      3. Oral defense of HEAL 502

Students who apply for admission to the MEd program in health promotion should have completed at least 12 hours of credit at the baccalaureate level in the social/behavioral sciences, at least one course in epidemiology or health services organization and six hours of credit at the baccalaureate level in health related courses. Students may petition the department graduate committee to substitute job related experiences for any of the aforementioned academic requirements.
and Leisure Studies

Our Graduates' Comments on the Program:

"The M.Ed. program in Health Promotion at Bridgewater State College was a very positive choice for me .... The size of the program was perfect, we had a good student to faculty ratio. We got individual feedback from the faculty all the time. Students in the program got to know each other well, providing a support system both professionally and personally."

Barb Bashelor, '98
Health Education Teacher
St. Michael's and Holy Trinity Schools (K-8)
San Diego area, California

 
"The Master of Education program in Health Promotion added a new dimension to my job. I feel quite confident in being able to identify target groups for health education programs, choose appropriate theories and models for program development and, when necessary, correctly gather and interpret data to support or promote programming. The small but dedicated staff in the Health Promotion department encourages and supports academic and individual growth. It is a worthwhile experience."

Elly Sheeley, '98
Occupational Health Nurse Specialist
Jordan on the Job (affiliation of Jordan Hospital)
Plymouth, Massachusetts

 
"The Master of Education program in Health Promotion at Bridgewater State College was an extremely positive experience for me, both professionally and personally. The core component of the program introduced new concepts and reinforced skills that have enhanced my position as a health educator. Through the elective courses, I had the opportunity to explore specific areas that were of relevance and interest to me. The diversity of the students was an asset as I was exposed to differing perspectives based on their ideas and experiences. One of the major strengths of the program was the support of dedicated professors who encouraged students to develop programs that would meet individual needs. Through the Health Promotion M.Ed. I realized the broad scope of health education and the wide variety of positions available in the field. Because of my graduate degree, I feel confident that I have the skills and knowledge to become employed in an health-related program as well as continue teaching at the high school level."

Donna Eddy
Health Educator
Plymouth North High School
Plymouth, MA

Curriculum

Please note that the College Catalog (pdf) is the official college resource for up-to-date program information and course descriptions. The curriculum listed is for informational purposes only. Please consult the College Catalog for the most current requirements.

Not all classes are available each semester. To view what courses are currently being offered, please view current course offerings.

Admission

Application for admission should be made through the Office of Graduate and Continuing Education. Applicants who do not possess an adequate background in physical education and/or related areas will be required to make up course deficiencies. Such background coursework will not be applied to the graduate program's minimum credit requirements.

Last Modified: January 30, 2006