Master of Science in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science
Department of Health Sciences
Promoting Health, Empowering Lives
A Master of Science in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science (HPBS) from the University of Central Florida prepares students with the education and experience necessary for establishing a career to help individuals and communities maintain and maximize healthy lifestyles. The program meets the eligibility requirements to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam, offered through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, and/or the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching certification exam.
The HPBS program trains students to conduct systematic reviews, translate scientific research into evidence-based practice, and design and implement innovative health education and promotion programs aimed at reducing the risk of chronic disease and its associated impacts. Students also gain skills in behavior modification, health coaching, and health communications.
The HPBS program is taught by faculty in the Department of Health Sciences with a broad range of research expertise on subjects like chronic and communicable disease prevention and care, nutrition, substance use, health behavior, health equity and disparities, and sexual and reproductive health.
The HPBS program offers non-thesis and thesis options that require 30 and 36 credit hours, respectively.
Graduates
Graduates are typically employed by healthcare facilities, government health agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, universities, and private corporations and will be prepared to:
- Develop, direct, and evaluate public health education programs and health promotion screenings and campaigns
- Employ strategies to support positive lifestyle changes and advocate for improved health promotion policies among healthy and chronically ill individuals and populations
- Evaluate the impact of behavioral and sociocultural influences on health and wellness
- Plan ethical research studies in the health and wellness sphere
- Conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate and assess research findings for translation into practice
Careers
- CHES-certified health educator
- Certified Health and Wellness Coach
- Community/public health education coordinator
- Community outreach manager
- Patient health education director
- School health coordinator
- Health education instructor (post-secondary)
- Health research coordinator
- HPBS-discipline related doctoral-level degree (thesis track emphasized)
Looking to get your Masters at UCF?
Master of Science in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science (HPBS)
The median earnings for a career with this degree is $60,000+ annually
Occupations for health education and health promotion specialists are expected to grow faster than average: 7% nationally through 2032 and approximately 14% in Florida through 2030
