Health Science: Health Promotion

Bachelor of Science

120 Credits
School of Health and Natural Sciences
Bronx
Dobbs Ferry

Academics
Programs & Degrees
Health Science: Health Promotion

Health Science: Health Promotion Overview

Prepare to be a health educator. Help individuals make informed decisions and live healthier lives.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science, concentration in Health Promotion, provides a comprehensive and innovative curriculum in the evidence-based factors that affect human health. Students take courses that focus on human biology, personal behavior, social and environmental determinants of health as well as the structure of and access to health care. Students are broadly trained in the application of basic science to health, coupled with the development of the values, inter-personal and inter-professional skills required for today's health care environments.

Become a Certified Health Educator

The Health Promotion concentration covers the specific competencies required for students to qualify to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) examination administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. Students can seek careers as a community health educator in a variety of settings such as public and community agencies, business and industry, hospitals, and other types of clinical facilities. The health promotion concentration also prepares students who may want to advance their health degree (e.g., MPH, MPA in Health Administration, or DrPH/PhD/EdD in public health/Health Education/Community Health).

Learn more about CHES certification

Message from Interim Dean Kathleen Golisz

A health care education specialist empowers people and their communities to take control of their health, and adopt healthy lifestyles and behaviors.

This not only improves health and wellness for families and communities but decreases health care costs and risks for chronic diseases. It is not surprising that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for health education specialists will continue to grow and is projected to be much faster than the average for all occupations.

Health Promotions
Co-Program Directors

Department of Natural Sciences
School of Health and Natural Sciences

Dr. Charis R. Davidson

Dr. Ferdinand Esser

Program Outcomes

Synthesize and apply knowledge from biological, physical, health,  and behavioral sciences as a foundation for practice as a health care  professional.

Explain the importance of cultural competency and appreciation for diversity in the community and health care environments.

Demonstrate knowledge of sound ethical practice found in  health care settings.

Identify and use professional/scientific literature and materials to support professional decision making related to clinical practice and  health care issues.

Demonstrate knowledge of the current health care system, as well as challenges and changes in the delivery and funding of health care.

Exhibit interpersonal skills required for client practitioner and professional interaction, as well as peer clinician communication.

Exhibit ethical behavior in science and to evaluate the implications of unethical scientific conduct

Apply their core scientific knowledge to examine basic, applied and societal topics in biology and to explain how life science professionals use strategies and techniques to address these issues

Anatomage Table

Our cutting-edge anatomage table allows for the display of life-size bodily anatomy on what resembles an operating table. Students learn how to perceive an actual patient lying on a bed, helping students connect the anatomy they learn in class to the real-world patients they will treat.

Observation and control rooms adjoin the simulation areas so professors can coach students, provide feedback or even change scenarios in real time so students can gain experience adjusting to new conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the job opportunities for a BS in HS?

A wide-range of areas such as licensed rehabilitation professions, environmental and occupational health, public health or health promotion. Graduates may also pursue careers related to health care and health promotion in various public and private, clinical and non-clinical settings.

Are department faculty available for academic advising?

Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and cooperative education.

How long does earning a degree take?

Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.

Is the schedule flexible?

Very. You can take classes as a part-time or full-time student, at various times including evenings and weekends.

I've taken classes at another college. Can I transfer credit to complete the BS?

Yes. Acceptance of transfer credits is determined by Admissions. They consult with any graduate program to which you intend to apply. To be eligible for a B.S. in Health Science, which is a 120-credit degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits at Mercy College. Mercy may transfer up to 90 undergraduate credits from a four-year college and up to 75 credits from a two-year community college.

What are the benefits of obtaining a BS in Health Sciences?

If an employer requires a college degree with a health care focus, a B.S. in Health Science is usually preferred. A B.S. in Health Science is the most effective route to completing a Bachelor's degree that includes all the graduate program prerequisite courses for programs such as the Health Promotions Concentration as well as the Graduate Occupational Therapy, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Programs.

Program Details & Curriculum

What is Health Promotion?

The World Health Organization defines Health Promotion as "the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health." Health educators and other health promotion practitioners seek to improve health by addressing the health knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and skills of individuals alongside environmental factors, social determinants of health, and inequities.z

Students in the Health Promotion concentration study the Core Functions and Essential Services of Public Health and the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists

Curriculum Overview

General Education Requirements: 60 Credits
Major Concentration: 55 Credits
Open Electives: 5 Credits

Total: 120 Credits

For a full curriculum listing visit our catalog.

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements

Any student who receives a grade below a C in a major course will be required to retake the course. Major courses may be retaken once.
Students who have selected the Health Science: Health Promotion concentration must adhere to the Mercy College policy regarding maintenance of a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.0.
Any exceptions to program guidelines require approval by the Program Director.

Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam

The B.S. in Health Science: Health Promotion emphasizes disease prevention and both public and personal health promotion. The health promotion concentration prepares students for entry-level positions in a variety of health care settings as well as for graduate study in public and community health. The health promotion concentration also prepares students to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) Exam.

CHES Seven Areas of Responsibility	Mercy College HLSC Course(s) Addressing the CHES Areas
Area I: Assess needs, resources and capacity for health education/promotion	HLSC 395 Health Promotion and Program Intervention HLSC 396 Evaluating Health Promotion Programs
Area II: Plan health education/promotion	HLSC 395 Health Promotion and Program Intervention HLSC 400 Health Science Capstone
Area III: Implement health education/promotion	HLSC 396 Evaluating Health Promotion Programs HLSC 400 Health Science Capstone
Area IV: Conduct evaluation and research related to health education/promotion	HLSC 396 Evaluating Health Promotion Programs HLSC 400 Health Science Capstone
Area V: Administer and manage health education/promotion	HLSC 395 Health Promotion and Program Intervention HLSC 396 Evaluating Health Promotion Programs
Area VI: Serve as a health education/promotion resource person	HLSC 275 Health Policy and Advocacy HLSC 395 Health Promotion and Program Intervention
Area VII: Communication, promote and advocate for health, health education/promotion and the profession	HLSC 102 Introduction to the Health Professions HLSC 275 Health Policy and Advocacy HLSC 250 Health Communication

Complete an Internship

The Health Science: Health Promotion program offers students the opportunity to complete a semester long internship as part of the program (HLSC 399 Field-based Experience in Health Science.) This course is designed for the student to study the professional world of health care environments. Students will make meaningful connections between their classroom learning and the healthcare internship or job experience. Topics focused on ethics, diversity, communication skills, stress management and other key topics help the student integrate their classroom knowledge with their experiences in the field. Students can review current internship opportunities on the College's Career Services page.

Academic Sequence Maps

Download a copy of the sequence map for:

2022-2023 B.S. in Health Science: Health Promotion

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