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Wellness and Health Promotion
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Credits:
120
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Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Program Description
The one thing that truly determines the quality of our lives is our health. We live in a time of unprecedented rates of stress, burnout, and chronic physical and mental health conditions along with a host of challenges that contribute to these conditions. Sadly, health and well-being are not equally distributed in our society. A degree in Wellness & Health Promotion will put you on the path to addressing disparities in health and will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and strategies needed to be an effective health advocate, educator, provider, and agent of change. You will learn how to help individuals, organizations, and communities take action that will encourage a healthier lifestyle. You will learn the most recent science on the elements of wellness and lifestyle that are protective of health and how to reduce the risk of poorer health outcomes. Coursework emphasizes a holistic, culturally relevant approach to health and covers topics such as nutrition, physical activity, stress, and other elements of lifestyle that impact health and wellbeing, such as substance abuse and the many social determinants of health.
Health, Wellness, and Health Promotion – What’s the Difference?
Terms related to health and wellness are often used interchangeably, however, there are distinctions. According to the World Health Organization, health is not merely the absence of disease, but a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Wellness takes a holistic view and considers all the areas of a person’s life that contribute to health. Wellness is the active process of taking steps towards a healthy and fulfilling life. The goal of Health Promotion is to enable individuals and communities to take greater control to improve their own health. So, if health and health equity is the goal, incorporating elements of wellness is needed. Enabling people to take control over their own health, actively promoting health along with policies and practices is how we achieve it. Wellness and Health Promotion efforts focus on what we can do now and look to see how we can prevent health problems from happening.
Cambridge College Wellness and Health Promotion Program Highlights
Gain the skills to empower people and communities to live healthier lives. The Bachelor of Science in Wellness and Health Promotion at Cambridge College offers a flexible, affordable undergraduate degree option for adult learners.
- Hands-on training. The wellness and health promotion curriculum includes 90 hours of field education in which you’ll learn how diverse organizations and groups work to increase health and wellness across a wide range of settings.
- Flexible course options. Designed to meet the needs of working adults, the wellness and health promotion degree is offered via convenient day, evening, weekend, and online class options. Talk to an academic advisor to start planning a program of study that works for you.
- Exceptional value. Cambridge College is one of the most affordable four-year private nonprofit colleges in the United States.
- Accessible faculty. In addition to bringing extensive research and professional experience to the classroom, Cambridge College faculty are dedicated, accessible teachers and mentors who are here to help you succeed.
- No SAT or ACT tests required. Cambridge College offers an easy online application and does not require SAT or ACT tests for admission to our undergraduate programs.
Cambridge College welcomes over 300 students from more than 50 countries and was recently ranked as one of the most ethnically diverse colleges in America.
- Addiction Studies Concentration: Learn more.
- Accounting Concentration: Learn more.
- Education Concentration: Learn more.
- Expressive Therapies Concentration: Learn more.
- Family Studies Concentration: Learn more.
- General Management Concentration: Gain a broad understanding of business management, including marketing, sales, ethics, nonprofit management, and an introduction to human resources. Learn more.
- Health Care Management Concentration (undergraduate): Develop a practical understanding of health care administration including economic, financial, and regulatory concepts within health care systems. Learn more.
- Holistic Studies Concentration: Learn more.
- Hospitality Management Concentration: Learn the fundamentals of management for the hospitality industry, with a focus on restaurant front of the house and back of the house management, and on hotel management. Learn more.
- Information Technology and E-Business Concentration: Learn about managing the information systems of an organization, including infrastructure design, server management, security, e-business strategy, and marketing. Learn more.
- Juvenile Justice Studies Concentration: In addition to providing a background in youth services and current theories of adolescent development, this concentration explores the impact of community disadvantage, child abuse, and neglect on behavior. Learn more.
- Legal Studies Concentration: Designed for students who are interested in pursuing a law career, this concentration provides foundational knowledge of various aspects of law school and the legal profession. Learn more.
- Organizational Psychology Concentration: Learn more.
- Peace and Justice Studies Concentration: This concentration focuses on ways to promote the fair and equitable provision of justice as the path to a more just and humane world. Learn more.
Wellness and Health Promotion Learning Outcomes
As a wellness and health promotion major, you’ll learn evidence-based strategies to improve health and wellbeing – and apply your learning through direct field experiences. You’ll also learn how to effectively advocate for policies and practices that empower individuals and communities.
You’ll learn about the science and history of wellness and health, and theories and strategies that facilitate positive lifestyle change. You’ll learn how to plan, implement, direct, and evaluate health education and wellness programs. And how to maximize the well-being of specific target populations by collaborative planning and implementation of wellness programs.
You’ll also gain communication and marketing skills in assessing, organizing, and implementing health and wellness promotion programs and materials
Careers in Wellness and Health Promotion
As a wellness and health promotion major, you’ll be able to apply the skills and strategies you’ve learned to a variety of fields.
Our graduates are prepared to work as health and wellness coaches and educators in community health initiatives, corporate wellness programs, public and private educational settings, and in fitness and wellness facilities. Job opportunities include:
- Community health worker
- Public health educator
- Health coach
- Corporate wellness administrator
- Director of health services
- Wellness program manager
Graduates are also prepared for advanced studies in a wide range of health-related fields such as public and community health, nursing, health education, health care management and administration, addiction studies, psychology, and human services.
Wellness and Health Promotion Salary
- Health educators and community health workers: $45,360
- Corporate wellness administrator: $50,000
- Director of health services: $77,435
Example Wellness and Health Promotion Courses
The health and wellness degree provides a practical understanding of issues affecting the health of individuals and communities—and how to affect and maintain positive change. Example courses include:
- The Science of Exercise
- Nutrition and Health Promotion
- Lifestyle Change to Promote Health
- Field Education Wellness and Health
Download the Wellness and Health Promotion program sheet.
Wellness and Health Promotion Scholarships and Financial Aid
Get financial assistance to help pay for your degree. In addition to scholarship opportunities, you might also be eligible for federal and state grants, loans, and other types of financial aid.
The first step is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about applying for financial aid.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring undergraduate degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
General Education
42
Credits
WRT101-102 and MAT101-102 may by waived if equivalent courses have been accepted in transfer. Credits will be replaced with open electives. WRT201 required if both WRT101-102 are waived; not required for students completing WRT101-102 at Cambridge. WRT090 and MAT100 required if assessment indicates need.
Principles and Processes of Adult Learning
LRN 175 • 3 credit(s)
Students explore theories of adult learning. They clarify the fit between their academic program and their learning and career needs, and see how their prior learning fits in. They assess their academic skills of critical thinking, mathematics, writing, and computer literacy. Students become independent learners who can effectively manage the structures, processes and expectations of undergraduate education.
College Writing I
WRT 101 • 3 credit(s)
Through challenging readings, class discussion, small group collaboration, and different forms of writing, students learn the skills and process of “thinking on paper.” They learn to construct an argument or discussion that supports a clear thesis and present it effectively in a well-organized essay that observes the conventions of written English. They write academic papers that analyze and synthesize the issues suggested in two or more readings. Critical reading, critical thinking, research skills, and forms of documentation are also introduced.
Foundations of Critical Thinking
CTH 225 • 3 credit(s)
We learn to engage in reasoned thinking. We learn to formulate hypotheses; conceive and state definitions, and understand logical consistency and inconsistency. We explore the differences between claims of fact, value, and policy; what constitutes credible evidence; the nature of assumptions. We learn what constitutes a persuasive argument as opposed to an emotive and propagandistic one, and critically examine them. Students learn to present clear, well thought out critical arguments in writing and oral presentations. We look at the relationships among thinking, writing, speaking and listening, laying a strong foundation for improving our capacity to write, speak, and listen well.
College Mathematics I
MAT 101 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT100 If assessment indicates need. This course introduces students to the value of mathematics for students’ career and educational goals. Students will acquire mathematical study skills, gain strategies for problem solving, and develop a sound foundation for future mathematics coursework. The course is structured towards engaging students in active, applied, and real-life learning in order to facilitate mathematical problem solving and conceptual understanding.
Introduction to Computer Applications
CMP 130 • 3 credit(s)
Assessment available. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the personal computer, Windows, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software, the Internet, and an overview of Word, Excel and Power-Point uses. Students begin with the basics of each application and progress through intermediate level.
Digital Literacy
CMP 230 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: CMP 130 (course or portfolio) and familiarity with Windows and/or Mac operating system, or permission of instructor.
Digital literacy is the ability to find, use, and share information using technology in order to excel in a digital world. Students will practice using a range of digital tools, including tools for searching and evaluating information and for creating and communicating digitally. Students will learn to select and use appropriate digital tools for a variety of settings including the classroom and workplace. Ethical and effective use of information will contribute to students’ identities as effective digital citizens.
College Writing II
WRT 102 • 3 credit(s)
WRT102 acquaints students with the academic research paper as both process and product. The course begins with an intensive review of the strategies and techniques for writing an academic essay that are covered in WRT101 and then moves to selecting and narrowing a topic, preliminary research, and establishing a focus for a 12-15 page argument research paper. The final paper includes an abstract, an introduction, discussion, conclusion, and references. Students learn how to write an annotated bibliography and use APA documentation for in-text citations and references.
College Mathematics II
MAT 102 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT101 If assessment indicates need. Challenge exam available. This course develops students’ mathematical thinking and problem solving around issues of both mathematical content and process. Students will acquire a conceptual and practical understanding of and familiarity with numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and basic data analysis and probability. The course focuses on supporting students’ understanding of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representations. A key feature of the course is active student involvement to support communicating mathematics in everyday and academic contexts.
Distribution Requirements
Arts & Humanities - 6 credits
Natural & Physical Sciences - 6 credits (SCI 205 Anatomy & Physiology I - required, 4 credits)
Social Sciences - 6 credits (PSY 110 Systems Thinking in Psychology - required, 3 credits)
Anatomy and Physiology I
SCI 205 • 4 credit(s)
SCI205 provides a laboratory-based approach to the major anatomical and functional components of the human body, and is designed to help students develop an understanding of how these systems function together in health and disease. Topic coverage includes basic medical and diagnostic terminology, histology, and an in-depth examination of the body’s anatomical and physiological systems including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems. The laboratory component of the course provides a hands-on experience within the study of anatomy and physiology, and consists of dissection techniques, histology, and other related procedures.
Systems Thinking in Psychology
PSY 110 • 3 credit(s)
Systems thinking in psychology is introduced as a theoretical approach to understanding the relationships and interactions of individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Attention is paid to application of the systemic model and how it differs from the linear model, when studying human interactions, analyzing social problems, and developing interventions. Students apply systems theory to problems they select from their daily lives or jobs.
Open Electives
33
Credits
Choose electives and/or concentrations to support your academic interests and professional goals. (Course prerequisites must also be met.)
Wellness & Health Promotion Major
45
Credits
Also choose three Wellness & Health Promotion electives (9 credits total).
Introduction to Wellness and Health Promotion
PHW 300 • 3 credit(s)
This course introduces students to the concepts, theories and research related to wellness and health promotion. We will examine the state of health, our current model of care in the U.S. and the implications for adopting a wellness or health promotion approach. Students will research factors that influence wellness and health promotion, such as nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and sleep. We will explore wellness and health promotion initiatives and challenges related to implementing and sustaining them within various settings and with diverse populations. Future trends and efforts towards prevention will be explored. Students will research career opportunities in prevention, health maintenance, education and promotion, such as health and wellness coaching.
Epidemiology and Public Health
SCI 339 • 3 credit(s)
Epidemiology and Public Health introduces the foundations of epidemiology and biostatistics as applied to the study, monitoring and maintenance of public health. This course focuses on the foundations and methods of epidemiologic investigation; accurate sampling, analysis and presentation of data, and the use of classical statistical approaches to describe the health of populations. Topics include the dynamic behavior of disease; outbreaks, spread, epidemics, pandemics, and control strategies. Additionally, this course discusses and reviews epidemiologic study designs, cause and effect, treatment efficacy, and ethical and legal issues in epidemiology.
Nutrition and Health Promotion
PHW 303
In this course students will gain a foundation in the basics of nutrition and how the body utilizes nutrients that contribute to health. Students will examine theories and current research on elements of nutrition and their relationship to chronic disease. They will also have the opportunity to assess the nutritional value of foods and examine strategies for modifying nutritional intake in the context of life cycle, culture and environment.
The Science of Exercise
SCI 311 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides an historical perspective on physical activity and fitness, and how changes in lifestyle, technology and other factors that have contributed to a more sedentary lifestyle and related health concerns. Students will examine various forms of physical activity and will be introduced to exercise physiology, the ways in which physical activity impacts biology, including physical health, mental health and the brain. The literature on various forms of exercise and the impact on health will be examined including but not limited to endurance, flexibility, strength, stamina, cognition, memory. We will investigate current trends in exercise, by factors such as age, culture and gender, and whether these factors are considered in our efforts to influence rates of physical activity.
Self-Care for Helping Professionals
PSY 426 • 3 credit(s)
Students learn about the impact of stress on physical and mental health, job functioning and learning, family and other relationships. Students learn ways to deal with the stress that is often inherent in the helping professions. Concrete skills help them take better care of themselves and pass these skills on to others. Topics addressed include stress management and relaxation techniques, physical activity, nutrition, time, cognitive restructuring, and attitude. Whether you work in human services, health care, schools, or corporate America, this course gives an understanding of stress and stress management and practical applications for you and your clients.
Research in Health Promotion
PHW302 • 3 credit(s)
Research plays a key role in efforts focused on enabling people to take greater control in increasing health life styles for themselves, their families, within organizations, communities and populations. Students learn to evaluate/critique existing research; examine its function in proposing and evaluating health promotion programs and influencing policy. Students are introduced to the critical steps needed to conduct research, including the role of theory and ethics and gain experience in developing a proposal within the field of health promotion.
Program Planning and Evaluation
BHS 378 • 3 credit(s)
Successful programs address client needs and deliver services utilizing an effective systems approach. Students discuss the issues programs face in establishing guidelines for short-term and long-term planning, recruiting and training staff, and in conducting ongoing evaluation of services. Students participate in a client/provider interview and create a program design. The course addresses systems theory, family relationships, governmental agencies and their relationship to community services, program planning, setting goals and objectives, conducting interviews and evaluations, applied critical thinking, assessment, professional writing, and grant writing. (formerly MAN424)
Lifestyle Change to Promote Health
PHW 402 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores why changing lifestyle is critical for increased health and wellbeing and how to assist in the process of bringing about needed change. Students will look comprehensively at the role of lifestyle change in promoting health and will critically examine the related evidence. They will examine theories aimed at explaining and predicting health behaviors and identify factors that influence decision-making. Students will apply their knowledge in designing interventions and policies that promote health.
Field Education Wellness & Health
PHW 470 • 3 credit(s)
Field Education gives students the opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and skills gained throughout their program. They will learn how diverse organizations and groups work to increase health and wellness across a wide range of settings. Department chair and instructor approval are required in advance of registering. Students are expected to be engaged in 90 hours of field education for the term, have ongoing agency supervision, and attend a weekly seminar.
Capstone Wellness & Health Promotion
PHW 490 • 3 credit(s)
The Capstone is a comprehensive research project that is the culminating academic activity that helps to synthesize students’ learning in the undergraduate Wellness and Health Promotion program. It is an opportunity to explore a topic of personal and professional interest in wellness and health promotion and to create an original project or piece of research that contributes to the field. The Capstone is 25-30 pages in length and follows a research paper format appropriate to the field of study. Students work together in class and meet or communicate individually with the instructor as needed. Those who take an additional term to complete the Capstone must register for PHW491 and pass before graduating.
Principles of Health & Wellness
SCI 235 • 3 credit(s)
An exploration of the psychological, emotional, spiritual, physical, behavioral, environmental and social health aspects of everyday living. Through self assessment inventories, students examine their health behaviors, identify problems and recommend lifestyle changes. Students refine their decision-making skills to help them make more educated decisions on personal and community health problems including drug and alcohol misuse and abuse. Students become knowledgeable on health-related topics enabling them to become educators themselves. Community health services, functions, eligibility or access are explained.
Leadership in Promoting Health
PHW 420 • 3 credit(s)
preqs: PSY110, PHW300, PHW401. Leaders in health promotion mobilize people and efforts to prevent disease and increase health. Business leaders measure financial retuerns, health promoting leaders measure quality of life. Students will critically examine theories, practices and ethics of leaders focused on poromoting health. Students will expand their leadership abilities to promote health through the identification and cultivation of key skillsets and mindset to meet the needs of diverse communities and populations.
Program Chair
(617) 873-0428barbara.reid@cambridgecollege.edu
Core Faculty
(617) 873-0624Rebecca.Heimel@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0428barbara.reid@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0453lucilia.valerio@cambridgecollege.edu
Senior Instructor
781-821-2122Thulani.DeMarsay@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0839sherry.harley@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(800) 877-4723 x1236James.Lee@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0708Jesse.Mellor@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0705Roxanne.Reddington-Wilde@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0675Mark.Rotondo@cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0395Catherine.Seo@go.cambridgecollege.edu
(617) 873-0170lauretta.siggers@cambridgecollege.edu
Pages
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No SAT or ACT tests required.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for School of Undergraduate Studies
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
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Credits:
120
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Cost per credit hour:
$502
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$2,290 (Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.)
Note: Rates are as of June 2023, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state, and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
Take the Next Step Toward Your Degree in Wellness and Health Promotion
Take the Next Step Toward Your Degree in Wellness and Health Promotion
