Health Communication is an exciting and emerging field of interest and interdisciplinary study. The communication is critical and complex, and effectiveness is needed in a variety of contexts. Public health campaigns, client-provider interactions, cultural constructions of health and illness, telemedicine, health journalism, environmental risk, and community-based health organizations are just a few of the contexts, and there is a growing need for non-allied health communication professionals.
One of the unique characteristics of the Bethany student body is the desire to serve. This desire makes health communication an exciting opportunity for our students. They will have an opportunity to grow in a field that uses the principles of communication to address health care issues in a variety of contexts.
Program Goal
Introduce the role of communication in creating healthy individuals and social structures from a non-medical perspective.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Understand the role of communication in shaping health care messages and public acceptance of these messages.
- Interpret the development and use of health related messages and media in a variety of contexts.
- Develop goals and strategies of health promotion as it relates to pathways in administration, public policy, public health campaign, health education, and/or health advocacy.
Core Requirements
Required courses:
- COMM212 Interpersonal Communication 3 cr.
- COMM330 Introduction to Health Communication 3 cr.
- COMM430 Health Communication Theory and Research 3 cr.
- HLTH201 Nutrition 3 cr.
- HLTH240 Current Health Issues 3 cr.
- HLTH330 History and Philosophy of Wellness 3 cr.
- PSYC100 General Psychology or PSYC120 Human Growth and Development 3 cr.
Health Communication Track (choose one)
For students interested in areas, but not limited to:
Health Care Administration and Public Policy Track
For students interested in areas, but not limited to:
Public Health Campaigns Track
- BUSN431 Integrated Marketing Communication or COMM375 Public Relations and Advertising 3 cr.
- GRDS230 Graphic Design I:Tools, Methodology, and Vocabulary 3 cr.
- GRDS336 Graphic Design IV: Design forMultimedia 3 cr.
- MART295 Introduction to Broadcast Media 3 cr.
For students interested in areas, but not limited to:
Counseling/Social Work Track
- HLTH470 Introduction to Diseases and Disorders 3 cr. or PSYC325 Psychology of Child Development 3 cr.
- PSYC337 Introduction to Physiological Psychology or PSYC340 Social Psychology 3 cr.
- PSYC350 Abnormal Psychology or PSYC380 Psychopharmacology 3 cr.
For students interested in areas, but not limited to:
Sociology and Public Service Track
Health Communication Minor
A minor in health communication requires the following courses:
- COMM212 Interpersonal Communication 3 cr.
- COMM330 Introduction to Health Communication Communication 3 cr.
- COMM430 Health Communication Theory and Research 3 cr.
- HLTH201 Nutrition 3 cr.
- HLTH240 Current Health Issues 3 cr.
- HLTH330 History and Philosophy of Wellness 3 cr.
- PSYC100 General Psychology or PSYC120 Human Growth and Development 3 cr.
To view the most recent course list and requirements for the Health Communications major, please consult the Academic Catalog.
Do you see Health Communication in your future? We’d love to hear from you! Learn more about becoming a Bethany student, or schedule your campus visit today!
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Next Steps
Interested in studying at Bethany? Scheduling a campus visit is a great way to see what we have to offer. You can meet professors or sit in on a class too! Contact our admissions office to learn more.