The online Health Education Certificate program enhances the knowledge and skills of professionals who oversee health-related policies and programs. Coursework is aligned with the seven areas of responsibility outlined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) for health education specialists, who must be able to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate health programs; administer and manage health education interventions; serve as a resource, and advocate for health and health education.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and apply to the UAB Graduate School. Applicants must also complete and return the Health Education Certificate Application Form to the CHHS program. Only after they have been accepted into the certificate program are students permitted to register for classes. They must also upon admittance schedule an advising appointment with Program Coordinator Dr. Laura Forbes.

Course and Certificate Requirements

Students take four required courses and choose one from among four electives for this 18-hour certificate-granting program. All courses are offered only online. Please note that all students enrolled in the certificate program must apply to receive their certificates and must be registered for courses when they submit the completed UAB Application for Graduate Degree or Certificate Form to the Graduate School. The Graduate School does not award certificates or degrees retroactively.

Graduate Studies and Career Opportunities

Certification helps health educators to move forward in their careers without having to commit to a master’s degree program. A health education certificate holder wishing to apply to the master’s degree program in community health must complete all application requirements as outlined in the UAB Graduate School guidelines. A maximum of four certificate courses may be applied toward the master’s degree once the student has been admitted to the program.