The Health Promotion and Health Equity (HPHE) major was created through a collaborative effort across the departments of Counseling Psychology, Kinesiology, and Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education in the School of Education. The Department of Kinesiology is the home of this major; its mission is to research, teach, and apply knowledge related to movement, exercise, and human occupation with the ultimate goal of enhancing human health, productivity, and quality of life.
The program is broadly designed to provide students with the skills and perspectives to facilitate healthy practices at the individual and societal levels. Students will learn about the theoretical, programmatic and empirical foundations of health promotion and health equity interventions and be taught to demonstrate competence in evaluating strengths and weaknesses in health promotion programs.
The coursework will prepare students for emerging career opportunities within community health organizations, hospitals, mental health centers, clinics, schools and universities, businesses and non-profits, governmental health offices, and various other public health-related professions.
"I'm from Madison and became interested in the HPHE program because I knew I wanted to work in the healthcare field, but was not sure in what direction. When I heard about this degree I loved how versatile it was!" –Victoria Ruiz de la Vega (read more)
How to Get In
Admission Overview
Students interested in Health Promotion and Health Equity may complete this major in two ways: (1) by entering the School of Education to complete a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Health Promotion and Health Equity, or (2) adding the Health Promotion and Health Equity major as an additional major while completing another degree and major on campus. Students selecting the second option should review the Additional Major in Health Promotion and Health Equity section below.
Entering the School of Education
New and Current UW–Madison Students
New freshmen and off-campus transfers interested in completing the Bachelor of Science degree with the Health Promotion and Health Equity major are admitted directly to the School of Education and the major upon admission to UW–Madison. Current UW–Madison students wishing to transfer to the School of Education to complete an undergraduate degree with this major must meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office (608-262-1651) or with the Health Promotion and Health Equity advisor (hphe@education.wisc.edu), to transfer and declare the major.
Prospective Transfer Students
Applicants not already enrolled on the UW–Madison campus must be admissible to the university to enroll in a School of Education degree program. Admission to UW–Madison requires a separate application and admission process. See UW–Madison Office of Admissions and Recruitment for application information. Prospective transfer students are advised to meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office in person or by telephone in advance of their application; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.
Students with a Previous Degree
Prospective applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office in advance of their application. Consultations with advisors are available in person or via telephone; to schedule, call 608-262-1651.
Applicants who already hold an undergraduate degree are admitted to the School of Education as a candidate for a second degree upon completion of the admission process. Second degree students are seeking a second degree that is unrelated to their first degree. More information is available here under the Students with a Previous Degree heading.
Application and Admission
New freshmen and off-campus transfers are admitted directly to the Bachelor of Science–Health Promotion and Health Equity degree program. Current UW–Madison students must consult with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office (608-262-1651) or with the Health Promotion and Health Equity advisor (hphe@education.wisc.edu), to transfer and declare the major.
Note: Requirements and selection criteria may be modified from one application/admission period to the next.
Criteria for Admission
Eligibility for admission consideration to the Bachelor of Science–Health Promotion and Health Equity degree:
- Cumulative grade point average of at least a 2.5 based on UW–Madison campus coursework, as modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule (detailed below).
- Filing of all required paperwork and other application materials, including program application and transcripts.
Last 60 Credits Rule
Two grade point averages may be calculated to determine candidates' eligibility to programs. GPAs will be calculated using
- all transferable college level coursework attempted, and
- the last 60 credits attempted.
The higher GPA of these two will be used for purposes of determining eligibility. If fewer than 60 credits have been attempted, all credits will be used to calculate the GPA. Graded graduate coursework will also be used in all GPA calculations. ("Attempted" coursework indicates coursework for which a grade has been earned.) More information on this rule is available here.
Additional Major in Health Promotion and Health Equity
Undergraduate students from all schools and colleges on campus may declare Health Promotion and Health Equity as an additional major.
Students wishing to declare the additional major must meet with an advisor in the School of Education Student Services office (608-262-1651) or with the Health Promotion and Health Equity advisor (hphe@education.wisc.edu), to transfer and declare the major. The declaration must also be approved by the student's home school/college.
Students completing Health Promotion and Health Equity as an additional major do not need to complete the School of Education's liberal studies and other degree requirements unless their primary major is also in the School of Education.
Please note that the requirements of the additional major must be completed before or concurrently with the degree program and primary major.
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
School of Education Liberal Studies Requirements
All students are required to complete a minimum of 40 credits of Liberal Studies coursework. This requirement provides an opportunity to do some academic exploration beyond the scope of the major. Students take courses in areas of particular interest and also have an opportunity to sample the wide selection of courses offered across the university. Coursework is required in humanities, social studies, science, and cultural and historical studies. Some elective coursework is also needed to reach the required number of credits.
The School of Education’s Liberal Studies Requirements automatically satisfy most of the University General Education Requirements outlined above, including ethnic studies, humanities/literature, social studies, and science. Students pursuing most School of Education degree programs may also complete Communication Part B, Quantitative Reasoning Part A, and Quantitative Reasoning Part B through courses required by their degree program. If a student cannot complete a General Education Requirement within the curriculum of their chosen School of Education program, academic advisors can offer suggestions for courses that meet the requirement and augment the student’s primary area of study.
A basic outline of the liberal studies is included below. Students must consult the detailed version of the requirements for information about course selection and approved course options.
Humanities, 9 credits
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:
- Literature
- Fine Arts
- Humanities Electives
Social Studies (Social Science)
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits. Teacher certification programs and Kinesiology have unique requirements in this category.
Science
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credits to include:
- Biological Science
- Physical Science
- Laboratory Science
- Science Electives
Cultural and Historical Studies
All students must complete three requirements (9 credits) met by separate courses. Any of these courses can also be used to meet the Humanities or Social Studies (Social Sciences) requirements if it has the relevant breadth designation.
- Ethnic Studies
- U.S./European History
- Global Perspectives
Complete Liberal Studies Electives to total 40 Credits.
Program Structure
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Heath Promotion and Health Equity has three primary components:
- Liberal studies courses expose students to a broad range of academic disciplines. The university-wide General Education requirements also encourage this breadth of study.
- Major requirements provide an opportunity to study the interrelated areas of physical health, mental health, and disability.
- Additional electives to reach the minimum of 120 degree credits. These credits allow students to pursue additional health-related courses, enroll in course work required for admission to graduate-level programs or develop other areas of interest. Health Promotion and Health Equity majors may also use these elective credits to complete an additional major to augment their interest in health or to explore a completely different subject.
Major Requirements
Complete a minimum of 40 credits with a 2.5 gpa across all major course work. At least 15 credits of upper-level major course work (courses numbered 300 and above) must be taken in residence with a minimum 2.5 grade point average.
Required Health Promotion Core, 31 credits
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ANAT&PHY 235 | Human Physiology and Health | 4 |
| KINES 150 | Foundations of Health Behavior and Health Equity | 3 |
| KINES 370 | Planning, Facilitating & Assessment in Movement and Health Professionals | 3 |
| KINES 566 | Promoting Health in the Community | 3 |
| RP & SE 316 | Health Promotion for Individuals with Disability and Chronic Illness | 3 |
| RP & SE 325 | Self Management of Chronic Illness and Disability | 3 |
| RP & SE 505 | Biological, Psychosocial, and Vocational Aspects of Disabilities | 3 |
| COUN PSY 237 | Mental Health, Self-Awareness, and Social Justice: Working in Diverse Communities | 3 |
| COUN PSY 531 | Prevention and Intervention in Mental Health Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| COUN PSY 655 | Clinical Communication Skills | 3 |
Major Electives, 9 Credits
Select courses from one of the following areas of emphasis, or select courses across these areas.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Activity and Public Health | ||
| KINES 100 | Exercise, Nutrition, and Health | 2 |
| KINES 123 | Living well: Lifestyle Redesign and Health Promotion for College Students | 2 |
| KINES 214 | Culture and Environment in Exercise Physiology Abroad | 3 |
| KINES 250 | Sedentary Behavior in the U.S. and Abroad | 3 |
| KINES 260 | Inclusive Physical Activity, Sport & Rehabilitation in Ireland | 3 |
| KINES 280 | Health Coaching Principles and Methods | 3 |
| KINES 501 | Theory-Based Health Education and Health Promotion Programs | 3 |
| KINES 540 | Diversity in Health and Physical Activity Settings | 3 |
| KINES 547 | Skills for Health: Methods and Practicum of Teaching Health | 3 |
| Chronic Illness, Disability, and Health | ||
| RP & SE 100 | Disability and Society | 3 |
| RP & SE 121 | Disability and Substance Abuse | 3 |
| RP & SE 125 | Health and Rehabilitation Professions | 3 |
| RP & SE 310 | Positive Psychology and Well Being | 3 |
| Health Equity, Mental Health, and Well-Being | ||
| COUN PSY 225 | Intersectionalities, Self Awareness, and Social Actions for Social Change | 3 |
| COUN PSY 230 | Race and the Developing Child | 3 |
| COUN PSY/CHICLA 331 | Immigrant Health and Wellbeing | 3 |
| COUN PSY 332 | Gender and Queer Issues in Psychology | 3 |
| KINES 426 | Addictions | 3 |
| COUN PSY/CHICLA 525 | Dimensions of Latin@ Mental Health Services | 3 |
| Social Determinants of Health | ||
| KINES 513 | Climate Change and Health Disparities | 3 |
| MED HIST/HIST SCI/POP HLTH 553 | International Health and Global Society | 3 |
| NUTR SCI/A A E 350 | World Hunger and Malnutrition | 3 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 140 | Introduction to Community and Environmental Sociology | 4 |
| SOC/C&E SOC 533 | Public Health in Rural & Urban Communities | 3 |
| INTL ST/A A E 373 | Globalization, Poverty and Development | 3 |
| CSCS 125 | Community and Social Change | 3 |
| CSCS 460 | Civil Society and Community Leadership | 3 |
| HDFS 469 | Family and Community Influences on the Young Child | 3 |
| HDFS 474 | Racial Ethnic Families in the U.S. | 3 |
| Health Sciences | ||
| ANAT&PHY 337 | Human Anatomy | 3 |
| GEN&WS 103 | Gender, Women, Bodies, and Health | 3 |
| NUTR SCI 132 | Nutrition Today | 3 |
| NUTR SCI 332 | Human Nutritional Needs | 3 |
| POP HLTH/C&E SOC 370 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 |
| PSYCH 202 | Introduction to Psychology | 3-4 |
GPA and Other Graduation Requirements
Graduation Requirements
These requirements are based on UW–Madison coursework.
- 2.5 minimum cumulative grade point average. This may be modified by the Last 60 Credits Rule.
- Cumulative major grade point average: 2.5 cumulative grade point average in all major course work.
- Upper-level major course work: 2.5 cumulative grade point average in all upper-level (courses numbered 300 and above) major course work.
- Major Residency: Students must complete at least 15 upper level major credits while enrolled in residence on the UW–Madison campus.
- Senior Residency. Degree candidates must complete their last 30 credits in residence on the UW–Madison campus, excluding retroactive credits and credits granted by examination.
- Total Credits: A minimum of 120 credits are required for graduation in the Health Promotion and Health Equity degree program.
Degree Audit (DARS)
UW–Madison uses “DARS” to document a student's progress toward the completion of their degree, including any additional majors and certificates. A DARS (Degree Audit Reporting System) report shows all the requirements for completing a degree and, against courses that are planned or completed, shows the requirements that have been met, and those that are unmet. A report can offer suggestions about courses that may be taken to meet specific requirements and can assist in the academic planning and enrollment process. Students can access a DARS report in the Course Search & Enroll app or Student Center via My UW.
DARS also has a "what-if" function. This feature makes it possible to request a DARS report as if pursuing another program, major, or certificate. It is an excellent tool if considering a new or additional area of study. School of Education students in a pre-professional classification such as Pre-Elementary (PRE) or Pre-Kinesiology should request a "what if" DARS report of their professional program of interest. For example, Pre-Elementary Education (PRE) students will request Elementary Education K-9; Pre-Kinesiology (PKN) students will request the Kinesiology report. Minors have their own DARS programs and are run separately from the main degree audit.
More information (including tutorials) on how to request and read regular and what-if DARS reports is available under the Resources tab on the Office of the Registrar’s website.
DARS is not intended to replace student contact with academic advisors. It creates more time in an advising appointment to discuss course options, research opportunities, graduate school, or issues of personal interest or concern to students.
DARS is used as the document of record for degree program, major, and certificate completion in the School of Education.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize concepts and theories related to health promotion and health equity.
- Relate the role of social factors in facilitating or hindering health.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of health behavior and health equity interventions.
- Identify links between physiological and psychological health.
- Interpret and communicate the interaction between personal and environmental determinants of health and well-being.
- Draw from personal and professional identities to develop socially just practices and to lead effectively within their communities of practice.
Four-Year Plan
Health Promotion and Health Equity: Sample Four-Year Plan
This sample four-year sample graduation plan is designed to guide your course selection throughout your academic career; it does not establish a contractual agreement. Use it along with your DARS report, the Guide, and the Course Search and Enroll app to create a four-year plan reflecting your placement scores, incoming credits, and individual interests. Consult with an academic advisor to develop a personalized plan of study and refer to the Guide for a complete list of requirements. You will likely revise your plan several times during your academic career here, based on your activities and changing academic interests.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| Communication A, (take fall or spring semester), 3 | 3 | Communication A, (take fall or spring semester), 3 | 3 |
| HPHE Major Elective, 3 | 3 | Quantitative Reasoning A | 3 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 9-12 | COUN PSY 237 (also meets ethnic studies ) | 3 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 6-9 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| KINES 150 | 3 | RP & SE 316 | 3 |
| RP & SE 325 | 3 | Quantitative Reasoning B | 3 |
| Liberal Studies course work | 9 | Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 9 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| KINES 370 | 3 | ANAT&PHY 235 | 4 |
| RP & SE 505 | 3 | HPHE Major Elective | 3 |
| Communication B | 3 | Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 8 |
| Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 6 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COUN PSY 531 | 3 | KINES 566 | 3 |
| COUN PSY 655 | 3 | HPHE Major Elective | 3 |
| Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 9 | Liberal Studies or General Elective course work | 9 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
Note: The HP & HE major requires 9 credits of elective course work. A number of the course options, e.g., RP & SE 100, RP & SE 121 RP & SE 125; COUN PSY 225, COUN PSY 230; KINES 100, KINES 123; PSYCH 202; NUTR SCI 132, can be taken during the freshmen and sophomore years.
Advising and Careers
Health Promotion and Health Equity Advising
Students are collaboratively advised by advising staff in the School of Education Student Services office and the department. Students not yet declared in Health Promotion and Health Equity meet with advising staff in the Student Services office, see below, or the departmental advisor. Current students can schedule an appointment online through the Starfish app in MyUW.
School of Education Advising
Academic Advising in the School of Education
Dedicated to supporting and promoting student success, academic advisors are here to assist students with the adjustment to college, understanding their degree and career goals, and connecting them to resources. Advisors support prospective and current School of Education students in all programs through:
- Course selection
- Mentoring and advocacy for underrepresented and international students
- Understanding degree requirements and progression
- Interpreting academic policies
- Helping students recognize their strengths and suggesting ways to expand their skills
- Expanding learning through activities such as study abroad, volunteering/work/internship, and by assuming leadership roles
Advising appointments are available in person, virtually, or over the phone. Current students schedule appointments through the Starfish app in MyUW. Appointments can also be made by calling 608-262-1651, or in person in Room 139 Education Building.
Academic Dean Support staff are also here for you when facing academic or personal challenges. We provide undergraduate School of Education students support, problem-solving, advocacy, resources, and approve exceptions to policies.
Career Advising in the School of Education
Through individual appointments, events, courses, and online resources, the Career Center provides students and alumni with the tools needed to be successful in their career development.
Career and Internship Advisors are prepared to help students with:
- Exploration of career and academic pathways
- Resumes
- Cover letters
- Job/Internship search
- Interview preparation
- Mock interviews
- Graduate school search, applications and decisions
- Negotiating job or internship offers
- Professional networking
- Connecting with employers
Students are encouraged to meet with their Career and Internship Advisor early in their college experience to take full advantage of the resources and support available.
To make an appointment: log into Starfish from the MyUW dashboard.
For more information, visit the School of Education Career Center website or reach out at career-center@education.wisc.edu.
Information about common career pathways, ways to get involved and gain experience, and transferrable skills developed through this major can be found on the School of Education Career Center's Health Promotion and Health Equity Pathways webpage.
Wisconsin Experience
UW–Madison’s vision for the total student experience, the Wisconsin Experience, combines learning in and out of the classroom. Tied to the Wisconsin Idea and steeped in long-standing institutional values — the commitment to the truth, shared participation in decision-making, and service to local and global communities — the Wisconsin Experience describes how students develop and integrate these core values across their educational experience.
UW–Madison encourages students to mindfully engage in four core concepts throughout their time on campus: Empathy & Humility, Relentless Curiosity, Intellectual Confidence, and Purposeful Action.
Since its inception, the School of Education has embraced the concepts of the Wisconsin Experience, providing opportunities for students to learn in venues beyond the traditional classroom. Our students also independently seek out related activities and experiences, thus creating their own unique Wisconsin Experience.
Health Promotion and Health Equity (HPHE) and the Wisconsin Experience
Community Engagement and Research Opportunities
Health Promotion and Health Equity majors are encouraged to get involved in research. Students have participated in labs such as the Promotion of Health Equity & Adapted Physical Activity (PHEAPA) lab or the Pain, Context, and Innovation lab.
Students also participate in programs run through the Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers (AHEC), such as the Community Health Internship Program.
Student Organizations
There are numerous campus student organizations that Health Promotion and Health Equity majors can join to connect with students with similar interests. The Health Promotion and Health Equity Learning Community is an organization led by students in the major; they organize different alumni panels, events, career treks, and study groups for students to connect.
Study Abroad
Health Promotion and Health Equity students can participate in School of Education led study abroad opportunities. These 2-3 week summer courses make it possible for students to have a study abroad experience and still have time to work or pursue other activities during the summer.
Courses currently available to HPHE students include Movement as Medicine in Portugal, Culture and Environment in Exercise Physiology Abroad in New Zealand, and Inclusive Activity and Sports in Ireland. These courses offer unique learning opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in allied health, fitness and well-being, health education, and public health.
Career Advising and Internships
The School of Education Career Center has a designated advisor for students interested in health careers who can provide connections with hourly campus employment, internships, and career options after graduation. Courses offered in Kinesiology (KINES 110 Exploring Careers in Health and Wellness) and in Rehabilitation Psychology (RP & SE 125 Health and Rehabilitation Professions) provide opportunities for students to discover and learn about career pathways they can pursue with their degree with weekly guest speakers from a variety of fields.
Resources and Scholarships
Information about scholarships, academic and career advising, study abroad opportunities, student well-being, and other resources for students in the School of Education can be found on the school's Resources page.