Master of Education in Health Education

Mission Statement

The health field is steadily gaining a stronger focus on the prevention of illness and injury, and on the promotion of healthy lifestyles for improving overall health. The Master of Education degree in Health Education at Rhode Island College trains health promotion professionals to design, implement, and evaluate interventions promoting healthy behaviors and lifestyles.

The M.Ed Degree in Health Education provides advanced academic training for individuals employed or planning to seek employment as health educators in academic, clinical, worksite, community, federal, state, and corporate settings. Graduates are well prepared to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam.

Objectives

Upon completion of the graduate program in Health Education, the student should be able to:

1. Assess Individual and Community Needs for Health Education by:
   • Accessing existing related data
   • Collecting health related data
   • Distinguishing between behaviors that foster and hinder well being
   • Determining factors that influence learning
   • Identifying factors that foster and hinder the process of Health Education
   • Inferring needs for Health Education from data


2. Plan Health Education Strategies, Interventions, and Programs by:
   • Involving people and organizations in program planning
   • Incorporating data analysis and principles of community organization
   • Formulating appropriate and measurable program objectives
   • Developing a logical scope and sequence plan for health education practice
   • Designing strategies, interventions, and programs consistent with specified objectives
   • Selecting appropriate strategies to meet objectives
   • Assessing factors that affect implementation
3. Implement Health Education Strategies, Interventions, and Programs by:
   • Initiating a plan of action
   • Demonstrating a variety of skills in delivering strategies, interventions, and programs
   • Using a variety of methods to implement strategies, interventions, and programs
   • Conducting training programs
4. Conduct Evaluation and Research Related to Health Education by:
   • Developing plans for evaluation and research
   • Reviewing research an evaluation
   • Designing data collection instruments
   • Carrying out evaluation and research plans
   • Interpreting results from evaluation and research
   • Inferring implications from findings for future health related activities
5. Administer Health Education Strategies, Interventions, and Programs by:
   • Exercising organizational leadership
   • Securing fiscal resource
   • Managing human resources
   • Obtaining acceptance and support for programs
6. Serve as a Health Education Resource Person by:
   • Using health related information resources
   • Responding to requests for health information
   • Selecting resource materials for dissemination
   • Establishing consultative relationships
7. Communicate and Advocate for Health and Health Education by:
   • Analyzing and respond to current and future needs in health education
   • Applying a variety of communication methods and techniques
   • Promoting the health education profession individually and collectively
   • Influencing health policy to promote health
   Source: Responsibilities and Competencies of Health Educators

Admission Requirements

• Follow the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development graduate admission procedures.
• Schedule an interview with the Program Coordinator before applying

Course Requirements

Kenneth Ainley Associate Professor The Murray Center 141 (401) 456-8046 (401) 456-9693 kainley@ric.edu