Health Marketing and Communication
Bachelor of Arts in Health Marketing and Communication
Inform the public on vital health issues. Pursue your Bachelor of Arts in Health Marketing and Communication degree from Ashford University.
Degree Focus
In the Bachelor of Arts in Health Marketing and Communication program, you will analyze strengths and weaknesses of communication channels used in the health care industry. As the health care industry continues to grow, there are a variety of careers for health communicators. Graduates of this program will develop strategies to raise awareness, advocate for change, and communicate risk. The curriculum also identifies eHealth channels and examines current eHealth trends.
Career Opportunities
When you complete your Bachelor of Arts in Health Marketing and Communication, you will have what you need to begin a rewarding career in which a breadth of knowledge is a must. You may choose to pursue a career in the private health care sector, or perhaps you might enter a career in public service. A degree in Health Marketing and Communication could be your key to any of these occupations in health care:
- Marketing assistant
- Communications specialist
- Physician relations representative
- Program assistant
- Health education assistant
- Wellness promotion coordinator
- Public health assistant
- Corporate wellness advocate
- Public relations specialist
- Client relations specialist
- Health and wellness advocate
Special Terms and Conditions
A criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification or employment in this field of study. For additional information, please refer to your state licensing board or agency.
Your courses in this Bachelor of Arts degree program are taught by advance-degreed instructors with real-world experience in the subjects they teach. In addition, you can transfer up to 90 approved credits toward your Bachelor's degree and accelerate your degree completion.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Health Marketing and Communication
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Health Marketing and Communication degree program will be able to:
- Apply health behavior theory to develop strategies and messages to target audiences;
- Examine health marketing and communication strategies used in raising awareness, advocacy, behavior change, and risk communication;
- Choose marketing and communication strategies to achieve health communication objectives;
- Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of communication channels used in health marketing;
- Identify eHealth channels;
- Examine current eHealth trends; and
- Examine ethical perspectives and issues in health marketing and communication.
Program Requirements
- Total number of credits required: 120 credits
- General Education Requirements: 52 credits*
- Major Course Requirements: 36 credits*
- Electives: 38 credits
You must complete 30 upper-division credits, of which 18 credits must be from the major program. A total of 30 credits must be completed at Ashford University to meet the residency requirement.
* In this program, 6 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.
Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.
Admission Requirements
- Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
- Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process.
- English Language Requirement.
- Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.
Technology Requirements
Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:
- Ability to access course and program material on the Internet;
- Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and
- Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.
System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required:
- Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher;
- Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space;
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users);
- Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome;
- Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem;
- Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.
Recommended for optimal performance
- Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher;
- Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other);
- Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.
Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.
If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.
If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.
* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.
Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.
Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $390 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.
* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.
Payment Options
- Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
- Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education.
- Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify.
- Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option.
- Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Bachelor of Arts in Health Marketing and Communication
Inform the public on vital health issues. Pursue your Bachelor of Arts in Health Marketing and Communication. Your courses draw from marketing, public relations, and health science to give you a broad perspective on public health information. You will explore community health issues, advertising, and social media.
Below you will find the courses for this program, beginning with the introductory courses. You have a choice in this program, either to take a standard program composed of major course requirements, or you may choose to add a specialization. Please note that you must complete the major course requirements' capstone course before you can begin any specialization. Each specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits.
Introductory Courses
Major Course Requirements
Specialization -- Health Informatics
Introductory Courses
Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take the Student Success Orientation and one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you are required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.
Student Success Orientation
The orientation is designed to provide students with a complete overview of the Ashford University experience, prepare them for success in their courses, and help them to self evaluate their readiness to succeed in an online classroom setting. Students will be instructed on Ashford University policies and the learner resources that are available to them through interactive videos and assessments. Students enrolled in orientation must successfully complete all assigned activities.
EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.
PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.
Major Course Requirements
(36 credits, all courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)
HCA 415 Community & Public Health
Community and public health is an introductory course exploring community and public health services in the well-being of a population. Regulatory mandates promoting public and community health are explored. The interface among community and public health services and the overall health care industry is explored. Legal and ethical imperatives emergent in public health services are discussed. Financing options are explored recognizing the role of categorical fiscal resources. Health care promotion and prevention strategies are explored in concert with the role of health care institutions and the public sector. Health information data is utilized in the planning of a community and/or public health project.
SOC 313 Social Implications of Medical Issues
This introductory course provides learners with a basic foundation of human biology, as it applies to health and human services providers. This course explores basic human biology and its relationship to selected socio-cultural domains, grounded in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model of Human Development.
HCS 316 Cultural Diversity in Health & Illness
This course explores the complexities and dimensions of health and illness through diverse cultural perspectives. Traditional health beliefs and practices among selected populations are presented along with the influences of social, political, and demographic changes impacting issues and perceptions of health and illness in a multi-cultural society.
HCS 323 Health & Wellness Promotion Throughout the Lifespan
This course provides students with a holistic overview of the multi-faceted dimensions of health and wellness across the lifespan. The seven dimension of health: Physical, social, intellectual, emotional, occupational, spiritual, and environmental are explored within the context of a wellness lifestyle.
HMC 303 Health Communications
Utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach, this course provides an introduction to the field of health communications, and explores how communications are utilized to influence and motivate individuals, institutional, government, and public audiences about important health issues and interventions. Students examine processes for creating clear, accurate, and appropriate health communications for a variety of target audiences. Case studies of health campaigns are integrated into the course.
HMC 312 Health Marketing & Advertising
Students are introduced to the essential concepts, methods, and models of marketing and advertising as applied to health care and health- related settings. Marketing concepts presented include the marketing mix, market segmentation, target marketing, strategic planning and forecasting methods, branding, and basic advertising strategy with an emphasis on prevention, education, and other social marketing contexts.
CGD 318 Public Relations Practices & Promotional Writing
An introduction to current procedures and duties of public relations personnel will be studied. Students will write news releases, brochures, speeches, reports, memos, scripts, and ad copy using workshop format.
JRN 335 Cyber-journalism
This course will examine the ways in which technology has transformed the journalistic landscape to a 24-hour news cycle with digital content acquisition and distribution. It will explore the professional and technical challenges of producing multimedia news in this environment.
HMC 314 Social Media & Health Promotion
This course explores the use of the Internet and Web 2.0 in health promotion. Formal, informal, and viral health promotion is explored with emphasis on social media applications including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Elluminate. General technology categories include the use of web sites, social networking, blogs, discussion forums, elearning, and webcasts, as tools for health promotion.
HMC 334 Ethics in Health Marketing & Communication
This course explores contemporary ethical issues in health care marketing. Topics include consumer advertising of health products, goods, and services; physician marketing, advertising, and endorsements of elective procedures and health care products; physician relationships to hospitals and surgery centers in terms of ownership; and disclosure and confidentiality of collected health consumer data.
HMC 462 Contemporary Issues & Trends in Health Marketing & Communication
This course provides an interdisciplinary exploration of contemporary issues and trends in health marketing and communication as well as emerging research areas. Case studies from diverse health related settings are integrated throughout the course to assist students in gaining real world perspectives and awareness.
HMC 499 Health Marketing & Communication Capstone
This course is a synthesis of the major ideas, perspectives, and concepts gained from the study of health marketing and communication. A substantive paper is developed which requires students to critically analyze their experiences and integrate knowledge gained throughout the program into a culminating project.
You may also choose to delve deeper into other areas of health care when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits each. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program. Choose the following specialization:
Health Informatics
HCA 401 Introduction to Health Care Informatics
This course provides an overview of health care informatics including basic vocabulary, concepts, technology, uses and practices. The history, background, and development of health care informatics are presented, as well as academic, private, and government influences.
HCA 417 Electronic Health Records
This course begins with an exploration of the evolution of electronic health records (EHRs) and then delves into the current forces driving the adoption of electronic health records. The components of EHR’s are reviewed and the core functionalities of the EHR are examined. Major consideration is given to HIPPA and confidentiality regulatory requirements in terms of EHR management. In addition, the different methods of data capture and recording of data are reviewed, as well as a comparison of contents for an inpatient versus an outpatient EHR.
HCA 419 Current Topics in Informatics
This course examines trends and emerging technologies involved in health care delivery and information systems/technology management within diverse health care settings. Content includes the following health care applications: process improvement and innovation for computerized provider order entry (CPOE), telemedicine, imaging systems, bio-surveillance, genomics, bioinformatics (methods used to process data from biological experiments), robotic surgery, and pharmacogenomics. In addition, ethical and legal considerations and aspects related to the use of computerized technology and information systems in the delivery of health care are reviewed.
HCA 435 Informatics Applications
This course provides a broad overview of the various components of informatics and the practical usage focusing on administrative and clinical functions across diverse health care and health care delivery settings. Emphasis is given to process improvement, control, and management of health care data. Topics covered include the following: evidence-based medicine, information retrieval, decision support systems, security and confidentiality, bioinformatics, information system cycles, key health information systems and standards, and medical devices.
If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.
Ashford University Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information contained below.
Chat
|
With your full schedule, you may not have a lot of time to spare. Whether you are a busy parent, a working adult, or just short on time, you can still get the information you need to explore your options for higher education. Now you can take advantage of Ashford University's LiveChat function to speak with an Admissions Counselor in real time from the comfort of your desktop. In just a few minutes, you can:
Make an informed decision regarding your education. Click the link above to speak live with an Admissions Counselor right away, or have an Admissions Counselor call you at the time that works best for you. * Admissions Counselors are available Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, PST and Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, PST. |
|
