Professional preparation of health educators includes study in the behavioral and biological sciences, education and public health. NCCU's Public Health Education curriculum will provide students with social and intellectual experiences that will lead to self-directed health behavior and promotion of lifestyles conducive to health, basic preparation for entry-level positions in health education in a variety of work settings, sound preparation for graduate study in health education and related professions, approved coursework and experiences leading to eligibility to write certifying examinations, e.g., Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

The Public Health Education Curriculum will provide students with:

1. Basic preparation for entry-level practice of health education
2. Sound preparation for graduate study in health education and related disciplines
3. Approved course work and experiences leading to eligibility to take certifying examinations, e. g. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES).

Additionally, students are provided with opportunities to gain knowledge and skills to:

1. Promote self-directed behaviors and lifestyles conducive to health
2. Assist communities in identifying and defining health issues, designing and implementing effective strategies to address those issues, and securing resources to successfully implement those strategies
3. Advocate for policies supportive of health and a more equitable distribution of the resources necessary for health.

The student majoring in health education can select one of two areas for concentration: community health education or school health education with licensure. A combination of these areas of study may be selected; however, the combination will require considerable additional time for completion.

The community health education concentration prepares the student for baccalaureate level work as a community health educator. Advisors in the department will counsel the student in selecting an area of concentration and in planning his/her program of study.

Contact Information:

North Carolina Central University
Department of Public Health Education
Miller-Morgan Building
919-530-6422 (office)
919-530-7985 (fax)