This course prepares students to plan, implement, and evaluate community and public health education programs and communication campaigns for diverse populations. Through theory-driven, competency-based study, students examine the social, cultural, behavioral, environmental, and structural determinants that shape health behaviors and health outcomes, and apply intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community-level health education theories to real-world practice. Coursework integrates health literacy frameworks, motivational interviewing techniques, strategic health communication models, and social marketing principles to develop culturally responsive, audience-centered interventions and digital media campaigns. Students build practical skills in group facilitation, coalition building, media and legislative advocacy, ethical decision-making, and program evaluation. Major assignments include a strategic communication plan, a multi-component social media campaign, a professional development plan, and analyses of coalition and advocacy strategies that advance health equity. The course aligns with the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) Areas of Responsibility and Competencies and prepares students for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential and professional practice in community and public health settings.
Analyze the social, cultural, behavioral, environmental, and structural factors that influence health behaviors, health communication, and community/public health outcomes among diverse populations.
Apply health education theories, health literacy frameworks, motivational interviewing techniques, and strategic communication models to the planning and implementation of community and public health education interventions.
Design culturally responsive, audience-centered, and health literate educational materials, presentations, and strategic communication campaigns using evidence-based communication strategies, digital media tools, and social marketing principles.
Develop implementation and evaluation strategies for health education interventions and communication campaigns using measurable objectives, audience engagement metrics, and behavior change outcomes.
Evaluate public health communication strategies, social marketing campaigns, health policies, coalition efforts, and community interventions for effectiveness, inclusiveness, ethical practice, and impact on health equity and behavior change.
Demonstrate professional leadership, collaboration, advocacy, facilitation, and ethical decision-making skills consistent with CHES-aligned competencies and community/public health practice.
Required Course Pack:
Required Textbooks:
View the required textbooks for this class, including ISBN, edition, and retail price, by visiting our Required Textbooks page.
Total Course Price:
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