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 teaches you how to help people improve their health, not just by changing their personal habits but also by using social and environmental approaches.
Health promotion studies a mix of fields and focuses not only on a person's physical health, but also their social and emotional wellbeing.
Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Certified Health Specialist Exam. This certification can be helpful when applying to graduate school or careers in health promotion.
Related Careers
Career opportunities include health departments, worksite wellness, hospitals, state or national agencies and organizations, or similar fields.
- Health coach
- Trainer
- Health program administrator
- Wellness centers
- Worksite wellness
- Public health administrator
- 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)
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 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.
Attend an Upcoming Event for this Program
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.
Register Now"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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