Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MA in Health Studies

Master of Arts (MA) in
Health Studies

Online

Program Overview

If you enjoy leading a healthy lifestyle and wish to bring that passion to your workplace, the online Master of Arts in Health Studies may be the perfect degree to help you reach your goals in the fast-growing health education and promotion field.

Program Format
Online
Credit Hours
30
Tuition Per Hour
$440

Help Create a Healthier World

Whether you currently work or want to work in a corporate office, fitness facility, hospital, school, nonprofit organization or another area, the online MA in Health Studies can equip you to lead others toward a healthy lifestyle. You can help individuals, groups and communities achieve their health goals.

In this 30-hour program designed for working adults, you will learn to effectively plan, implement and evaluate health education and promotion programs.

Application DeadlineApplications accepted year round
Other Program SpecificsEligibility to sit for either the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam or the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) exam
Scholarships and Grants AvailableDiscover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey

Curriculum

The MA in Health Studies consists of 30 credit hours. Classes are offered in a flexible online format, and there are no campus visits required. By taking two courses a semester, you can earn your degree from The University of Alabama in less than two years.

Students will only be allowed to register for a maximum of 12 hours in the fall and spring semesters. Only under extreme circumstances, as determined by the UA Graduate School and the department of health science, will students be allowed to register for 15 hours in a given semester. Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to register for more than 15 hours. Students can register for a maximum of 9 hours during the summer semester.

Students may transfer 6 credit hours into the program or take a minimum of 12 credit hours of electives, independent study or fieldwork courses from UA. Transfer credits can be no older than 6 years from the date the student graduates from UA.

Please note that courses are subject to change.

HES 509 Research Methods or HHE 506 Techniques of Research in Health
HHE 515 Advanced Foundations of Health Promotion
HHE 520 Theories of Health Behavior
HHE 530 Health Promotion Techniques
HHE 565 Planning Health Promotion Programs
HHE 566 Program Evaluation in Health Promotion
HHE 590 Certified Health Education Specialist Study Course

HHE 521 Basic Epidemiology
HHE 570 Critical issues in Global Health
HHE 586 Environmental Health
HHE 587 Health Disparities
HHE 588 Sexuality Education: Theory and Practice
HHE 589 Women and Health

All students are required to take and pass the Certified Health Education Specialist exam in their final semester to obtain their Master of Arts degree. The CHES is a nationally recognized exam that allows students to graduate with both a degree and an additional credential. This credential shows employers that students have met the national standards to become a health educator.

To complete this program requirement, students must register for the CHES exam after completing at least 25 credit hours per NCHEC criteria. Students must also be in good academic standing to register thus students must have an overall graduate GPA of at least 3.0 and have earned passing grades of a “B” or better in the required courses (HES 509 or HHE 506, HHE 515, HHE 520, HHE 530, HHE 565 and HHE 566). Students will not be able to register for the exam if they have an “N” or an “I” grade in any required course or if they do not meet any of the criteria listed above.

Students are responsible for paying to register for the CHES exam. Current rates are on the NCHEC website linked below. Students must schedule and take the CHES exam toward the end of their final semester. Students must earn a passing score to graduate. Details about the pass rate are also on the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing website.

Admission

All students must apply for admission to the Graduate School at The University of Alabama. This process requires students to submit:

Statement of purpose
Application fee (if not paid previously as a non-degree student)
Transcripts of all college coursework
Three letters of recommendation
At least one of the following GPAs (on a 4.0 scale)
– An overall 3.0 GPA
– An overall 3.0 GPA in your last 60 semester hours
– A 3.0 GPA in your graduate program
If your GPA is lower than recommended, you may be considered for admission with additional requirements. Please check with your prospective program for more information.

Additional materials may be required. Applications are accepted year-round.

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.