Graduate Degrees in Health Education & Behavior

The department offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a specialization in Health Behavior, and a 36-credit Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Health Education and Behavior with thesis, project in-lieu of thesis, and non-thesis options. The Ph.D. program trains health behavior researchers for academic positions, for positions in federal health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, and for post-doctoral research fellowships. The 36-credit hour M.S. program allows students to design individualized programs of study around their professional interests and career goals.

Topics You Study

Our faculty teach courses and conduct research on topics such as addictive health behaviors; substance abuse; child and adolescent health; human sexuality; health informatics; HIV/AIDS; injury prevention and control; international health; intervention mapping; maternal and child health; medical terminology; minority health issues; nutrition and diet; obesity; philosophy and ethics; physical fitness; prescription drug abuse; professional writing; program planning and evaluation; rural health; sexually transmitted infections; social marketing; spirituality and health; stress management; theories of motivation; women's health issues; and worksite wellness.

Skills You Learn

Our students learn about a variety of contemporary health issues affecting American society. They develop skills such as conducting needs assessments; setting measurable objectives; planning, implementing, and evaluating health education programs; and developing print and electronic materials for health instruction. As professional health educators, our program graduates use their knowledge and skills to advocate for health education programs in schools, communities, health care facilities, and worksites; seek funds to support health promotion activities; plan interventions for individuals, families, and groups of all ages; conduct research and evaluation on program effectiveness; and work collaboratively with public and private organizations and agencies to build healthy communities.

Places Our Graduates Work

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, 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.

Some Comments From Our Graduate Program 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 behavior 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."