Health Sciences—Public Health Education, M.S.

The Health Sciences Department’s Masters of Science in Health Sciences / Public Health Education program is committed to preparing modern public health education professionals and population health advocates to address complex health issues facing today’s diverse society.  Graduates may pursue job placements in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, managed care organizations, health departments, health insurance companies, health centers, and others. Students are able to continue their present employment while completing this 39-42 credit program.

This program prepares its students with the necessary foundation to be effective leaders for sustainable change in population health by way of program planning & management, health communication, and health advocacy. More specifically, students in this program will learn how to:

1) Accurately identify and communicate individual and community health needs by employing sound data collection and analysis techniques.

2. Use data and best practices to plan, implement, manage, and evaluate programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments.

3 Be proficient in addressing a wide array of health issues and diverse populations in need.

4. Communicate and advocate for health and positive health outcomes of individuals, families, and communities.

Health education professionals are in demand and projected to grow 13 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020). Graduates of this program will also be prepared for & eligible to sit for the National Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam offered by the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).


The program’s requirements for admission are as follows:     

  • A completed graduate application form, including a $55 non-refundable application fee
  • A 250-500 word essay discussing student goals and objectives for pursuing admission to the degree program to which students are applying
  • Official transcripts from all previous U.S. colleges attended or official NACES course-by-course evaluation of any foreign transcripts*
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation
  • Professional Resume or CV
  • An official copy of GRE/MAT scores or waiver
  • Official documentation of English Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) or waiver if applicable

*Note: NJCU does not evaluate international transcripts. In lieu of a transcript, applicants with a non-U.S. degree need to submit a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES Accredited Member that includes U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency information for their coursework.

 
Core Courses: 21 credits
HLTH 614Advanced Epidemiology3
HLTH 615Measurement and Interpretation of Data for Health Professionals3
HLTH 616Techniques Of Health Research3
HLTH 626Health Care Organization3
HLTH 629Health Education Theory and Practice3
HLTH 637Health Law3
HLTH 660Thesis or Departmental Projects3
Electives: Choose 18 Credits
HLTH 605Environmental Occupational Health and Safety3
HLTH 609Supervised Field Training for Residency6
HLTH 610Contemporary Trends in Community Mental Health3
HLTH 612Community Organization for Health3
HLTH 618Health Economics3
HLTH 621Seminar in Comprehensive Health Planning3
HLTH 625Principles of Health Informatics3
HLTH 630Trends and Issues in Substance Abuse3
HLTH 635Public Health Issues of Immigration3
HLTH 647Health Disparities Among Diverse Populations: Class, Race, and Gender.3
HLTH 654Public Health Leadership3
Total Required Credits39

Students without a minimum of two years experience in Public Health are required to take a supervised field placement of 8-12 weeks. Documentation of professional experience (residency) is required. If residency is waived additional 6 credits will NOT be awarded. Substitution of any of the above courses must be approved in writing by Department Chairperson.

Upon completion of  the M.S. in Health Sciences' degree with a specialization in Public Health Education, students  will  be  able  to: 

1.  Utilize critical thinking skills to confront complex health issues and social determinants of health.   

2.  Analyze health information and provide cutting edge services to improve individual, community, and organizational-level health outcomes.

 3.  Effectively communicate  (both orally and in writing)  to convey information about current health issues to the public, health professionals, and policymakers.   

4.  Create,  manage,  and evaluate culturally competent public health programs that improve the health and well-being of communities suffering from racism,  sexism,  poverty,  prejudice, and oppression.  

 5.    Sit for the national Certified  Health  Education  Specialist (CHES) exam offered by the National Commission for  Health  Education  Credentialing,  Inc. NCHEC).