The Health Education Program offers courses of study to prepare Health Education and Health Promotion specialists for schools, community, and public health agencies, and in health care and worksite settings. The national guidelines delineating the Roles and Responsibilities of Health Education Specialists serve as the basis for the course of studies at the graduate level. In addition, special attention is given to preparing students to work within multicultural, multi-ethnic communities in ways that respect and support the healthy development of families and individuals within those communities. Graduates gain proficiency in working with culturally diverse communities. They develop, implement, and evaluate health education and promotion interventions and initiatives that reduce risky behaviors and related morbidity and mortality. Students work actively with communities, hospitals, agencies, and schools to design and conduct culturally appropriate health behavior enhancement programs. They develop and implement research and evaluation protocols relevant to the needs, strengths, and desires identified by communities. Students have research and program opportunities in the UNM CDC funded Prevention Center, University Wellness Center, Center for Population Health, and the Center for Addictions, Alcoholism, and Substance Abuse. City and State health departments and HMO's located in New Mexico offer research and practice opportunities. A variety of work site health promotion efforts also offer students research and program development opportunities.