4 + 1 PROGRAM HEALTH BEHAVIOR SCIENCE BS/ HEALTH PROMOTION MS
About the program
The Department of Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences offers a 4+1 BS/MS program that allows students to complete both the Bachelor of Science degree in Health Behavior Science and the Master of Science degree in Health Promotion in a total of five years of full-time study.
The 4+1 program offers two concentrations to align with students’ interest areas and future career goals:
- Health Coaching
- Health and Disability
Graduates of the Health Coaching concentration are eligible to take the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching Certification as a Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC).
Students who do not choose one of the concentration areas may select a series of elective courses to meet their interests.
Career Opportunities
The Master of Science (MS) in Health Promotion prepares graduates to work as health educators, research project managers, public health evaluators and health coaches in a variety of settings including corporate wellness programs, academic institutions, local and state health departments, and health-related fields.
The 4+1 BS in Health Behavior Science/MS in Health Promotion Program requires students to complete all required undergraduate courses in the BS in Health Behavior Science. However, admitted students will not be required to complete a minor or Health and Disability concentration for completion of their undergraduate degree. Admitted 4+1 students will be allowed to count 12 course credits taken at the graduate level (600 level or above) during their undergraduate years toward both the BS and MS degree requirements. The department academic advisor will work with students and the faculty program director to identify the appropriate graduate courses. Suggested options include:
- HBNS 803 (Advanced Program Planning) instead of HBNS 490 (Program Planning)
- HBNS 610 (Health in the Media) or HBNS 819 (Social Marketing) instead of elective
- HBNS 605 (Chronic Disease Management) instead of HBS requirement of either HBNS 335 or HBNS 342
- HBNS 634 (Health Data Analysis) for HBNS 222 (Epidemiology)
Students complete the remaining 24 graduate credits towards the Health Promotion MS degree over the course of two academic semesters.
A written comprehensive examination will be administered upon completion of the first semester of the graduate year.
Suggested Course Plan
Core Courses (21 credits) |
Semester |
HBNS819 Social Marketing and Health Communication or HBNS610 Health in the Media (3) |
Spring, Y3 |
| HBNS803 Advanced Health Promotion Programming (3) | Fall, Y4 |
HBNS809 Health Behavior Theory (3) |
Fall, Y5 |
HBNS804 Program Evaluation (3) |
Spring, Y5 |
Elective Courses (12 credits) |
|
Elective course (3) |
Fall, Y4 |
Elective or HBNS652 Healthy Lifestyle (3) |
Spring, Y4 |
Additional Elective or 2 credit independent study (2 or 3) |
Spring, Y4 |
Elective or HBNS633 Health Coaching (3) |
Fall, Y5 |
Elective or HBNS664 Health Coaching Practicum (1) |
Spring, Y5 |
| Comprehensive Examination |
Winter, Y5 |
Internship (3 credits) |
|
HBNS864 Internship (3) |
Spring, Y5 |
Credit Requirements
Core Credits |
21 |
Concentration credits |
12 |
Internship or Research project* |
3 |
Total number of required credits |
36 |
Core Credits (21 credits)
HBNS605 |
Concepts of Chronic Disease Management |
HBNS609 |
Survey Research Methods |
HBNS632 |
Health Science Data Analysis (or equivalent statistics core) |
HBNS803 |
Advanced Health Promotion Programming |
HBNS804 |
Program Evaluation |
HBNS809 |
Health Behavior Theory |
HNBS819 or HBNS 610 |
Social Marketing and Health Communication
Health and the Media |
Concentration Credits
Clinical Health Coaching (7 credits)
HBNS633 |
Health Coaching (3 credits) |
HBNS605 |
Chronic Disease Management (3 credits) |
HBNS664 |
Health Coaching Practicum (1 credit) |
Health and Disability ( 12 credits)
HBNS645 |
Health, Physical Activity, and Disability |
HLTH605 or HLTH606 |
Self-Directed Supports for People with Disabilities
Values-Based Management of Disability Service Agencies |
Choose one of the following courses: |
|
KAAP 607 |
Motor Learning and Control |
HDFS 621 |
Family Studies I: Empirical and Theoretical Perspectives |
KAAP 651 |
Neuropsychological Basis of Human Movement |
EDUC 624 |
Introduction to Autism and Severe Disabilities |
EDUC 673 |
School-to-Adult Life Transitions and Disability |
EDUC 681 |
Techniques for Behavior Change and Positive Behavior Support |
one elective |
|
INTERNSHIP (3 credits)
*Prior to enrollment in HBNS 864 Internship (typically in the 10th semester), students must successfully pass a written Qualifying Exam.
- Current enrollment in the Health Behavior Science major at UD with completion of at least 60 credits
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3
- Personal statement that clearly explains how admission to this program will facilitate the student’s professional objectives
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation (it is recommended that at least one letter be from an academic reference)
- Submission of the Graduate Course Approval Form
- The GRE is not required
The application deadline is September 15 of the student’s junior year. The application fee will be waived automatically for applicants to this 4+1 program.
Application Deadline:
September 15th of the student's Junior year
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Connect
Tower at STAR: 100 Discovery Blvd, Newark, DE 19713<br> Health Sciences Complex: 540 S. College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 chs-info@udel.edu Phone: 302-831-1060