Prepare for certification with a degree program designed to help you sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam.
Enhance Your Impact
Learn the leadership, research, and teaching skills you need to impact public health on a population level.
Focus on Your Goals
Research the issues that interest you and work toward your personal and professional goals by choosing one of six specializations.
Move Past ABD
If you have finished everything but your dissertation, our completion program can get you on track to finishing your PhD.
Streamlined Application
Walden has simplified the online PhD Health Education and Promotion admissions process. When you’re ready to apply, you’ll pay no application fee—and you won’t have to write an essay.
Simple Credit Transfer
We’ve made the credit transfer process easy, allowing you to potentially save time and money. Talk to an Enrollment Specialist to learn the specific guidelines for our online PhD in Health Education and Promotion.
Two Program Tracks
Choose one of two PhD in Health Education and Promotion online program tracks depending on where you are in your education journey.
Tuition and Grants
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we are here to support you along your journey. Request information to learn more about grants and financial aid for those who apply and qualify.
Tuition Breakdown
The cost of your PhD program matters. With several ways to reduce your tuition, Walden is here to help make your goals more attainable. You could reduce costs through:
Experience-based credits
Special tuition savings
Grants
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible PhD program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 63 quarter credits | $655 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $41,265^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20–130† quarter credits | $655 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $13,100–$85,150* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,035–$5920* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.5-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $62,080 | $138,415*+ | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.5-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 93 quarter credits | $655 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $60,915^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20–115† quarter credits | $655 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $13,100–$75,325* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $2,590–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 each (virtual) $1,520 each (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3.25-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $82,285 | $148,240*+ | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 3.25-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost per Quarter Hour | Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 5 total quarter credits | $655 per quarter credit | $3,275 | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20-55 quarter credits | $655 per quarter credit | Minimum | Maximum |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $925 | $2,220 | |
| Estimated Range: | 15 months minimum | 36 months maximum | ||
$17,300* | $41,520* | |||
*Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic, such as tuition and fee increases; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.
Doctoral Experience
How will I learn?
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The path to your online doctoral program won’t be easy, but Walden is here to provide support, resources, and encouragement at every stage of your journey.
FOCUS ON YOUR PASSION
Get help choosing a doctoral research topic that reflects your interests. Learn how you can use the findings to create meaningful change.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this valuable doctoral learning experience.
Career Opportunities
With a PhD in Health Education and Promotion, you’ll be prepared to effect change in occupations related to research, leadership, and teaching.
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach community health and public health courses in universities and colleges.
Expected growth: 19%1
Estimated annual wage: $52,300–$172,990 1
Medical and Health Services Manager
Plan and direct health services in public health agencies, hospitals, or similar organizations.
Expected growth: 29%2
Estimated annual wage: $67,900–$157,6402
Community Health Worker
Promote wellness, implement programs, and advocate for people with limited access to resources.
Expected growth: 13%3
Estimated annual wage: $35,560–$60,740 3
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
3Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD in Nursing program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be prepared to:
Evaluate the factors that impact individual and population health.
Synthesize assessment results to identify and prioritize health problems.
Engage in collaborative planning of health interventions.
Apply knowledge that results in successful implementation and monitoring of health promotion and disease prevention interventions.
Evaluate the effectiveness of health promotion and disease prevention interventions.
Conduct original health education-related research.
Demonstrate ethical behavior as a health education scholar-practitioner.
Facilitate efforts among stakeholders to achieve common goals related to individual and community health.
Apply health education principles, theories, and models to create professional communication and establish positive public relations.
Use evidence-based research to advocate for policies and programs that promote positive social change related to the health of individuals and communities.
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PhD in Health Education and Promotion FAQ
When it comes to finding the best online academic institution for you, reputation is key. Walden University is a pioneer of distance learning and has been supporting the educational needs of working professionals for more than 50 years. Accreditation should also be a factor in your decision-making. Attending an accredited university means you can be confident that the university has passed the intense scrutiny and high standards of an independent accreditation organization. Walden University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990 and participates in a thorough recertification process every 10 years. In 2023, Walden’s institutional accreditation was reaffirmed by HLC.
Lastly, you’ll want to choose a program that helps pave the way to any state licensing or certification you need. Walden’s PhD in Health Education and Promotion online program can prepare you to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam or the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) exam.
When you choose to earn your PhD in Health Education and Promotion online, you’ll find a number of benefits that traditional classroom programs don’t readily offer. For instance, Walden’s global virtual “campus” allows you to see your profession on an international scale through the eyes of classmates who may be from other parts of the world. With online health education degree programs, you can also access your coursework from anywhere and at any time. This level of flexibility makes it possible to complete your degree as you continue working full time. You’ll also benefit from asynchronous discussions with classmates, a suite of online student support services, and much more.
As laid out by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, health educators have eight primary responsibilities.1 Those are as follows:
- Assess needs, resources, and capacity for health education/promotion
- Plan health education/promotion
- Implement health education/promotion
- Conduct evaluation and research related to health education/promotion
- Administer and manage health education/promotion
- Serve as a health education/promotion resource person
- Communicate, promote, and advocate for health, health education/promotion, and the profession
1Source: National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Responsibilities and Competencies for Health Education Specialists, on the internet at www.nchec.org/responsibilities-and-competencies.
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification establishes a national standard for members of the profession and shows prospective employers that an individual is proficient in certain knowledge and skills. Earning your CHES certification not only unlocks the opportunity to further your career and earning potential, but also enables you to become a part of a global movement to positively impact world health. To become certified, you must pass an exam administered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc.1 If you want to apply to take the exam, you must meet certain academic requirements and submit official transcripts indicating a major in health education and completion of at least 25 semester hours of work addressing the Eight Areas of Responsibility and Competency for Health Education Specialists.1
1Source: www.nchec.org/exam-eligibility-guide
When you earn your PhD in Health Education and Promotion from Walden, you’ll benefit from courses that help you better understand the needs of those you will be serving in your role, best practices for developing your research skills, how to drive social change, and much more. In Walden University’s PhD in Health Education and Promotion program, you’ll take courses such as:
- Assessing Community Needs for Health Education
- Building a Multidisciplinary Approach to Health
- Research Theory, Design, and Methods
You can also choose a specialization to obtain additional knowledge and skills aligned with your professional goals. Walden’s PhD in Health Education and Promotion program offers specializations in Global Health, Research, Behavioral Health, Management and Leadership, Online Teaching in Higher Education, and Population Health.