Description

The BS program in health sciences with a concentration in healthy lifestyles coaching is designed to provide the academic knowledge and skills to allow students to move directly into a range of employment opportunities within the health field or continue their education in discipline-specific programs. Students complete a complement of core courses that emphasize ethics, communication skills, critical thinking and cultural awareness. The healthy lifestyles coaching emphasis brings together coursework from exercise and wellness, nutrition, and health care delivery to give students a strong background in preventative health care.

The degree program allows students to explore a range of interests in health education and is designed for students who are seeking immediate employment in the community health education or health promotion fields.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for health coaches and health educators is projected to grow 21 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth is driven by efforts to improve health outcomes and to reduce health care costs by teaching people about healthy habits and behaviors and utilization of available health care services. Health coaches work in hospitals and health care facilities, schools, public health departments, nonprofit organizations, and private businesses. Career options include positions such as: