In this article, we profile the top 10 most affordable online master’s in health education programs.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the overall employment of health educators and community health workers should increase by 11 percent from 2018 to 2028. The growth will be due to efforts to improve health outcomes. For individuals already working in healthcare or health education, going back to school will help leverage your careers. By earning a master’s in health education online you won’t have to give up your current job while earning a graduate degree. Some of the nation’s top schools offer reputable and affordable online master’s in health education programs.
Affordable Online Master’s in Health Education Programs Methodology
We reviewed 33 accredited colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator and reputable online sources that offered affordable online master’s in health education (or closely related) programs. We narrowed our original pool of 33 schools by applying the following criteria: regional accreditation, institution and/or program rankings with U.S. News and World Report, and affordable graduate tuition and fees less than $15,000 per year. We then ranked our findings according to raw affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our top 10 list of affordable online master’s in health education programs.
#10 – University of South Carolina
Online Master’s in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior
Columbia, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,137
The accredited online master’s in health education at University of South Carolina is a fully online Master of Public Health degree designed for working professionals. The program allows professionals to earn an online MPH in health promotion, education, and behavior with only 24-26 months of continuous study. Individuals enrolled in the online program receive training in the development of knowledge through research and evaluation. Also, emphasis is placed on leadership and advocacy for change in organizations. The program has development curriculum aimed at the promotion of good health and health practices within the various areas of health and policy. University of Southern Carolina ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 104th best national university.
#9 – University of Florida
Online Master’s in Health Education and Behavior
Gainesville, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737
University of Florida’s online health education programs include the affordable and fully accredited master’s in health education online. The program is designed to prepare current and aspiring health professionals to evaluate health education and implement good practices in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Courses are delivered online and cover topics like evaluating health education programs, health communications, planning health education programs, and theories of health behavior and practice. In addition to completing the required coursework, students must sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Exam prior to graduation. University of Florida ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 34th best national university and 110th best value school in the country.
#8 – Nebraska Methodist College
Online Master’s in Wellness and Health Promotion Management
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,105
Nebraska Methodist College’s online master’s in health education offers a flexible online format that allows students to advance their educational goals while balancing outside obligations. The 36-credit hour program takes just 19-22 months to complete by taking accelerated classes that run five and ten weeks long. To add to the program’s flexibility, scheduled five-week breaks are structured throughout the program. Some of the online courses include human resource and strategic management, leadership in organizations, and strategic marketing for health professions. In addition to accreditation, the school has earned rankings with U.S. News and World Report as a top health professions school.
#7 – CUNY Lehman College
Online Master’s in Health Education and Promotion
Bronx, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,570
CUNY Lehman College offers accredited online health education programs, including the online master’s in health education and promotion. With no on-campus attendance requirements, the online program offers a convenient way of learning. Courses are taught by experienced CUNY faculty who are experts in community health education. Required courses include health counseling, history and philosophy of health education, program planning and evaluation, and research methods. Classes move at an accelerated pace and students earn their online degree in just 12-18 months. CUNY Lehman ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 100th best regional university in the North.
#6 – The University of Alabama
Online Master’s in Health Studies
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,780
The affordable master’s in health education online program at The University of Alabama consists of 30 credits and can be completed entirely online. Designed for working adults, the online program prepares students to evaluate, implement, and promote health education programs in various industries. The program consists of 30 credit hours and cover advanced topics like advances in health promotion, health behavior, health promotion techniques, organization and implementation of health education and health promotion programs, and techniques of research. Admission to the program requires three letters of recommendation and acceptable GRE scores if the undergraduate GPA is less than 3.0. University of Alabama ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 153rd best national university and 129th best value school.
#5 – Purdue University Global
Online Master’s in Health Education
Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,603
Purdue University Global offers an extensive list of online programs, including the master’s in health education online. This program is designed to prepare individuals seeking leadership and management positions in government, nonprofit, and private organizations. Each online course runs ten weeks. Courses cover topics in health education like community health assessment, environmental health, health education and communication, and public health leadership and administration. As identified by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, students receive training in seven areas of responsibility for health ed. specialists. Purdue Global is fully accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#4 – East Carolina University
Online Master’s in Health Education
Greenville, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,535
East Carolina University’s online master’s in health education provides advanced academic training for students seeking employment as health educators. The master’s degree is offered entirely online. Courses are taught by ECU professors using innovative and creative teaching strategies and technologies. Graduates of the program will be prepared to assess health-related needs of a population and plan and implement health education strategies. ECU’s online master’s in health education is one of the most affordable programs on our list. ECU ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 228th best national university and 109th top public school.
#3 – Valdosta State University
Online M.Ed. in Health and Physical Education
Valdosta, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,784
One of the most unique online health education programs on our list is the online M.Ed. in health and physical education offered by Valdosta State University. While not a master’s in health education online, the graduate program does offer components of health and physical education. For admission, the 33-credit hour program requires applicants to have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants with GPAs below 2.5 will not be considered for admission to the program. Once admitted, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA for graduation. U.S. News and World Report ranks Valdosta State #293-#381 in best national universities.
#2 – University of the Cumberlands
Online Master’s in Health and Human Performance
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,970
University of the Cumberlands offers an online master’s in health education degree that focuses attention on health and human performance. The degree has two concentration areas: health and fitness promotion and coaching and fitness leadership. While the curriculum and classes are delivered online, faculty engages students with lectures and projects that are as rigorous as the on-campus program. Curriculum focuses on all aspects of health, including exercise physiology, health and fitness testing, nutrition, research, and statistics. In addition to offering accreditation, the online health education programs at University of the Cumberlands are highly affordable and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#1 – New Mexico State University
Online Master of Public Health
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,753
The most affordable online master’s in health education program on our list is offered by New Mexico State University. The online MPH is among the top online health education programs for affordability, accreditation, and flexibility. Students take online classes that explore topics applicable to the role of a community or public health specialist. The program is designed for working public health practitioners who are unable to attend classes at the Las Cruces campus. However, students may choose to take in-person classes at the Albuquerque center. NMSU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 263rd best national university and 128th top public institution.
BCO Staff
March 2020
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