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UW-Green Bay
UW-Parkside
UW-River Falls
UW-Stevens Point
UW-Superior

Learn wellness program management plus strategic leadership skills to make a difference in a rewarding career. 100% Online.

In the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management you’ll learn about contemporary health and wellness perspectives, in addition to the strategic planning and communication skills you’ll need to manage well-being programs that foster healthier lifestyles and promote the value of staying well.

  • Strategic planning
  • Behavior change facilitation
  • Communication and marketing strategies
  • U.S. healthcare systems, including public health, insurance, and healthcare providers
  • Health policy and wellness law
  • Program planning and evaluation
  • Emerging trends in wellness

UW Health and Wellness Management offers an online Sustainability and Well-being Graduate Certificate. The certificate is an ideal way to expand your skills and knowledge in a flexible, online format.


Appreciation for Healthy Behaviors Sparks Career Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of health education specialists and community health workers are projected to grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, due to “an emphasis on promoting healthy behaviors, particularly based on experiences from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Thirty five percent of employers surveyed for Wellable’s 2022 Employee Wellness Industry Trends Report expect to invest more in health and well-being programs. As more companies recognize their role in supporting employees across all dimensions of health, including physical, mental, and emotional health, demand for professionals who have the required skills to manage these programs will grow. Likewise, reasons for offering workplace well-being programs have gone beyond healthcare cost savings and incentive campaigns to investment in mental health, stress management, and virtual wellness services.

As a graduate of the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management you’ll be qualified for a variety of leadership positions in health promotion, such as senior manager of benefits and well-being, wellness account manager, and employee wellness specialist. As a wellness manager, you can have a significant impact on health outcomes by leading wellness activities that improve personal well-being, work-life balance, and organizational health across all dimensions of wellness.

RELATED: Health and Wellness Management Careers and Salaries

Who Should Apply?

The Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management is an ideal choice for adult students seeking to advance their career in health promotion who need the flexibility an online program offers.

Work experience and educational backgrounds among our students range from those in an entry-level wellness role, such as wellness coordinator, to other healthcare-related and wellness professions (personal trainer, fitness instructor, nurse, massage therapist, behavioral health), to those with general business, human resources, or other experience seeking a career in health and wellness management. Our graduates have launched successful wellness careers with healthcare systems, wellness program vendors, community agencies, insurance providers, and other organizations.

My experience in the Health and Wellness Management master’s program was a journey of discovery. Each course built upon my understanding of theoretical and practical approaches to creating wellness programs from concept to execution. Each course added a layer of soft and hard skills applicable to real world settings. I felt challenged to think constructively and creatively. I appreciated the support from all of the professors who clearly are passionate about their subjects. And I really enjoyed how the program encouraged discourse between colleagues. I feel confident and excited to bring my knowledge, skills, and passion for well-being to my future endeavors. —Amanda, Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management student

Because the coursework in the program is entirely online, you can watch lectures, participate in online forums with your classmates, and although assignments have deadlines, you can do homework whenever you like, wherever you have an internet connection. Courses have no set meeting times and you never need to come to campus. Learn more about online learning with UW Extended Campus.

Universities of Wisconsin Collaboration

The Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management is a partnership of UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.

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 Master 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.

Program Membership

The Health and Wellness Management program is a member of:

To be eligible for the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management students must meet the following requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree, in any discipline, from an accredited university (min. 3.0 GPA)
  • Prerequisite coursework:
    • Anatomy and physiology or human biology
    • Intro to psychology

Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may be considered for provisional admission and should contact an enrollment adviser for more information.

UW campus equivalents or other college/university equivalents may be substituted. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of coursework.

Aptitude tests, such as the GRE, are not required for admission.

You will also need to submit the following application materials:

  • Official college transcripts
  • Your resume
  • Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
  • A personal statement of up to 1,000 words describing the reasons behind your decision to pursue this degree

Campuses may waive some of these requirements as part of the comprehensive application process.

If you are not sure whether you meet these requirements, or which courses you need to take to satisfy prerequisites, contact an enrollment adviser by phone, 608-800-6762, or email learn@uwex.wisconsin.edu.

International Guidelines

This program welcomes online students from around the world. Online students do not qualify for an F-1 Student Visa to travel to the U.S., but instead can participate in our online courses remotely. If your native language is not English and/or you attended school outside of the U.S., you will likely need to provide proof of English language proficiency and an official translation or evaluation of academic transcripts. Requirements will vary based on a student’s academic history and home campus policies. For guidance about these requirements and how they apply to your specific situation, contact your preferred home campus admissions office.

If you would like to apply as an International Student for an on-campus program in the UW System please refer to these resources through UW-HELP.

Application Deadline

All application materials need to be completed two weeks prior to the semester start to be considered for admission.

Are there specific enrollment/start times?

You may start the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management at the beginning of any semester. Fall semester begins in early September, spring semester in late January, and summer semester in early June.

How to Apply

While you are free to apply on your own, many prospective students find it helpful to speak with an enrollment adviser first.

Step 1. Visit the University of Wisconsin System Online Admission Application to login or create an account.

You will also need to choose a home campus from our list of program partners: UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Superior. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.

Step 2. Apply to your preferred home campus and select the “Health & Wellness Management-Collaborative” program. A nonrefundable $56 application fee is required for most graduate degree-seeking students applying to a UW System institution. *For a limited time, UW Extended Campus is offering an application fee waiver to those who haven’t yet applied for the Summer or Fall 2024 semesters. To redeem, use coupon code APPLY24 on the UW Online Application payment page.

Step 3. Send your resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation; and arrange to have your official college transcripts (from each institution you attended) sent to the graduate student admissions office of the home campus to which you applied. Please request electronic transcripts, if this service is offered by your previous school(s), to be sent directly to the admissions email of your chosen home campus. Electronic transcripts are usually delivered more quickly than physical copies sent by mail.

13 Courses. 37 Credits. 100% Online.

Courses in the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management develop the strategic leadership skills and advanced knowledge in wellness program management to enact effective change in your organization, whether you are leading health promotion initiatives in a workplace, community health agency, or other organization.

You’ll acquire competencies in health and wellness management through 11 required courses, plus a capstone project typically completed during the final semester. There are no electives.

  • 11 health and wellness management courses (3 credits each)
  • Capstone prep course (1 credit)
  • Capstone project course (3 credits)

In the capstone course, students gain valuable, practical experience through a fieldwork project. Students may be able to complete the project with their current employer, or arrange for project work with an external organization. View examples of past capstone projects.

How long will it take to earn my degree?

Courses in the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management are offered all three semesters in rotation. Completion time depends on how many courses you take during a semester and whether you attend all three semesters. Students in the program take, on average, 1-2 courses per semester. The program gives you the flexibility to formulate a completion plan with your academic advisor that takes into account time constraints such as work and personal obligations.

Note: as of the Fall 2023 semester, new students enrolling in the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management will be required to take HWM 787 Capstone Prep, a one-credit capstone preparation course that provides an opportunity for students to prepare for their semester-long capstone project (HWM 790). The capstone prep course is the result of student feedback and is intended to provide students with a more positive and effective capstone experience.

CourseCredits

In this course, students will examine health and wellness concepts and probe foundational thinking associated with the contemporary health and wellness field. Expectations and development of the wellness professional will be explored.

HWM 700 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course introduces students to management concepts to create strategic direction, and the role of leadership in setting strategy capable of meeting competitive challenges within the wellness industry. Topics include key management theories, role of stakeholders, issue identification, program evaluation, and business plan development.

HWM 705 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course covers research methods and designs relevant to wellness program managers. Students will be introduced to various research designs including experimental and non-experimental, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods. The course will focus on providing a practical understanding of several statistical tools used in wellness-related research.

HWM 710 course syllabus

3 Credits

In this course, students will develop communication and persuasion skills, which are essential for wellness managers. Utilizing a variety of media and techniques, students will hone their communication skills. Students will apply key marketing concepts to mount effective marketing campaigns for their organization.

HWM 715 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course introduces students to the roles that physical activity and nutritional practices play in the prevention, management, and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, COPD, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.

Prerequisite: Anatomy & Physiology or Human Biology or Equivalent

HWM 720 course syllabus

3 Credits

Discover what evidence-based practice is and why it matters for health and wellness professionals. The course provides procedures and tools to explore reliable information about health determinants and intervention approaches (physical, mental, and social well-being). The course provides a practical application of the stages of evidence-based practice.

3 Credits

This course is a survey of the biological, psychological, and social-environmental aspects of wellness. Taking an applied focus, students will learn current theoretical and evidence-based approaches in psychology, integrative medicine, and behavioral economics that impact wellness.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology or Equivalent

HWM 730 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course provides information pertaining to the U.S. healthcare system with emphasis on health and wellness. It provides an overview of the major public and private stakeholders including public health, insurance, and healthcare providers. Participants will examine how health policy impacts the design and financing of wellness programs.

HWM 740 course syllabus

3 Credits

The purpose of this course is to examine planning and evaluation as interrelated, cyclical activities. Students will examine major activities and processes involved in planning and evaluating wellness programs.

Prerequisites: HWM 705, HWM 710

HWM 750 course syllabus

3 Credits

Students will examine the role of government agencies in shaping health policy and health equity. Students will analyze current federal, state, and local regulations and impacts on health outcomes as well as understand healthcare systems and insurance. Students will evaluate potential providers and contracts. An emphasis will be placed on ethical principles social responsibility and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

3 Credits

This course introduces students to the legal and ethical environment of wellness management. Topics include the Affordable Care Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and HIPAA. Students will learn effective negotiation skills that can be used when dealing with contracts and vendors.

HWM 760 course syllabus

3 Credits

In this course, students will study organizations, their members, and analyze why people and groups behave as they do. Processes and methods that improve behavior, effectiveness, and efficiency in organizational settings will be examined. The course will also cover various methods for assessing organizational behavior and change.

HWM 770 course syllabus

3 Credits

In this course, students will study emerging trends, innovations, and best practices in the health and wellness industry with an emphasis on preventative healthcare. Students will investigate major health challenges, programs, and policies to determine the influence of social, economic, multicultural, and global pressures on successful wellness practices.

Prerequisites: HWM 700, HWM 705, HWM 710, HWM 720, HWM 730

HWM 780 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course provides the opportunity for students to prepare for their semester-long capstone project. Students will identify a partner organization with whom they can collaborate for completion of their capstone project the following or a subsequent semester. Students will develop a project proposal designed to synthesize and apply information from the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management curriculum. This course is only required for new students starting in Fall 2023 or later.

1 Credits

This course provides a cohesive experience designed to synthesize and apply information from the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management curriculum. Students will complete an individual capstone experience that demonstrates thorough understanding of the knowledge, skills, and disposition necessary to be a successful health and wellness manager. Learn more about the Health and Wellness Management capstone, and for inspiration and ideas, explore past capstone projects.

Prerequisites: HWM 780

HWM 790 course syllabus

3 Credits

Course availability for the Health and Wellness Management program varies each semester, and is subject to change due to fluctuating enrollment. If you are a current student, please consult with your campus adviser prior to registration.

Note: as of the Fall 2023 semester, new students enrolling in the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management will be required to take HWM 787 Capstone Prep, a one-credit capstone preparation course that provides an opportunity for students to prepare for their semester-long capstone project (HWM 790). The capstone prep course is the result of student feedback and is intended to provide students with a more positive and effective capstone experience.

Spring 2024

Course Preview Week: January 16 - January 22, 2024
Semester Dates: January 23 - May 03, 2024

CourseCredits

This course covers research methods and designs relevant to wellness program managers. Students will be introduced to various research designs including experimental and non-experimental, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods. The course will focus on providing a practical understanding of several statistical tools used in wellness-related research.

HWM 710 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course introduces students to the roles that physical activity and nutritional practices play in the prevention, management, and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, COPD, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.

Prerequisite: Anatomy & Physiology or Human Biology or Equivalent

HWM 720 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course provides information pertaining to the U.S. healthcare system with emphasis on health and wellness. It provides an overview of the major public and private stakeholders including public health, insurance, and healthcare providers. Participants will examine how health policy impacts the design and financing of wellness programs.

HWM 740 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course introduces students to the legal and ethical environment of wellness management. Topics include the Affordable Care Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and HIPAA. Students will learn effective negotiation skills that can be used when dealing with contracts and vendors.

HWM 760 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course provides a cohesive experience designed to synthesize and apply information from the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management curriculum. Students will complete an individual capstone experience that demonstrates thorough understanding of the knowledge, skills, and disposition necessary to be a successful health and wellness manager. Learn more about the Health and Wellness Management capstone, and for inspiration and ideas, explore past capstone projects.

Prerequisites: HWM 780

HWM 790 course syllabus

3 Credits

Summer 2024

Request Permission Number

Course Preview Week: May 21 - May 27, 2024
Semester Dates: May 28 - August 09, 2024

CourseCredits

This course introduces students to management concepts to create strategic direction, and the role of leadership in setting strategy capable of meeting competitive challenges within the wellness industry. Topics include key management theories, role of stakeholders, issue identification, program evaluation, and business plan development.

HWM 705 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course is a survey of the biological, psychological, and social-environmental aspects of wellness. Taking an applied focus, students will learn current theoretical and evidence-based approaches in psychology, integrative medicine, and behavioral economics that impact wellness.

Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology or Equivalent

HWM 730 course syllabus

3 Credits

In this course, students will study emerging trends, innovations, and best practices in the health and wellness industry with an emphasis on preventative healthcare. Students will investigate major health challenges, programs, and policies to determine the influence of social, economic, multicultural, and global pressures on successful wellness practices.

Prerequisites: HWM 700, HWM 705, HWM 710, HWM 720, HWM 730

HWM 780 course syllabus

3 Credits

Fall 2024

Registration Opens: April 08, 2024
Course Preview Week: August 27 - September 02, 2024
Semester Dates: September 03 - December 13, 2024

CourseCredits

In this course, students will examine health and wellness concepts and probe foundational thinking associated with the contemporary health and wellness field. Expectations and development of the wellness professional will be explored.

HWM 700 course syllabus

3 Credits

In this course, students will develop communication and persuasion skills, which are essential for wellness managers. Utilizing a variety of media and techniques, students will hone their communication skills. Students will apply key marketing concepts to mount effective marketing campaigns for their organization.

HWM 715 course syllabus

3 Credits

Discover what evidence-based practice is and why it matters for health and wellness professionals. The course provides procedures and tools to explore reliable information about health determinants and intervention approaches (physical, mental, and social well-being). The course provides a practical application of the stages of evidence-based practice.

3 Credits

The purpose of this course is to examine planning and evaluation as interrelated, cyclical activities. Students will examine major activities and processes involved in planning and evaluating wellness programs.

Prerequisites: HWM 705, HWM 710

HWM 750 course syllabus

3 Credits

In this course, students will study organizations, their members, and analyze why people and groups behave as they do. Processes and methods that improve behavior, effectiveness, and efficiency in organizational settings will be examined. The course will also cover various methods for assessing organizational behavior and change.

HWM 770 course syllabus

3 Credits

This course provides the opportunity for students to prepare for their semester-long capstone project. Students will identify a partner organization with whom they can collaborate for completion of their capstone project the following or a subsequent semester. Students will develop a project proposal designed to synthesize and apply information from the Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management curriculum. This course is only required for new students starting in Fall 2023 or later.

1 Credits

The Health and Wellness Management program was developed with advice from experts across various disciplines to prepare graduates for successful leadership roles in health promotion and wellness management in a variety of settings. Program outcomes are based on current standards and best practices.

Upon completion of your master’s degree, you will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

  • Demonstrate familiarity with best practices in behavior change facilitation.
  • Understand ethical and legal issues relevant to health policy and wellness management.
  • Analyze the interrelations among health providers and key stakeholders and understand how these relationships influence healthcare systems.
  • Determine the impact of current wellness initiatives on an organization’s workforce, and develop compliant, strategic plans to improve the programs.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of marketing, including analysis, evaluation, communication, and promotion.
  • Integrate information technology and communication strategies in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs.

Tuition is a flat fee of $750 per credit. There are no additional course or program fees, with the exception of textbooks which are purchased separately.

  • You’ll pay the same tuition whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state.
  • You will not pay technology fees. If software or special technology is required in a course, it will be provided to you and is included in tuition.
  • You will not pay segregated fees (fees for student services, activities, programs, and facilities).
  • Textbooks are purchased separately and are not included in tuition.

Financial Aid

Financial aid may be available for degree-seeking students who qualify, and is awarded by your home campus. Learn more about our campus partners and choosing a home campus.

Contact your home campus financial aid office for more information:

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 assistance to help with the cost of your education:

  • 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). Federal financial aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who apply early have a better chance of receiving aid, including grant aid that does not have to be repaid.

UW Extended Campus Grants and Scholarships

You may be eligible for a grant or scholarship as a student in a semester-based collaborative program through UW Extended Campus. 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.