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School of Education and Human Sciences

Undergraduate – Community Health and Human Services Program

  • Program Title: Community Health and Human Services
  • Overview Heading: Impact the Health & Wellbeing of Your Community
  • Staff: 161
  • Faculty: 157
  • Feature Image: Young woman with shoulder-length straight blond hair, glasses, and a red sweater presents statistical information.
  • Overview Copy:

    The Community Health and Human Services (CHHS) undergraduate program offers two concentrations that provide distinct pathways to professional training. 

    Health Promotion and Education (HPE) is designed to provide the training needed to develop programs and policies to reduce disease risk factors, decrease acute and chronic disease burden, and promote health through adopting healthy lifestyles. Students pursuing the HPE degree gain foundational knowledge in health promotion program planning, implementation, and evaluation, using the Certified Health Education Specialist opens a new website (CHES) competencies, to deliver community and population-based health interventions. The program includes a capstone applied project experience in a pre-professional setting.

    Students pursuing the Human Services degree develop skills in problem assessment, case management, crisis intervention, community resource identification and organizational leadership needed to improve the quality of life of their clients. Students work to understand social issues, apply systems thinking, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and programs. The CHHS Capstone course can facilitate your advancement in the health & human services workforce or support your furthering your education.

  • Title: Why choose the UAB CHHS?
  • First Heading: Online and Blended Formats Offered
  • First Copy: The program offers both online and blended formats. This is perfect for the working adult.
  • Second Heading: Can Lead to CHES® National Credential
  • Second Copy: Provides the necessary curriculum to prepare students to sit for the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner opens a new website (HS-BCP).
  • Third Heading: Become a Peer Educator
  • Third Copy: Looking for a meaningful elective that teaches leadership skills, addresses topics relevant to college life, and focuses on self-care? Sign up for CHHS 426! Peer educators are active on campus and provide fun interactive activities that teach healthy behaviors and positively influence the campus culture. Students who take the course can become a Nationally Certified Peer Educator and are eligible to apply for a paid campus position with Wellness Promotion.
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  • Testimonials:
    • Testimonial - Image: , Name: Haleigh Horton, Testimonial Copy: I chose to major in Community Health and Human Services at UAB with a minor in Medical Sociology because I'm deeply passionate about improving public health and understanding the social determinants that influence it. What I love most about my program is its unique combination of practical skills and sociological insights. This blend equips me to address real-world health challenges effectively. It allows me to directly impact and uplift my community, particularly underserved populations. The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experiences prepare me to make meaningful contributions to public health and social well-being.
  • Curriculum Copy:

    Faculty developed the curriculum for the undergraduate CHHS program to meet national standards and competencies in the fields of Health Education and Human Services.

    Undergraduates who successfully complete the Health Promotion and Education curriculum are eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) credentialing exam, established by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing Inc. (NCHEC). The passing of this exam demonstrates professional competency and a commitment to continued professional development.

    Undergraduates who successfully complete the Human Services curriculum are eligible to sit for the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner Examination (HS-BCP), the passing of which demonstrates professional competency and a commitment to continued professional development.

  • Course Catalog Link: https://catalog.uab.edu/undergraduate/schoolofeducation/humanstudies/#healthtext
  • Resources:
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Careers, Curriculum Resources Link: index.php?Itemid=1368
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Tuition & Fees, Curriculum Resources Link: https://www.uab.edu/cost-aid/cost/detailed-tuition-fees
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Scholarships, Curriculum Resources Link: index.php?Itemid=1186
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Undergraduate Admissions, Curriculum Resources Link: https://www.uab.edu/admissions/
    • Curriculum Resources Text: UAB CHHS Facebook Group, Curriculum Resources Link: https://www.facebook.com/UabCommunityCounselingClinic
    • Curriculum Resources Text: Community Counseling Clinic, Curriculum Resources Link: https://www.uab.edu/education/counselingclinic/
  • Undergraduate Recruiter: carankennedy@uab.edu
  • Program Information Heading: Majors and Minors
  • Program Information Copy: The School of Education and Human Sciences CHHS program has the following undergraduate-level programs.
  • Program Information Accordion:
    • Program Title: Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Human Services, Program Delivery: Online, On-Campus , Program Copy:

      Health Promotion & Education (Online and In-person)

      Want to create healthier environments, encourage healthier lifestyles, and lead initiatives that that promote the well-being of individuals and communities? Consider choosing this concentration.

      Human Services (100% Online)

      Want to help people when they are facing the toughest circumstances? Do you want to support people through crisis intervention and leverage community resources? Consider choosing this concentration.

    • Program Title: Minors , Program Delivery: Online , Program Copy:

      Students majoring in the social sciences, health sciences, and business will likely find either of these minors particularly beneficial in supporting future people-oriented endeavors.

      Health Promotion & Education

      This minor provides students with an overview of the health education profession with courses training systems approaches to solving health concerns, health communication and social media promotion, leadership and advocacy, and intervention strategies. The minor may be especially useful to students majoring in the social sciences, health sciences, human rights, business or anyone with keen interest in health promotion.

      Human Services

      This minor provides students with an overview of the competencies to work in the helping professions. Courses train students to lead human services organizations, assess client challenges and capacities, and facilitate client changes to improve quality of life. The minor complements students majoring in the psychological and social sciences, public health, health sciences, and business.

    • Program Title: Health Coaching, Undergraduate Certificate, Program Delivery: Blended , Program Copy:

      Ready to make a difference in someone’s life? Turn your passion for health and wellness into a career pathway with this science-backed certificate.

      This certificate, delivered in a hybrid format, is anchored in science, focuses on strategy, and prioritizes human connection. The 15-hour curriculum integrates personal and community health promotion, nutrition, epidemiology, stress management, physical fitness, and health behavior theory. Students can customize their coursework to align with their unique career interests and professional aspirations. The certificate may be especially meaningful for students desiring to work in healthcare settings, corporate wellness programs, exercise and health organizations.

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