Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Community Health] From Western Connecticut State University

Following completion of a Bachelor of Science in Health Education or Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion Studies, students will be prepared to sit for the national CHES examination (Certified Health Education Specialist, the credential for health educators). Examination sites are located throughout the United States.

The health promotion and exercise sciences department strives to educate all WCSU students about the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices which encourages life-long, optimal health and well-being. The students in our degree programs are additionally prepared for entry-level, certified health education specialist (CHES) positions in schools and in a wide variety of private and public settings (i.e. corporations, hospitals, community organizations and other multi-public service organizations).

In addition to a liberal arts core of courses, students must successfully complete health content courses and teaching methodology, including the use of technology, in order to achieve professional competence as identified by standards set by national credentialing organizations. The focus of studying health promotion and exercise science is to educate students on the importance of a physically active lifestyle, wellness, fitness, healthy leisure time activities, health promotion, health protection and preventive services in schools and the larger global community.

It is the goal of the health promotion and exercise sciences department to be known as the undergraduate program of choice in the region to prepare for careers in school health education and fitness/leisure activities.

The department also strives to be recognized for its scholarship and to provide programs which utilize a holistic, integrated and multidisciplinary approach. Our programs link the education of the mind with opportunities to apply newly learned skills in experiential, cooperative and internship experiences. The multidisciplinary academic program includes courses in health promotion and wellness, psychology, safety and health protection, total fitness, knowledge of and opportunities for healthy leisure activities, nutrition, biology, education, social welfare and politics, and related areas.

As such, this holistic approach to healthy living does not focus on illness or specific parts of the body or one facet of community life. It emphasizes the connection and interdependency of the components of individual and community health. These components include environmental, political and economic aspects of health, as well as the physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual elements of well-being.