To learn more about the University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (352) 662-3395 to speak to an enrollment specialist.
#1 Best Accredited Online Master’s in Health Education Program by BestColleges
Job titles related to Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®)
The University of Florida’s 100% online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) prepares current and aspiring health sector professionals to successfully plan, implement, and evaluate health education and promotion in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings.
During the 2022 exam cycles, 69 students/graduates took the CHES® exam. Of these test takers, 57 passed resulting in a 82.6% pass rate — 14.2% higher than the national average.
The online HEB curriculum was developed around the areas of responsibility as defined by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC), Inc., ensuring that students are equipped with the competencies and skills necessary to succeed as health education specialists and prepared to sit for the CHES® exam.
In addition to core courses that explore theories and principles of health education and teach students how to effectively plan, implement and evaluate programs, students choose from a range of program-specific electives including health communication, health promotion for priority populations, patient health education, or women’s health issues, ensuring the degree aligns with their current role and future career goals.
We offer three career-focused specializations that allow you to gain advanced skills aligned with your career goals. You can choose from the following engaging specialization options: Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment, or Employee Wellness and Health Coaching. If none of the specializations fit your goals, UF offers over a dozen electives, plus independent study, research, and internship opportunities to ensure you can tailor the coursework to meet your needs.
"HEB faculty strive to prepare our students professionally. We really work with students to help them align their interest areas in health with our degree program to help them find the job that meets their needs."
—Dr. Holly T. Moses, Instructional Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator
By the end of the program, students will sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam — and M.S. in HEB graduates boast an exceptional pass rate thanks to our expert faculty who know what it takes to pass the exam and succeed as health education specialists. During the 2022 exam cycles, 69 students/graduates took the CHES® exam. Of these test takers, 57 passed resulting in a 82.6% pass rate — 14.2% higher than the national average (68.4%). Our faculty are heavily involved in the field of health education and promotion, and many of them are Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®). Credentials aside, each of our faculty is invested in students’ careers and professional aspirations and provide personalized guidance to help them meet their goals.
This investment in our M.S. in HEB students also extends to the Registration Examination for Dietitians, which will require those eligible for the exam to hold a master’s degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college, university, or foreign equivalent as of January 1, 2024. Our faculty include registered dietitians and an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics fellow with expertise in public health practice, private practice, nutrition education, and academic research.
From across Florida, the U.S., and the globe, we’re bringing together future leaders in health education.
Ready to build a career you’re passionate about? The online M.S. in Health Education and Behavior empowers professionals like you to shape the future of this dynamic and rapidly growing field.
Whether you're a health educator, a healthcare professional, or an emerging leader in community health promotion, we offer the tools you need to thrive. In our program, you'll find supportive mentorship, a career-ready curriculum, and a powerful network of peers.
Our student profile reflects excellence:
Our students work in a wide range of sectors, including academia, healthcare, hospitality, medical services, and the military. They hold roles such as:
As of January 1, 2024, the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics mandates that candidates for the Registration Examination for Dietitians have a master's degree. Graduates of the M.S. in Health Education & Behavior interested in starting a career as a registered dietitian will meet one of the eligibility requirements for this exam — holding a master's level degree.
As a student in the online M.S. in Health Education and Behavior, you can prepare to excel as a leader by cultivating the skills to communicate vital information, promote health literacy, and advocate for improvements in public health policy. In our new student story video, Gabrielle Lobban talks about how earning her degree online allowed her to continue working while she started applying the concepts she learned to her career immediately. For more information about how the HEB master's program can help you reach your goals, contact an enrollment specialist.
The University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) equips students with the expertise for a variety of health education careers. Our graduates are prepared to work in settings like:
Health education and behavior professionals benefit from a rewarding career as well as competitive compensation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the 2024 median salary for health education specialists was $63,000. Graduates of the program also fulfill the education requirement for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) exam.
Students can choose from three optional specializations:
For more information, visit the UF Master’s Degree in Health Education and Behavior FAQ page.