Online M.S. in Health Education
This Masters of Science in Health Education is an innovative distance education program designed for health education specialists and practitioners working in clinical, community, public health, school, and worksite settings. This 36-credit hour program equips professionals to identify and address the health needs of diverse individuals and communities.
The online setting provides an ideal learning environment for students to participate in high impact learning practices, collaborate with peers, and engage with distinguished faculty while being able to work full-time.
The program is grounded in the Areas of Responsibilities and Competencies for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) developed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). Students completing the online program are trained and prepared to sit for the CHES® or MCHES® exam.
Mission statement
Equip health professionals and practitioners with advanced knowledge and skills to improve the health outcomes of diverse individuals and communities across multiple settings.
Purpose
Provide quality educational experiences for health professionals and emerging leaders seeking distance education to complete a masters degree in health education.
Admissions
Application Deadline
Fall 2021 (All Programs): June 1, 2021
Priority will be given to applicants who apply before May 1
** Cohorts begin during the Fall semester
Core Curriculum
Contact Advisors

Tyler Fadal
Graduate Advisor
Faculty
Over 20 highly-qualified faculty members serve the Health Education Division through teaching, research, and service, bringing decades of experience to Health Education students. Areas of research include health behaviors throughout the lifespan such as human sexuality; substance use and abuse; comprehensive school health education; health equity; genomics; global health; health program evaluation; community capacity; systems and network analysis.
Health Education FacultyFrequently Asked Questions
What will this degree prepare me for?
This degree will prepare graduates for careers in the health field. Because this degree program is grounded in the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC) Areas of Responsibility, students will be prepared for careers in governmental organizations (e.g., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]) and non-profit organizations (e.g., American Cancer Society [ACS]); community and public health agencies; colleges/universities; businesses and worksites; schools; healthcare and clinical settings.
Do I have to move to Texas to complete this program?
No, you don’t. This program is designed for working professionals
located anywhere in the United States. Please keep in mind that course
times and assignment due dates will be based on Central Standard Time
(CST).
Can I apply at any time?
You can apply at any time up until the June 1 deadline, but new cohorts will only begin in the fall.
How do I apply for this program?
Those interested will apply using the Unicas system. Applicants will be required to upload a personal statement, resume/CV, three letters of recommendation, and typed response to a customized question regarding online learning.
Apply nowDo I have to follow the set curriculum?
This program is cohort based, meaning you will move through the program with the same group of students. In order to stay with your cohort, you are required to complete the courses in the sequence laid out in the M.S. Health Education – Online
What is a cohort?
Graduate school cohorts are set groups of people working together for the
duration of their program. The purpose of cohorts is to encourage a more
dynamic, collaborative, and supportive learning environment to ensure
students are successful throughout their graduate studies.
What are the minimum degree requirements for this online program?
- Courses must be taken in sequence to complete the 36 credit hour
program - Graduate students are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to
meet graduation requirements
What’s the time commitment for this online program?
This 36 credit hour program will take two years to complete. Students will
matriculate into the program in cohorts starting in the fall semester and will be expected to take courses fall, spring, and summer for two years. During these semesters, students will be enrolled in up to 7 credit hours of coursework. For every one credit hour you are enrolled in, it is expected that students will spend approximately 2-3 hours outside of class preparing, reading, and completing assignments.
What are the online class meeting expectations?
This online program will include mostly asynchronous learning, which
means learning can happen at your own pace and on your own schedule.
The course instructor will provide materials for reading, lectures for viewing, and assignments for completing which you can access and complete within a semi-flexible time frame outlined in the course syllabi.
However, most courses will incorporate some form of synchronous learning to promote engagement, communication, and collaboration between students and faculty. This means, at times, you may be asked to interact in virtual spaces, via Zoom, at specific and scheduled times.
During all forms of learning and instruction, students are expected to
adhere to course guidelines, professional behaviors, and the Aggie Code of Honor and Netiquette.
Why do I have to be involved with a professional organization?
One of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC) competencies is to engage in professional development/maintain proficiency. This means participating in professional organizations, engaging in professional development opportunities to maintain competency on advances in the field, and engaging in networking.
How do I become involved with a professional organization and what activities should I be engaging in with those organizations?
There are several health organizations you can become a member of. Those which are specific to health education include American School Health Association (ASHA), the American Public Health Association (APHA), and the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE). Students may also join topic specific organizations such as the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS) or the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD). More information on professional organizations to join and participate in will be discussed with students at a later date.
How do I know if an online program is right for me?
Finding the right time to start an online master’s degree program can be a challenge. It’s important to determine if you are able to balance your personal, professional, and academic responsibilities. The online learning process is accelerated and requires a high level of commitment on the student’s part. Thus, online learning involves significant levels of student independence, internal motivation, responsibility, self-discipline, and your ability to collaborate within your cohort. Additional characteristics of successful online students include: strong communication, effective time management, and problem-solving skills.
What are the technology requirements for this online program?
To participate in the online program, we recommend the following
technology:
- A computer with an up-to-date operating system and software
programs - High speed internet access
- Microsoft Office (available to TAMU students for free: https://gateway.tamu.edu/office365/)
- Zoom (available to TAMU students for free: https://tamu.zoom.us/)
- Webcam
- Audio capabilities
- All courses will be housed in the learning management system,
Canvas, where students will access course materials, interact with
faculty/peers, complete assignments, and more.
Click here for more information
What are the typical program costs?
The following website can help you estimate the cost of the program, including current costs of tuition and fees: Click here for the cost of attendance estimator
Please note, you must update the program hours.
Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?
Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance through the following offices: Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?
Please contact the Graduate Advising Office using the information
below:
Carmen Hoffmann
Academic Advisor III
Department of Health and Kinesiology | Texas A&M University
Gibb Gilchrist Building | Office 325
4342 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-4243
hoffmannc@tamu.edu
979-458-2673
Tyler Fadal
Academic Advisor II
Department of Health and Kinesiology | Texas A&M University
Gibb Gilchrist Building | Office 324
4342 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-4243
tylerfadal@tamu.edu
979-862-4052
Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.