Master of Science in Community Health Education

Conceptual Framework

The mission of the School of Education is to prepare highly effective educators, school counselors, and school leaders who believe in full inclusion, value diversity, and are reflective and knowledgeable about best practices. Therefore, we ask Sage students to consider two essential questions throughout their studies and field experiences: "Who am I in the lives of those with whom I work?" "Who am I in the life of my educational community?" We expect all Sage candidates to demonstrate leadership and create optimal educational outcomes for all learners.

The motto of Russell Sage college, "To Be, To Know, To Do," informs the educational purpose of The Sage Colleges, where the common effort is to translate learning into action and application, within a framework that recognizes the obligation of educated persons to lead and serve their communities. In the School of Education, this motto is extended to form the basis for our programs. We except Sage candidates:

I. To be well-grounded in knowledge about schools/communities, learners and learning, Sage candidates will:

understand self in relation to learners, their families, and the local and global community - particularly in terms of power, privilege and knowledge with regard to culture, class, language, ability and gender;

use interpersonal skills and demonstrate collaborative attitides which result in successful partnerships with colleagues, families and other community members;

improve society bypromoting/ modeling and using democratic practices in their settings;

demonstrate a commitment to substantive self reflection (including quantifiable and qualitative sources of information), on-going learning and professional development;

II. To know curricular content and models of instruction, Sage candidates will:

demonstrate an ability to respond to the strengths and needs of all learners, using assessment data to inform instructional decisions;

use knowledge in their designated fields to inspire learners to grow and to meet high standards;

employ/promote pedagogical/counseling/leadership practices that engage learners in active ways;

demonstrate knowledge in their content areas ensuring maximum achievement for all learners;

III. To do what is necessary to ensure the success of all learners--and to collaborate with families/community members in respectful, culturally responsive ways, Sage candidates will:

engage in reflective practices;

demonstrate a positive, respectful view of learners, their families, communities, and colleagues;

listen deeply to the experiences and perspectives of all those within the community to ensure a healthy and safe learning environment;

model ethical behavior and active citizenship;

promote the success of all learners through advocacy and action and support the development of leadership throughout the community.

build trust and garner support for a vision of inclusive schools that value diversity.

M.S. in Community Health Education

The Master of Science (M.S.) program in Community Health Education is designed to prepare students to work as health educators in community settings. Students are employed in not-for-profit organizations (e.g., YMCA, American Diabetes Association, Planned Parenthood), state and local health agencies and organizations, and hospitals. The Community Health Education program allows health educators and physical educators to complete the master's degree necessary for permanent or professional certification, and offers those already working in related areas such as dietetics or nursing an opportunity to share their expertise in the community setting.

The Community Health Education program is designed to address the increased interest in wellness in the workplace and community. There is rising demand for educators to work in agencies and organizations that promote health and fitness, including corporate fitness programs, managed care organizations, and hospital and community-based health care settings. For many teachers who must complete a master’s degree for certification, especially physical educators, the Community Health Education program provides a master’s degree that does not require a semester of student teaching. Instead, Community Health Education students complete a practicum in a community health setting. The practicum is arranged during evening hours, on weekends, or in the summer, allowing full-time teachers to meet certification requirements without leaving their teaching position.

All matriculated students complete a signed program schedule. Any change in stated coursework must receive written approval of the assigned faculty advisor.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for Sage Graduate School, students must complete:

• the following prerequisite courses and/or experiences:
  • Anatomy and Physiology (grade C or better), and Human Development (grade C or better) OR
  • Developmental Psychology
•  an assessment of written expression and critical analysis skills.

Electronic Portfolio

The School of Education requires all students to subscribe to LiveText, an electronic portfolio system.