Health Behavior
and Health Promotion

Careers

The Division maintains close links with health educators in private, nonprofit, and government agencies, such as the Ohio Department of Health, the Columbus Health Department, churches and statewide nonprofit organizations.

Experts in promoting healthy behavior can find positions in a variety of organizations. Representative positions held by graduates with a specialization in Health Behavior and Health Promotion:

  • Director of health education programs, local health department
  • Coordinator of drug-alcohol prevention, state university
  • School health specialist, state comprehensive health program
  • Consultant, state commission on minority health
  • Director of health and safety, regional nonprofit social agency
  • Manager of community relations, academic medial center

A master's degree is required for these public health positions; however a PhD is required for work in academia or other research institutions.

Employment in this area is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, and job prospects are expected to be favorable, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth will result from the rising cost of health care and the increased recognition of the need for qualified experts on promoting healthy behaviors and evaluating health programs.

Insurance companies, employers and governments are attempting to find ways to curb the cost of health care. One of the more cost effective ways is to implement health programs to teach people how to live healthy lives and avoid costly treatments for illnesses. The need to provide the public with this information will result in state and local governments, hospitals, and businesses employing a growing number of experts in health behavior and health promotion.