Health Promotion Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Understand that this is a 120-hour undergraduate degree focused on health in community and workplace settings.
• Recognize the role of a health promotion professional as a resource person who communicates health-related education needs and concerns.
• Learn about the foundational "General Education Requirements" that underpin the Bachelor of Science degree.
• Awareness of the multi-disciplinary nature of the field, incorporating elements of psychology, environmental science, and sociology.

Second Year

• Identify the core responsibility of assessing both individual and community health needs.
• Become aware of the diverse content areas studied, including drug education, safety education, and human anatomy and physiology.
• Recognize the importance of coordinating and evaluating health education services to ensure they meet the target audience's needs.
• Understand the distinction between this non-teaching health track and the health education certification for schools.

Last Years

• Recognize the mandatory internship or field experience requirement as the capstone of the program.
• Understand the potential for placement in diverse settings such as county health departments, hospitals, and wellness facilities.
• Stay informed about the professional ethics and standards required to serve as a health resource person.

Exploration

First Year

• Explore the "Course of Study" and "Graduation Plan" to understand how the curriculum is structured over four years.
• Visit the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport to learn about the various healthcare and human service settings graduates enter.
• Investigate the "Who Should Apply" section to ensure your interests in public health and wellness align with this major

Second Year

• Explore different internship opportunities at local organizations, such as wellness facilities or public health departments.
• Participate in departmental news and events to see how health promotion is applied to modern community challenges.
• Investigate specialized areas of interest like environmental health, occupational wellness, or community nutrition.

Last Years

• Network with professionals during your field experience to discover career paths in medical care or university settings.
• Research advanced certifications, such as becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).
• Explore graduate program options in Public Health (MPH) or Health Administration for further specialization.

Preparation

First Year

• Build a strong academic foundation in the social and natural sciences, including sociology and biology.
• Consult with academic advisors like Dr. Shelley Holden to tailor your educational path to your specific career goals.
• Review the graduation plan to ensure you are meeting all 120 credit hour requirements.

Second Year

• Master the skills of needs assessment and program implementation through core coursework.
• Secure your required internship in a setting that matches your professional interest (e.g., a hospital setting for clinical health promotion).
• Gain practical knowledge in safety education and drug education to prepare for community-based roles.

Last Years

• Complete the required internship/field experience to gain hands-on professional skills.
• Finalize a professional resume that highlights your experience in coordinating and evaluating health programs.
• Prepare for the job search by utilizing the departmental resources and "Contact Us" options for personalized career advice.