Health Education and Promotion

Improving health and preventing disease is a critical concern for every community and has never been more timely. Benedictine Universitys Health Education and Promotion (HLED) major is for those who desire to become health education specialists who are trained to help others become healthier. According to the professional association for health education specialists (the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing or NCHEC), health education specialists work with individuals, families, and communities, as well as public and private organizations to create, implement, oversee, and analyze programs and strategies that promote health and well-being” (https://www.nchec.org/). Through education and engagement, the major fosters the ability to develop sustainable health solutions and health equity to advocate for and strengthen the health of diverse communities as well as acting as reputable health resources.

Our major provides a unique focus on nutrition. Health education as a profession is concerned with educating the public to shift from unhealthy to healthy behaviors to improve their health and quality of life. A focus on nutrition means that students gain a valuable dietary point of view that is fundamental to developing preventative programs for disease risk reduction.

Benedictine University is a highly ranked university.
This program is aligned with national health education competencies.
This program provides a unique focus on nutrition for disease risk reduction.
This major at BenU emphasizes application of knowledge. Students are equipped to be expertly informed and encouraged to apply their knowledge. Health education courses use multiple methods of interaction and assessment, including educational lesson plans, written and oral presentations, group activities, review of research and evidence-based discussions.
Benedictine University is the only private university in Illinois offering a major in Health Education and Promotion.
You will reap the benefits of smaller class sizes by seizing opportunities for greater engagement with faculty in the classroom, more active learning and networking with peers and future colleagues.