myBama
Woman teaching a group of people

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.

Online Program Format

30 Credit Hours

$480 Tuition Per Hour

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 DeadlineJuly 15 for fall admission, November 15 for spring admission, and April 15 for summer admission
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.

Required Courses – 7 (21 hours)
  • 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
Elective Courses – 3 (9 hours)
  • 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
Comprehensive Examinations

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.

Loading...
Alabama A Crimson Background

Student Spotlight

Inspiring stories of success from students and alumni.

Take a look at some of our UA Online stories.

See All Stories

Contact Us

Program Information

Trevor McGhee
Admissions Representative
800-467-0227
trevorm.bama@ua.edu

Admissions Information

UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu

Resources

Money iconTuition Costs
hand with money symbol iconFinancial Aid
money envelope iconScholarships