Health Education Certificate – Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
A nine-course, 100% online certificate for adults with a bachelor’s degree who want to move into health education, wellness, or community health work. Coursework covers epidemiology, health behavior, community health assessment, and health promotion, and prepares you to sit for the CHES® exam. See the full program overview.
CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) is a national credential from NCHEC showing you’ve met academic requirements and passed a competency-based exam. Many health educator and wellness roles prefer or require it, which is why the curriculum is built around it.
As little as 9 months (about 37 weeks) full-time, or up to 2 years part-time. You can view the details on our program page.
Yes, and fully asynchronous. Watch lectures and complete assignments on your own schedule each week, with discussion boards, case studies, and assessments to keep you engaged.
SCU offers multiple start dates and admits students on a rolling basis. Check the program overview for current terms.
Admissions
A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution (or international equivalent). No minimum GPA and no specific major required. View the full details on the Admissions Requirements page.
No. The program is designed for career changers from any field, since there’s no required undergraduate major.
Submit your application 3 to 6 months before your intended start date. There’s no hard deadline but earlier is better. View our current start dates.
No. Requirements are limited to your bachelor’s degree and standard application materials. See the Admissions Requirements page.
SCU has a general transfer policy across programs. Visit the Transfer Students page to learn more.
Yes, with the same general requirements as domestic applicants, though immigration and other factors may add steps. See the International Students Admissions page.
In most cases, yes, since it’s fully online. As of the last update, SCU can’t enroll residents of Delaware or the District of Columbia. Confirm your state’s status on the Admissions Requirements page.
Curriculum and Courses
27 credits across nine 3-credit courses:
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Introduction to Health Education and Wellness
- Integrative Health
- Health Behavior
- Current Trends Health Education
- Integrative Health Promotion
- Advances in Health Promotion
- Planning and Evaluation of Health Programs
- Implementation of Health Promotion Programs
You can view the full details on the program page.
Yes. It’s mapped to NCHEC’s Eight Areas of Responsibility for health educators:
- Assessment of needs and capacity
- Planning
- Implementation
- Evaluation and research
- Advocacy
- Communication
- Leadership and management
- Ethics and professionalism
It depends on your pace (9 months versus 2 years) and study habits. Expect a workload similar to accelerated online graduate coursework: lectures, readings, discussion posts, and written assignments.
No. The certificate is fully online and asynchronous, with no campus visits or set meeting times.
The CHES Exam
No program can guarantee a passing score, since NCHEC administers the exam independently. SCU’s curriculum aligns with the Eight Areas of Responsibility to build a strong foundation. For eligibility and registration, check NCHEC’s CHES eligibility page directly, since requirements can change.
NCHEC generally requires a minimum number of relevant credit hours in health education, promotion, or wellness. SCU’s 27-credit certificate is designed to meet that bar. Please confirm current requirements on NCHEC’s site before registering.
It’s a competency-based, multiple-choice exam covering the Eight Areas of Responsibility, offered a few times a year. Format and testing details can change, so check NCHEC directly for the latest specifics.
Not every employer requires it, but many see it as a meaningful differentiator, especially in public health agencies, hospital systems, and corporate wellness roles. It signals you’ve met a national competency standard, not just completed coursework.
Career Outcomes
Graduates work in settings like:
- Healthcare organizations, educating patients on prevention and wellness
- Government and public health agencies (read more on this path in SCU’s careers with a public health degree article)
- Insurance companies, managing preventive care initiatives
- Corporate and workplace wellness programs
- Schools and universities
- Community and nonprofit organizations
- Research and advocacy organizations
Yes. Please see the O*Net OnLine Employment Trends.
Yes. The fully online, asynchronous format and flexible 9-month to 2-year timeline are built for working adults.
Alumni have moved into roles like Advanced Medical Support Lead at a VA outpatient clinic and Child Life Assistant at a children’s hospital, citing stronger healthcare knowledge and patient education skills. Read more student testimonials.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Please see the current numbers on the Tuition and Scholarships page.
Yes, for students who stay on track with their cohort and graduate on time, or within one additional term. You can learn more on our Cost and Affordability page.
Yes. Please see the Undergraduate Student Aid page and our SCU Scholarships page for details.
No. Total tuition is the same for both start dates (Block A or Block B); only the per-term breakdown shifts. See full details on the Tuition and Scholarships page.
No, you would need to budget for these separately.
Online Learning and Support
Please check the Technology Requirements page before enrolling to confirm your setup is compatible.
Yes, both are available online. You can learn more on the Tutoring Services page and the Learning Resource Center page.
Next Steps
You can apply directly through SCU’s Applicant Portal.
Yes. You can request information, attend a virtual information session, or call 562-475-4604 to speak with an admissions advisor.