Health Promotion M.S.
The Master of Science in Health Promotion prepares students to work in a variety of healthcare and human service settings. The 30-semester hour degree program is designed to help health promotion students increase their knowledge and develop the skills necessary for advancement in community health professions. To accomplish this objective, the student collaborates with their academic advisor to design their program of study relevant to their educational and career goals.
One-Year Option
Students have the option to complete the program in one year. View the Master of Science in Health Accelerated One Year Plan.
Program Overview
The goal of the Master of Science in Health Promotion graduate program is to develop students who will be qualified for leadership positions in health professions in the public and private sector that effectively achieve the outcome of improved health. The program emphasizes the identification of health related needs, promotion of healthy communities, and the development of health strategies, activities, and services. The curriculum includes an internship experience in a clinical setting. Potential internships include county health departments, hospital settings, wellness facilities, and other health related settings.
Who Should Apply
If you already possess a Bachelor of Science degree in any field and are interested in health and wellness, you would enjoy pursuing the Health Promotion master's degree.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Official transcripts* can be sent by mail or electronically. Instructions can be found under “Help” on the application.
*USA students applying to a USA graduate program in the College of Education and Professional Studies should complete a transcript request form found on the University Registrar's Office website.
In the Name/Organization field for the transcript recipient write, "USA Graduate School". There is no charge associated with this request. This option applies only to USA transcripts for students applying to USA graduate programs.
GPA Requirement: A minimum overall grade-point-average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale based on the GPA used as the basis for granting the degree and posted on the official transcript from a regionally accredited institution at the time the degree was earned OR a 2.5 GPA on the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate course work posted on the official transcript from a regionally accredited institution at the time the degree was earned. - GPA Exception: Individuals who have earned a bachelor 's degree from a regionally accredited institution
at the time the degree was earned and who do not have a qualifying GPA for admission
may seek admission based on a qualifying score of the Graduate Record Examination
(GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). For the GRE, this standard is defined as
having a score at the 50th percentile on all of the following subtests: Verbal Reasoning,
Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. For the Miller Analogies Test, students
must have a score at or above the 50th percentile based on the total group percentile
rank score. For Alternative Class A programs, applicants must submit a qualifying
alternate score on the Alabama-prescribed Praxis subject-area test.
- Personal statement on applicant's career goals and purpose for graduate study. (Upload
document within application in WebAdmit.)
- Sufficient coursework in the major subject to qualify for graduate study in the involved discipline. Students with a deficiency in relevant coursework may be required to successfully complete additional prerequisite courses.
The Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Classrooms and Computer Lab are equipped with PCs with internet access. Other facilities include a weight-room, two gymnasiums, dance and martial arts studios, and instructional and research laboratories.
“As a student in the graduate health education program, I found the coursework at
the University of South Alabama to be relevant, challenging, and stimulating. Students
gain experience in the form of laboratory research, internships, presentations, statistical
analysis, and so much more. This translates into graduates who are well-prepared for
career advancement and doctoral studies. The faculty at USA are committed to their
students’ success. The support from my professors inspired in me a passion for research,
deepened my investment in completing my graduate degree, and furthered my dedication
to being a lifelong learner. With the confidence and experience I gained from my graduate
education, I know I can accomplish any future goals I set for myself. My only regret
is that I didn’t enroll sooner!”
Ashley Suggs, M.S.
