NCCU Online Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education

Support Your Community With a Leadership-Focused Degree

$361 per credit hour*
*$433 for out-of-state students;
tuition subject to change

Built-in community service opportunities

Meets requirements to sit for the CHES exam

Promote Improved Health Outcomes in Your Community

Health care professionals focus on treating patients with injuries and disease, but preventive care is just as crucial to maintaining effective health systems. Community educators provide this preventive care, serving as a vital resource for those seeking health information and services and advocating for resources and policies that support healthy communities.

NCCU Online’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health Education program prepares you to take the lead in public health, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to promote and support healthy communities. The public health education degree program carries on NCCU’s long legacy of community impact through its service-oriented curriculum — with a required internship allowing you to make a difference in your community before you graduate.

Your contribution matters. Finish your degree at NCCU and become the public health educator your community needs.

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About the NCCU Online: BS in Public Health Education Flight Path Program
The online BS in Public Health Education Flight Path Program provides you with applicable theories and skills to promote community well-being through education. You’ll learn how to assist communities in identifying and defining health issues, as well as designing, implementing, and evaluating strategies to address those issues. The program concludes with a final project in the form of an internship, providing you with valuable exposure to public health education work.
Upon graduating from the public health education degree program, you’ll be prepared with:

  • Basic skills necessary to enter the practice of health education

  • Prerequisite training for graduate study in public health education

  • Approved coursework and experiences necessary to sit for the national Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam

Flight Path Programs

Flight Path Programs are designed specifically for returning, adult learners who are balancing work, family, and life responsibilities. These fully online programs offer the flexibility and convenience needed to fit education into a busy schedule, with multiple start dates throughout the year, so you can begin when the time is right for you. Courses are offered in a condensed format, allowing you to focus on fewer classes at a time — making it easier to stay on track, complete your program, and move confidently toward your academic and professional goals.

Is Public Health Education a Good Major?

Earning your public health education degree is a strong investment in your future. The program can prepare you to become a health education specialist, playing a crucial role in improving community well-being, advancing health access, and promoting preventive care. As the U.S. continues to shift its focus toward disease prevention and population health, demand for public health professionals is on the rise.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of health education specialists is projected to grow 7% between 2023 and 2033, faster than the national average. This growth translates to about 6,700 job openings each year, as communities, schools, businesses, and health care systems invest in wellness programs and education initiatives. When combined with roles such as community health workers, the outlook is even brighter — some estimates project 13% to 17% growth and more than 14,000 annual job openings in these closely related fields.

A BS in Public Health Education offers you the flexibility to work in a wide variety of settings. Hospitals, government agencies, nonprofits, universities, and private companies employ public health educators. Their work may include developing health education campaigns, promoting vaccination programs, designing wellness initiatives in the workplace, or teaching communities about nutrition and chronic disease prevention.

Beyond job stability, this career path is financially rewarding. In May 2024, the median salary for health education specialists was $63,000, with top earners making upwards of $100,000. Public sector positions often come with excellent benefits, retirement packages, and long-term security.

Potential Careers With an Online BS in Public Health Education

The NCCU Online: BS in Public Health Education Flight Path Program prepares you for entry-level roles as a health educator in public health departments, voluntary health agencies, health care organizations, corporate worksites, and community-based organizations.

Take a look at some potential careers you can reach by earning your public health education degree:*

Health and Safety Coordinator

Average Base Salary: $65,689

Program Manager, Non-Profit

Average Base Salary: $62,484

Wellness Coordinator

Average Base Salary: $54,922

Health Educator

Average Base Salary: $56,476

Community Outreach Coordinator

Average Base Salary: $50,070

Curriculum & Courses

The online BS in Public Health Education consists of 120 total credit hours, with 35 hours of general education courses, 22 hours of non-departmental cognate requirements, 12 hours of lower-level health education courses, 45 hours of health courses, and 6 hours of electives.

Keep in mind that you’re required to transfer in with at least 24 credit hours and any additional transfer credits may significantly reduce your required hours to graduate.

The required Public Health Education courses include:

PHRM 1000 - Anatomy & Physiology (3) BIOL 1610 and BIOL 1620 may substitute for PHRM 1000

This course is an integrated, in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, including cells, tissues, integument, skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems and sense organs.

MSCM 1250 - Elements of Speech and Communication (3)

An introduction to the elements of interpersonal communication and public speaking with emphasis on practical applications.

PSY 2100 - General Psychology (3)

An introduction to psychological terms, facts, and principles designed to aid the student in understanding individual behavior.

PSY 3100 - Abnormal Psychology (3)

An orientation to the concepts of abnormal behavior with emphasis on the functional disorders of modern civilizations and the significance of social and emotional problems on normal conduct.

BIOL 2510 - Introduction to Microbes and Disease (4)

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of Microbiology, with a focus on medicine and disease.

NUTR 2200 - Introduction to Human Nutrition (3) or NUTR 2000 (3)

An introduction to the nutrients essential to human life and well-being. A study of the nature of dietary nutrients, their functions in the body, and food sources.

ENG 2105 - Introduction to Technical Writing (3)

A study of the tools and techniques of technical writing with individualized assignments pertaining to a student’s discipline. Emphasis on letters, instructions, memos, proposals, reports, and collaborative writing.

EDU 3005 - Educational Psychology and Human Development (3)

This is an introduction to the study of human growth and cognitive development of school aged learners through early childhood, the middle years and adolescence.

HEDU 2000 – Introduction to Health Education (3)

The basic philosophy, principles, and content of health education are discussed as background for suggested solutions to health problems.

HEDU 2100 – Community Health (3)

This course focuses on concepts of community health, factors influencing community health, and community resources for prevention and elimination of community health problems.

HEDU 2200 - Health Behavior for Effective Living (3)

A survey of essential knowledge and practices for personal and community health. Emphasis is placed on emotional well-being, positive health behavior, health risk factors, certain environmental health concerns, and certain organizational resources for public health.

HEDU 2400 - Methods and Applications of Group Leadership for Health Personnel (3)

This course focuses on the health professional’s role in working with community groups.

HEDU 3010 - Intro to Health Disparities (3)

Provide students with an understanding of how social, political, and economic factors contribute to disparities (e.g. racial, ethnic, gender, and geographical) in health and health care and how to use evidence-based approaches to prevent or address health disparities.

HEDU 3100 - Environmental Health (3)

This course is designed to provide a general knowledge of principles of environmental health science and their application in the management of certain risks in the environment.

HEDU 3210 - Foundations of Public Health (3)

A study of the philosophy, principles, and practices of public health. Topics include the history of public health, the organization of public health at local, state, and federal levels, the determinants of health and illness with a special focus on racial/ethnic disparities in health and efforts to reform the U.S. health care system.

HEDU 3400 - Theory and Practice of Health Education (3)

The course is a study of theories often used in assessing the need for community health education programs and in planning, implementing, and evaluating those programs.

HEDU 3420 - Principles of School Health (3)

This course provides an overview of the principles of a coordinated school health program, current health issues in the classroom, the National Health Education Standards, classroom diversity, and assessments (including performance-based assessment).

HEDU 3600 - Planning for Health Promotion and Health Education (3)

An overview of the process for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion and prevention programs for targeted populations.

HEDU 3720 - Introduction to Epidemiology & Biostatistics (3)

This course focuses on epidemiological principles and methods such as describing the patterns of illness in populations and research designs for investigating disease.

HEDU 4000 - Communicating Health Information: Procedures, Media, and Techniques (3)

This course focuses on a variety of approaches for communicating health information utilizing multiple channels of communication. Students will design, produce, and utilize educational media and materials to inform and influence individual and community decisions that enhance health. (Two lecture and two laboratory hours per week).

HEDU 4120 - Organization and Administration of School and Community Health Programs (3)

Principles of organization and administration of health programs in the school and the community at large are covered.

HEDU 4220 - The Senior Seminar: Trends and Directions in Health Education (3)

The senior seminar will consider emerging issues in public health, providing students with opportunities to review, apply, integrate, and synthesize the roles and responsibilities of an entry-level health educator.

HEDU 4300 - Research Methods and Evaluation in Health Education (3)

This is an introduction to basic research methods and methods of evaluating health promotion programs. Students will examine, compare, and contrast qualitative and quantitative approaches to field research and data collection strategies.

HEDU 4410 - Internship Planning in Public Health Education (3)*

This course is designed to give students skills information and an opportunity to interact with a public health professional prior to internship.

HEDU 4420 - Seminar and Internship in Community Health Education (6)*

Completion of all courses required for the major, general education, and cognate courses with a GPA of 2.5 in health education courses.

HEDU 4660 - Public Health Policy: Assessment and Advocacy (3)

This course will address a major health issue in the U.S. (e.g., tobacco, obesity, HIV/AIDS) from a public health and public policy perspective.

*Given the working adult student population, Internship and Internship Planning are subject to change

Students may select any of the following courses to meet the health education electives requirements:

HEDU 3240 - Introduction to Global Health (3)

This course will provide an introduction to the critical issues currently facing global health, including trends in the distribution of disease and mortality, the determinants of global health outcomes, and cross-cutting issues such as culture, education, ethics, human rights and women’s health.

HEDU 3300 - Human Sexuality (2)

This course provides a broad overview of biological, social, and emotional dimensions of sexuality.

HEDU 4500 - Independent Study (1-6)

This course permits the student to pursue an area of interest in collaboration with a faculty member.

HEDU 4520 - Medical Sociology (3)

This course explores the social context of health, illness, and health care systems.

HEDU 4700 - Current Issues in Public Health (2)

Each semester, this course will address a current public health problem of national and/or international significance (e.g., HIV/AIDS, health disparities, pandemic flu, obesity) from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

HEDU 4500 - Independent Study (1-6)

This course permits the student to pursue an area of interest in collaboration with a faculty member.

HEDU 4520 - Medical Sociology (3)

This course explores the social context of health, illness, and health care systems.

HEDU 4700 - Current Issues in Public Health (2)

Each semester, this course will address a current public health problem of national and/or international significance (e.g., HIV/AIDS, health disparities, pandemic flu, obesity) from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Lromocki (1)

“Health education is one discipline within the larger field of public health. Public health has a special focus on social justice. Public health professionals work to right injustices in health and to create societies where everyone has an equal opportunity to live a long and healthy life.”

– LaHoma S. Romocki, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Public Health Education Department Chair

Tuition and Financial Aid

$361 per credit hour*
*$433 for out-of-state students;
tuition subject to change

No additional fees

Financial assistance and payment plans available

In NCCU Online: Flight Path Programs, we strive to provide high-quality education that’s financially accessible. At just $361 per credit hour with no additional fees for in-state students and $433 per credit hour for out-of-state students, our online BS in Public Health Education delivers dependable value for your education and prepares you to maximize your earning potential. Grants and scholarships are also available to those who qualify.

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Innovative Online Programs

Immersive online courses engage distance learners by leveraging best-in-class technology and instructional techniques.

Welcoming & Supportive

Our students have access to various forms of support, from academic advising to virtual conferences focused on a range of perspectives.

Student-Centric Education

We maintain a student-faculty ratio of 16-to-1 and an average class size of 22 to keep you at the center of your learning.

Top-Ranked Education

In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked NCCU 15th among Historically Black Colleges and Universities and 15th among Top Public Universities in the South.

Accredited Academics

NCCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Industry-Experienced Faculty

Our faculty members are active in their disciplines through conferences, professional organizations, and contract work — and they bring that industry knowledge back to the classes they teach.

The next class start date is approaching. Don’t wait to apply!

The Eagle Promise

NCCU believes in the success of its students — so much so that it promises to empower every student to earn their degree on time and graduate career ready, with countless leadership and networking opportunities along the way.

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What You Need For Admission

NCCU is committed to providing equal educational opportunities and doesn’t discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or ability. Please review the admission details for the online BS in Public Health Education, a flight path program:

  • A completed application for admission.
  • Official transcripts of all college coursework sent from the institution(s) with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
  • At least 24 transferable credit hours from the last or current institution attended.
  • A list of academic courses in progress (if applicable).
  • Must not be on academic probation at a previous or current institution; must not have been suspended or expelled from a previous or current institution.
  • Supportive documents, such as personal essays and recommendation letters, are welcomed but not required.

Please note the following:

  • NCCU will not accept a transfer course with a grade lower than a “C.” Accepted courses are recorded on a student’s transcript; grades and grade points are not calculated.
  • NCCU does not accept transfer credit from challenge examinations or for coursework graded pass/fail.
  • The maximum number of transferable credits is 90 semester hours from a four-year college, and 64 semester hours from a two-year college, with a total maximum of 90 credit hours (combined two-year and four-year credits).
  • To qualify for in-state tuition rates, North Carolina residents must first confirm their in-state status by completing an application through the Residency Determination Service (RDS). To learn more about how to apply for NC residency, please refer to the NC Residency Tuition information page .
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Frequently Asked Questions

For most programs, 120 total credit hours are required to graduate. This includes transfer credits and credits you earn at NCCU.

Yes. 24 transferable credits are required to apply.

Yes. North Carolina Central University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees. Learn more about accreditation .

In NCCU Online: Flight Path Programs, you can get a high-quality education $361 per credit hour with no additional fees for in-state students and $433 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Please note that tuition is subject to change. Learn more about financial aid opportunities .

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About NCCU

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) prepares students to succeed in the global marketplace. NCCU’s flagship programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing, and the arts prepare students for professions ranging from clinical research to information science. Founded in 1910, NCCU remains committed to increased access to higher education.

*General labor market and salary data are sourced from Payscale. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment. NCCU does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional training and experience may be necessary for leadership positions.

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