University of FloridaGraduate Programs in Health Education and BehaviourDepartment of Health Education and BehaviourOur department dates back to 1946, and we offer a comprehensive curriculum ranging from an undergraduate minor through a Ph. D. degree. About 300 students major in our department, making us one of the largest programs in the country. We welcome you to compare our graduate program with other programs in Florida and the nation Degree Programs and Specializations The department offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D. ) degree with a specialization in Health Behaviour, and a 36-credit Master of Science (M. S. ) degree in Health Education and Behaviour. You can choose from thesis, project, and non-thesis options. Master's degree specializations include Community Health Education, Health Communication, Health Promotion, Health Program Planning and Evaluation, Adapted Physical Activity, Pedagogy of Physical Activity, and School Health Education. The specializations include core coursework, specialization coursework, and electives. Financial Assistance We can offer you several forms of financial assistance including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, temporary employment, and student loans. Teaching Assistants usually teach "HSC 2100 - Personal and Family Health", or activity classes in the Sport and Fitness Program. Research Assistants help faculty with their current research and technology projects. Graduate assistants receive pay for their work during the fall and spring terms, as well as fee waivers for in-state and out-of-state tuition. Some summer graduate assistantships are available as well. Job Opportunities Our graduates hold positions in public and private organizations and agencies at the local, state, national, and international levels. Here are some of their position titles: Professor, Department Chair, Physician, Regional Health Educator, Senior Health Educator, Physical Activity Specialist, Health Communication Specialist, Substance Abuse Specialist, Exercise Therapist, HIV/AIDS Program Coordinator, Dietitian, Association Executive, Campus Health Educator, Patient Educator, and Medical Student. Our Faculty Our department includes 17 fulltime faculty positions. The faculty teach and conduct research in many areas of professional interest including alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use; biofeedback; child and adolescent health; childbirth education; distance education; exercise therapy for people with disabilities; human sexuality; health communication; health informatics; HIV/AIDS; injury prevention; international health; intervention mapping; maternal and child health; medical terminology; minority health issues; nutrition and diet; philosophy and ethics; physical fitness; prescription medication abuse; professional writing; program planning and evaluation; rural health; social marketing; spirituality and health; theories of motivation; theories of teaching and learning; women's health issues; and worksite wellness. What You Learn As a student in our graduate program you will learn to plan interventions for individuals, families, and groups of all ages. Our graduates perform activities such as advocating for health education and physical education programs in schools, communities, health care facilities, and worksites; conducting needs assessments to identify program priorities; planning, implementing, and evaluating education interventions; selecting or developing print and electronic materials for health and fitness instruction; seeking financial support to fund health promotion interventions; serving as a resource person for health information and referrals; using a variety of instructional materials and strategies; conducting research and evaluation on the effectiveness of programs and strategies; writing scholarly and professional articles; and working with public and private organizations and agencies to achieve the goal of a healthier nation. The Addictive and Health Behaviours Research Institute We give special attention to research on addictive Behaviours and risk factors. Our Addictive & Health Behaviours Research Institute conducts national and international research on the cause, prevention, and treatment of addictive and related health Behaviours. Addictive Behaviours cause most of the nation's premature and preventable injury, disease, and death. These Behaviours include alcoholism, drug use, eating disorders, tobacco addiction, and other compulsive Behaviours such as gambling. The Institute focuses on particularly vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, minorities, low-income individuals, elderly, and other groups at risk from destructive health Behaviours. The Health Informatics Laboratory You can train in our modern Health Informatics Laboratory and develop skills to meet the future demands of an information-based society. The laboratory features interactive computer technology, instructional media, and research applications. The laboratory also provides high_technology support for health education and health promotion interventions, such as computer-related instruction, computer simulations, innovative gaming techniques, materials testing, and product development. Some Comments From Our Alumni 'The Department's graduate program is simply excellent. The professors' knowledge and dispositions add to the program. I'm very pleased with the knowledge and experience I gained from my time there. ' 'My UF degrees have helped me so many ways personally and professionally. I've used the knowledge and skills I learned to develop programs in my community through a voluntary health agency, present programs in clinical settings, develop programs for home school and for my own children, and present programs to spouses of U. S. military personnel. ' 'I miss the mentorship provided by my professors while I was in the program. I always felt like I had my own cheerleading squad while I was there. It was nice having that support. Those two years honestly were some of the best years of my life. Thanks!' 'I'm thankful for the instruction I received. I benefited personally and professionally from the program and my interaction with faculty and peers. Many thanks for investing in me. ' 'It was a great experience. All my professors were excellent. The degree has opened many doors for me'. 'As a medical student, I feel comfortable and successful in helping patients understand how their Behaviour affects health, and how they can help themselves. I will be a better physician for the experience. The faculty serves as my mentors, role models, and heroes. ' 'The graduate program was one of the best experiences of my life. As a non-traditional female student, the graduate degree opened many doors for me. ' 'I enjoyed the experience. As a student over the traditional age, it worked well for me. The variety of coursework and flexibility in electives were attractive options. ' 'It was truly a wonderful experience. The faculty were supportive, the staff were kind and nurturing, and the location was great. I miss it very much. ' 'I've recommended the program many times over the years. ' 'I thoroughly treasure my experience at the University of Florida. ' 'I would never change my experience as a graduate student in the department. ' 'Thanks for a great educational experience. ' 'Overall, a great degree, a great school. ' Check our website for more information: http: //www.hhp. ufl.edu/heb/index. html
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