Students can complete the program in just one year or three semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer). View the Curriculum page for sample course schedules.
The total cost of the 30-credit online HEB program is $17,572.50 at $585.75 per credit hour. View the Tuition and Financial Aid page for details.
The online HEB program was designed to deliver the knowledge and skills required to become a Certified Health Education Specialist. Students who enroll in the program are required to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) exam. Upon passing, students will be prepared to succeed in a variety of settings including:
- Hospitals/clinics
- Worksite health promotion/employee wellness
- Governmental health agencies at the local, state, and national levels
- Community health organizations
- Non-profit health organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Schools
Students in the online HEB program are never required to come to campus but are welcome to attend the graduation ceremony in person.
No. Students of the online HEB program can enroll full-time or part-time. Full-time status for graduate students is nine credits (three courses), but students may take only one course per semester. View the Curriculum page for details.
Students can choose from three optional specializations:
- The Chronic Disease Prevention and Management specialization was designed to prepare graduate students to become empathetic, expert leaders who can support individuals who are struggling with chronic conditions.
- The Employee Wellness and Health Coaching specialization gives graduate students the expertise to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive wellness programs in workplace settings.
- The Substance Use Prevention and Treatment specialization gives future health education professionals the tools to design, implement, and evaluate effective strategies for substance abuse prevention and misuse.
There are several internship options for students in the HEB master’s program. Students can choose from a list of pre-approved sites from across the country, or submit new sites for approval. Examples of internship sites include state health departments, hospitals and clinics, community health agencies, and worksite wellness programs. Visit the curriculum page to learn more about internships.
While the University of Florida does not currently award credit for past life or work experience, students can transfer up to nine graduate credits from a regionally accredited university with an advisor’s approval. Speak with an enrollment specialist or visit the Admissions page for details.
Merit-based scholarships may be available to students in the online HEB program. Students are also encouraged to apply for government and/or private loans to help finance their education. Visit the Tuition & Financial Aid page for more information.
Online HEB students have access to services including:
- Gator Careerlink — this career resource guide provides students access to full and part-time opportunities, internships, co-ops, information sessions, workshops, career fair information, networking opportunities, mock interview options, career planning appointments, and so much more.
- 24/7 Tech Support — the e-Learning Help Desk site is at your fingertips and ready to answer your questions.
Online HEB students are required to maintain a minimum average GPA of 3.0.
Though courses in the program are primarily asynchronous, faculty and students may decide to work together synchronously and may be required to login to Zoom video calls on occasion.
Students can expect to hear back from faculty within 24-48 hours, but often sooner.
The University gladly welcomes international students to the online M.S. in HEB program. In addition to the standard admissions requirements, international applicants are required to submit TOEFL scores.
International applicants should carefully review the International Admissions page. Applicants are informed of an admissions decision — denied or accepted — via email within two weeks of submitting a completed application.
Questions related to Veteran Affairs can be directed to UF Student Veteran Services at 352-294-2948 or vacounselor@ufl.edu.
More questions? We have answers.
Watch the program walkthrough video to get a practical guide to our HEB program, including the curriculum structure, career outlook, admissions requirements, and more.
