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From 9 Months – 2 Years
Spring: February 26th, 2025
Summer: May 5th and June 25th, 2025
Fall: September 2nd and October 22nd, 2025
This credit-earning online certificate provides a detailed review of the analysis and application of the Eight Areas of Responsibility and competencies for a Health Education Specialist. The focus is on helping you increase your knowledge of the competencies and be better prepared for the CHES® examination and your professional practice. The program is designed to cover the health educator’s responsibilities, competencies, and sub-competencies.
Completing the SCU Post-Baccalaureate Health Education Certificate qualifies students to sit for the CHES® exam, offered by the National Council on Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). The CHES® is recognized nationally and globally as a valuable, respected, and desirable credential in a variety of fields. Health professionals with a broad range of specializations, from nutrition to kinesiology, have found the CHES® to be an excellent complement to their disciplinary knowledge because it emphasizes effective methods for educating individuals and communities on ways to improve health behaviors and outcomes.
Students completing the certificate qualify to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) credential through extensive study of the Eight Areas of Responsibilities for Health Educators.
The 100% online structure allows students to participate whenever or wherever they have access to a computer and the internet, there are no set classroom attendance times. Courses do have weekly requirements.
Orientation for online learning is provided. For those new to this style of education, you’ll receive the guidance, support, and tools you need to succeed.
The certificate can be completed in as little as 37 weeks (just under 9 months) or take up to two years to finish the required course of study.
The program of study includes a variety of courses to give you a strong foundation for understanding health. Study health promotion, health education, health behavior, and introduction to epidemiology. You will also have the chance to learn about current trends in health education and program implementation.
Many employer tuition reimbursement programs can cover a portion of the cost or students can utilize Federal Financial Aid. Inquire to learn more.
Certified health education specialists often pursue careers in wellness and health promotion in environments, such as:
Earning the CHES® demonstrates competence and provides professionals a competitive edge in employment.
expected growth between 2019 and 2029, faster than the average for all occupations1
SCU’s Post-Baccalaureate Health Education Certificate is designed to qualify students to successfully sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) examination. The CHES® is a competency-based tool used to measure possession, application, and interpretation of knowledge in the Eight Areas of Responsibility for Health Education Specialists. The exam reflects the entry-level sub-competencies of these areas of responsibility.
A CHES is a practitioner who has**:
For more details on the CHES® exam, please review the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).
**Please refer to the NCHEC.org website for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) Exam Application Handbook for any updated eligibility details.
Total Credits: 27
| Title | Credits |
| Introduction to Epidemiology | 3 |
| Introduction to Health Education and Wellness | 3 |
| Integrative Health | 3 |
| Health Behavior | 3 |
| Current Trends Health Education | 3 |
| Integrative Health Promotion | 3 |
| Advances in Health Promotion | 3 |
| Planning and Evaluation of Health Programs | 3 |
| Implementation of Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
| Total | 27 |
The Health Education Certificate (HEC) will help me with my goals toward becoming a nurse practitioner, as well as strengthen my knowledge in healthcare ethics and affirm my skillsets with patients, and in the medical field, overall.
The HEC program at SCU has provided me with the knowledge and tools to better serve and promote wellness by using health-focused strategies to educate communities and help them learn and sustain a healthy lifestyle. I am excited to embark on the journey of helping others live their best lives.
Students seeking reasonable accommodations or support services while enrolled at SCU can do so through the Student Services Office (SSO). We encourage you to register with SSO as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the approval and notification process.
$12,150 tuition to complete the program.*
The table below represents the student’s tuition for a Block A entry. The Post-Baccalaureate Health Education Certificate program provides two start dates each term, the first is referred to as Block A and the second as Block B. The total tuition does not differ based on when a student starts but the cost per term shown below will be different due to the timing. All tuition shown below is for Block A students (the first start date of the term).
| Term | Tuition* | Program Fees** | Petition to Graduate Fee** | Total Term Cost*** |
| 1 | $5,400 | $150 | – | $5,550 |
| 2 | $2,700 | $150 | – | $2,850 |
| 3 | $4,050 | $150 | $225 | $4,425 |
| Totals | $12,150 | $450 | $225 | $12,825 |
Per term tuition amounts listed above were calculated using the current curriculum plan for credit hours in the term shown times the rate per credit hour and assumes that the student stays on cohort and follows the normal academic progression.
*Tuition is charged at $450 per credit. Tuition is billed by credit hour and rates reflected above represent the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on the website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information. Restrictions on our fixed rate tuition guarantee apply. To remain eligible for the fixed rate guarantee, students must graduate either on time or within one additional term of the published program length they are enrolled in. Refer to the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee section of the academic catalog for more information. Actual tuition per term will vary depending upon the number of credit hours enrolled.
**Program fees listed are for the 2024/2025 academic year and are subject to change. Program fees include charges for technology and ASB and are charged every term that the student is enrolled.
***Books, supplies, and other equipment not included in this tuition and fee schedule may be required for this program.
Our approach to Interprofessional Education is unique. In California and across the country. Here modern medicine unites with ancient and traditional healing arts to create an environment of engagement. SCU’s groundbreaking IPE model combines curriculum, clinic, community, and clubs to help you develop a broader base of knowledge and gain a deeper appreciation for different perspectives on care. Which leads to a seamless transition from student to practitioner.
We bring together aspiring students from different disciplines so you can learn and excel side-by-side. The depth and breadth of this dynamic experience will prepare you to one day take the lead in a collaborative, interprofessional practice.
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Financing Your Dreams
We are proud to offer a fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional and program-specific scholarship opportunities.