Health promotion is a behavioral social science that draws from the biological, environmental, psychological, physical, and medical sciences to positively influence health behavior of individuals and communities; living and work conditions that influence health; and prevent disease, disability, and premature death through education-driven voluntary behavior change.
The Health Promotion major at the UGA includes coursework in public health, human anatomy and physiology, biostatistics, policy, environmental health, and others. First aid and CPR certification is required, along with a field experience or internship. Students build skills to assess and address individual and community needs, organize community action and build coalition, and implement and manage health education programs.
Graduates are prepared to work in multiple work environments. Schools, special districts, and clinical/healthcare settings employ health promoters to coordinate health programs. Companies need health risk appraisals and health screenings. Community and government agencies need policy, outreach, and mass media health campaign evaluators. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credentials are also available from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NHCEC).