Health Promotion and Wellness Management, MS

Melinda Novik, Program Director
Phone 417-836-3168
MelindaNovik@MissouriState.edu

Program Description

The Master of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness Management is a 36 hour interdisciplinary program. It is designed to provide preparation for students from diverse backgrounds in health, human services and business. The curriculum integrates knowledge and skills from behavioral psychology, health education and promotion, public health, contemporary health issues, and organizational theory. The result is a competency-based, multi-disciplinary academic preparation for professionals dedicated to assuming leadership and program planning, implementation and evaluation positions within the health and wellness industry. Graduates have gone on to work in a number of different settings including universities, for-profit and non-profit organizations, health departments, community centers, fitness centers, hospitals and clinics and many more.

Curricular activities are complemented by research opportunities with our graduate faculty and in the community. Diverse practical opportunities are provided throughout the coursework, during the culminating research experiences and during the internship.

The Public Affairs mission (and the three pillars of Ethical Leadership, Cultural Competence and Community Engagement) is exemplified throughout the program coursework but put into practice for each student during the 6-credit/420 contact hour internship experience.

Entrance Requirements

1. Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.80 on a 4.00 scale in undergraduate work.
3. A two page maximum statement of professional experience, goals and research interest.
4. Prerequisite courses: 6 hours. Students entering the program should have a undergraduate courses in statistics and introductory psychology. A student who does not meet these criteria, but who demonstrates outstanding potential, may be considered on the basis of individual merit and accepted on a probationary status.

Accelerated Master’s Degree Option

Students enrolled in undergraduate programs may be accepted into the Master of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness Management program after admission requirements for the accelerated master’s option are met. Once accepted, up to 12 credit hours of approved 600 and 700-level coursework may be counted toward both the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science degree programs.

The accelerated option allows students who are interested in health promotion and wellness management to complete the requirements for the Master of Science degree in three semesters and a summer rather than the typical four semesters and a summer. For more information and guidelines, contact the Health Promotion and Wellness Management program director.

Before enrolling in each course and for courses to be counted as both undergraduate and graduate credit, an undergraduate student must complete a Mixed Credit Form. If a student wishes to complete more than six credits of mixed credit, they must first be admitted into the accelerated master’s program. Acceptance into the program and all approvals must be completed prior to the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the course(s). See the Graduate College for further information.

Admission Requirements for the Accelerated Master’s Option

1. Senior standing and an overall GPA of 3.2 or better.
2. Completion of an undergraduate course in statistics and introductory psychology. A student who does not meet these criteria, but who demonstrates outstanding potential, may be considered on the basis of individual merit.