Bachelor of Applied Science - Public Health - Community Health Education & Promotion

University of Minnesota Duluth's (UMD) Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Public Health prepares graduates to practice in a variety of sites, such as public health departments, nonprofit agencies, hospitals, businesses, and educational institutions. UMD faculty, staff, and students work as a team to develop professional, caring leaders who are committed to protecting and promoting the health of individuals, families, and communities.

The Public Health B.A.Sc. offers students many learning and leadership opportunities:

• Positive learning environment that promotes community support and excellence
• Involvement in student groups and professional organizations
• Hands-on community-based learning experiences
• Assistantship opportunities in research, teaching, lab management, communication, and event coordination
• Work with peers and community members of diverse backgrounds
• Internship experience in real-world settings
• Study abroad opportunities

Students can select from two areas of concentration in either Community Health Education & Promotion or School Health Education.

Community Health Education & Promotion Concentration:

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education & Promotion at the University of Minnesota Duluth is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Students in the Community Health Education & Promotion concentration are prepared to develop, implement, administer, and evaluate health education programs that promote health and prevent disease. Students with this degree and concentration are qualified to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. Graduates of the Community Health Education & Promotion concentration are prepared to:

• practice in a range of community settings (e.g., schools, voluntary health agencies, public health departments, hospitals, corporate work sites, and businesses)
• pursue graduate education (such as master's degrees in public health, health education, psychology, environmental health & safety)
• seek professional school training (e.g., nursing, occupational therapy, dental hygiene)
• earn related certifications in their fields of interest (e.g., certified health education specialist, certified health coach)

Acquired Skills

• Students will gain experiential understanding of areas of responsibility of a health education specialist through active learning.
• Effectively communicate through several mediums including oral, written, and multimedia.
• Understand theories and research used in health education.
• Work with diverse people in determining their needs for public health programming.
• Develop health literacy skills, which include the ability to access, understand, appraise, apply, and advocate for health information and services in order to maintain or enhance one's own health and the health of others.
• Graduates are prepared to teach to SHAPE America standards. (School Concentration)

Career Possibilities

Entry-level positions:

• Public or School Health Education Specialist
• Health Educator, Health Coach, or Patient Educator
• Workplace Wellness Coordinator
• Health Marketing/Communication Director
• County/State Public Health Worker
• Public Health Intervention Planner/Evaluator

Advanced Degrees in:

• Community Health, Maternal/Child Health
• Epidemiology and Statistics
• Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy
• Public Health Administration
• Environmental Health & Safety