Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management
Title
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management is no longer accepting applications or admitting new students. Students can still apply to the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management.
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management is no longer accepting applications or admitting new students. Students can still apply to the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management.
In the Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management you’ll explore the seven dimensions of wellness and the role of a health promotion professional. Students acquire knowledge of all aspects of human health and develop the skills to manage comprehensive well-being programs in a variety of settings.
- Human health and development, including exercise and nutrition, population health, and health literacy
- Behavioral change facilitation
- Wellness program planning and evaluation
- Healthcare benefit design
- Marketing and communication strategies that promote healthy lifestyles
- Digital technology for wellness
- Organizational behavior, decision-making, and the role of effective leadership
Universities of Wisconsin Collaboration
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management is a partnership of UW-La Crosse, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior.
UW Health and Wellness Management faculty specialty areas include:
- Health and wellness marketing
- Wellness program management
- Healthcare consulting
- Community health and epidemiology
- Management coaching
Accreditation
Whether online or on campus, University of Wisconsin programs have a reputation for delivering world-class education and student support. Accreditation is your assurance that you will graduate with skills that are relevant to your field and valued by employers. The Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management is approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management is no longer accepting applications or admitting new students. Students can still apply to the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management.
21 Courses. 61 Credits. 100% Online.
The curriculum in the Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management develops fundamental knowledge of human health and the skills needed to manage effective well-being programs in a variety of settings.
You’ll acquire competencies in health and wellness management through 21 required courses, including a fieldwork course and a capstone course. There are no electives.
- 18 health and wellness management courses (3 credits each)
- Fieldwork preparation course (1 credit)
- Fieldwork course (3 credits, 150 hours)
- Capstone project course (3 credits)
Fieldwork and Capstone Experience
In the fieldwork and capstone courses, students gain valuable, practical experience that research has shown is essential in preparing for a future career in wellness management. You will take the fieldwork preparation course in the semester prior to the fieldwork course. The fieldwork and capstone project courses may be taken concurrently, and are typically taken in the final semester. Students may be able to complete the project at their current place of employment, or arrange for online project work with an external organization.
How long will it take to earn my degree?
Courses are offered all three semesters on a rotation. Completion time depends on how many courses a student takes during a semester and whether they attend all three semesters. Students should work with their advisor to formulate a completion plan that takes into account personal time constraints such as work and family obligations.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course is designed to provide students with general background knowledge on many of the issues impacting our health today. Topics of study will include issues in mental, physical and social health such as stress, nutrition and fitness, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, relationships and sexuality and diseases and disorders. An introduction to behavior change theories and the factors contributing to overall wellness will also be included. Prerequisite: UWX BL101 Concepts of Biology or equivalent | 3 Credits |
This course explores the definition of wellness, health promotion, and the seven dimensions model of wellness. Students will learn the professional role and personal commitment required to implement life-style wellness programs. The course includes an overview of the history and philosophy contributing to the success of wellness and health promotion professionals. Students learn through assigned experiential learning the basic wellness principles. Activities explore personal wellness and whole systems healing in the seven dimensions of spiritual, physical, emotional, career, intellectual, environmental, and social. Prerequisite: UWX PS101 General Psychology or equivalent | 3 Credits |
This course explores research and theory regarding the nature and processes of human development from early adulthood through old age and death. Key topics include biological theories of aging, the changing body, disorders of the brain, personality development, changing memory and thinking skills, relationship issues, careers and retirement, and death/dying. Prerequisite: UWX BL101 Concepts of Biology or equivalent | 3 Credits |
This course examines the tenets of developing a successful worksite wellness program, introducing key concepts, resources and tools. Students will be introduced to worksite wellness, working with management, creating wellness teams, collecting data, strategic planning, incentives, budgets, legal issues, and creating supportive environments. This course was previously titled Resource Management for Wellness Managers. Prerequisite: UWX PS101 General Psychology or equivalent | 3 Credits |
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the basic terminology used in health and medical settings. Although most wellness settings are not inclusive of a medical center or clinical setting, often the clients are participating in a program because of a visit to a medical setting. Since healthcare uses a unique blend of prefixes, suffixes, and terms related to both preventative and clinical care, it is important that the wellness professional has the knowledge and abilities to decipher this information. Emphasis will be placed on the systems that a wellness professional will most likely be exposed to including cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular skeletal, and nervous systems. Prerequisite: none | 3 Credits |
This course will explore the current understandings and work in health literacy research, advocacy, and outreach efforts across the various health education and related fields. It will include readings, discussions, and competencies in evaluating health information for quality and credibility; locating health information and determining quality resources; identifying and assessing population health literacy; and understanding the networks of agencies working in health settings to address literacy in the health field. Prerequisite: UWX PS101 General Psychology or equivalent | 3 Credits |
This course examines the workplace environment’s influence on daily health decisions and focuses on practical, contextual levers of behavioral change. Novel insights from the fields of behavioral economics and consumer marketing will be reviewed to help students understand the cognitive barriers to health behavior change and the environmental “nudges” that can be leveraged to overcome these barriers at work. Students will explore environmental assessment tools, active design principles, workplace policies, supportive research and real world examples. Prerequisite: None | 3 Credits |
This course presents professional recommendations and guidelines for physical activity and nutrition. Students will design workplace strategies that will meet recommendations and guidelines to support employees. Prerequisite: UWX BL101 Concepts of Biology or equivalent | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to familiarize students with research nomenclature, procedures for the design and evaluation of research, and interpretation of statistical analysis in the health field. This course will also provide the tools for critically evaluating the validity of health research. Prerequisite: None | 3 Credits |
This course examines common behavioral strategies with regard to stress and its management and the use of alternative remedies for physical and emotional dependencies and addictions. Prerequisite(s): UWX BL101 Concepts of Biology or equivalent and UWX PS101 General Psychology or equivalent | 3 Credits |
This course provides the basic knowledge of foundational change theories, including the Transtheoretical Stages of Change model, in order to help students understand how health behavior change happens. Included in the course is a self-reflection on personal wellness and strategies for implementing health behavior change. Prerequisite(s): UWX PS101 General Psychology or equivalent and HWM 300 | 3 Credits |
Students will develop basic marketing and promotional skills grounded in the disciplines of social marketing, health communication, and business marketing that address consumer health “needs” and customer “wants.” Students will be able to assess market opportunities in wellness services, programs, and facilities, and create marketing strategies and tactics. Emphases will be placed on best practices for behavior change, increased cost savings for employers, improved customer/employee participation, and/or revenues for wellness programs, services and facilities. Prerequisite: HWM 325 | 3 Credits |
This course is designed to (1) provide students with an overview of various information technology products and mediums impacting the wellness industry, such as (but not limited to): web portals, online health risk assessments, interactive health tools, trackers, videos/podcasts, telephone & digital health coaching, online challenges, social networking, electronic medical records, personal health records, electronic Health (eHealth), mobile Health (mHealth), mobile applications, and portable tracking devices (e.g., pedometers, glucose monitors, etc.); and (2) provide students with the information and resources needed to assess, create and/or select appropriate technologies and vendors. Prerequisite: HWM 315 | 3 Credits |
This course introduces the evolution of health problems and services and will examine the methods designed to capture a community and workplace health profile. The participant will apply concepts involved in measuring and understanding the health of individuals and populations in order to enhance quality of life. The key social determinants of wellness and their interactions will be considered. Prerequisite(s): HWM 300, HWM 350 | 3 Credits |
This course will examine the various leadership and management styles, including business models of leadership. Organizational behavior, decision-making, and attributes of effective leadership will be reviewed in this course. Understanding the impact of changes in healthcare, wellness and fitness programs on various organizations is an objective of this course. Prerequisite: HWM 315 | 3 Credits |
This course surveys general approaches to assessment, programming, and evaluation in health and wellness settings. Participants will explore individual, group, and organizational approaches to assessment, programming, and evaluating planned and organized efforts to promote both health and wellness. Prerequisite(s): HWM 335, HWM 430 | 3 Credits |
The design and administration of a healthcare plan plays a key role in attracting and retaining employees and implementing employer’s cost savings. This course is designed to provide students with a solid introduction to the basic issues of healthcare benefits and teach students how to integrate successful return on investment (ROI) strategies for adopting preventive health benefits that enhance employees’ well-being. Prerequisite: HWM 315 | 3 Credits |
The course will assist in developing a strong, useful theoretical viewpoint for health coaching as well as understanding the approaches of therapists and how differential treatment therapeutic goals are set. The definition of coaching and diverse methodologies will be taught, practiced, compared, and contrasted. Students will specifically gain an understanding of what treatment and by whom is most effective for individuals displaying specific problems and under what set of circumstances. As a result students will learn a variety of treatment modalities and learn to respect vastly differing worldviews. Prerequisite(s): HWM 305, HWM 370 | 3 Credits |
This course requires students to identify and secure fieldwork placement for completion the following semester. The fieldwork experience develops skills in program planning, implementation, promotion and evaluation, oral and written communication, collaboration and networking. Prerequisite: None | 1 Credits |
Students engage in practical fieldwork experience as a pre-professional in a health/wellness setting to utilize skills and knowledge acquired in previous courses. This fieldwork experience is designed to further develop skills in some, but not necessarily all, of the following areas: program planning, implementation, promotion and evaluation, oral and written communication, collaboration and networking. Learn more about the fieldwork experience requirement. Prerequisite(s): HWM 460, HWM 470, HWM 480, HWM 493 | 3 Credits |
This course requires the application of knowledge and skills acquired through successful completion of all HWM courses taken prior to or concurrent with this course. Using a case study, students demonstrate competence in health and wellness management by completing assignments and participating in discussion that results in the logical, sequential building of a strategic plan for a comprehensive corporate wellness program. Students demonstrate interviewing, professional networking and resume writing skills along with formally presenting their final strategic plan. View examples of past capstone projects. Prerequisite(s): HWM 460, HWM 470, HWM 480 | 3 Credits |
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management is no longer accepting applications or admitting new students. Students can still apply to the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management.
Course availability for the Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management varies each fall, spring, and summer. Course offerings are subject to change due to fluctuating enrollment. If you are a current student, please consult with your campus adviser prior to registration.
Fall 2024
Course Preview Week: August 27 - September 02, 2024
Semester Dates: September 03 - December 13, 2024
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
This course introduces the evolution of health problems and services and will examine the methods designed to capture a community and workplace health profile. The participant will apply concepts involved in measuring and understanding the health of individuals and populations in order to enhance quality of life. The key social determinants of wellness and their interactions will be considered. Prerequisite(s): HWM 300, HWM 350 | 3 Credits |
This course will examine the various leadership and management styles, including business models of leadership. Organizational behavior, decision-making, and attributes of effective leadership will be reviewed in this course. Understanding the impact of changes in healthcare, wellness and fitness programs on various organizations is an objective of this course. Prerequisite: HWM 315 | 3 Credits |
This course requires students to identify and secure fieldwork placement for completion the following semester. The fieldwork experience develops skills in program planning, implementation, promotion and evaluation, oral and written communication, collaboration and networking. Prerequisite: None | 1 Credits |
This course requires the application of knowledge and skills acquired through successful completion of all HWM courses taken prior to or concurrent with this course. Using a case study, students demonstrate competence in health and wellness management by completing assignments and participating in discussion that results in the logical, sequential building of a strategic plan for a comprehensive corporate wellness program. Students demonstrate interviewing, professional networking and resume writing skills along with formally presenting their final strategic plan. View examples of past capstone projects. Prerequisite(s): HWM 460, HWM 470, HWM 480 | 3 Credits |
Spring 2025
Request Permission NumberCourse Preview Week: January 21 - January 27, 2025
Semester Dates: January 28 - May 09, 2025
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
Students engage in practical fieldwork experience as a pre-professional in a health/wellness setting to utilize skills and knowledge acquired in previous courses. This fieldwork experience is designed to further develop skills in some, but not necessarily all, of the following areas: program planning, implementation, promotion and evaluation, oral and written communication, collaboration and networking. Learn more about the fieldwork experience requirement. Prerequisite(s): HWM 460, HWM 470, HWM 480, HWM 493 | 3 Credits |
This course requires the application of knowledge and skills acquired through successful completion of all HWM courses taken prior to or concurrent with this course. Using a case study, students demonstrate competence in health and wellness management by completing assignments and participating in discussion that results in the logical, sequential building of a strategic plan for a comprehensive corporate wellness program. Students demonstrate interviewing, professional networking and resume writing skills along with formally presenting their final strategic plan. View examples of past capstone projects. Prerequisite(s): HWM 460, HWM 470, HWM 480 | 3 Credits |
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management is no longer accepting applications or admitting new students. Students can still apply to the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management.
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management was developed with advice from industry experts across various disciplines to equip health promotion professionals with the skills required to manage comprehensive well-being programs in a variety of settings.
Program outcomes are based on current standards and best practices. Upon completion of your bachelor’s degree, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate familiarity with fundamental knowledge of human health, population health, behavior change, and healthcare benefit design.
- Create a compliant, strategic plan for a comprehensive worksite wellness program.
- Engage leadership across all levels to encourage the inclusion of wellness in the organization’s vision.
- Propose appropriate policies to promote healthy lifestyles and wellbeing.
- Apply marketing and communications strategies to promote wellness programs.
- Use technology such as social media, digital health coaching, mobile applications, and wearables to support wellness program goals.
The Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness Management is no longer accepting applications or admitting new students. Students can still apply to the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management.
Tuition is a flat fee of $440 per credit whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state, and financial aid is available for students who qualify.
There are no additional course or program fees, however, textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition. You will not pay segregated fees (fees in addition to tuition that cover the cost of student-organized activities, facility maintenance, and operations) and you will not be charged a technology fee. If software or special technology is required in one of your courses, it will be provided to you and is included in your tuition.
Financial Aid
Financial aid may be available to you as a returning adult student and is awarded by your home campus. Contact your home campus financial aid office for details:
- UW-La Crosse Financial Aid
- UW-River Falls Financial Aid
- UW-Stevens Point Financial Aid
- UW-Superior Financial Aid
Please check with your home campus regarding minimum credits required to qualify for financial aid as a full- or part-time student.
Ways to Pay for Your Degree
As a returning adult student, you may consider the following sources of financial aid to help with the cost of your online degree:
- Grants—award is usually based on financial need. Grants, unlike loans, generally do not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships—usually based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria, awarded by a wide range of organizations. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
- Loans—a loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. Student loans are available from the federal government, private sources such as a bank or financial institution, or other sources. Federal student loans usually have lower interest rates than private loans, and offer flexible repayment plans.
- Military benefits—aid available to eligible veterans and current members of the military.
- Tuition reimbursement—a benefit offered by companies to their employees to help pay for education. Ask your human resources department if your company offers this benefit.
- Education tax benefits—research possible tax benefits with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Your first step when applying for federal and state financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
UW Online Collaborative Programs Grants and Scholarships
You may be eligible for a grant or scholarship as a student in a semester-based collaborative program. More information can be found here.
Experience UW Health and Wellness Management
Learn about health and wellness management, meet the faculty, read student stories, and more. Read the blog.