Master of Public Health (MPH) with concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS)

Driving Change. Creating Impact. Across Communities.

About the Program

The mission of the CEPH accredited Master of Public Health (MPH) program is to provide a stimulating academic environment in a metropolitan setting that supports excellence and innovation in education, research, and service to enhance the lives and health of individuals, families, and communities in the Mid-South.

MPH Program objectives are:

1. Prepare future leaders in the field of public health by providing the highest quality education and practice opportunities in theories, approaches, methods, and other substantive issues pertinent to public health;
2. Create and nurture an environment conducive to interdisciplinary public health initiatives, with special emphasis on vulnerable populations who suffer disproportionately from illness and disability;
3. Pursue innovative and rigorous research on critical public health issues to prevent disease and injury, promote well-being, and foster overall physical and mental health;
4. Stimulate collaboration with the community to develop effective partnerships in combating the health challenges in our communities, city, state, and region; and
5. Inform public policy, disseminate health information, and increase awareness of public health concerns through disease surveillance, needs assessments, and program evaluation.

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program offers two options for students:

• a traditional four-semester program offered in-person or online
• an accelerated program available for completion within 12 to 15 months

MPH-SBS degree can be earned either in-person, online, or hybrid either as full-time or part-time.

As our School is a CEPH accredited institution, students are eligible to take the CPH exam upon completion of their MPH core courses.

What will you learn?

Through close work with professors and peers, MPH students will develop competence in higher levels of social and behavioral sciences, including deeper understanding of the social and community factors involved in public health problems, qualitative and mixed methods research strategies, evidence-based interventions, project management and evaluation, and strong public health communication skills. 

Where to after graduation?

An SBS MPH prepares graduates for higher level project management and research responsibilities in the public health workforce. Public health job opportunities are available in academic, governmental, non-profit, medical, and corporate fields.

Is this degree right for you?

If you have completed or are in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree and have a strong interest in the big picture of health at the level of the community, region, nation, or globe, with a focus on how to impact health behaviors, an SBS MPH could be right for you. Reach out to our admissions team to learn more and discuss your options.

Request Information

Connect with our Admissions Team

Briana McNeil, MEd
Coordinator, Recruitment and Admissions
sphadmissions@memphis.edu
(901) 678-3740

Shirl Sharpe, MS
Academic Services Coordinator II
ssharpe@memphis.edu
(901) 678-1710

Admission Information

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
  • US applicants: 400-500 words
  • International applicants: 750-1000 words
• CV/Resume
• International students:
  • Transcripts from degrees obtained outside of the United States must be evaluated by WES or by any members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
  • Test of English proficiency scores are required if language of instruction for prior degrees was not English (minimum scores)

A multi-disciplinary faculty admissions committee determines admission to the MPH program. Criteria for the selection process are broad because of the wide range of backgrounds from which students may apply. Prior background in public health or health care is not necessary for admission but may be considered in the admission process. The following is necessary for application:
Applicants must hold a bachelor or graduate degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) or a graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the major subject area. 

Applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Letters of recommendation from at least three persons familiar with the applicant’s academic background or experience in public health related issues, specifying in detail the applicant’s capabilities for graduate study and for future performance as a public health professional, are required. At least one letter from a former professor or instructor is required.

Applicants must also submit a statement of purpose indicating his or her present interests and career goals, including why s/he wants to pursue an MPH degree.

All MPH applicants will be expected to have adequate preparation in the sciences, including at least one college-level course in general biology (including human biology), mathematics (e.g., calculus or algebra), and a social science (e.g., sociology, anthropology, or psychology). Basic computer skills are also expected. 

Courses in health-related fields such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, chemistry, physics, and statistics are not mandated, but are strongly recommended. Previous professional or other relevant work experience is also highly desirable, but not required.

Deadlines

• Fall Semester - July 15*
• Spring Semester - December 15*

*International applicants should plan to have their applications in by May 15 for Fall Semester and October 15 for Spring Semester to ensure sufficient time to receive your Form I-20 and visa.

Curriculum

42 credit hours required with a 3.0 GPA

• 18 hours of core courses
• 12 hours of concentration courses
• 6 hours of elective courses
• 3 hours of practicum/field experience
• 3 hours of thesis or master's project

Core Courses (18 credit hours)

• PUBH 7160: Social and Behavioral Sciences Principles
• PUBH 7120: Environmental Health I
• PUBH 7150: Biostatistical Methods I
• PUBH 7170: Epidemiology in Public Health I
• PUBH 7180: Foundations of Public Health
• HADM 7105: Health Policy and Organization of Health Services

Concentration Courses (12 credit hours)
Social and Behavioral Sciences

• PUBH 7132: Health Program Evaluation
• PUBH 7130: Social Determinants of Health
• PUBH 7340: Behavioral Intervention Development
• One of the following:
  • PUBH 7014: Public Health Communication
  • PUBH 7345: Health Literacy
  • PUBH 7050: Mass Communication

Other Requirements

• Elective (6 credits)
• PUBH 7985: Practicum/Field Experience
• One of the following:
  • PUBH 7992: Master’s Project Seminar
  • PUBH 7996: Master’s Thesis

Competencies

Foundational

• Apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice.
• Select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate.
• Interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice.
• Compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings.
• Discuss means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels.
• Assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities’ health.
• Apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs.
• Design a population-based policy, program, project, or intervention.
• Explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management.
• Select methods to evaluate public health programs.
• Discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence.
• Propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes.
• Advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations.
• Evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity.
• Apply principles of leadership, governance, and management, which include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration, and guiding decision making.
• Apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community challenges.
• Select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors.
• Communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation.
• Describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content.
• Perform effectively on interprofessional teams.
• Apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

• Assess the role of social and community factors in both the onset and solution of public health problems.
• Apply evidence-based approaches in the development, implementation, and evaluation of social and behavioral science interventions in organizational and community settings.
• Utilize behavior change theory in addressing public health problems and designing social and behavioral science interventions.
• Plan and write a health program evaluation appropriate for implementation in a community setting.
• Apply communication strategies to enhance adoption of behavioral skills for a student-designed public health intervention.