Master in Stress & Health Management

The Master in Stress & Health Management is an interdisciplinary program designed by one of the world’s leading experts in the science of stress. It draws on courses in the life sciences and psychology to help students build a strong understanding of the stress system and its role in health and disease. With its emphasis on research and its balance of theory and practice, students will become skilled in applying evidence-based stress management techniques to help clients or themselves better cope with stress and improve health and well-being.

Program Structure

The MSSHM is a 30-credit graduate degree program. It consists of 8 required courses, one elective course (chosen from three options), and a research-based thesis. Full-time students can complete the program in 1 ½ years.

What You’ll Learn

The program provides students with in-depth knowledge of the science of stress and the role of stress in chronic non-communicable and other diseases. Students will become familiar with instruments to identify and evaluate stress. They will also acquire the practical skills to apply evidence-based stress management methods for individuals and groups in a variety of settings.

By the time students complete the program, they will be able to:

• Design, conduct, and evaluate health promotion programs;
• Perform and teach evidence-based stress management techniques;
• Design and conduct intervention studies in subpopulations of individuals with chronic stress;
• Possess skills in biostatistics and research methodology, including how to design clinical trials.

Admissions Requirements

Please see the page on Graduate Admissions for information on requirements for admission and how to apply.

Certificate in Stress Management

A certificate option is also available for individuals who do not wish to do the full degree program. The Certificate in Stress Management requires the completion of the following four courses:

• Principles of Complexity, Homeostasis and Stress
• Biology and Psycho-Neuroendocrinology of Stress
• Health Promotion Principles and Practice
• The Role of Stress in Health and Disease

Faculty

The program brings together core faculty of biomedical scientists and expert practitioners in clinical psychology, nutrition, psychotherapy, and management. They include:

• Dr. Aristidis Charonis, collaborating investigator at the University Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine.
• Professor George Chrousos, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics and Endocrinology, Director of the Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, and head of the unit on Clinical and Translational Research in Endocrinology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine.
• Dr. Evi Hatziandreou, Senior Director, Health Policy and Market Access.
• Dr. George Paltoglou, pediatric endocrinologist.
• Dr. Anna Papageorgiou, nutritionist in the Department of Childhood Obesity at Mitera Hospital.
• Dr. Harikleia Stefanaki, pediatrician and post-doctoral researcher at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School.
• Dr. Effie Tsilibary, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
• Dr. Liza Varvogli, psychologist and psychotherapist.

Target Audience

The M.S. in Stress and Health Management aims to bring together students from diverse backgrounds—from teachers and mental health counselors to social workers and dieticians. The program is suitable for:

• Psychologists, mental health counselors, and life coaches
• HR professionals
• Teachers
• Physicians and nurses
• Nutritionists
• Coaches, fitness trainers, and wellness consultants
• Physical therapists
• Social workers
• Anyone interested in pursuing research or further studies in stress and health management.

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in Stress and Health Management (MSSHM) - Hellenic American College

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Degree Overview

The M.S. in Stress and Health Management (MSSHM) is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the science of stress and its impact on health and illness. The program draws on the expertise of biomedical science and psychology, focusing on research and the practical application of stress management techniques.

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Objectives

• Equip students with the knowledge and expertise to effectively address stress and improve health outcomes.
• Develop strong research skills and critical thinking abilities.
• Train students in utilizing evidence-based stress management techniques for individual or group interventions in various settings.

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Program Description

This program delves into the biological and physiological aspects of stress, exploring its role in both chronic and non-communicable diseases. Students learn to use stress assessment tools and acquire the necessary skills to utilize and research evidence-based stress management approaches.

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Outline:

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Degree Structure:

• The MSSHM comprises 30 graduate credit hours.
• 8 mandatory courses.
• 1 optional course, chosen from 3 available options.
• A research-driven thesis.

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Program Content:

• Explores the fundamentals of stress science and examines its influence on various health conditions.
• Teaches practical stress management strategies for individual and community applications in diverse settings.
• Equip students with a solid grounding in biostatistics and research methods, encompassing clinical trial design principles.

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Additional Learning Outcomes:

• Design and lead health promotion initiatives.
• Apply evidence-based stress management approaches.

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Teaching:

• Faculty: The MSSHM boasts a renowned faculty composed of researchers and professionals with experience in various fields such as clinical psychology, biostatistics, nutrition, psychotherapy, health policy, and research design.
The faculty includes:
• Dr. Aristidis Charonis
• Professor George Chrousos
• Dr. Evi Hatziandreou
• Dr. George Paltoglou
• Dr. Anna Papageorgiou
• Dr. Harikleia Stefanaki
• Dr. Effie Tsilibary
• Dr. Liza Varvogli
• Methodology: The program emphasizes active learning with a blend of:
• Engaging lectures.
• Interactive workshops.
• Case study applications.
• Problem-solving exercises.

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Careers:

Upon completion of the M.S. in Stress and Health Management, graduates can pursue various professional pathways.

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Targeted fields

• Psychologists
• Mental health professionals
• Life coaches
• HR professionals
• Educators
• Healthcare professionals (physicians
  urses)
• Nutritionists and dieticians
• Fitness and wellness coaches
• Social workers
Additionally, the program prepares graduates for further research or postgraduate studies in stress and health fields.
• Certificate in Stress Management
• Online learning: For individuals outside of Athens, the MSSHM provides the flexibility to attend some or all classes online via their digital learning platform.

Hellenic American College

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Overview:

Hellenic American College is an institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs of Hellenic American University (HAU) at its facilities in Athens, Greece. It provides a student-centered learning environment with small class sizes, diverse student body, and an internationally trained faculty.

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Services Offered:

• Academic Services:

  • Library with extensive collections and resources, interlibrary loan services, and information literacy programs.
  • Academic Center for the Enrichment of Students (ACES) offering academic support, career development, counseling, mentoring, and writing center services.
  • Online learning opportunities.

• Student Life:

  • Student Success programs focusing on academic and career development.
  • Office of Student Affairs organizing student council, activities, teams, and clubs.
  • Civic Engagement opportunities.
  • Events and a blog for student engagement.

• Admissions:

  • Undergraduate and graduate admissions processes.
  • Transfer and international applicant support.
  • Financial assistance programs.
  • Opportunities to visit the college.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at Hellenic American College can expect a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student body and a strong sense of community. The college offers a variety of co-curricular activities, clubs, and events to foster student engagement and personal development. The college also provides extensive support services to help students succeed academically and professionally.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Guaranteed Aid for Students with Need:

The majority of students receive scholarships and financial aid.

One-on-one Academic and Career Support:

Students benefit from faculty mentoring, writing tutors, career counseling, and dedicated teachers.

Student-Centered Learning:

Small class sizes, diverse student body, and an emphasis on hands-on learning create an engaging and challenging environment.

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Academic Programs:

• Undergraduate Programs:

  • Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Informatics
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Music

• Graduate Programs:

  • Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics-TESOL
  • Master of Arts in Conference Interpreting
  • Master of Arts in Translation
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science in Sales Management
  • Master of Science in Informatics
  • Master of Science in Psychology
  • Master of Science in Stress & Health Management
  • Ph.D. in Language and Communication

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Other:

• Hellenic American University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
• The college offers a variety of study abroad programs.
• The college has a strong focus on research and teaching.
• The college offers lifelong learning programs in translation and interpretation, teacher education, and technology training.
• The college has a strong alumni network.
• The college is located in Athens, Greece, offering students the opportunity to experience a vibrant and historic city.