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 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 current and emerging community health promotion challenges.
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 tailored to support individuals seeking to advance their public health, health education, and community advocacy careers. 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
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 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.
Field exercises and laboratory work also 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 address community health challenges effectively.
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
The certificate requires 12 credit hours and covers essential topics that build skills in health education, program development, evaluation, and addressing 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.
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.
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 learning by helping students connect coursework to real-world applications.
Personal Statement
Applicants must 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.
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:
- B.S. in Health and Human Performance
- Master of Professional Studies (Public Health Administration)
- Master of Liberal Studies (Health Sciences)
- Certificate in Coaching
Community health promotion involves activities aimed at improving the health of individuals and communities through education, disease prevention, and health policy.
Participants can pursue careers as public health educators, community health workers, health program coordinators, and more.
Effective promotion involves health education, community engagement, developing health programs, and advocating for health policies.
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.
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 at FHSU offers specialized, in-demand degree programs that combine innovative, hands-on learning with access to state-of-the-art facilities. Supported by a dedicated faculty and staff, students are encouraged to address community needs and make a meaningful impact beyond the campus.
The department is committed to preparing students for fulfilling and rewarding careers that align with their personal and professional goals. Emphasizing practical learning experiences, flexible academic options, and close mentorship from experienced faculty, the programs equip students to succeed in diverse, high-growth fields such as professional sports, healthcare, and more. By joining this community, students become part of a network of accomplished alumni and embark on a career path that fosters both personal satisfaction and professional achievement.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities. For more information about the following student organizations, please contact the Department of Health and Human Performance.
- 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 active involvement in campus, community, and professional activities, members develop valuable leadership skills and enhance their professional growth.
- HHP Majors Club: The HHP Majors Club offers students an excellent opportunity to stay engaged in departmental activities, connect with classmates, and take part in university events. The club fosters a strong sense of community within the Department of Health and Human Performance while encouraging involvement and collaboration among students.
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes: The Fellowship of Christian Athletes provides students with the opportunity to integrate their faith with a passion for athletics. This organization sponsors the national annual event Fields of Faith, where FHSU students worship and serve alongside members of the Hays community. FCA welcomes all students interested in Christianity, regardless of their involvement in FHSU athletics.
- Pre-Professional Healthcare Club: The FHSU Pre-Physical Therapy Club fosters a sense of community among students pursuing careers in fields such as Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Physician Assistant, and Pre-Chiropractic. The club supports professional development by offering resources and activities designed to strengthen students’ applications for graduate healthcare programs and future careers. Membership is open to any FHSU student interested in entering a professional healthcare or related field.
- Certificate
- Online
