Become a Leader Advocating for Community Health
You know a healthier world is a better world—when people are healthy, they are often more content and more productive, and they spend less money on health care. You'll develop an even stronger voice as an advocate for healthy choices and lifestyles throughout our society in IUP's MEd in Community Health Education program.
Earning your master in community health education, health and physical education at IUP will help you become a leader in health education.
If you're an incoming freshman and this field is your passion, you can plan to earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees through IUP's 4+1 early admission program, saving you time and money. Learn more about the 4+1 program on the BSEd in Community Health Education page.
All slots for the Spring 2025 entering class for the MEd in Health and Wellness Education are now full. Prospective students should submit applications for admission for Fall 2025 or later.
Why Earn Your Community Health Education MEd?
You'll focus on leadership and advocating for health-related topics in community, government, and private/workplace settings. This master’s degree track lets you push for healthy change and for opportunities that benefit everyone.
Real-world internships add even more value to your educational experience (and it's a required part of the degree program). After you graduate, you’ll be able to look for jobs managing a wide range of public or private organizations that are committed to training and the prevention and promotion of health-related behaviors and conditions.
If you plan to work while pursuing your advanced degree in health education, you can choose to take all your courses online so you can make your studies fit into your busy schedule.
What You’ll Learn
Your studies align with national health standards and are applicable to many sectors of industry. Most Community Health Education MEd coursework is project-based and student-driven. This lets you customize a curriculum that will give you the background to work in any setting you choose.
Imagine Your Future
With your master's degree, you can take advantage of the nationally growing need for your expertise. Whether you’re a health educator, health education specialist, or wellness coach, you can be a leader-advocate in workplace settings such as:
- Colleges and other educational settings
- Health care facilities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Private businesses
- Public health departments
Add a Credential to Expand Your Options
After you graduate, you’ll be well-prepared to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) exam, offered through the . On average, health education specialists earn 15 percent more income than community health workers.
Additional are in demand among health educators, too. These can position you well for the future you choose.
Career opportunities in Health and Physical Education/Community Health Education
- Community health coach/advisor/representative
- Community health education specialist
- Community outreach coordinator
- Patient advocate
- Patient educator
- Public health educator
- Wellness coordinator
Career opportunities are plentiful in this high-demand field, with job growth far greater than most other professions.
Community Health Workers (as of May 2021)
Number of jobs
Entry-level mean salary
Advanced-career mean salary
Classes and Requirements
The Master of Education in Health and Physical Education offers both a 33-credit thesis program and a 36-credit non-thesis program. This degree includes emphasis tracks tailored towards specific career goals. Within this program, students can focus on (1) K-12 Teacher Certification, (2) Community Health Education,or (3) Adapted Physical Activity.
Full Academic Catalog Listing
The course catalog is the official reference for all our degree and course offerings. Check it out for a full listing of the classes available and requirements for this degree.
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Program Innovation, Real-World Success Elevate Each Class
The Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Science faculty members bring decades of real-world experience to the classroom. Prior to arriving at IUP, they coached athletic teams, operated fitness training centers, and learned first-hand the rigors of working with hospitals to rehabilitate injured athletes and cardiac patients.
Their excellent advisory assistance will help you choose a lasting career in coaching, fitness center management, corporate wellness, or other sports-industry sectors.
- Our professors continue to expand their scholarly achievements by presenting research at regional and national events.
- IUP professors have established innovative programs, such as the home school program and Special Needs Activity Program, which give you opportunities that enhance your résumé.
- Guidance is a key ingredient our professors bring to your graduate program, helping you make the right choices so you can excel as you complete your degree.
- Active participation in academic and professional circles allows our professors to build a network of potential internship sponsors.
Ashley McAteer ’13, Health and Physical Education
IUP was the best overall fit for me academically and athletically. The professors are very knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely care about their students.
Admission Requirements—Teacher Education
To be admitted to the Kinesiology, Health, and Sport Science Department, the applicant must have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and must fulfill the general requirements for admission to the School of Graduate Studies and Research for a master's degree.
A minimum TOEFL score of 540 (paper-based) which converts to a computer-based score of 193 is necessary for international students.
Other admission requirements to be admitted to the K-12 Teacher Certification program include:
- Fulfillment of requirements set by the College of Education and Communications.
For more specific information related to the application process, visit the website of the IUP School of Graduate Studies and Research.
Graduate students may be eligible to finance their education through student loan programs, the Federal Work Study Program, state university employment, and/or graduate assistantships. For more information, please visit Financing Your Education.