Ph.D. in Health Education
The program prepares students to conduct research in basic and applied health education. The following key concepts provide the philosophical foundation of the Ph.D. in Health Education:
- The program requires interaction with an accomplished group of professional health educators (the graduate faculty) and the study of a unique body of knowledge (the health education/health promotion literature).
- It is based on a set of core responsibilities and competencies set forth by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (A Competency-Based Framework for Graduate-Level Health Educators, 1999).
- Our doctoral program is a researcher-oriented degree, but requires competence as a practicing health educator/promoter.
- A Ph.D. degree in Health Education facilitates the development of a competitive scholastic and professional portfolio by students.
All students are expected to work closely with faculty in research and service projects, to become skilled, independent and ethical researchers and to publish in health education journals.
The Division will take a transdisciplinary approach to producing researchers and academicians who are trained to understand how one’s health and wellness is both positively and negatively influenced by one’s total environment [i.e., factors ranging from micro (interpersonal relationships, families) to macro (cultural, environmental, policies, and infrastructure)]. Thus, we seek to train professionals who understand and consider the interaction between the individual, their respective state, and their social, structural land political environment.
Accreditation
The program is grounded in the Responsibilities and Competencies for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) developed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). Students completing the master’s program are prepared to sit for the exam to be a Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES).
ADMISSIONS
Most applicants have completed a master’s degree, but students may be admitted with a bachelor’s Degree. Bachelor’s degree applicants must have an exemplary record of achievement at the undergraduate level and significant preparation in health education.
A member of the graduate faculty to be admitted must accept students.
We will only review COMPLETE applications. A COMPLETE application includes:
- Apply Texas application
- Transcripts from all institutions of higher education that you have attended
- Three letters of recommendation (at least one must be from a prior professor who can attest to your academic abilities)
- Statement of purpose
- Your current resume
Program Details
Degree: Ph.D. in Health Education
Credit Hours: 64 hours
Delivery: Traditional
Curriculum
Every student’s course of study is individually designed on the basis of career goals and interests. The program required a minimum of 64 hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree and 96 hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree and must include:
- Health education core
- Statistics/Research requirement
- Teaching internship
- Dissertation of original research
Students may petition to substitute elective courses for required health education courses already completed.
Advisors
Tyler Fadal
Academic Advisor II
Faculty
Over 25 highly qualified faculty members serve the Health Education Division through teaching, research, and service, bringing decades of experience to Health Education students. Areas of research include health behaviors throughout the lifespan such as sex-related behaviors and substance abuse; comprehensive school health; health equity; genomics; global health; health program evaluation; community capacity; and network analysis.
Health Education FacultyFrequently Asked Questions
Doctoral
I still have further questions—who can I contact to help me answer those?
Please feel free to contact the Graduate Advising Office in 335 Blocker. Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We can be reached at (979) 862-4052 (Tyler Fadal) or (979) 458-2673 (Carmen Hoffmann). You can e-mail us at info@hlkn.tamu.edu. Our mailing address is 4243 TAMU; College Station, TX 77843-4243.
What are the typical program costs?
The following website can help you estimate the cost of the program, including current costs of tuition and fees: Click here for the cost of attendance estimator
Please note, you must update the program hours.
Can you guide me through the application process?
Completed Application: A completed Apply Texas application. Apply online at www.applytexas.org. The name on your application must match your name as it appears in your passport. Application Fee: A non-refundable $50 application fee for domestic applicants and $75 application fee for international applicants. The application fee may be paid by check, money order or approved credit card. Applicants who wish to pay by credit card may do so as part of the online application. If you are unable to pay the fee online, you may call the Graduate Admissions Office at 979-845-1060. Official Transcripts and Records: Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. NOTE: You do not need to submit an official transcript from Texas A&M University. For information on submitting official transcripts to Texas A&M University, please visit their website.
How to Apply: Master’s Application Information | Doctoral Application Information
I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?
Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Is there any opportunity for financial assistance?
Yes, there are opportunities for financial assistance through the following offices: Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Is the GRE required?
Yes, the GRE is required.