What Can You Do With a Master’s in Health Education?

June 26, 2024

Health education careers can take many directions, from advising hospital patients on managing their chronic illnesses to promoting health in college or worksite settings. Whatever their professional interests, health education specialists have one thing in common: a passion to help others help themselves. Working in this field allows you the opportunity to improve the lives of individuals, families and even entire communities by showing people how to take a more active role in their personal health and well-being.

Health education specialists discover opportunities in a variety of public health settings, as well as clinical, community, nonprofit and business environments. This article will explore how you can put a master’s in health education to work.

Why Seek a Master’s in Health Education?

Many students who pursue a Master of Science in Health Education are recent graduates from bachelor’s programs who want to deepen their knowledge of the latest research and best practices in the field. However, seasoned professionals from various backgrounds — such as teachers, nurses, physicians, dietitians, psychologists and marketers — may also benefit from earning a graduate degree in health education.

A health education curriculum helps students:

• Develop specialized knowledge about a variety of health issues.
• Deepen their understanding of health disparities and socio-ecological factors affecting the health of individuals, families and communities.
• Explore strategies for communicating preventative health information to diverse audiences.
• Conduct research and evaluate programs and interventions.
• Promote healthy lifestyles and advocate for health education.
• Prepare for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam. Many organizations require prospective employees to earn CHES® certification by meeting academic preparation requirements and taking this national exam.
• Meet the Commission on Dietetic Registration requirement to earn a graduate degree before taking the registration examination for dietitians. This requirement went into effect on January 1, 2024.
• Gain skills as an educational leader that can increase their earning potential.

Jobs for Master’s Health Education Graduates

The health education field offers a strong job outlook. In 2023, there were 60,400 health education specialists in the U.S., and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 7% growth through 2032, much faster than the average of 2.8% for all other occupations. BLS attributes this rapid growth to education initiatives that strive to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs by providing information about healthy behaviors and health care services.

Professionals with health education graduate degrees find roles in a variety of settings. Alumni from the UF HEB online M.S. Program can be found in a variety of settings, including:

• Public health agencies (including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Hospitals and other health care clinics
• Community health organizations and nonprofits, such as the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and community health clinics
• College health promotion departments and school health settings
• Corporate offices that sponsor worksite wellness programs for employees

BLS reported that almost a quarter of health education specialists work for government agencies at the federal, state or local level. The other leading employers include hospitals, service providers for individuals or families, and civic organizations. Florida is one of the top three states with the highest employment levels for health educators along with California and Texas.

Master’s in Health Education Careers

Jobs with a master’s in health education provide opportunities to make a lasting impact in people’s lives while building a rewarding career. BLS reported that the median salary for health education specialists nationwide was $62,860 as of 2023.

Salaries rise with experience, education and expertise. While many health education positions are open to those with a bachelor’s, graduates with a master’s degree are more likely to reach the higher end of the salary range. An analysis of job listing data from Lightcast showed that positions seeking health educators with a master’s offered an average salary more than 29% higher than those offered to professionals with only a bachelor’s degree.

Below, you’ll find health educator job descriptions and salary projections according to data from BLS, Lightcast and PayScale:

Sources: Payscale, Lightcast, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Health Education Specialist

Health education specialists work in health departments, hospitals, wellness centers, clinics, schools and other settings where they teach patients and their families about health topics and encourage positive behavioral changes. Educators often keep in touch with patients and coordinate with clinical professionals in order to offer support and document progress.

Post-Secondary Teacher

A post-secondary teacher in health education prepares tomorrow’s healthcare professionals to offer valuable information to individuals and communities. These educators provide insights into the concepts and practical strategies that can make a difference in their students’ ability to help patients adhere to prescribed treatments, discuss demographic-specific health issues, promote effective public health measures and more.

Grant Writer

Grant writers help nonprofit organizations and government agencies apply for funding. These writers are skilled in research, communication and organization. They’re tasked with describing the mission of the organization they work for and outlining how funding would be used. They may also be responsible for tracking the use of those funds and the impact on the organization.

Wellness Consultant

A wellness consultant may help corporations devise programs that improve employee health or work with clients directly at a fitness facility or wellness-centered health care office. Consultants collect information through interviews or surveys to tailor plans for clients’ needs.

Prevention/Intervention Specialist

These specialists work in areas such as suicide prevention, drug/alcohol/tobacco rehabilitation and intervention, recovery services, disease prevention and on-the-job accident prevention. They may work in hospitals, clinics, businesses, or communities with high-risk populations.

Health Program Coordinator

A health program coordinator may be employed in an assisted living facility, hospital, public health agency or hospital. They operate programs that offer patients information and support. Whether these specialists design smoking cessation programs or lead wellness initiatives for older adults, the goal is to help patients develop knowledge and strategies to lead healthier lives.

Lactation Consultant

A lactation consultant gives lessons on breastfeeding and addresses common challenges. These professionals can also educate new parents about different types of breast pumps and how to transition back to work while breastfeeding. Consultants often work one-on-one within a health care or private setting while leading classes and support groups. Some positions may require an additional specialized certification.

Health Promotion Specialist

A health promotion specialist provides information about issues in public health and encourages healthy living. Educators in this role counsel groups or work with individuals to discuss health challenges. Promotion specialists may also be responsible for drafting helpful literature or meeting with public officials to devise campaigns that address health challenges within their communities.

How Can I Start Working Toward a Health Education Career?

To spread valuable, accurate information about well-being, first you must build your expertise and learn the best ways of communicating with diverse audiences. You can prepare to excel in health education jobs by expanding and updating your knowledge of topics that fit the needs of patients and your professional interests. Some key areas to explore as you take the next steps on this career path include:

• Health education program planning and evaluation
• Principles of effective teaching and learning
• Promoting healthier lifestyles in the workplace
• Theories of health behavior
• Biological, psychological and social causes of disease, disability, and death
• Advocacy and public health issues and legislation
• Epidemiological risk factors and public health decision making

Becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist could be a crucial step toward starting or advancing your career. You can earn this credential by completing a degree in health education and taking the CHES® exam administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). The NCHEC builds the CHES® exam around eight areas of responsibility:

• Assessment of Needs and Capacity
• Planning
• Implementation
• Evaluation and Research
• Advocacy
• Communication
• Leadership and Management
• Ethics and Professionalism

The online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior program at the University of Florida implements a curriculum concentrated in all eight areas of responsibility to prepare its students for the CHES® certification and various health education careers. Health educators apply their knowledge and skills to change lives and promote better outcomes for whole populations. A master’s program in this quickly growing field can equip students with the expertise needed to improve their professional outlooks and promote the well-being of diverse populations.

About the Online Master of Science in Health Education & Behavior From the University of Florida

The University of Florida’s online Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior (HEB) was designed by highly regarded health educator specialists to prepare students for careers in clinical and non-clinical settings. Developed around the areas of responsibility laid out by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, the curriculum builds the knowledge professionals need to plan, implement, and evaluate health education and promotion programs. The UF Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior program requires its students to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam.