Health Education Certificate – Online

What is SCU's Health Education Certificate program?

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.

What is a CHES, and why does it matter?

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.

How long does the program take?

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.

Is the program really 100% online?

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.

When can I start?

SCU offers multiple start dates and admits students on a rolling basis. Check the program overview for current terms.

What do I need to get in?

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.

Do I need a health or science background to apply?

No. The program is designed for career changers from any field, since there’s no required undergraduate major.

When should I apply?

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.

Do I need GRE or other test scores?

No. Requirements are limited to your bachelor’s degree and standard application materials. See the Admissions Requirements page.

Can I transfer credits into the program?

SCU has a general transfer policy across programs. Visit the Transfer Students page to learn more.

Can international students apply?

Yes, with the same general requirements as domestic applicants, though immigration and other factors may add steps. See the International Students Admissions page.

Is the program available if I live outside California?

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.

What courses will I take?

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.

Does the curriculum prepare me for the CHES exam?

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

How much time should I expect to spend each week?

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.

Are there any in-person or synchronous requirements?

No. The certificate is fully online and asynchronous, with no campus visits or set meeting times.

Will this certificate guarantee I pass 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.

How many credit hours do I need to be eligible?

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.

What is the CHES exam like?

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.

Is the CHES credential worth it to employers?

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.

What can I do with this certificate?

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

Is health education a growing field?

Yes. Please see the O*Net OnLine Employment Trends.

Is this a good fit if I'm working full-time?

Yes. The fully online, asynchronous format and flexible 9-month to 2-year timeline are built for working adults.

What do graduates say about the program?

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.

How much does the program cost?

Please see the current numbers on the Tuition and Scholarships page.

Does SCU offer a fixed tuition guarantee?

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.

Are there financial aid or scholarships available for this certificate?

Yes. Please see the Undergraduate Student Aid page and our SCU Scholarships page for details.

Does tuition cost more depending on my start date?

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.

Are books and supplies included in tuition?

No, you would need to budget for these separately.

What technology do I need?

Please check the Technology Requirements page before enrolling to confirm your setup is compatible.

Is tutoring or academic support available online?

Yes, both are available online. You can learn more on the Tutoring Services page and the Learning Resource Center page.

How do I apply?

You can apply directly through SCU’s Applicant Portal.

Can I talk to someone before I apply?

Yes. You can request information, attend a virtual information session, or call 562-475-4604 to speak with an admissions advisor.

Why should I care that SCU is focused on Integrative, Whole Health?

Because healthcare is increasingly moving in this direction. You’ll be entering a healthcare system that places greater emphasis on whole-person care, prevention, and collaboration across disciplines. An Integrative, Whole Health education will prepare you to understand the many factors that influence health, the range of approaches available to patients, and how your profession fits into the bigger picture.

Why should I care that SCU provides an Interprofessional Education?

Because in the real world, healthcare is rarely delivered by one profession alone. Learning with and about other healthcare disciplines will help you understand what other providers do, when their expertise may benefit your patients, and how to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate care effectively.

Will focusing on Integrative, Whole Health take away from learning my own profession?

No. You will still develop the advanced knowledge and skills you need to become an expert in your chosen profession. Integrative, Whole Health adds a broader understanding of the patient, other health professions, and the healthcare system in which you’ll practice—it doesn’t replace professional expertise.

Couldn’t I learn this at any healthcare university?

You may encounter elements of it elsewhere. At SCU, however, this broader perspective is part of the environment in which you’ll learn from the beginning—not simply a topic you’ll encounter in an individual course or elective.