MA Health Education
The Master of Arts (MA) in health education program at East Carolina University provides academic training for individuals employed or planning to seek employment as health educators in academic, clinical, community or corporate settings. Program graduates are prepared to use social and behavioral theories and models to design, implement and evaluate interventions aimed at improving community and population health.
Health education is a growing field that is expected to continue to provide favorable employment opportunities.The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that overall employment of health educators and community health workers is projected to grow 11% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will be driven by efforts to improve health outcomes and to reduce health care costs by teaching people healthy behaviors and explaining how to use available health care services.
Students who successfully complete the MA in health education program are eligible and may apply to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credentialing exam. CHES certification indicates professional competency in the discipline as well as dedication to professional development.
Admission Requirements
- Preferred GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate work.
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from an institute accredited by a regional association.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic and/or professional qualifications and abilities.
- Statement of purpose that includes: why the applicant is interested in this program, how this program will build on prior experience and professional preparation, and how this graduate program will contribute to career goals.
An application is required for admission to the MA graduate program – please visit the ECU Graduate School site for details or click Apply Button below.
Program Requirements
Delivery Methods
This program is only offered in an off-campus, on-line format.
Additional Information
Important Note to Residents outside North Carolina
Admission of applicants outside the State of North Carolina to an online degree, certificate or individual online course offered by East Carolina University, is dependent on ECU’s ability to secure authorization from the applicant’s state of residence, if such authorization is required.
East Carolina University delivers online education programs and courses throughout the United States and internationally. All programs have been approved by the University of North Carolina General Administration. Many states have prescribed an authorization process for out-of-state institutions delivering online programs to its state residents to ensure quality post-secondary education, to preserve the integrity of an academic degree, and to instill greater consumer protection for its student citizens.
East Carolina University has taken steps to protect its students and programs through nationwide compliance by participating in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA); obtaining authorization, approval, exemptions and waivers; or confirming that East Carolina University can operate without such authorization because the state’s laws do not pertain to a public institution, to an accredited institution, or to the ECU’s activities in that state.
On November 14, 2016, East Carolina University was approved by to participate in NC-SARA which is a voluntary, regional/national approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Institutions that participate in SARA are authorized to provide online education to students from all SARA member states. States and institutions that choose to become members of or participate in SARA operate under a set of policies and standards overseen by SARA and administered by the four nationally recognized regional higher education compacts.
Other Useful Resources
Information for online students
DE Graduate Student Application Guide