Health Education and Behavior

Program Overview:

The Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in health promotion, disease prevention, and health education. This program focuses on developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to improve health outcomes across diverse populations. Students will explore key topics such as human health, behavioral science, community health, health communication, and program planning. The curriculum combines foundational coursework with practical experiences to ensure graduates are well-equipped to work in public health organizations, healthcare facilities, schools, and community agencies.

Throughout the program, students gain a thorough understanding of the social, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence health behaviors. They learn to analyze health problems, design effective health education interventions, and assess the impact of health programs. The program emphasizes evidence-based approaches and encourages students to develop critical thinking, cultural competence, and leadership skills. Opportunities for internships, community engagement, and research projects allow students to apply their learning in real-world settings and build professional networks.

The faculty members are experts in health education, behavioral sciences, and public health, providing mentorship and guidance throughout the student’s academic journey. The University of Florida’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources support learning and research activities, preparing students for diverse roles in health promotion and disease prevention. Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue careers in health education specialist roles, public health administration, health communication, policy development, and community outreach. Alternatively, graduates can continue their education through graduate study in public health, social sciences, or related fields. With its emphasis on practical skills, cultural awareness, and community engagement, the Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior at UF offers a strong foundation for making impactful contributions to individual and community health.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for impactful careers in promoting health and wellness across diverse populations. This program emphasizes the development of essential knowledge and practical skills necessary to assess health needs, develop effective interventions, and implement programs that improve health outcomes at the individual, community, and organizational levels. Students will explore core topics such as health promotion theories, behavioral sciences, epidemiology, and program planning, gaining a solid foundation to address complex health issues.

Throughout the program, students engage in hands-on learning experiences, including internships and community projects, which provide real-world application of classroom knowledge. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, cultural competence, and ethical considerations in health education and behavior change. Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of careers in public health departments, healthcare organizations, non-profit agencies, and educational institutions. They can pursue roles such as health educators, public health coordinators, community outreach specialists, and behavioral health consultants.

The program also emphasizes the importance of research and evaluation methods, equipping students with skills to analyze health data and measure the effectiveness of health programs. Additionally, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are mentored by faculty who are experts in health education, behavioral science, and public health. The Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior aims to produce well-rounded professionals who are dedicated to enhancing health literacy, reducing health disparities, and advocating for healthier communities. Graduates are encouraged to continue their education through graduate studies in public health, public policy, or related fields, further expanding their capacity to influence public health initiatives on larger scales.

Program Requirements for Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida:

Applicants must meet the university’s general admission requirements which include a high school diploma or equivalent, a competitive GPA, and submission of official transcripts. Prospective students are encouraged to demonstrate strong academic performance in science and mathematics courses to prepare for coursework in health education. The program requires completion of prerequisites such as introductory biology, chemistry, and statistics to ensure students have foundational knowledge in health sciences.

Once admitted, students must complete prerequisite courses with a minimum grade requirement, typically a ‘C’ or better. The program includes core courses focusing on health promotion, health education theories and practices, epidemiology, community health, psychological aspects of health behavior, and research methodology. Students are also required to participate in supervised practicum experiences which involve applying theoretical knowledge in real-world health promotion settings. These practicums are arranged through partnerships with community organizations, public health agencies, and healthcare institutions.

Elective courses allow students to tailor their education toward specializations such as adolescent health, environmental health, or global health. The program emphasizes experiential learning, requiring students to complete project-based assignments, case studies, and community outreach activities.

In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to attend seminars and workshops on current issues in health education and behavior. To graduate, students must accumulate a specified number of credit hours, typically around 120-130 semester credits, including general education requirements, major coursework, and electives. A minimum GPA, often 2.0 or higher, must be maintained throughout the program.

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must also fulfill university residency requirements by completing a certain number of credits at the Gainesville campus. Upon completion of all academic and practical requirements, students are eligible to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior. Preparation for professional certification or graduate study in public health, health promotion, or related fields is strongly recommended and often facilitated by academic advising.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Florida offers various financing options for students pursuing a degree in Health Education and Behavior through its comprehensive financial aid programs. Prospective and current students can access federal and state financial aid resources, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities, designed to make education more accessible and affordable. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary tool for determining eligibility for federal grants such as the Pell Grant, which provides need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students. Additionally, students may qualify for federal student loans with favorable interest rates and repayment options tailored to support their financial planning during and after their studies.

The university also offers institutional scholarships specifically targeted at students enrolled in health-related programs, which are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and leadership qualities. These scholarships ranging from partial tuition waivers to full-ride awards help reduce the financial burden of higher education. In-state residents benefit from lower tuition rates compared to out-of-state students, providing significant cost savings for Florida residents. The university's financial aid office provides personalized counseling to assist students in understanding their options, completing necessary applications, and planning for their educational expenses.

Additional financing opportunities include private scholarships from external organizations, which students are encouraged to research and apply for to further offset costs. UF also promotes work-study programs, allowing students to work part-time on campus in roles related to their fields of study, gaining professional experience while earning income. For international students, financing options are more limited, but they may access private loans or external funding sources. The university maintains transparent information about costs, and students are advised to plan their finances early to ensure they can sustain their academic pursuits through a combination of federal aid, scholarships, personal savings, and part-time employment.

Overall, the University of Florida is committed to supporting students financially and offers a range of resources to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent qualified individuals from pursuing a degree in Health Education and Behavior. Students are encouraged to regularly consult the university's financial aid website and the health education program's advisement office to stay informed about updates, application deadlines, and new funding opportunities.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior at the University of Florida is designed to prepare students for careers in health promotion, education, and intervention. The program emphasizes the development of skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate health education programs aimed at improving health outcomes across diverse populations. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of behavioral theories, health communication strategies, and the social determinants of health, which are essential for effective health promotion practices. The curriculum typically includes coursework in community health, epidemiology, health policy, adolescent health, and program planning and evaluation. Students are encouraged to participate in practical experiences such as internships, research projects, and community engagement activities to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The program aims to equip graduates with the competencies needed for careers in public health agencies, healthcare organizations, non-profits, schools, and corporate wellness programs. Additionally, the program prepares students for further education, including graduate study in public health, health education, or related fields. The faculty comprises experienced professionals dedicated to teaching, research, and service in health education and behavioral sciences. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support student learning. Alumni of the program have pursued successful careers in health promotion, policy advocacy, research, and community development, reflecting the program's focus on practical skills and interdisciplinary approaches to health education. The program also emphasizes cultural competence and ethical practice, ensuring students are prepared to serve diverse communities. Overall, the Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior offers a comprehensive education to address current public health challenges effectively.