Master's program and new certificate option pave path to wellness
According to Mike Peterson, chair of the Department of
Behavioral Health and Nutrition (BHAN) at the University of
Delaware, UD is "out in front in health promotion, wellness
and behavioral change."
"Sixty percent of the factors leading to premature death are
under our control," said Peterson, "including behaviors like
smoking, obesity, stress and inactivity. health coaching is
emerging as a viable way to help people adopt behaviors
that reduce their risk for chronic disease as well as modify
and stop behaviors that are detrimental to their health."
The new post-baccalaureate program is aimed at preparing
health professionals to work in a clinical setting as part of
a team to facilitate behavior change among at-risk patients,
to decrease demand for health care services and to reduce
morbidity across the lifespan.
Overlap in the course offerings for the M.S. in health
promotion and the coaching certificate will enable
interested students to earn both credentials at the same
time with just a few additional requirements.
"Enrollment in our programs is growing every year,"
Peterson said, "and the placement rate for graduates of our
health promotion master's is close to 100 percent."
For more information about the graduate health promotion
program and the health coaching certificate program,
contact Peterson at pmpeter@udel.edu.
