MS in Community Health Education
Research and address community health inequities with a master’s in community health education.
Community health issues result from a myriad of root causes, from individual and social to institutional, economic, and political. As a student in the MS in community health education program, you’ll investigate how these factors interact to inform social change — and gain the proficiency to work in research or pursue an advanced academic degree.
Designed for candidates interested in research careers, our 48-credit program combines core coursework in public health and community health education with research methodology and theory. The program culminates with a 9-credit master’s thesis.
MS in community health education course requirements:
- Five public health core courses (15 credits)
- Three community health education core courses, including program planning and program evaluation (9 credits)
- Three courses in research methods and theory (9 credits)
- Four electives from within or outside the department (12 credits)
- Master’s thesis (9 credits)
Benefits list
Flexible and Efficient
As an MS degree candidate, you can expect to complete 48 credits of coursework and your thesis in two academic years, including the intervening summer.
Research Opportunities Await
You’ll find a wealth of opportunities to research health policy issues and explore field work through the Center for Community Health Equity Research, Center for Program Evaluation, and Institute for Global Health, all of which are led by our faculty members.
Master’s Thesis
Community health education MS degree candidates must complete a 9-credit thesis that demonstrates competence in research methodology. You can seek guidance from an academic advisor, a faculty member, and one outside member to complete and defend your thesis.
Featured class
Latest approaches in community development and community organizing strategies. Exploratory readings, field assignments; emphasis on leadership development, capacity building, and coordinated community action.
Featured faculty
Kathryn Derose
Acting Director, Center for Community Health Equity Research
Focus on community partnerships, health inequalities, immigrants, Latin America, mixed methods.
Susan Shaw
Director, Center for Community Health Equity Research
Focus on racial and ethnic health disparities, structural racism and health, gender and sexuality, community-based and participatory research.
Daniel López-Cevallos
Focus on health equity, social determinants of health, Latinx immigrants, community-engaged research, Latin America
Aline Gubrium
Program Head, Community Health Education
Focus on sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice; participatory digital, visual, and narrative research methodologies; health promotion
Application information & deadlines
Prospective students must apply first through the SOPHAS site and then the UMass Graduate School Supplemental Application, which will be emailed to you upon completion of the SOPHAS application.
Application Deadline
Applications for the fall term are due by Feb. 1.
Community Health Education
Addressing health inequity and improving community health for all.