No. 1 ranking for ECU health education

East Carolina University earned top honors from OnlineMastersDegrees.org for the best online master’s programs in health education. ECU’s Master of Arts in health education earned the No. 1 ranking for overall quality, affordability and commitment to student success.

OnlineMastersDegrees.org analyzed more than 7,700 accredited universities by using data pulled from the schools themselves and from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. After the data was compiled, a data science team applied a proprietary algorithm to rank all qualifying schools for each of the different master’s degrees specialties. To be eligible for ranking, a university must hold active regional accreditation and have at least one partially online master’s program in the ranking subject.

Interdisciplinary work, an emphasis on flexibility and being an attractive option for working professionals have helped ECU’s program thrive.

“The MA in health education program was one of the first to explore 100% distance education courses and it was designed with professionals in mind,” said Dr. Michele Wallen, chair of the Department of Health Education and Promotion. “We welcome students seeking both full-time and part-time enrollment and look forward to providing mentorship and applied learning opportunities to help students advance personally and professionally. We are thrilled that this program has been recognized for its overall quality, affordability and commitment to student success.”

The full rankings are explained on the website: https://www.onlinemastersdegrees.org/best-programs/health-education/

Academic night March 30: On March 30, one of our engaging and informative virtual academic nights will focus on our fully online M.A. in Health Education degree. Check it out here and register.

ECU program highlights, as outlined by program director Dr. Ryan Martin, include:

• Prepares graduates to use social and behavioral theories/models to design, implement and evaluate community health programs.
• Provides academic training for individuals employed or planning to seek employment as health educators in academic, clinical, community or corporate settings.
• Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist examination, which is the only certification for the field of health education.

Only 8% of U.S. postsecondary institutions earned a ranking position.

“We’re pleased to see our online Master of Arts in Health Education program be recognized nationally as a standout health education program,” Martin said.

OnlineMastersDegrees.org began in 2020 to support online learning at the master’s level. Its user-friendly, research-backed content helps students find scholarships, resources, financial aid and connect with accredited colleges and universities across the country.

“This year, we focused on the schools making it easier for students to compete in today’s increasingly difficult job market,” said Kyle Darland, co-founder of OnlineMastersDegrees.org. “Providing students with opportunities to get a master’s online is only part of our rankings. Top-ranked schools also had competitive tuition rates and/or scholarships to help drive costs down. An affordable master’s is key.”