Contact Information
Program Requirements
Typical Program
Degree/Certificate: Associate in Science
HEGIS Code: 5299
SUNY Code: 1731
Major Code: HED
The Career
“Promoting healthy lifestyles”
Health Studies begins the professional preparation of health educators working in communities, schools and work sites.
What kind of work do they do?
- Assess, plan, implement and evaluate the health improvement needs of specific populations (young children, elderly, specific races, gender, geographic region, etc.)
- Determine and coordinate services for these individuals on a local, state and federal level
- Apply research principles to enhance quality of life
Where do they work? Communities, schools and work sites.
► School Health
♦ Teach K - 12, staff, wellness coordinator, school guidance
► Community Health “A defined group of people”
♦ Assess, plan, implement and evaluate health improvement
► Public Health “Preserve, promote and protect”
♦ Local, state and federal level
► Work Sites
♦ Human resources, risk management, health improvement programs
♦ Health and life insurance specialists
♦ Patient educators in hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics
► Health Organizations, Foundations and Agencies
♦ American Cancer Society
♦ American Lung Association
♦ Planned Parenthood
♦ American Red Cross
The SUNY Niagara Approach
Core topics of substance abuse, nutrition, community, sexuality, leadership and foundations of health education make up the core of the curriculum. Additional emphasis in human biology, psychology, sociology, math, history and speech complete the liberal arts experience. Professional development activities and career exploration are emphasized early and throughout the Health Studies degree.
In addition to earning an Associate in Science degree in Health Studies, students are positioned to transfer to teacher education (K-12) at SUNY Cortland and Ithaca College. Those individuals wishing to transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in public or community health can do so at Daemen College, Buffalo State College and Brockport.
For individuals who are currently certified in Physical Education and wish to have dual certification in health the program offers 18 credits in health studies and an additional 21 credits in liberal arts (by advisement). In addition, many courses are available through online learning.
Admissions
Students admitted in fall, spring and summer. The Health Studies, A.S. program is offered as a full-time day program, part-time evening program or online program. Because of the sequencing of courses, it may take more than four semesters of full-time study (15-17 credits per semester) if a student begins this program in a spring or summer semester.
Articulation Agreements
Canisius College
Ithaca College
SUNY Buffalo State University
SUNY College at Brockport
Syracuse University
Dual Admissions
Daemen University B.S. in Health Care Studies. Professional training certification in three areas:
- Community Health
- Complementary and Alternative Health Care Practices
- Health & Fitness Training
Facilities
The Health Studies program is housed in the Athletics Building. A 2,500 square foot fitness center, Olympic-size pool, two gymnasiums, dance studios, racquetball, squash, tennis, Outdoor Adventure Education and extensive Intramural Recreation program provides activity for everyone.
Program Goals and Objectives
- To provide individualized advisement that will assist each student with developing specific educational and career goals that will facilitate transfer to the upper-level institution of choice
- To develop students’ knowledge about the sociological, philosophical, historical and psychological aspects of American health education
- To assist students in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to develop their own philosophies of health education taking into consideration the influences of the New York State and National Health Education Standards
- To provide students the necessary knowledge to understand the operation of computer systems and related pedagogical health issues in education
- To assist students with the acquisition of knowledge and skills necessary to make intelligent decisions that will lead them to certification in health education
- To develop students’ understanding of those characteristics which define responsible and successful health educators
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Associate of Science Degree in Health Studies, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of computers and their basic functioning
- Have customized his/her professional education course work to facilitate transfer-articulation to the upper-level school of choice
- Demonstrate the application of knowledge required to implement a health improvement program following a 4-part plan of assess, plan, implement and evaluate
