Graduate Programs

Graduate Master of Science Degree

 Introduction

The Department of Health Science offers a Master of Science Degree (M.S.) in Community Health Education or School Health Education as well as a Post–Baccalaureate Certificate in School Health Education. The M.S. in Community Health Education is designed for community/public health educators interested in an advanced degree. The M.S. in School Health Education is for licensed teachers seeking an advanced degree in health education or those who have completed the Post–Baccalaureate Certificate in School Health Education.  Although all of the courses are offered on a three-year rotating basis at 7700 France Ave, some travel to Mankato will be required of students completing M.S. degrees

Admission Criteria

Admission to the Graduate Program in the Department of Health Science varies slightly depending on your area of interest.  Admission to the MS Community Health Education and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Public Health Education program is granted for Fall semester only.  Admission to the MS School Health Education & Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program is granted each semester. Deadline for Fall semester is April 1st for the MS Community Health Education and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Public Health Education.  Applications for MS School Health Education and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in ongoing.  All materials must be received by the Graduate School by the deadline date to be considered.

MS Community Health Education

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education that clearly shows a major in Health Education, such as Health Education, Community Health Education, Public Health Education, School Health Education OR an official transcript reflecting at least 25 semester hours or 37 quarter hours of coursework with specific preparation addressing the following areas of responsibility for health educators as determined by the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing, Inc.

• Assess individual and community needs for health education
• Plan effective health education strategies, interventions, and programs
• Implement health education strategies, interventions, and programs
• Conduct evaluation and research related to health education
• Administer health education strategies, interventions, and programs
• Serve as a health education resource person
• Communicate and advocate for health and health education

MS School Health Education

The M.S. in School Health Educaiton is designed for licensed teachers seeking an advanced degree in health education.  Those applying for the M.S. Degree in School Health Education must have an initial license in health or a related field.

Post–Baccalaureate Certificate in School Health Education

The certificate program requires a teaching degree (initial license) or graduate teaching licensure.  This program is designed to meet school health licensure requirements.

Admission Procedure

Interested students should submit the following application materials to the College of Graduate Studies and Research:

1. An official transcript that documents an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
2. A completed application for Graduate Studies.
3. A letter of application indicating your purpose for pursuing a graduate degree in the Department of Health Science at MSU.
4. Three letters of recommendation from current or past professors or professional colleagues.
5. Additional information required for international students, if appropriate.

The GRE is not required. Upon receipt of these materials, the College of Graduate Studies will forward the applicant's file to the Department of Health Science for admission recommendation. Department screening criteria will be applied when applications are received. Admission to the MS Community Health Education program is granted for Fall semester only.  Admission to the MS School Health Education & Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program is granted each semester. All materials must be received by the Graduate School admission deadline date to be considered.

Curriculum

Required courses are determined by the choice of either the School Health Education or Community Health Education option. Elective courses are chosen in consultation with the student's graduate advisor to meet the student's educational and professional goals. A minimum of 50% of all graduate coursework applied toward the degree must be completed at the 600 level.

Students pursuing the M.S. in Health Science may choose either a thesis or alternate plan paper option as a capstone project. The thesis option requires 30 credits of coursework and completion of a thesis. The thesis must show independent thought in the recognition of a clearly defined problem and in the method of its exploration and analysis. The alternate plan paper option requires 34 credits and completion of a culminating research project. All capstone papers must be approved by the student's faculty examining committee.

Full–time students typically complete the formal coursework for the degree within four semesters, leaving only the thesis or alternate plan paper to finish the degree. All graduate requirements for the Master of Science Degree must be completed within a six–year period.

For Application Forms and Information, Please Contact:

The College of Graduate Studies & Research

Minnesota State University, Mankato
Alumni and Foundation Center Room 115
Mankato, MN 56001

Telephone: 507-389-2321
Fax: 507-389-5974
Email: grad@mnsu.edu

For Additional Information About Graduate Study in Health Science, Please Contact:

Dawn Larsen, Ph.D., MCHES, Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Health Science
Minnesota State University, Mankato
213 Highland Center North
Mankato, MN 56001

Telephone: 507-389-2113
Email: dawn.larsen@mnsu.edu