Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Fort Hays State University (FHSU)

Certificate

Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level

Hours: 12 Online

About

The Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University is designed for individuals seeking to expand their understanding of public health and its influence on community well-being. This certificate offers a solid foundation in health education, disease prevention, and community-based health strategies, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to promote health across diverse populations.

Ideal for health professionals aiming to strengthen their expertise and credentials, the certificate is delivered fully online, providing flexibility for those balancing work and education. The curriculum integrates theoretical concepts with practical learning experiences, including service-learning projects, fieldwork, and laboratory activities. Students are prepared to address both current and emerging challenges in community health promotion.

Why pursue a Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University?

The Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level emphasizes practical, applied learning to prepare individuals for impactful roles in public health. Through hands-on experiences such as service-learning projects and field-based exercises, participants apply theoretical knowledge to real-world community health settings.

Delivered entirely online, the certificate offers the flexibility working professionals need to advance their education while managing existing responsibilities. The curriculum is informed by current research and emerging trends, ensuring participants gain relevant, up-to-date expertise in health education, disease prevention, and community advocacy.

Designed for those pursuing careers in public health, health education, and community engagement, this certificate provides a strong foundation in best practices for promoting health and well-being at the community level.

Who is this program for?

This graduate-level certificate is designed to meet the needs of individuals looking to advance their careers in public health, health education, and community advocacy. It is ideal for:

Health professionals looking to enhance their skills
Individuals interested in community health promotion
Public health workers seeking advanced credentials
Health educators aiming to improve their teaching methods
Community advocates seeking to make a significant impact

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level equips participants with the knowledge and skills essential for effectively promoting health within communities. The following learning outcomes reflect the certificate’s comprehensive, practice-oriented approach to community health education.

Develop Fundamental Community Health Skills

Participants will gain core competencies in community health promotion, including health education, disease prevention, and health policy development. This foundational knowledge prepares them to design and implement effective, evidence-based health initiatives that address the specific needs of diverse communities.

Plan and Implement Health Programs

Students will learn to design, implement, and evaluate community health promotion initiatives. This includes gaining proficiency in program planning, resource coordination, and the use of evaluation tools to measure outcomes. Upon completion of the certificate, students will be equipped to manage health initiatives from initial planning through to successful execution, ensuring alignment with targeted community health goals.

Engage in Effective Communication

Effective communication is essential in the field of community health promotion. Through this certificate, participants will develop the skills to convey complex health information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences. This includes creating targeted health messages, utilizing multiple communication platforms, and engaging with community stakeholders to build collaboration and support for health initiatives.

Real-World Applications

The Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level emphasizes real-world application through a variety of practical learning experiences. Integrated service-learning projects allow students to collaborate directly with communities, applying course concepts in meaningful, real-world contexts. These experiences foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and the development of practical skills while contributing to measurable improvements in community health.

In addition to community engagement, field exercises and laboratory activities provide structured, hands-on opportunities to reinforce theoretical knowledge. These applied learning components ensure that participants are well-prepared to address complex public health challenges in diverse settings. With a strong focus on experiential learning, the certificate equips individuals to promote health effectively and confidently in professional community health roles.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The curriculum incorporates the latest advancements and trends in the field to ensure students remain at the forefront of public health practice. Through lectures, demonstrations, and research-based coursework, students explore contemporary topics such as technology in health promotion, innovative health education strategies, and advanced approaches to disease prevention.

Assignments and projects are designed to engage participants with emerging research and real-world innovations, fostering a mindset of continuous learning. This forward-looking approach prepares them to apply current best practices and adapt to the evolving landscape of community health. Staying informed about new methodologies and technological developments is a key component of the certificate experience.

Hands-on Activities

Fort Hays State University emphasizes experiential learning in the certificate. It includes hands-on activities such as service-learning projects, where students collaborate with real communities to design and implement health promotion initiatives, enhancing practical skills and community engagement.

Additionally, field exercises and laboratory work provide opportunities to apply knowledge in realistic settings that simulate real-world scenarios. This practical focus equips participants with valuable experience, bridging the gap between theory and practice, and preparing them to effectively address community health challenges.

What You’ll Learn:

Community health skills
Disease prevention
Health education
Program planning
Health initiative evaluation

How You’ll Learn:

Service-learning projects
Field exercises and labs
Research-based curriculum
Interactive online coursework
Lectures and demonstrations

Courses

The certificate requires 12 credit hours and covers essential topics such as Health Education Methods, Community Health Assessment, Program Planning and Evaluation, and Current Issues in Community Health. These courses equip students with skills in health education, program development, evaluation, and understanding contemporary public health challenges.

The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application through service-learning projects and field exercises. This approach ensures students are well-prepared to implement effective health promotion strategies in diverse community settings, utilizing the latest research and best practices.

HHP 633: Assessment and Planning in Health and Human Performance

In this course, students will be applying instruments to determine the physical and motor needs of individuals with disabilities and the ability to implement physical education programs for individuals with disabilities.

HHP 811: Health Promotion Programming

This course focuses on health promotion programming concepts, skills, and the delivery and evaluation of wellness programs. Students will analyze a framework for designing and implementing effective health promotion initiatives.

HHP 812: Nutrition for Health and Fitness

This course explores the interrelationships between nutrition, diet, health, and fitness. Topics include the roles of macro and micronutrients, weight maintenance, and the nutritional needs of special populations.

Discover the full Certificate in Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Students who complete the Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level find career opportunities across a variety of settings, including:

Public Health Educator

Public health educators design and deliver health education programs in public health departments, schools, and non-profits. They create materials, lead workshops, and evaluate initiatives to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease.

Community Health Worker

Community health workers connect with community members to promote healthy lifestyles. They assist individuals in navigating healthcare, provide health education, and link people to essential resources, relying on strong interpersonal skills and community knowledge.

Health Program Coordinator

Health program coordinators plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion programs in healthcare, non-profits, and government agencies. They collaborate with health professionals and community stakeholders to achieve targeted health outcomes.

Research Assistant

Research assistants support public health studies by collecting and analyzing data, designing research, and sharing findings to advance community health knowledge and evidence-based practices.

Wellness Coordinator

Wellness coordinators develop and manage programs that promote healthy lifestyles through fitness, nutrition, and stress management initiatives. They plan, implement, and evaluate these programs to enhance participants’ health and well-being.

Admission Requirements

The Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University has defined admission requirements to ensure students are prepared for graduate-level coursework.

Graduate School Admission

Applicants must be admitted to the Fort Hays State University Graduate School by meeting general admission criteria, including holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

Academic Achievement

Applicants are typically required to have a minimum undergraduate GPA of approximately 3.0 to demonstrate readiness for graduate-level study. This ensures that students have the foundational knowledge needed for success in the Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level.

Professional Experience

Relevant professional experience in health or a related field is strongly recommended and may be required for admission. This experience offers practical context, enriching the learning process by helping students connect coursework to real-world applications.

Personal Statement

Applicants are typically required to submit a statement of purpose outlining their goals and reasons for pursuing the certificate. This statement assists the admissions committee in assessing the applicant’s motivation and commitment to advancing a career in community health promotion.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit letters of recommendation, typically from academic or professional references. These letters should endorse the applicant’s academic skills, professional accomplishments, and potential for success in the certificate.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,180.60* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

Those interested in the Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level may also consider related programs offered at Fort Hays State University, including:

FAQ

What is community health promotion?

Community health promotion involves activities aimed at improving the health of individuals and communities through education, disease prevention, and health policy.

What are some career prospects for a Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level?

Participants can pursue careers as public health educators, community health workers, health program coordinators, and more.

How can I promote community health?

Effective promotion involves health education, community engagement, developing health programs, and advocating for health policies.

What are the admission requirements for this certificate?

Applicants for the Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level must be admitted to the graduate school, have a relevant bachelor's degree, and have professional experience in a related field.

How is this certificate delivered?

The Certificate in Community Health Promotion - Graduate Level is offered entirely online, providing flexibility for working professionals.

Information about the Department of Health and Human Performance

The Department of Health and Human Performance provides specialized, in-demand degrees that combine innovative, hands-on learning with access to state-of-the-art facilities. You will be supported by a dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to helping you address the needs of the community and make a meaningful impact beyond the campus.

We strive to prepare you for a fulfilling and rewarding career that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Our programs emphasize practical learning experiences, offer flexible academic options, and foster close-knit mentorship from our experienced faculty. With opportunities in diverse, high-growth fields such as professional sports, healthcare, and more, you will be equipped to pursue your career aspirations. Join our network of accomplished alumni and embark on a path that leads to both personal satisfaction and professional success.

Student Organizations

While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.

Phi Epsilon Kappa - Delta Theta Chapter: The Delta Theta chapter of Phi Epsilon Kappa, a national honor society, recognizes FHSU students pursuing careers in physical education, health, recreation, dance, human performance, exercise science, sports medicine, and sports management. Through Phi Epsilon Kappa, you will gain leadership skills by engaging in campus, community, and professional activities. To get involved, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.
HHP Majors Club: The HHP Majors Club is ideal for students wanting to stay involved with departmental activities, meet classmates, and participate in university events. This club fosters a sense of community within the department. For more information, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes: The Fellowship of Christian Athletes offers students the chance to combine their faith with their passion for athletics. This organization sponsors the national annual event, Fields of Faith, which allows FHSU students to worship and serve alongside the Hays community. All students interested in Christianity are welcome to join, regardless of their participation in FHSU athletics. To get involved, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.
Pre-Professional Healthcare Club: The FHSU Pre-Physical Therapy Club is dedicated to providing meaningful experiences for students preparing for physical therapy school. This club brings together students interested in professional development to strengthen their applications for physical therapy programs and beyond. Membership is available to any FHSU student interested in pursuing a career in physical therapy or related fields. For more information, contact hhpcontact@fhsu.edu.

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