Bachelor's Degree in Health Promotion (Non-Teaching)
Who is this program for?
A bachelor's degree in Health Promotion is perfect for students passionate about improving individual and community well-being through advocacy, education and preventive health strategies. This program prepares graduates for careers in public health, wellness coaching, community health education, and corporate wellness, equipping them with expertise in program planning, health behavior change, and disease prevention.
Program Overview
The Health Promotion: Non-Teacher Certification program equips you with the knowledge and skillset to empower individuals to take control of and enhance their health, extending beyond individual behavior to encompass a variety of social and environmental strategies. This interdisciplinary area of study focuses on not only the physical wellbeing of individuals, but includes the social and emotional dimensions as well.
Students who earn this degree will be eligible to take the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam, which will enhance a students resume for graduate programs and can create opportunities for careers in health departments, worksite wellness, hospitals, state or national agencies and organizations, or other similar fields.
Related Careers
- Health coach
- Trainer
- Health program administrator
- Wellness centers
- Worksite wellness
- Public health administer
- Community health centers
- Healthcare consultant
- Health coordinator
- Health specialist
- Health educator (colleges/universities)
- Local/State health departments
- YMCAs
- Occupational health and safety
- Federal/State/Local government public health agencies (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC)
- Local/State/agencies or organizations (American Cancer Society, American Heart Association)
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What You'll Learn
The Health Promotion curriculum provides a wide range of courses in human health and wellness, drug education, nutrition, sexuality education, and program planning in health education. This program generally focuses on the whole individual, including social and emotional dimensions, not just the physical. This area of study is interdisciplinary, extending into biology, psychology, sociology, and medicine.
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.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
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
- 04/15/2025
"Health Promotion has taught me all about wellness including, how to assess a need in a community, create a program, be a resource person, and evaluate the program. But it has also taught me so much more. Thanks to my caring professors I've become not only more knowledgeable, but also more confident than I have ever been before."

Riley Callard
Health Promotion Graduate

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.

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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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