Public Health Programs

Health Outreach, Promotion, and Education (HOPE) has a unique and collaborative relationship with the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, providing a number of academic opportunities for students. We also have opportunities for students interested in Eta Sigma Gamma, the national Health Science/Health Education honor society.

HOPE Internships and Practicums

HOPE is an internship and practicum site for Public Health and other majors. Interested students must make an appointment to discuss possible placements with Mark Cruz, Health Education Specialist at mark.cruz@rutgers.edu. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that a HOPE placement meets their program requirements and to complete all necessary paperwork.

Internship Opportunities

All internships with HOPE posted below are currently open. Please send applications to the contact listed in the description below.

SHADES Theatre

SHADES Theatre is an interactive, improvisational theatre group that promotes positive behavioral changes regarding public health issues surrounding sexual health, alcohol and other drug use, nutritional issues, and mental health issues within a college community. Under the supervision and direction of the Health Education Specialist, the intern candidate will develop weekly interactive messaging to promote Student Health Advocates Developing Educational Scenarios (SHADES) Theatre with the intention of recruiting new potential cast members as well as increase visibility and activity within Rutgers University – New Brunswick. Intern candidate will work closely with SHADES cast members to create a unique online brand that is relatable, engaging, and highlights the importance of engaging in conversation with others regarding difficult topics. Intern candidate will utilize a variety of online/virtual mediums to promote SHADES, including but not limited to: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and collaborate with the Assistant Director of Marketing to coordinate posting on social media. Candidate will also develop skills related to program development and management and work closely with departmental partners to continually engage with the campus community. Interested students should send a resume and a statement of interest to Mark Cruz, mark.cruz@rutgers.edu

Public Health Education (PHE)

Certificate Program

The PHE certificate helps students prepare for the national Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination by covering the requisite material in a series of related courses. The certificate program is open to students in any major and is awarded only with or subsequent to earning a bachelor’s degree. Only courses with grades of C or better may be applied toward the certificate program.

Students from all majors are welcome to take the following courses. Public Health majors and minors are eligible for the PHE Certificate Program.

For course descriptions go to the Bloustein School Course Catalogue. Courses taught by HOPE staff members, as adjunct faculty through the Public Health Program, are marked with asterisks.

Program Requirements

Core Courses (12 Credits)

  • 10:832:241 Principles of Health Education (3)
  • 10:832:345 Health Program Development (3)
  • 10:832:346 Health Program Evaluation (3)
  • 10:832:352 Community Health Promotion (3) – Prerequisite 10:832:241

Elective Courses (3 Credits)

Required Electives (at least 6 cr)

  • 10:832:262 Peer Education Advocacy (3)
  • 10:832:301 Sexual Health Advocacy (3) – Prerequisite: permission of instructor; course not open to seniors
  • 10:832:350 Drugs, Culture, and Society (3)
  • 10:832:351 Addictions Policy (3)
  • 10:832:353 Science of Prevention (3) – Prerequisite 10:832:350