Woman leading a yoga class with five female students

Wellness and Health Promotion

Notice: Effective Fall 2024, the Bachelor of Science in wellness and health promotion (WHP) becomes the Bachelor of Science in public health program. Coursework and program foci are similar between the two degrees, with the new degree providing a broader perspective for career opportunities.

Current WHP students, including those interested in the public health combined program, will have the option to complete their WHP degree provided that they do so by the year 2030, or transition into the Bachelor of Science in public health program.

Please contact Charles Rinehart, Coordinator, at [email protected] for questions.

Prepare to live and promote a healthy lifestyle with the Bachelor of Science in Wellness and Health Promotion (WHP) degree program in the Department of Public and Environmental Wellness. As a professional in this field, your skills will be utilized in health enhancement, disease prevention, health education, health and fitness, corporate and worksite wellness, as well as human resource practice and management.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW DEGREE PLAN ADVISING APPLY

Curriculum

This dynamic program equips students with a different kind of health care education – one that focuses on promoting health and wellness through management, strategic planning and community engagement, to name a few.

WHP Minor

A 20-credit-hour minor in wellness and health promotion is available to students majoring in other programs such as anthropology, integrative studies, health sciences, human resource development, psychology, or sociology. Several credit hours can be used to satisfy University General Education requirements. Contact a School of Health Sciences adviser for more information.

Career Information

With a Bachelor of Science in WHP, graduates are ready to pursue a variety of wellness-related careers including:

public health educator
corporate wellness coordinator
community health worker
health services manager
human resources practitioner
injury prevention advocate
graduate study in public health, psychology, business, and more

Job Outlook
One of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. workforce, health and wellness professionals work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nonprofit organizations, government, doctors’ offices, private businesses, and colleges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in this field is projected to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031.

Average Salary
The BLS reports that the median annual wage for health education specialists and community health workers was $48,860 in 2021

Resources

Internship Site List

WHP Student Society

Charles Rinehart, M.A.
Special Lecturer and Coordinator
Wellness and Health Promotion
3158 Human Health Building
[email protected]

Academic Advising

Dean's Office
Human Health Building
(248) 370-3562
[email protected]

School of Health Sciences

Academic Advising
3070 Human Health Building
433 Meadow Brook Road
Rochester, MI 48309-4452
(location map)
(248) 370-2369

Dean's Office
Human Health Building
(248) 370-3562
[email protected]