Students in the doctoral degree program in health education study numerous health issues, including nutrition, drug abuse, and disease prevention. Learn about doctoral degrees in health education, from the Ph.D. to the Doctor of Health Education (D.H.Ed.). Explore the typical curriculum in these programs.
What Can I Do With a Doctoral Degree in Health Education?
Most health education doctoral programs are Ph.D. programs geared towards individuals who want to pursue teaching or research careers after graduation. You may also find yourself working for a university's public health department as an associate professor. Or, you may conduct research for a government health agency such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services. Some programs, such as a Doctor of Health Education (D.H.Ed.), can also prepare you for administrative roles in both private and public health programs.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td> Administrator, researcher, teacher, associate professor</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Health policy, epidemiology multivariate statistics, health education administration, school health</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> While rare, some online Doctor of Health Education programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $56,500 (<i>for all health educators</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 11% growth (<i>for all health educators</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTopicsWillIStudy">What Topics Will I Study?</h3><p>Because most doctoral health education programs are research-intensive, you will most likely complete core coursework in qualitative and quantitative research methods. You'll learn how to design research tools, such as surveys, and interpret the results.
</p><p>The remaining coursework tends to focus on behavioral theory and program planning. You'll assess the needs of a community or evaluate a program's success. You may also learn how to raise awareness about health care services available to low-income or geriatric populations, or determine the best way to inform the public about disease prevention.
</p><p>D.H.Ed. programs also include specialized coursework for those who want to take on administrative roles after graduation. You may learn how to write a grant proposal or manage other health education personnel. Typical doctoral coursework includes the following:
</p><ul><li>Health education administration
</li><li>Multivariate statistics
</li><li>School health
</li><li>Epidemiology
</li><li>Health policy
</li><li>Health services planning
</li><li>Behavioral theory
</li><li>Minority health
</li><li>Public nutrition
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WillIBeAbleToEnrollInAnOnlineProgram">Will I Be Able to Enroll in an Online Program?</h3><p>Although rare, some online D.H.Ed. programs are available. These programs typically emphasize management coursework rather than the clinical and research components featured in traditional programs.</p>
