Health Promotion and Health Equity, BS
Program Overview
Health Promotion and Health Equity, BS
The Health Promotion and Health Equity (HPHE) major was created through a collaborative effort across the departments of Counseling Psychology, Kinesiology, and Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education in the School of Education. The Department of Kinesiology is the home of this major; its mission is to research, teach, and apply knowledge related to movement, exercise, and human occupation with the ultimate goal of enhancing human health, productivity, and quality of life.
Program Overview
The program is broadly designed to provide students with the skills and perspectives to facilitate healthy practices at the individual and societal levels. Students will learn about the theoretical, programmatic, and empirical foundations of health promotion and health equity interventions and be taught to demonstrate competence in evaluating strengths and weaknesses in health promotion programs.
Career Opportunities
The coursework will prepare students for emerging career opportunities as health educators within community health organizations, hospitals, mental health centers, clinics, schools and universities, businesses and non-profits, governmental health offices, and various other public health-related professions.
Admission Overview
Students interested in Health Promotion and Health Equity may complete this major in two ways:
- By entering the School of Education to complete a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Health Promotion and Health Equity,
- Or by adding the Health Promotion and Health Equity major as an additional major while completing another degree and major on campus.
Admission Requirements
- Cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 based on UWMadison campus coursework, as modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
- Filing of all required paperwork and other application materials, including program application and transcripts.
Last 60 Credits Rule
Two grade point averages may be calculated to determine candidates' eligibility to programs. GPAs will be calculated using:
- All transferable college-level coursework attempted, and
- The last 60 credits attempted. The higher GPA of these two will be used for purposes of determining eligibility.
Additional Major in Health Promotion and Health Equity
Undergraduate students from all schools and colleges on campus may declare Health Promotion and Health Equity as an additional major. Students wishing to declare the additional major must meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office or with the Health Promotion and Health Equity advisor.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. These requirements include:
- BreadthHumanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits
- BreadthNatural Science: 4 to 6 credits
- BreadthSocial Studies: 3 credits
- Communication Part A & Part B
- Ethnic Studies
- Quantitative Reasoning Part A & Part B
School of Education Liberal Studies Requirements
All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credits of Liberal Studies coursework. This requirement provides an opportunity to do some academic exploration beyond the scope of the major. Coursework is required in:
- Humanities
- Social studies
- Science
- Cultural and historical studies
Program Structure
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Health Promotion and Health Equity has three primary components:
- Liberal studies courses
- Major requirements
- Additional electives
Major Requirements
Complete a minimum of 40 credits with a 2.5 GPA across all major coursework. At least 15 credits of upper-level major coursework (courses numbered 300 and above) must be taken in residence with a minimum 2.5 grade point average.
Required Health Promotion Core, 31 credits
- ANAT&PHY 235: Human Physiology and Health
- KINES 150: Foundations of Health Behavior and Health Equity
- KINES 370: Planning, Facilitating & Assessment in Movement and Health Professionals
- KINES 566: Promoting Health in the Community
- RP & SE 316: Health Promotion for Individuals with Disability and Chronic Illness
- RP & SE 325: Self Management of Chronic Illness and Disability
- RP & SE 505: Biological, Psychosocial, and Vocational Aspects of Disabilities
- COUN PSY 237: Mental Health, Self-Awareness, and Social Justice: Working in Diverse Communities
- COUN PSY 531: Prevention and Intervention in Mental Health Across the Lifespan
- COUN PSY 655: Clinical Communication Skills
Major Electives, 9 Credits
Select courses from one of the following areas of emphasis, or select courses across these areas:
- Physical Activity and Public Health
- Chronic Illness, Disability, and Health
- Health Equity, Mental Health, and Well-Being
- Social Determinants of Health
- Health Sciences
GPA and Other Graduation Requirements
- 2.5 minimum cumulative grade point average
- Cumulative major grade point average: 2.5 cumulative grade point average in all major coursework
- Upper-level major coursework: 2.5 cumulative grade point average in all upper-level (courses numbered 300 and above) major coursework
- Major Residency: Students must complete at least 15 upper-level major credits while enrolled in residence on the UWMadison campus
- Senior Residency: Degree candidates must complete their last 30 credits in residence on the UWMadison campus
- Total Credits: A minimum of 120 credits are required for graduation in the Health Promotion and Health Equity degree program
University Degree Requirements
- Total Degree: To receive a bachelor's degree from UWMadison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits
- Residency: Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UWMadison
- Quality of Work: Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize concepts and theories related to health promotion and health equity
- Relate the role of social factors in facilitating or hindering health
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of health behavior and health equity interventions
- Identify links between physiological and psychological health
- Interpret and communicate the interaction between personal and environmental determinants of health and well-being
- Draw from personal and professional identities to develop socially just practices and to lead effectively within their communities of practice
Four-Year Plan
A sample four-year graduation plan is designed to guide course selection throughout the academic career. This plan does not establish a contractual agreement and should be used along with the DARS report, the Guide, and the Course Search and Enroll app to create a personalized plan of study.
Advising and Careers
Students are collaboratively advised by advising staff in the School of Education Student Services office and the department. The Career Center provides students and alumni with the tools needed to be successful in their career development, including exploration of career and academic pathways, resumes, cover letters, job/internship search, and interview preparation.
Wisconsin Experience
UWMadisons vision for the total student experience, the Wisconsin Experience, combines learning in and out of the classroom. Health Promotion and Health Equity majors are encouraged to get involved in research, community engagement, and student organizations to craft their unique Wisconsin Experience.
Resources and Scholarships
Information about scholarships, academic and career advising, study abroad opportunities, student diversity services, and other resources for students in the School of Education can be found on the school's Resources page.