Undergraduate Online Health Communication

Health Communication Major Sheet (PDF)

Health classes are online but the Communication classes are traditional on-campus classes.

Why Study Health Communication at Asbury University?

Asbury University has a reputation worldwide for training ethical, hard working graduates who become experts in their chosen field. The Health Communication program is unique in that it blends Christian ethics with expert training in communication, healthcare, and design skills.

It is offered 100% online with asynchronous learning, while integrating communication and healthcare content in each course.
Students who complete the bachelor’s degree in Health Communication will be able to:

• Apply basic communication, public relations and marketing principles to the practice of health communication.
• Understand the healthcare system, public health and epidemiological principles.
• Employ communication strategy, skills and technology to effectively communicate information, influence audiences, or affect change on health-related topics and issues.
• To be fluid in applying traditional, social, and emerging digital media practice in the health communication field.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of ethical and socially responsible health communication practices and strategies, and knowledge of the Code of Ethics as defined by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
• Articulate the role that communication plays in the healthcare industry.
• Interpret and apply basic communication research fundamentals to the field of health communication.
• Analyze, synthesize, interpret, and present health and scientific information using clear and concise messaging for public consumption.
• Be able to integrate and apply one’s Christian faith into the ethical practice of health communication.

What is the Health Communication major like?

You will learn from experts in the field who are committed to giving you a high quality education. Health Communication is a highly sought after career. As we have seen during the coronavirus pandemic, health communication plays a vitally important role in everyone’s lives.

Asbury University’s multidisciplinary program focuses on the intersection of healthcare, marketing, health literacy, public relations, and digital media in order to prepare students for the breadth of issues they will encounter as health communicators—from medical breakthroughs and the development of new products to government policies and public health challenges, and many others.

The Health Communication program is offered completely online (no campus visits required), providing a global community of experts and peers, as well as unparalleled academic resources available to students 24/7.

What subjects will I study?

Your coursework will draw on three exciting subject areas as you learn to become an effective Health Communicator:

1. Public Health, Healthcare Service, and Health Communication Principles.
2. Communication, Public Relations & Marketing skills.
3. Skill-building courses in social media, graphic design, website design, and videography.

(Please click on the Major Sheet for a complete list of courses)

Who will be my professors?

Courses are taught by experienced health professionals and communication experts from across Asbury University, including the School of Communication Arts and the Department of Science & Health. We regularly ask working health communicators to make guest appearances and contribute to classes as well.

Your professors are committed to providing an excellent educational experience. These men and women embody Asbury’s rich tradition that celebrates community, academic rigor, and spiritual vitality.

What opportunities will I have outside of class?

Courses include project work that allows you the opportunity to apply what you learn in class to real-world situations.

All students get to complete an internship that provides practical experience in the field, as well as create contacts within the industry.

What will be my career opportunities after I graduate?

You will be prepared to enter into the Health Communication field working in the various areas listed below.

Private Sector

• Advertising and Marketing
• Biotech
• Health Insurance
• Health Systems
• Hospitals
• Pharmaceutical
• User Experience Design Firms

Public Sector

• Advocacy Organizations
• Charitable Foundations
• Educational Institutions
• Professional Associations
• Research Organizations

Government

• • Federal, State, Local Public Health Offices
  • CDC
  • FDA