Master of Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Track prepares public health leaders who
understand how social,
behavioral, and cultural factors influence health and health disparities. You will
gain the skills to design, evaluate,
and implement programs and policies that promote health equity and improve populations
and communities.
Examine how individual, social and cultural factors shape health behaviors and outcomes.
Apply theories of communication and behavior change to engage and empower communities.
Credit Hours: 42
Foundational Courses
- PUBH 7180 | Foundations of Public Health (0 credit hours)
- HADM 7105 | Health Policy and Organization of Health Services
- PUBH 7120 | Environmental Health
- PUBH 7150 | Introduction to Biostatistics
- PUBH 7160 | Social and Behavioral Sciences Principles
- PUBH 7170 | Principles of Epidemiology
Social and Behavioral Sciences Track
- PUBH 7130 | Social Determinants of Health
- PUBH 7132 | Health Program Evaluation
- PUBH 7161 | Health Behavior Theories
- PUBH 7340 | Behavioral Intervention Development
- PUBH 7347 | Qualitative Methods in Health Research
Applied Practical Experience
- PUBH 7985 | Fieldwork - 1 credit hour: Gain real-world experience in a public health setting (180 hours minimum).
Culminating Experience
- PUBH 7998 | Capstone Project - 2 credit hours: Apply your knowledge to solve a real public health problem.
3 Elective Courses- 9 credit hours
- Choose electives that align with your interests and career goals.
Careers in Public Health
Public health careers increasingly intersect with data analysis, epidemiology, health analytics, occupational health, and evidence-based decision-making. Quantitative skills and practical field experience can help graduates prepare for roles that address complex population health challenges.
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook for public health professionals is strong, with growing opportunities in health education, community health, healthcare administration, policy, and population health. Employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 24% from 2025 to 2035, while community health workers are projected to grow 13% and health education specialists 6%, compared with 3% across all occupations. An MPH in Public Health can prepare graduates to address community health challenges, develop public health initiatives, influence health policy, and improve population health outcomes.
Earning Potential
Public health professionals have diverse earning opportunities, with salaries varying by specialization, experience, employer, and leadership responsibilities. National median annual salaries include $51,850 for community health workers, $64,070 for health education specialists, and $123,860 for medical and health services managers, with healthcare management salaries reaching higher levels in certain industries. An MPH in Social and Behaviorial Sciences can support career advancement into program management, health policy, community health leadership, consulting, and healthcare administration, with an illustrative salary range of $51,000–$137,000 across related career paths.
Roles Related To This Degree
- Health Education Specialist
- Community Health Worker / Coordinator
- Public Health Program Manager
- Health Policy and Advocacy Specialist
- Social and Behavioral Health Coordinator
- Public Health Consultant
- Medical and Health Services Manager
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Requirements for the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences includes
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Completed SOPHAS application
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Undergraduate degree with minimum GPA of 3.0
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Statement of Purpose (400-500 words)
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Curriculum Vitae/Resume
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Two (2) letters of recommendation
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Credentials evaluation for foreign transcripts
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Language proficiency test if language of instruction was not English