The Health Promotion and Wellness program (formerly called Community Health Education) prepares students to work in a wide array of health-related settings. Our coursework gives students a unique skill set, allowing them to be recognized as professionals in the health industry and preparing them to become CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) certified upon graduation. Many students choose a minor or concentration such as environmental studies, outdoor recreation, nutrition, physical fitness or coaching to optimize their learning and employment opportunities. For a full description, visit the UMF catalog (2023-2024).
How do I explore Health Promotion and Wellness at UMF?
There are many ways to explore a major. You could:
- Review the webpage for this major.
- Talk to faculty members in the major. Ask about their career path.
- Choose a class of interest and contact the faculty member to ask about going to one of the classes.
- Talk with students in the major for insights into the courses you will take and professors who will instruct you.
- Enroll in one of the following courses: HEA 123 Contemporary Health Issues or any HEA course.
- Get involved by joining a club or volunteer with an organization.
- Volunteer or intern with an organization that is aligned with this major.
- Talk with a Career Counselor.
What careers can I get with this major?
What jobs have UMF graduates acquired?
Nutrition Education Assistant, Recreation Director, Occupational Health Administrator, Behavioral Scientist, Epidemiologist, System Director of Patient Safety at EMHS, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Let’s Go Program Coordinator, Health Educator at Maine General Hospital, Wellness Coordinator, Public Health Promotion Specialist, Fundraising Coordinator, Family Therapist, World Wide Ergonomics Program Manager, and others.
Can I minor in Health? Are there related majors at UMF?
Yes, UMF has a minor in Health Promotion and Wellness, and also Coaching, Child and Adolescent Health, Nutrition, Physical Fitness, Rehabilitation, Health & Medicine, and many other choices. Students can choose to complete the optional Outdoor Recreation Programming Concentration. Majors related to Health include Outdoor Recreation Business Administration, Psychology, and Rehabilitation Services. Read more about majors and minors.
UMF also offers a School Health Education: Physical Education Concentration.
How do I declare this major?
Contact Dr. Ali Geshnizjani, alireza.geshnizjani@maine.edu or 207-778-7270 to discuss your interests. To apply to the major, complete a change of major form (available in Merrill Center or any academic office) and bring it to Kimberly Ladd, Administrative Specialist in the Education Center, room 324.