Best Online Master's in Health Education Degrees

Columbia University, an Ivy League school in the city of New York, hosts Columbia Online, its virtual collection of degrees, classes, and digital tools to meet the needs of online learners. Students wishing to pursue an online degree in health education may consider the Master of Science in Diabetes Education and Management through the Department of Health and Behavior Studies at Columbia’s Teachers College. On-campus faculty designed the 36-credit curriculum. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, allowing students to balance their studies around other responsibilities.

The University of Memphis has an online platform called UofM Global. This distance education platform has dozens of online master’s degrees in the health field, including a 30-credit Master of Science in Health Studies – Health Promotion. All classes are available online and cater to working adults who require the flexibility and career-centered teaching of a virtual curriculum. UofM Global matches students to an advisor who assists each student in earning credit for previous skills and professional experiences.

University of Florida’s College of Health and Human Performance hosts a highly individualized online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior. The degree requires 30 credits for completion and does not have a thesis component. Students study a curriculum that combines core competencies in the health education field, as well as extensive elective options for more focused study. Elective topics include health communication, patient health education, women’s health issues, and more. The degree strives to prepare its graduates to take the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam.

The University of Alabama hosts a range of online graduate degree programs through its Bama by Distance platform. Working adults interested in promoting healthy lifestyles in schools, fitness organizations, hospitals, businesses, and more may consider the online Master of Arts in Health Studies – Health Promotion. The 30-credit hour program teaches students how to best assist individuals and communities in their health-related goals. The degree can be completed in two years with no mandatory onsite components. Faculty members aim to prepare graduates for the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam.

Texas A&M University-College Station offers an extensive list of online master’s degree programs. Those interested in pursuing a health education graduate degree may consider the 36-semester hour Master of Science in Health Education. Throughout their coursework, students develop a professional portfolio, complete an internship, and take focused, elective classes determined by the student with help from an advisor. Students also take fundamental courses from the Health Education Core. The curriculum aims to prepare graduates to take the Certified Health Education Specialist Exam.

Liberty University offers a 42-credit Master’s in Public Health: Promotion—an online master’s in health education for those passionate about wellness education. Designed for the convenience of working adults, classes are taught in an eight-week format. Full-time students can earn a graduate degree in about 18 months. Master-level classes in disease prevention, nutrition consulting, and healthful living can lead to new jobs and career mobility in the healthcare field. Students study how to motivate individuals on healthy lifestyles and promote wellness programs in the workplace. Classes such as program planning, environmental health, healthcare agency management, and epidemiology integrate biblical principles. The program culminates in a hands-on capstone project at a site near the student’s residence. Admission requires an application, college transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and proof of English proficiency, if applicable. Flexible asynchronous classes are accessible 24/7 on the interactive Blackboard learning management platform. Faculty help fulfills Liberty University’s commitment to the formation of “Champions for Christ”—students who value integrity and excellence in service to others. Student services include online academic advisors, tutoring, and library resources.

The University of South Carolina - Columbia hosts a 45-credit online Master of Public Health in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior - Professional Program that admits students for fall enrollment. Students can finish in 24–26 months by consecutively taking two to three classes every 14-week term. The curriculum consists of 16 credit hours of core courses in public health, 12 credit hours in the Health Promotion concentration, 12 credit hours of electives, five hours of applied practice, and a comprehensive exam. This online master’s in health education is geared to working adults interested in promoting healthy behaviors in their community or organization. Students learn strategies for influencing public policy, leading change efforts, and developing evidence-based outreach programs. Courses are delivered on Blackboard, a platform that provides 24/7 access to instructional content, as well as a discussion board and open forum limited to online MPH majors. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, 3.0 GPA, two years or more of health-related professional experience, and GRE scores at or above the 50th percentile or a waiver. Prospective MPH students must submit a resume/CV, statement of purpose, three or more recommendation letters, official transcripts, GRE scores or a waiver, and TOEFL or IELTS, if applicable.

Old Dominion University offers a 43-credit Master of Public Health – Health Behavior and Health Promotion degree. Flexible eight-week classes make it possible for a student to earn a graduate degree in less time than traditional programs taught in semesters. This 100% online master’s in health education readies students for jobs such as health educators, planners, and administrators. The curriculum includes 12 credits of core courses that familiarize students with public health management, statistical analysis, disease and injury prevention, administration, and research methods. Students round out their education by taking classes in health behavior and promotion, global environmental health, and health electives. Hands-on learning is provided through a three-credit community-based practicum and a three-credit capstone project such as an internship or writing a grant. Asynchronous online classes allow students to work on their degree at a time and place that suits their schedule. Admission to the program involves submitting an online application, official transcripts, a 500-word essay, and recommendation letters. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred; a major in health is helpful but not required. Student support includes 24/7 technical assistance, free software, career services, and tutoring.

Framingham State University offers an online Master of Education in Nutrition Education Degree that requires completion of a minimum of 10 courses that can be taken over five terms. Students may tailor the degree to their career goals by adding a Nutrition Education Specialist or School Nutrition Specialist concentration. Students learn theories and practical skills for leading a school nutrition program, conducting research, and influencing wellness policies. Other expectations include an internship and passing a comprehensive exam prior to graduation. Online courses are delivered via Blackboard Cloud, which gives students 24/7 access to course materials, lectures, blogs, discussions, and more. Admission decisions are based on the strength of the application, transcripts, a bachelor’s degree in a related field, 3.0 GPA, 300-word personal statement, candidate interview, and prerequisites. This master's in health education online program qualifies students to sit for the national School Nutrition Specialist Credentialing Exam or the national Nutrition Specialist Credentialing Exam. Framingham State University adheres to peer-reviewed Quality Matters (QM) standards designed to continually enhance online learning.