This program of study aims to prepare qualified individuals for positions as health education specialists with public schools, as well as a variety of community health settings. The qualified health educator has a good understanding of (1) people and factors which influence their learning; (2) purposes, principles, methods, and techniques of the communicative arts (writing, speaking, teaching, group work); and (3) community organization. The goal of the health education specialist is more effective interpretation of health activities and health information so that greater understanding, more intelligent participation, and better attitudes and behavior will result among people.
While the primary purpose of this program is to prepare students to function as teachers or as staff members, experienced individuals in the field of public health may qualify for positions such as health education coordinators in medical services (health maintenance organization, nursing homes, hospitals, physicians' offices, etc.), comprehensive health planning, communication, and administrators of public health education.
The studen's knowledge in all areas of course work, exclusive of thesis, will be evaluated during the comprehensive examination. Scores for either the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test must be submitted before students are admitted to Graduate Studies.
A student majoring in Health may choose from: Master of Arts, Plan I; Master of Arts, Plan II; and Master of Education, Plan II.
Master of Arts, Plan I (thesis option)
Under this thirty-six semester hour plan, the student will take thirty semester hours of course work in Health (or approved electives) and six semester hours of thesis work. The work will be divided as follows:
1. Twelve hour core curriculum including three hours of research and three hours of statistics.
2. Six hours of field work preparation and field work experience with an approved health agency or organization.
3. Six hours of thesis work.
4. Additional graduate work to complete thirty-six hours.
Master of Arts, Plan II (non-thesis option)
Under this thirty-six semester hour plan, the student will take all course work in Health (or approved electives). These hours will be divided as follows:
1. Twelve hour core curriculum including three hours of research and three hours of statistics.
2. Six hours field work preparation and field work experience with an approved health agency or organization.
3. Additional graduate work to complete thirty-six hours.
Master of Education, Plan II. This plan is designed specifically for secondary school teachers and the course work should be distributed as follows: (1) eighteen to twenty-four hours in a teaching field(s) for secondary school teachers for which the student has eighteen or more undergraduate hours and the University offers sufficient graduate course work, (2) twelve to eighteen hours of Education.
The Health courses taken under this plan should consist of three hours of research, three hours of statistics, and additional courses approved by a graduate advisor.
Selected 400-level offerings may be applied toward graduate degree with prior approval from the coordinator of the Health Program. Consult the undergraduate catalogue for course descriptions.
HED 531 FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNITY HEALTH. The epidemiological and biostatistical method of investigating health problems. Includes historical and philosophical foundations of community health with an orientation to current health programs and problems.
HED 532 HUMAN ECOLOGY. A study of the major factors which determine health or illness, including how a human being responds to physical, social, and emotional influences.
HED 533 COLLOQUIUM IN HUMAN SEXUALITY. A study of all the factors influencing growth and development. Consideration of the special problems of developing family life and sex education programs in the schools.
HED 534 COLLOQUIUM IN THE USE AND ABUSE OF DRUGS. Value education approach to the prevention of drug use and abuse. Personal, family, community and school factors influencing drug use. Origins and derivations of drugs. The mental, emotional, physical, social and genetic results from the use of drugs will be analyzed.
HED 535 LEADERSHIP IN HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMS. This course includes theories and practices and emphasizes methods for implementation.
HED 538 COLLOQUIUM IN CONSUMER HEALTH EDUCATION. The study of consumer goods and services as related to the health of human beings, their family and their community. Critical drug products, mail-order diet foods, fads and advertising.
HED 560 COMMUNICATION THEORY AND PRACTICE FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATORS. A laboratory experience built around research on motivation concepts, the influence of perception, attitudes and values on behavior, on directing change, diffusion patterns, group discussion and decision making, and interviewing techniques. Attention given to the selection, use, and evaluation of media, materials, visual aids, press, radio, mass media, etc.
HED 561 THEORY AND PRACTICE IN HEALTH EDUCATION. A study of the history, philosophy, and practices of Health Education. Exploration and application of behavioral science concepts and methodologies to community health education and inservice training of health professionals. Case studies and other practice models will be used.
HED 565 AGING AND HEALTH PROMOTION. A discussion of health promotion issues for the elderly including physical assessment, chronic care, health care maintenance, psychological adaptation, nutrition, and other current topics.
HED 574 RESEARCH SEMINAR. A study is made of research techniques, identification of problems, research designs and data gathering procedures pertinent to the field of health.
HED 575 STATISTICAL DESIGN IN HEALTH AND KINESIOLOGY. Principles of advanced statistical techniques and measurement theory with emphasis upon their application to health, kinesiology, and related areas will be presented.
HED 577 INDEPENDENT STUDIES. The student with specific interest and background experience in a specialized area will have the opportunity to apply theoretical concepts in a laboratory situation. He/she may have practical experiences in a clinic, agency, special school or other types of institutions. Prerequisite: Permission of the Department Chair.
HED 696 HEALTH PROGRAM PLANNING: PRE-INTERNSHIP. A comprehensive review of the components of health program planning with emphasis on the socioeconomical, cultural, and political factors that influence the health status of a community. Emphasis is focused on a comprehensive approach to health program planning models.
HED 697 INTERNSHIP IN HEALTH EDUCATION. A continuation of HED 696. Emphasis is on directed field experience in official, voluntary health and social agencies, and schools under the supervision of a qualified health educator or approved preceptor.
HED 698 THESIS. This phase of the thesis investigation includes the completion of the review of the related literature, formulation of the research design and procedures and related pilot studies. Some data collection may also occur, and the thesis symposium must be completed to the satisfaction of the advisor and members of the thesis committee.
HED 699 THESIS. This phase of the thesis work includes the completion of the data collection, as well as the actual writing and defense of the thesis.