Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Sciences at 51动漫鈥檚 College of Public Health trains students to assess and address the behavioral, cultural and social factors that influence pressing public health problems. Through coursework, professional development opportunities and fieldwork experiences, our MPH students learn to plan, implement and evaluate programs designed to improve the health of all people.

Social and behavioral sciences is a public health discipline that focuses on health promotion, illness prevention, and barriers to health behavior change, on both individual and health system levels. Professionals in this field use the tools and insights of the social and behavioral sciences to reduce health disparities and promote positive health outcomes, both in the general population and in vulnerable populations such as children, those with chronic physical and mental illnesses, and individuals living in poverty.

As a student in the social and behavioral sciences program, you will be prepared for practice-oriented careers in health counseling and education, health promotion, public health program development and evaluation, and research. Our graduates become public health leaders in community-based health agencies, healthcare systems, state and local public health departments, and voluntary health organizations. You will also be able to launch a career in research program management or continue your education in public health doctoral programs.

What sets apart our MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences?

  • Real-world experience:听Through the master鈥檚 program鈥檚 culminating fieldwork experience, students apply their classroom learning to real-world scenarios in health services or public health organizational settings that prepare them to launch their careers in social and behavioral sciences. You will benefit from the mentorship of a community agency partner and receive guidance from our program faculty.
  • Renowned faculty:听In and outside the classroom, you will engage with faculty who are experts in cancer prevention, chronic disease prevention, health communication, maternal and child health, nutrition and obesity, organ donation, substance dependence prevention and treatment, healthy lifestyle promotion and more.
  • Interdisciplinary education:听The College of Public Health incorporates healthcare and health services disciplines, as well as traditional public health fields. Students can take elective courses across 17 disciplines that range from social work to rehabilitation sciences and speech-language pathology. This opportunity for interdisciplinary coursework and research gives you a broad perspective on health promotion and illness prevention, and prepares you to excel in the complex, diverse field of public health.
  • Research opportunities:听Advanced students can engage in faculty research as volunteers, student workers and research assistants. Research opportunities exist both within the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and across the College of Public Health.

Program Format

Students can complete the MPH on-site or through our fully online program. Full-time students can complete the master鈥檚 program in two years (including one summer), or part time in three years. Courses are typically offered after 5 p.m. On-site MPH students complete courses both on Main Campus and online and work with an advisor each semester to maximize flexibility to meet their individual needs.

Students take core courses that explore the fundamentals of public health, as well as courses that focus on essential topics in social and behavioral sciences. You will also complete two fieldwork courses and take electives in order to build topical expertise.

See a full list of program courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Dual Degree Programs

The public health perspective is relevant to many professional fields in which population-based theory and research can assist in improving health outcomes. An MPH dual degree opens new career options and enhances graduates鈥� mobility in their chosen fields.

The College of Public Health offers two聽dual degree programs.

  • MSW-MPH with the college鈥檚 School of Social Work
  • MPH-MS in Health Informatics with the college鈥檚 Department of Health Services Administration and聽Policy
social and behavioral sciences students in class

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51动漫鈥檚 commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Public Health offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023鈥�2024聽academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,161.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,590.00 per credit
Online tuition: $1,087 per credit

You can view the full .

HP-SBSC-MPH

Additional Program Information

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