Health Education B.S.

• Since 2016, HEB has expanded its faculty by over 50% to match rising interest and maintain an exceptional student experience
• HEB offers a combined B.S./M.S. degree option, allowing students to fast-track an advanced degree, reducing overall cost and time
• Students who earn a B.S. in HEB from UF can take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam, a national voluntary certification recommended by numerous health employer

Work in schools, government offices, non-profit health organizations, colleges, businesses, private-sector industry and healthcare settings. 

Career Growth Projections

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth across many careers connected to health education, community health, and public health – reflecting nationwide demand for prevention, behavior‑change expertise, and population‑level health improvement. 

Students with a B.S. in Health Education can obtain a wide variety of professions. The percentages shown are the projected growth rates from 2024-2034 from the BLS for each occupation.

• Community health workers: promote wellness by helping people adopt healthy behaviors. They implement programs and advocate for people who may have limited access to health resources and social services
  • 11% growth (much faster than average)
• Health education specialists: develop programs to teach people about conditions affecting well-being
  • 4% growth (as fast as average)
• Health information technologists and medical registrars (including Health Informatics Specialists): implements technology at appropriate junctures in a healthcare setting to improve treatment quality and contribute to data collection efforts
  • 15% growth (much faster than average)
• Medical and health services managers: oversee health and wellness programs and healthcare operations
  • 23% growth (much faster than average)
• Occupational therapist: evaluate and treat people who have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities to help them with vocational, daily living, and other skills that promote independence
  • 14% growth (much faster than average)
• Physical therapist: help injured or ill people improve movement and manage pain
  • 11% growth (much faster than average)
• Physician: diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance
  • 3% (as fast as average)
• Physician assistant:  examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of a physician
  • 20% growth (much faster than average)
• Registered nurse:  provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions
  • 5% growth (faster than average)
• Social and community service managers:  coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being
  • 6% growth (faster than average)

Because of scientific advances occurring during this century, morbidity and mortality caused by contagious and infectious diseases have declined markedly. Unfortunately, these diseases have been replaced by chronic and degenerative disorders resulting from improper diet, lack of exercise, substance abuse, stress, unintentional injuries, pollution and an expanding array of lifestyle and health behavior problems. With appropriate health education interventions, many of these problems can be prevented or controlled.

The undergraduate curriculum also provides an excellent foundation for health education and related graduate programs, as well as professional health programs such as nursing, medical school, physician assistant, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

In the Department of Health Education & Behavior, our researchers aim to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding of individual and community health and promote behavior change that leads to healthier lifestyles and beneficial health outcomes. Some specific research topics include:

• Community science and digital health
• Substance misuse research
• Health literacy and equity
• Physical activity and obesity

Obtaining employment in health education and behavior requires an intentional effort at building relationships (i.e., networking) with industry professionals. Networking opportunities are shared weekly through the Pulse Email Newsletter.

For more information about career opportunities in this field, please schedule an appointment with your advisor or visit the Career Connections Center.

Students in the HEB program develop a wide range of skills including:

• Assessing individual and community health education needs
• Building meaningful relationships with stakeholders
• Communicating health information to distinct audiences using various channels
• Coordinating the provision of health education services
• Evaluating and effectively sharing research results through appropriate channels
• Understanding theory-based models for planning, implementing and evaluating health education programs