Public Health Education & Promotion

Make a difference—at home or around the world

The need for health education specialists is on the rise. And what a difference you can make as a health education specialist. With this degree, you'll have the knowledge and skills to carry out organized missions for weight management, disease and illness prevention, proper nutrition, exercise, and other health issues. And because UIndy is situated in Indianapolis, a hub of community health activity, you'll have the opportunity to learn directly from practitioners in hospitals, clinics, wellness centers, and other worksites.

  • 1-on-1 access to faculty
  • ranked as a national university by u.s. news and world report
  • colleges of distinction 2025-2026

Advantages

  • One-on-one access to faculty, program coordinators, and academic advisors
  • Access to major health resources and organizations within a few miles of campus
  • Participation in project-based learning in almost every course with a focus on service learning
  • Ability to work alongside faculty members to conduct research on various health topics
  • Solid preparation for a graduate degree in occupational or physical therapy
  • Close partnerships with community organizations to create health education programs, as well as service opportunities and networking for possible internships and jobs
  • 4+1 program allows students to complete undergrad PHEP degree and Master of Public Health degree in 5 years

Public health is a great option for those who seek the opportunity to step directly into the field upon graduation, as well as those seeking a strong foundation for graduate school. The combined background of applied human and behavioral sciences has helped students succeed in graduate programs such as law, medicine, physical and occupational therapy, health care, and advanced public health. The wide diversity of options makes this a great choice for many.

4+1 PHEP to MPH

Students interested in pursuing a Master's of Public Health (MPH) degree, can apply to the 4+1 program. To qualify, students must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and apply to the MPH program by October of their third year. MPH studies will begin in August of the fourth year. Students must earn a C+ or better in all MPH courses and maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA.

PRE-OT OR PRE-PT TRACK

If you are interested in pursuing graduate studies in occupational, physical therapy, athletic training, medical school, or other health care careers, an undergraduate major in public health education & promotion may be the right option for you. At UIndy, you may choose any undergraduate major you wish and still be considered "pre-OT/pre-PT, pre-MED, pre-ATRG" as long as you complete the prerequisite courses. The public health education curriculum combines those prerequisite courses with a strong foundation in the social sciences to help you better understand the patient populations with whom you may work in the future.

Jacob Bradshaw headshot
Jacob Bradshaw
Public Health Education & Promotion, Class of 2018

There is an abundance of one-on-one time with professors here at UIndy. I find myself in offices for friendly and academic conversations all the time.

Potential Careers

Health educators are needed in public, nonprofit, academic, and private settings to serve in these types of roles:

  • Health education specialist
  • Health promotion specialist
  • Health program evaluator
  • Health services administrator
  • Prevention specialist
  • Community outreach coordinator
  • Community health worker

Curriculum Guides

These curriculum guides outline the classes you'll need to take as a Public Health Education & Promotion major. The general education curriculum guide lists your class options and requirements to fulfill UIndy's general education requirements, while the Public Health Education & Promotion curriculum guides list the classes needed for the major and concentration of your choice. You'll need to look at both the major and general education guides to get a complete picture of what classes you'll take at UIndy.