About the Degree
Because of scientific advances occurring during this century, morbidity and mortality caused by contagious and infectious diseases have declined markedly. Unfortunately, these diseases have been replaced by chronic and degenerative disorders resulting from improper diet, lack of exercise, substance abuse, stress, unintentional injuries, pollution and an expanding array of lifestyle and health behavior problems. With appropriate health education interventions, many of these problems can be prevented or controlled.
The Department of Health Education & Behavior, with a foundation in the social and biological sciences, focuses on health information and theory application. 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. The undergraduate curriculum also provides an excellent foundation for health education and related graduate programs, as well as professional health programs such as nursing, medical school, physician assistant, occupational therapy and physical therapy.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Education degree program allows students maximum flexibility with choosing Department specialization coursework during the junior and senior years that relates to personal interests in the health field. Students can focus their studies on interest areas in community and public health education, health promotion in the worksite setting, or general health studies.
Students with an interest in community and public health education complete coursework 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 theory-driven educational methods. Community health and public health educators generally find employment in local, state or national governmental health agencies (State or County Health Departments, CDC, NIH) and in voluntary public health units such as the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes and Planned Parenthood.
Students with an interest in health promotion complete coursework that prepares for careers in employee-assistance programs and corporate or hospital-based wellness centers. Many companies utilizing large employee populations have noticed a significant decrease in absenteeism and an increase in work productivity for those employees actively participating in an employee wellness program. In addition, insurance rates tend to be lower for those employees thus providing an incentive for employers to offer such programs. Employee wellness programs can include sessions for smoking cessation, nutritional guidelines, stress relief, injury prevention, and might include running an on-site gym.
Students wishing to have in depth knowledge of health concerns may complete an interest in health studies. This interest area allows students to gain knowledge on a variety of health issues plaguing diverse population groups. Students are also able to complete required prerequisite coursework for professional health programs, as well as graduate programs in health education or related fields (public health, health administration, epidemiology and disease prevention).
Admission Requirements
Transfer admission is competitive in the College of Health and Human Performance with a few transfer admission spaces allotted to the Department of HEB. For example, 20 transfer students will be admitted to the Department of Health Education and Behavior for Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 combined. The minimum gpa for transfer admission consideration is a 2.8 overall gpa and 2.8 or better in prerequisite and universal tracking courses. However, in reality, the average overall gpa of those admitted is 3.0 or higher with B’s or better in prerequisite courses. In addition, a well written Letter of Intent (required from all applicants); a strong, consistent academic history; and, completion of an AA degree (required from all applicants) from a Florida institution, are considered in the admission process. Competitive applicants have all prerequisite courses completed at the time of application and/or when admission decisions are made.
Universal Tracking Courses (required minimum GPA 2.8)
Santa Fe College Equivalent Courses
Prerequisite Courses (required minimum GPA 2.8)
Santa Fe College Equivalent Courses
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For advising appointments, please call (352) 392-0583 x1288.
For answers to academic questions related to the HEB majors, please contact hmoses@hhp.ufl.edu.
To view the College of Health and Human Performance’s Undergraduate Academic Advising Policy Handbook, please visit http://hhp.ufl.edu/geth/AcademicAdvising/aa_policies.php.