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Health Education Certificate (Online)
Degree
Health Education Certificate
Department
At a Glance
You will play a key role in informing, educating, and empowering individuals and communities to lead healthier lives by applying evidence-based strategies, theoretical frameworks, and practical tools through research, communication, leadership, and advocacy. This certificate program provides graduate-level coursework that fulfills the eligibility criteria for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES®) examinations. Although these credentials are not required to complete the program, they are highly encouraged due to the valuable professional advantages they offer.
Graduate Director: Sylvia Twersky, twerskys@tcnj.edu
Duration
- part time: 2–3 years
Availability
- online
Certifications
- CHES® and MCHES® eligibility
3–9
- courses
9–27
- credits
$714
- per credit
Who Should Pursue This Program?
This certificate program is well-suited for students or graduates with a background in public health or health education, as well as current or aspiring health educators working in schools, community organizations, healthcare settings, or nonprofits. Coursework focuses on program planning and evaluation, public health leadership, and health education in practice.
Engaged Faculty
Learn from nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are fully engaged with their students. Your professor knows your name and teaches all of your classes. You won’t find any TAs here.
CHES® and MCHES® Exams
You can prepare for national certification to advance your career or meet employment qualifications, as many employers prefer or require the CHES® or MCHES® credentials. Earning these certifications enhances professional credibility, demonstrates a commitment to national standards, and may support eligibility for grants or funding in public health initiatives. Three required courses align with the core CHES® competencies, with the option to take up to five additional courses based on individual needs or interests. The number of recommended courses beyond the required three is determined by the results of a prescreen evaluation submitted by the student to CHES®. Learn more about the CHES® exam and the MCHES® exam or contact Livia Lazzaro if you are a current TCNJ student or alumnus.
CHES/MCHES Exam April Cycle: November 1 – January 31
CHES/MCHES Exam October Cycle: May 1 – July 31
Application Requirements
For your application to be considered complete, you must submit the online application as well as all supplemental documents.
Recommended Application Deadlines
We consider applications on a space-available basis. You can apply up to and including the first day of the semester.
Curriculum
Required Courses
- PBHG 572: Program Planning and Evaluation in Global Health (3 credits)
- PBHG 610: Public Health Leadership for a Changing World (3 credits)
- PBHG 650: Health Education in Practice (3 credits)
Optional Courses
- PBHG 530: Sexual Communication and Health (3 credits)
- PBHG 535: Interpersonal Health Communication (3 credits)
- PBHG 545: New Media and Health Communication (3 credits)
- PBHG 578: Cancer from a Public Health Perspective (3 credits) offered in the Spring
- PBHG 677: Disclosure, Stigma, Privacy, and Health (3 credits) offered in the Summer
- PBHG 685: Health Promotion for Individuals, Families, and Communities (3 credits) offered in the Fall
- PBH 601-901: Global Health Education in Practice (3 credits) offered in the Winter
Students can apply these 12 credits toward an MPH at TCNJ.
Tuition/Aid
We offer the same tuition rates no matter where you live. And there is a range of financial aid and assistantship options for TCNJ graduate students.
