College of Education

Health Promotion (Non-Teaching)

300

hours real-world experience

11%

increase in the job market

over the next 10 years (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

4+1

University Scholars

program offered

Restart your search

Are you interested in how lifestyle affects health, or do you pay close attention to the latest health news? Are you concerned about lifestyle trends that may be impacting the health of our communities? 

The health promotion program can prepare you to help others live healthier lives. You will study human health and wellness, drug education, nutrition, sexuality education, and program planning in health education. 

 

Health promotion generally focuses on the whole individual, including social and emotional dimensions, not just the physical. This area of study is interdisciplinary, extending into biology, psychology, sociology, and medicine.

 

With a degree in health promotion, you will be eligible to:

  • take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam;

  • work in hospitals, health departments, worksite wellness, state or national agencies and organizations, or other similar settings; 

  • become a Health Education Specialist;

  • apply to graduate schools in health-related areas of study.

 

University Scholars 4+1 Program

Through the University Scholars program in Health Promotion, earn your undergraduate and master's degree in health promotion in five years, putting you closer to your career goals sooner!

 

Schedule a visit with the College of Education

"Health Promotion has taught me all about wellness including, how to assess a need in a community, create a program, be a resource person, and evaluate the program. But it has also taught me so much more. Thanks to my caring professors I've become not only more knowledgeable, but also more confident than I have ever been before."

Riley Callard

Health Promotion Graduate

Careers

Grow your future

Career Opportunities in Health Promotion:

  • Local/State health departments
  • Local/State/agencies or organizations (American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, etc.)
  • YMCA's
  • Community health centers
  • Federal/State/Local government public health agencies
  • Health Coordinator
  • Health Coaching (hospitals, clinics, insurance companies)
  • Health Specialist
  • Health Educators (colleges and universities)
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Wellness centers
  • Worksite Wellness (factories, companies)

Graduation Requirements

The B.S. in Health Promotion requires completion of the following: (1) UK Core requirements; (2) specified course work in program-related studies and professional education; (3) health promotion major; (4) completion of a university-approved minor.


Apply for College of Education Scholarships

In addition to automatic and competitive scholarships from the University of Kentucky, our students are also eligible for a variety of scholarship awards from the College of Education.

For incoming freshmen the scholarship application deadline is February 1. 

For transfer and current students the scholarship application deadline is April 1.

Student Organizations

Students can find many opportunities to join organizations. Many of our health promotion students are involved in:

Kinesiology and Health Promotion Club: ​If you are interested in promoting a healthy lifestyle, or interested in exercise science, physical therapy, physicians assistant, occupational therapy, athletic training, sports psychology, sports medicine, or physical and health education this is the student organization for you!

Learn more about student organizations in our college.


Imagine Your Future

Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers

Health education specialists develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being. Community health workers promote wellness by helping people adopt healthy behaviors.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$48,860

per year in 2023

Number of Jobs

126,700

in 2023

10 Year Job Outlook

15,200

new jobs (average)

Work Environment

Health education specialists and community health workers are employed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Most work full time.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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