Health Studies > Undergraduate Programs > FAQs

Health Studies Undergraduate Programs
Frequently Asked Questions

*Read all the information provided on this website pertaining to the Health Studies program.

*Contact the registrar and obtain an updated copy of your transcript.

*Verify that your cumulative GPA is at least 2.75 (our minimum GPA requirement for program entry).

*Consider program track options and compare your transcript to the course requirements. Mark required courses you have completed.

*Call the Health Studies Department (940/898-2860) and register for a Health Studies Info Session.

*Attend a Health Studies Info Session. Bring your transcript and any other pertinent information with you.


How do I become an online undergraduate student?
*Complete an official TWU enrollment application (available online at http://www.twu.ed). Click on “admissions” and then “application”. YOU MUST BE ACCEPTED BY THE        UNIVERSITY prior to applying to our online program.

*If you are a transfer student, you will need to send official transcripts to the TWU registrar of all previous college credit completed.

*Once you receive a response from TWU admissions that you are accepted to TWU, you can then apply for the B.S. in Health Studies Online Degree.

*Verify that your cumulative GPA is at least 3.00 (our minimum GPA requirement for entry into the HS online program).

*Complete the Online Program Application that is available on the Department of Health Studies website.  http://www.twu.edu/hs/hs/hsonline6.htm

*Complete the Learning Style and Technical Skills Assessment that is available on the Department of Health Studies website.  http://www.twu.edu/hs/hs/hsonline6.htm.  Print out these results and staple them to your application

*Include unofficial copies of your transcripts with your online application materials.

What is the application deadline/s to apply to the online program?
*August 1 for Fall Semester
*November 1 for Spring Semester
*May 1 for Summer Semester

When can I expect to hear a decision about my online application?
You will receive a response within 1-3 weeks.  If you are accepted, you MUST plan on attending the First Course Meeting scheduled the first week of each semester.


Who do I send my online application materials to?
Submit your online application materials via fax or regular mail to the Administrative Coordinator of the HS Online Program (see information below):

Mrs. Alicia Gould
Department of Health Studies
Online Program
P.O. Box 425499
Denton, TX  76204
(940) 898-2859 (fax)


What is the First Class Meeting?
Research in E-learning has shown that online students who are required to meet at least once during the semester fare better in online courses than those that do not. Therefore, students who enroll in health studies online courses are required to come to the Denton campus once per semester to attend a First Class Meeting with their instructor and peers. These meetings are considered “class” and are usually offered on the Saturday prior to the first day of classes.


Who do I contact for more information about the undergraduate traditional program?
You will need contact our Undergraduate Coordinator Dr. Kristin Wiginton by email at klwiginton@mail.twu.edu  or by phone (940) 898-2842.


What is the GPA requirement for the traditional undergraduate student?
The GPA requirement for the undergraduate program is 2.75.


What is the GPA requirement for the online undergraduate student?
The GPA requirement for the online program is 3.00.


Who is my advisor for the HS Online Program?
Your assigned advisor for the Health Studies Online Program is LaQuita Harmon, Online Program Advisor.  Email is Lharmon12@twu.edu and phone is 940-898-2834.


Who is my advisor for the Traditional Undergraduate Program?
After you go through the intake process with Dr. Kristin Wiginton, she will assign you to an advisor who will help you while you are completing your Health Studies Degree.


Will my credits transfer from another college or university?  If so, how many?
The type and number of courses that can be transferred from another university or college will be subject to review by Texas Woman’s University Student Records.  Please contact Student Records at 940-898-3041 to determine which of your courses are applicable for transfer.


How long does it take to complete the Health Studies program?
The program usually take about four to six semesters depending on what courses transfer in and the amount of hours taking per semester.


What is the course fee for an online course?
The estimated amount of course fees for an online course is $110 to $200 per credit course.  For more information you can contact the Office of Lifelong Learning at 940-898-3408.


Are there any financial aid opportunities?
Please visit the Financial Aid Office website at www.twu.edu/finaid


Does the Department of Health Studies offer internships and scholarships?
Yes, a limited number of scholarships and internships are available with the Health Studies Department. Please contact Dr. Roger Shipley, Internship Coordinator at 940-898-2840 or email rshipley@mail.twu.edu for more information on available opportunities.


How can I receive more information on the online program?
Please refer to the online program on the HS website for additional information at www.twu.edu/hs/hs .


What are the computer requirements for an online program?
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or later
Access to MS Word for Windows
Modem of at least 56K; cable or DSL is HIGHLY recommended
Utilize an Internet Service Provider? (e.g., MSN, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc.)
Computer that has a virus protector installed


Can I schedule an appointment to discuss my admissions to the program?
Absolutely! You may contact Alicia Gould, Online Program Administrative Coordinator at 940-898-2834 or AGould@twu.edu .

I am an international student, how many online courses can I take per semester?
As an international student you are only able to take one online course per semester.


Are you able to get a teaching certificate within the health studies department?
Yes. Please contact Dr. Kristin Wiginton with the Department of Health Studies at KLwiginton@twu.edu or phone 940-898-2842 to determine the requirements and additional courses needed for certification.


How do I know if the degree in health studies is right for me?
The Health Studies graduate program is designed to enable students to function in variety of professional environments, including community, worksite, health care, public health, and academic settings. The core curriculum provides students with a blend of health education and epidemiology. Students may opt for one of the three focal areas – Community Health, BS/MOT, or Master’s Prep, which provide course concentration on programming and professional practice in those areas. Opportunities for hands on during your internship experience in the field are offered through the program. In addition, students who complete the Health Studies program can enter a variety of fields such as community health agencies, health organizations, corporate health, teaching health classes and many others. If this is the direction you feel you would want take with your career, then Health Studies is the major right for you!


What is the salary range as a Health Educator?
The salary ranges varies depending on what area of interests.


What is Eta Sigma Gamma?
Eta Sigma Gamma is a national honorary association with a tradition and commitment to promote the highest ideals of professionalism.  This academic honorary association acknowledges students’ scholarship and professional growth activities.  Health Studies majors or minors who meet the necessary requirements may participate in the department’s honorary society.


What is CHES?
A Certified Health Education Specialist (C.H.E.S.) is a person who has passed the C.H.E.S. national certification exam.  Graduates of our program are eligible to take the exam, which focuses upon the Areas of Responsibility for professional Health Educators listed below.  These Areas of Responsibility form the foundation for the undergraduate and graduate programs in Health Studies and align with the national standards set forth by the SOPHE/AAHE Baccalaureate Program Approval Committee (SABPAC). More detailed information about the exam is provided for students when they enroll in the capstone course HS 4353 Seminar in Health Education.  For information about CHES you can go to the website www.nchec.org or phone 888-624-3248.