Community Health Area of Concentration, Arts and Sciences Degree
This AA area of concentration prepares students to enter a diverse, people-oriented field in which professionals work to promote lifestyle wellness and improve the health status of society. Health educators assist people in making responsible decisions and changing behaviors to achieve a healthier lifestyle.
Professionals in this fast-growing field are employed by public and private health care organizations, government agencies, hospital wellness centers, corporate-based worksite health programs, college and university health service centers, insurance companies, private health promotion corporations, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, family planning agencies, and health clinics, and as education representatives for textbook publishers and pharmaceutical companies.
Graduates with school health degrees teach on the elementary, secondary, and college levels, in both private and public school settings. School health educators also qualify to work in many community and governmental agencies. Job titles include patient educators, health program managers, health education teachers, community health organizers, health promotion directors, and wellness coordinators.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Describe biological, psychological, environmental, and social factors that influence health.
- Explain the impact of individual behavior on health status.
- Define health education and list the skills/competencies of the entry level health educator.
- Develop a health education intervention based on the assessment of controllable and noncontrollable risk factors that impact health.
- Participate in a 45-hour practicum experience to earn a Community Health Worker certification.
Program Advising
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. This degree is designed for students to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree, and we have transfer agreements in community health with Salisbury University and University of Maryland. See all transfer agreements.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Professionals in this field advocate for social change through public policy and through collaboration with community members and local health organizations. Related careers include health educator, healthcare analyst, and community health worker.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for students follows.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.