Behavioral Health Specialization

Required Core Courses (21 hrs) 

• HED 395 Intervention Mapping: Health Promotion Program Development**
• HED 395 Theories of Health Behavior**
• HED 395 Adult Development, Aging and Health
• HED 395 Mind/Body Health
• KIN 395 Child and Adolescent Health Psychology
• KIN 395 Exercise and Mental Health
• HED 196 Doctoral Seminar*

*Students must enroll each Spring in HED 196 and attend a weekly research seminar throughout the Fall and Spring semesters for three consecutive years.

**These courses should be taken during the first year in the program.

Statistics and Research Methods (12 hrs)  

Students are required to take a minimum of twelve hours of graduate statistics. Courses in experimental design, multivariate statistics, and qualitative research relevant to the student's area of concentration may be included. Suggested courses are listed at the end of this document.

Concentration - In addition to the Core Courses and Statistics and Research Course (21 hrs)  

Nine hours of organized courses within the Department and 12 hours of organized courses outside of the Department are required.

Students have the opportunity to design a course of study, commensurate with their research interests. The courses selected should include a minimum of 9 hours, excluding dissertation, in the Department (HED or KIN), and a minimum of 12 hours of supporting work from psychology, educational psychology, social work, sociology, or human ecology (child development). Students should consult with their advisor in the selection of elective courses.

Student Research 

Depending upon the student's interests and background, the program of study must include research experience with a minimum of six hours of directed research and a minimum of 18 hours of dissertation (HED 999rw). HED 386 Research Methods: Proposal Writing is recommended for students during the development of the dissertation proposal. Students must present empirical research at a local, state, or national conference prior to taking the comprehensive examination.

Click here for Sample Curriculum (first two years).

Click here for this page in PDF version.