Masters Degree (MS) in
Kinesiology and Health Promotion - Health Promotion Option
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PROGRAM DETAILS
- UK Online
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- Masters Degrees
- Kinesiology and Health Promotion - Health Promotion Option (MS)
About this Program
Become a specialist in the development of individual, group, institutional, community and systemic strategies to improve overall health in communities. This online program will prepare you for careers in healthcare facilities, public health departments, public health policy agencies and other work fields.
Our health promotion courses prepare students to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination, a national certification widely respected in the health promotion field.
Designed For
This program is ideal for individuals interested in promoting physical activity, health education, and overall wellness in various populations. Prospective students often have a background in kinesiology, exercise science, health education, or related fields, and aspire to pursue careers in fitness management, health promotion, rehabilitation, or sports medicine.
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What You’ll Learn
- Program Planning: Acquire a working knowledge of how to plan, implement, and evaluate effective health promotion programs. Opportunities exist to work with community partners to put needs assessment and planning skills into practice. Enhance skills and competencies to become entry-level health education specialist. Course works aligns with the areas of responsibilities for the Certified Health Education Specialist.
- Behavioral Change Strategies: Explore psychological theories and behavior change models to develop effective strategies for promoting health and wellness. Gain insights into motivating individuals and communities to adopt and sustain behaviors that promote optimal health and overall well-being.
- Health Communication and Education: Refine your communication skills by studying health education techniques, social marketing, and multimedia tools. Develop the ability to craft compelling messages and campaigns that communicate the benefits of health topics of interest to individuals and communities.
*Our program has a required internship that you can complete from wherever you are, helping you gain valuable hands on experience to stand out to employers.
Course Examples
- KHP 674 Foundations of Health Promotion
- KHP 673 Health Promotion & Behavior Change
- KHP 677 Planning Health Promotion Programs
- KHP 644 Research Techniques Applied to Kinesiology & Health Promotion
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- Resume/CV
- Official transcripts
- Personal Statement
- A personal statement describing the applicant’s professional background, motivations for seeking a graduate education in this specialty area, why the current program is an ideal fit, and career/research aspirations.
- Three letters of recommendation (Only an email address is required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter.)
- At least two must be from a person with direct knowledge of applicant’s academic capabilities (e.g., instructor, research supervisor, advisor, etc.).
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Should I enroll as a full-time graduate student?
This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (typically, 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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