The need for knowledgeable, skillful and technologically literate health promotion and wellness professionals has never been greater as companies and organizations seek to support their employees’ health and well-being across all dimensions of wellness. Savings on healthcare costs and absenteeism are no longer the driving factors for change. Companies are now seeking behavior change agents who are well-versed in all dimensions of wellness.
Quick Facts
Rolling Admission Apply Anytime
You Can Start Fall, Spring, Summer or Winter
Delivery Option Online
In-State Cost $471 Per Credit
Credit Hours 30
Estimated Completion Time 12-18 Months
Overview
The online Master of Science in Health Promotion and Behavioral Wellness program is designed to prepare students for careers in the dynamic field of health promotion and wellness and related disciplines. By focusing on enhancing behaviors associated with personal well-being, graduates of this multidisciplinary program are equipped to take on crucial roles in the global transition from disease-centered healthcare to a wellness-oriented model, emphasizing prevention, education and behavior change.
The program's core curriculum, comprising 18 credits, provides students with a strong foundation in holistic well-being, with a particular focus on essential areas such as evidenced-based behavior change theories and strategies, program planning, and implementation and evaluation methods to create cutting-edge wellness initiatives to help individuals flourish and thrive with healthy lifestyles. Furthermore, the program offers an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to tailor their education by selecting elective courses that align with their unique interests and career aspirations.
Flexibility and convenience with online degrees
An online graduate degree provides the flexibility to advance your education while maintaining your professional and personal commitments, offering convenience and accessibility for career enhancement and skill development.
Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will emerge as culturally proficient leaders in health promotion, skilled in integrating technology into program planning, evaluation and lifestyle behavior change. This program meets the rising demand for healthcare professionals well-versed in preventive lifestyles and behavior modification, empowering graduates to substantially impact public health and wellness.
Career Opportunities
- Community Health Professional
- Health Promotion and Wellness Advocate
- Health Promotion and Wellness Director
- Health Promotion and Wellness Program Manager
- Health Promotion/Wellness Specialist
- Human Resource Wellness Specialist
- Wellness Consultant
- Wellness Entrepreneur
At SUNY Oswego, I feel fully equipped to embrace my future. I feel like I’m ready to embrace the real world and take what I’ve learned here to apply it to my career.
There is a big disconnect between wanting to be well and the daily reality of living with the consequences of overeating, addictions, physical inactivity and having too little down-time. This program explores these issues with yourself and with others.
Program Resources
Information Sessions
Learn about our graduate programs through our information sessions today!
Professor Najah Zaaeed and graduate student Michael-Daniel Vodzogbe discussed SUNY Oswego's new graduate health promotion and behavioral wellness program on Bridge Street, highlighting the need for multi-faceted health and wellness experts.
NYS Licensure Information
Students graduating from the Health Promotion and Behavioral Wellness program at SUNY Oswego are awarded a Master of Science degree. This degree does not authorize the student, in the classroom or an internship, to engage in the practice of a professional license under Title VIII of the Education Law, including but not limited to psychotherapy, diagnosis, and medical interventions, nor does it lead to a professional license or certification.
$500,000
in total awards given every year to our graduate students
Application Requirements
Each application must provide official transcripts confirming the completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Most successful candidates have a GPA over 2.8 at the undergraduate level.
Prerequisites
Most successful candidates for the program have some knowledge base of health science coursework and/or social scientific background in the following content areas:
- Mental and Emotional Health
- Family Life and Health (i.e., Human Sexuality)
- Growth and Development (Human Development)
- Nutrition
- Personal Health
- Substance Use and Abuse
- Disease Prevention and Control
- Safety and First Aid
- Consumer Health
- Community and Environmental Health Management
Students must meet prerequisites to be considered for admission and may be required to enroll in prerequisite courses through personalized advisement. The graduate coordinator will determine other course equivalencies if needed.
In 500 words or less, please answer the following questions:
- What personal or professional experiences influenced your decision to apply to the Master of Science in Health Promotion and Behavioral Wellness program at SUNY Oswego?
- Review the courses offered and describe how some of the courses and the overall program will help you advance in your professional career.
- Describe a current societal challenge that you believe is relevant to the practice of health behavior and wellness, and how your role as a health promotion and behavioral wellness professional be used to address this issue.
This statement will help the review team better understand and evaluate your application.
Include a professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes your academic history, professional background and any accomplishments of note. This document should provide details that support your admittance to the program.
Indicate a name with valid email address. We will send an email request directly to the reference on your behalf. This reference should be able to speak to your character, work ethic and abilities. Only one letter of recommendation is required.
Prospective students are charged a non-refundable $65 fee for processing the application.
Important: All international transcripts must be verified through a World Education Services (WES) credit evaluation as part of your application.
English Language Proficiency: Submit official TOEFL (79 overall, MBA 83) or IELTS (6.5) scores, unless exempt.
Visa and I-20 Documentation: After acceptance, upload your financial documents and passport copy to receive your Form I-20 for your visa application.
For more details, please visit Application Requirements for International Graduate Students.