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Next start dates
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule October 10, 2022
Transfer Credits
- Up to 135 Credits
Explore our BS in Health Studies Health Psychology and Behavior concentration
Acquire an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence people to change their behaviors and adopt healthier lifestyles.
In this health studies concentration, you’ll explore the social, behavioral, emotional, and cognitive factors associated with disease, illness, and injury. It’s ideal if you aspire to work in research, clinical settings, or the community to help people overcome their health and wellness challenges.
Program Savings
Course-Based: Receive your first course at no cost tuition reduction (excluding other applicable fees) if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on October 10, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowCurriculum
Degree Completion Requirements
- 181 quarter credits (1 semester credit equals 1.5 quarter credits)
- General education courses (46 cr.)
- Core courses (55 cr.)
- Concentration courses (25 cr.)
- Elective courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone course (5 cr.)
Students may be eligible to transfer up to 135 credits*. At least 45 credits must be completed at Walden.
*Please note: Students that reside in Virginia may be eligible to transfer up to 125 credits. At least 55 credits must be completed at Walden.
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HMNT 1001 |
Living and Learning in the Technological World
Imagine life without cell phones, television, or the internet. Recent technological developments have significantly altered all aspects of human life: at work; in play; and in personal, family, and social interactions. In this course, students examine the advantages, disadvantages, and controversies of living and learning in an ever-changing technological environment. By exploring multiple perspectives, students discover how technology is changing media, culture, business, health, human behavior, and overall access to information. In a dynamic, reflective, and engaging classroom environment, students use a variety of audio, visual, literary, and artistic resources, to engage in open dialogue. Students are also introduced to the tools essential to success at Walden. Students complete the course with a personalized success plan that provides a customized roadmap and tools that they can use immediately on their journey toward the completion of their bachelor's degree. Note: Virtual, cyber, digital, and asynchronous are used to describe online environments in this course. |
(6 cr.) |
Core Courses |
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| HLTH 1000 |
Concepts of Health Promotion
Initiatives to prevent illness and promote healthy lifestyles are often more effective and cost efficient than efforts to intervene or treat disease, which is why health promotion is an increasingly popular trend in the field of healthcare. In this course, students formulate a definition of health and discuss the many influences that shape our individual and collective perceptions of health. Students consider the health-wellness continuum, including a number of factors, such as behavioral, demographic, psychological, and social forces. They also examine evidence-based methodologies for interventions to promote health and enhance wellness, and they evaluate health information found online to determine credibility and accuracy. Additionally, students reflect on ways to shape their future career in health and to promote positive change. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 1005 |
Context of Healthcare Delivery
Students in this course describe the causes and consequences of historical events on health and medical care in the United States. They explain barriers related to cost, quality, and access to health and medical care. Students examine unique and complex aspects of subsystems and classify vertical and horizontal integrated healthcare delivery systems. They compare characteristics of healthcare in the U.S. with healthcare systems in other countries. Students also identify current and future issues, trends, and forces in healthcare reform. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 2110 |
Behavioral and Cultural Issues in Healthcare
Many factors influence the health behavior and wellness of individuals and populations. Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals reduce health disparities and address healthcare access issues for vulnerable populations. Students in this course examine the cultural and behavioral factors and issues that influence the management and delivery of healthcare services. Students develop a framework for assessing the effect of culture and behavior in a variety of settings and situations. They identify health disparities attributable to diverse cultural and behavioral factors and discuss their implications for healthcare policy. Students also engage in application-based writing assignments to further examine the goals and objectives of addressing health disparities as well as obstacles for confronting vulnerable populations. Prerequisites BS in Health Studies
BS in Public Health
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 2500 |
Theories of Health Behavior
Students in this course are introduced to established and emerging health behavior, health education, and health promotion theories and models. Students can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to apply various theoretical frameworks and models related to psychosocial, cultural, and environmental factors influencing health behavior and behavior change. Throughout this course, students will focus on the role of theories and models in planning, implementing, and evaluating health interventions in a variety of settings. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 4380 |
Strategies for Health Communication and Wellness
The principles and theories of health communication and their application to health promotion and behavior change are the foci of this course. Students examine how to design and deliver health messages to various audiences while remaining sensitive to cultural, socioeconomic, and educational factors influencing the audience. Students evaluate important dimensions of intercultural and intracultural communication and study how to make scholarly writing accessible to the general population. They also explore the use of emerging technologies and social media in marketing and communications. |
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 4030 |
Planning Public Health Programs
Planning culturally relevant and effective public health programs is essential to improving the health of populations. In this course, students are introduced to public health program planning and design, including the process of needs assessment. Students examine and apply various models and theoretical frameworks of program planning. They also explore fundamental competencies relating to planning, such as writing goals and objectives, selecting strategies, developing budgets, and planning for specific populations. Students learn about concepts related to program implementation, management, and evaluation as these relate to the planning process. Prerequisites BS in Health Studies
BS in Public Health
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PUBH 4100 |
Evaluating Public Health Programs
How do public health professionals know when a program is working? This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs. It examines various types of program evaluations, including formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluations. Students apply concepts for designing and conducting practical, ethical, and effective program evaluations that determine whether program goals are achieved. Students also explore ways to appropriately disseminate program evaluation results. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 3115 |
Public and Global Health
Through this course, students widen their perspectives of promoting health and preventing disease as they examine health issues that transcend national borders, class, race, ethnicity, and culture. Students discuss the role of the healthcare provider in preserving and promoting health among diverse populations as well as their role in illness prevention and health promotion, protection, and maintenance of targeted populations. They explore principles of epidemiology and the influencing sociopolitical factors that impact health and well-being of humankind. Students also engage in assignments designed to provide practical application of content on topical issues, such as infant mortality rates in the United States and abroad, infectious or communicable disease, and implications of global climate change on health, among others. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 4000 |
Introduction to Healthcare Management
In this course, students examine management concepts and theories designed to influence and improve the performance of healthcare organizations. They identify and examine the external and internal environments of organizations as well as key management functions, roles, and responsibilities. Exploring essential aspects of healthcare management, students engage in a variety of conceptual and practical activities, such as profiling a healthcare manger, assessing the value of leadership in decision making, and comparing strategic plans. Students delve deeper into content through weekly discussions on a variety of topics, such as emotional intelligence, applications of financial management, issues of quality and safety, the purpose of strategic planning, and challenges in human resources. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 4200 |
Principles of Epidemiology
Students in this course focus on the principles governing the study and practice of epidemiology. Consideration is given to the various methods available to health professionals for selecting and measuring factors of interest, describing their distribution, detecting associations, and identifying populations at risk. The features, advantages, and limitations of common epidemiologic research designs are addressed. Prerequisites
Note: Students who wish to pursue graduate school should consider taking STAT 3001 in addition to MATH 1002. |
(5 cr.) |
| HLTH 4205 |
Introduction to Research Methods and Analysis
In this course, students examine the basic components required for the conduct of health-related research and provides students with the analytic tools needed to understand and assess research methods described in the scientific literature. Basic research methods are described, including surveys, observational studies, experimental and quasi-experimental design, use of primary and secondary data, and statistical techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. Prerequisites BS in Healthcare Management
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
Concentration Courses |
||
| PSYC 2001 |
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Contemporary life requires the ability to relate to people who are different. In this course, students will explore major areas of psychology in light of culture's influence, challenging their own world views and unconscious biases in order to develop greater sensitivity to the impact of cultural differences on interactions in a variety of settings. Topics include definitions and approaches to understanding culture; the role of psychology in understanding bias; cultural aspects of cognition and intelligence; emotion; motivation; development and socialization; disorders; and applications of cross-cultural psychology. Prerequisites BS in Psychology
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PSYC 2005 |
Social Influences on Behavior
Individuals are often influenced by others and by the social situations in which they find themselves. Students in this course examine the basic concepts and applications of social psychology, including attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; stereotyping; prejudice and discrimination; interpersonal relationships; group behavior; and the effect of environmental stress on behavior. They also learn how bias can sway objective conclusions as well as how ethical factors influence research in social psychology. Students apply principles and theories presented in the course to case studies and situations in daily life, including instances of stereotyping and discrimination. They also use these theories to understand strategies for helping others and reducing aggressive behavior. Prerequisites BS in Health Studies Health Psychology and Behavior Concentration
BS in Human Services Child and Adolescent Development Concentration
BS in Psychology
BS in Public Health Psychology and Behavior Concentration
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PSYC 2009 |
Theories of Personality
This course is an introduction to the theoretical approaches to understanding personality. Students examine key theorists and theories including psychoanalytic, neopsychoanalytic, humanistic, trait, biological, behaviorist, and social-cognitive approaches. Perspectives on personality are applied to personal and social issues. Prerequisites BS in Psychology
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PSYC 4006 |
Global Perspectives in Psychology
While traditional psychology in the United States has been Western in focus, increased globalization has promoted an examination into human behavior from a broader perspective that includes the influence of cultural and global trends on individual and group behavior. In this course, students explore a variety of global perspectives in psychology as well as some of the issues and controversies facilitated by differing cultures. They explore and discuss trends and research methods in global psychology, indigenous psychology, psychotherapy in a global world, and the role of psychologists internationally. Students critically evaluate psychological issues from a global rather than a domestic perspective. Prerequisites BS in Psychology
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
| PSYC 4014 |
Health Psychology
Health and wellness involve more than physical symptoms and diseases. Health psychology is a dynamic course that gives students the opportunity to explore the field of health psychology, with a focus on how physical, psychological, sociocultural, economic, and spiritual factors impact health and wellness. Throughout the course, students examine the importance of health disparities and health literacy, explore strategies for promoting health enhancing behaviors, and apply health psychology research to various health issues. Students also apply their learning to the development of their own health goals. The course culminates in a case study that synthesizes students' learning from the previous weeks. Prerequisites BS in Psychology
All Other Programs
|
(5 cr.) |
Capstone Course |
||
| HLTH 4900 |
Capstone
This capstone course provides students with the opportunity to synthesize knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program into a practical, integrative literature review of a selected topic specific to their area of concentration and personal interest. Through this project, students gain experience in refining their résumé, locating and assessing professional literature, and presenting arguments and findings. Students also engage in weekly discussions on networking, professional organizations, and the promotion of positive social change. They also reflect on their learning experience throughout the program and consider how they can use these experiences to enrich future professional endeavors. Prerequisites
|
(5 cr.) |
Electives |
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Choose 10 courses from general education, BS in Public Health, or other Walden bachelor’s degree programs. Your elective credits should total 50 to meet your program requirements. You may also be eligible to transfer previous credit to meet elective requirements. Note on minors: Electives can also be used to complete a six-course minor.
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| VIEW ALL COURSES | ||
Tuition and Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 181 quarter credit hours | $333 per quarter hour | $60,273 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $165 | $2,640 |
| $62,913* |
*Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 135 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost up to an additional $5,000.
Paying for Your Education
Our Enrollment Specialists can help you outline a plan and find resources for funding your education.
Learn moreProgram Savings
Course-Based: Receive your first course at no cost tuition reduction (excluding other applicable fees) if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on October 10, 2022. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowAdmission Requirements
Admission is considered for adult students who hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:
- You are 21 years of age or older.
- You are less than 21 years of age with at least 12 quarter credits.
- You are an active member of the military or a veteran with documentation of service.
More information for international applicants.
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