Health Promotion and Behavioral Science Track

UCF Master of Public Health

The Health Promotion and Behavioral Science (HPBS) track of the Master of Public Health degree provides students with the foundational knowledge and competencies needed to examine and address the social, behavioral, and structural factors that influence public health. Students develop research knowledge and applied skills needed to design, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs and communication strategies that promote healthy behaviors, improve access to healthcare services and resources, and strengthen community well-being.

Graduates are prepared for careers in health promotion and education, community wellness, and behavioral health leadership across diverse settings, including healthcare facilities, government health agencies, non-profit organizations, schools, universities, and private corporations.

The track is unique in that its coursework aligns with, and partially fulfills, the educational eligibility requirements for three major professional certifications: Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), and Diplomate in Lifestyle Medicine (DipACLM), within a single MPH curriculum. Students must still complete each credential’s separate application, exam, and additional requirements.

Graduates of the HPBS Program will be prepared to:

Design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based health promotion and community-based public health programs, grounded in behavioral and social science theory.

Apply epidemiological and biostatistical methods to analyze public health data and inform decision-making.

Conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses to integrate research evidence.

Develop health communication strategies and advocacy campaigns for diverse populations.

Deliver health and wellness coaching interventions using evidence-based approaches.

Apply lifestyle medicine principles to prevent chronic disease.

Plan and manage community-based public health programs, including needs assessment, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Demonstrate cultural competence and health equity-focused practice across all public health activities, including during a practicum experience in a real-world setting.

Apply research design, data analysis, and scientific writing to public health problems.

Thesis Option

Students may pursue a thesis option to demonstrate advanced mastery through the completion and defense of an independent research study. Students must declare their intent to pursue the thesis and be approved by the beginning of the Year 1 Summer Semester. They should anticipate two additional semesters and six additional credit hours to complete their thesis research.

Curriculum

Non-thesis: 49 credits, 5 semesters
Thesis: 55 credits, 7 semesters
8 core courses; 8 track-specific courses
Courses on UCF main campus; course modality varies
Supervised practicum (3 credits) providing hands-on experience in a community or organizational public health setting

Certifications

Successful completion of all aspects of this program partially fulfills prerequisites needed for the following certification exams:

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) – National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)
Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC) – National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching
Diplomate in Lifestyle Medicine (DipACLM) – American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Careers

Health Education Specialist
Community Health Program Manager
Nonprofit Program Director
Behavioral Health Program Director
Health Promotion Coordinator
Public Health Program Evaluator
Health and Wellness Coach
Lifestyle Medicine Specialist
Health Communication Specialist
Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator
Research Coordinator/Public Health Analyst (thesis graduates)

Earning Potential

$117,960

Median wage for medical and health services managers

$78,749

Median wage for social and community service managers

$63,000

Median wage for health education specialists

Job Growth

23%

Projected growth in jobs for medical and health services managers from 2024 through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Projected growth in jobs for social and community service managers from 2024 through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Projected growth for jobs for health education specialists from 2024 through 2034, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Accreditation

The MPH program is designed to meet the accreditation criteria of the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), including the CEPH-required foundational knowledge areas and foundational competencies. The program intends to pursue CEPH accreditation.

Contact

Michael J. Rovito

Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director
mphinfo@ucf.edu
407-823-0946

Back to the Master of Public Health