Bachelor's Degree in Health Promotion - Health Education Teacher Education
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A bachelor's degree in Health Education Teacher Education is perfect for students who are passionate about promoting wellness and teaching the importance of healthy lifestyles to young people. Graduates are prepared for careers as health educators in schools, focusing on areas such as nutrition, mental health, substance abuse prevention, and physical fitness to empower the next generation to make informed health choices.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Health Education Teacher Education equips you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a teaching certificate in K-12 health education, enabling you to inspire and educate students about the importance of healthy lifestyles. With this degree, you can make a positive impact on the health and well-being of younger generations through school-based health education, which helps adolescents acquire functional health knowledge, strengthen attitudes and beliefs, and practice skills needed to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors throughout their lives.
The Health Education Teacher Education program provides comprehensive knowledge about the structure of health education through content courses guided by the National Health Education Standards. Students apply this knowledge in practical settings to ensure they are well-prepared to teach health education.
Certification Options
Incoming students who wish to pursue the Physical and/or Health Education at the University of Kentucky should select Health Promotion - Health Education Teacher Education on their application. Once enrolled, your academic advisor will assist you in choosing the best option for you. You will choose from one of the following certification options.
Plan 1: Students are encouraged to complete this plan, which includes majors in both Physical Education Teacher Certification and Health Education Teacher Certification. Graduates will be qualified to pursue their teaching certification in physical education and health education for grades K-12.
Plan 2: (Single Discipline Certification): Students who choose to major in either Physical Education Teacher Certification or Health Education Teacher Certification alone must select a university-approved minor. They will be certified to teach only in the chosen discipline.
Our Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), recognizing our commitment to high standards in teacher preparation. This accreditation assures prospective students that our program meets rigorous benchmarks for quality, continuous improvement, and positive impact in the field of education.
Plan to Pursue Licensure Outside of Kentucky?
If you plan to obtain professional licensure outside of Kentucky, please refer to the Licensure page to confirm whether the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in your state of interest.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2026
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The Health Education Teacher Certification program provides comprehensive knowledge about the structure of health education through content courses in health, wellness, nutrition, safety, and critical issues in health promotion. Engage in interactive coursework focused on health content and teaching methods. Get experience in classrooms early in the program. Participate in an immersive, semester-long student teaching experience to prepare to lead your own classroom right away.
Below is a template that outlines the typical course progression for this major. Actual progression may vary based on factors such as AP/IB credits, dual enrollment, transfer credits, and individual academic readiness. A College of Education academic advisor will help develop a path to graduation that is best suited for you. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan for the different options.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
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These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.
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Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
