Health Promotion

This course introduces students to the fundamental elements of health education and health behavior with a focus on integrative health and healing presence. Encouraging the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyles is a key aim of integrative health education. By using behavior-change theories and models as `building blocks` , this course demonstrates how to develop relevant goals and objectives based on those theories and examines approaches to behavior change used in integrative systems of healthcare. In addition, it provides an overview of health education curriculum building, program planning and content development and explores the many roles played by health education specialists with an eye to the future of this field. [3 credits]

This course focuses on the process of locating and applying for grants, contracts, and, cooperative agreements for health education programs or research. Students review how to use the health education research literature (including the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and tools that allow access to full text articles), how to apply study results, and how to develop a work plan and program budget. The design of health education research studies is addressed. [2 credits]

Sound administration and leadership skills, resource development, and organizational management are important for success in the field of health promotion. This course will explore considerations in managing health and wellness programs in the community (in a variety of agencies), and in the workplace. In addition to assessing leadership styles for managing and working with others, topics will include key leadership and management theories, planning and organizing at the different levels of an organization, obtaining and retaining employees, improving performance, budgeting, frameworks for writing a grant proposal, managing change, and leading into the future. [3 credits]

This course examines theories, models, and best practices in health communication, including the use of technology, media, and imagery in health communication campaigns. Students will create and tailor messages, select appropriate communication channels, and pilot test messages. This overview introduces students to the many ways that health education specialists may reach and communicate with communities, going beyond teaching groups and mass media campaigns to new forms of communication such as social media, `edutainment` and `gameification` of health education messages. [3 credits]

Students become familiar with evaluation strategies and theories for health education programs and policies. The course reviews logic models, and impact, outcome, and process evaluations. Using a series of exercises, students design a conceptual framework for a health education program and develop an evaluation plan to measure participant choices in that program. In addition, students gain skills needed to understand and critique published evaluation literature. Prerequisites: IHED-610 or IHED-637. [2 credits]

In this course, students learn approaches to epidemiological and health education needs assessments, utilize theory-based strategies on assessment, evaluate applicable policy, identify barriers and assets, and apply skills in planning a health education program. This course also provides students with an opportunity to use qualitative and quantitative data to support health education program design. This course provides students with tools to work with specific health topics and populations, including frameworks for targeting various cultures and age groups. Prerequisites: IHED-610 and IHED-637. [3 credits]

This course examines the intersection of health and culture, by looking at the impact of diversity and socio-cultural factors on health and healing. It includes a focus on the causation of morbidity and mortality in the US via the social determinants of health, health equity and cultural adaptation and acculturation. Students in this course will learn about the impact of social and cultural changes on the health care system through both an integrative and biomedical lens. [3 credits]

This course introduces students to the knowledge and skills they need to create a culture of wellness in the workplace. With a focus on integrative and complementary health practices, students will learn about topics important to successful workplace health promotion activities, such as partnering with management, communication strategies, needs assessment, program planning, implementation, and program evaluation. Students will be become familiar with the principles and practices of health behavior change, the nuances of demonstrating the value of workplace wellness programs, the role of technology, and the importance of healing presence in creating a culture of wellness. [1.5 credits]

This course educates students about the fundamental practices in workplace wellness. Examples from successful workplace wellness programs are highlighted as students develop strategies for a results-oriented wellness program as their final project. Coursework focuses on business practices in the field including the impact of wellness on productivity enhancement, the calculation of value on investment for healthy employees, budget administration, the integration of technological resources for population health, techniques for convening wellness committees within the workplace and creating incentives for wellness program participation. [2 credits]

This course introduces the principles and practices of health behavior change and self-care by identifying and exploring personal, social, and environmental factors that influence behavior. Students will research evidence-based approaches and engage in self-care practices to deepen their understanding of health behavior change and its impact on the individual and the community. [1.5 credits]

Workplace wellness program implementation educates students about best practices in workplace wellness and highlights the creation of a culture of wellness in the workplace with a focus on integrative health. Using the resources from the previous courses; health communication, management and resource development practices, needs assessment, program planning and evaluation content, this course requires students to plan the implementation of an integrative health education program, specifically for the workplace. The course will explore barriers and facilitators to implementation, as well as strategies based on evidence and best practice for successful implementation of workplace wellness health education programs. [3 credits]

Community health education program implementation is focused on prevention or management of health issues for the community at large and can occur in a variety of settings, from public health department programs to senior centers, schools, community centers and outreach programs. Using the resources from previous courses; health communication, management and resource development practices, needs assessment, program planning and evaluation content, this course requires students to plan the implementation of a health education program, specifically in the community setting, with a focus on integrative health. The course will explore barriers and facilitators to implementation, as well as integrative health strategies based on evidence and best practice for successful community health education programs. [3 credits]

This course focuses on the professional development of students, culminating with a final project presentation and the completion of a professional portfolio, describing the student`s experience relevant to the many roles played by health promotion professionals as well as their personal transformation throughout the program. A short practicum is also required with students spending time working with agencies, companies, or programs in their communities assisting with program planning, policy development, implementation and/or evaluation. The goal of this course is for students to demonstrate their mastery of the competencies addressed in the program. Prerequisite: HED-642. [3 credits]

Health education program implementation focuses on prevention or management of health issues for the community at large and can occur in a variety of settings, including community centers, workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. Using the resources from previous courses of health communication, needs assessment, program planning and program evaluation, this course requires students to plan the implementation of a health education program, with a focus on integrative health. Students will explore barriers and facilitators to implementation, as well as integrative health strategies based on evidence and best practice for successful health education programs. Prerequisites: HED-621, HED-623 and HED-626. [3 credits]

This course provides an introduction to the structures, functions and processes of contemporary health care systems, as well as explores the current delivery of clinical care for a patient. This course will serve as a lens for analysis of the social, political, and economic contexts that influence both the macro and micro levels of a health care system. [3 credits]