COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Sciences program requires a minimum of 46 credit hours and is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in public health principles, research methods, and applied practice. The core curriculum includes essential courses such as Biostatistics in Public Health, Fundamentals of Public Health Epidemiology, Environmental Health Concepts, and Public Health Administration, which together build a comprehensive understanding of how health is influenced at the population level. Students also engage in specialized coursework like Public Health Programs: Planning, Implementation and Evaluation, and Community Health Needs Assessment, which develop practical skills in designing and managing effective health interventions. In addition, courses such as Quantitative Methods in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Social and Behavioral Science Theories, Grant Writing, and Social Determinants of Health Behaviors emphasize the importance of data analysis, theoretical application, and addressing social factors that impact health outcomes.The program offers flexibility through major electives, allowing students to select 6 to 9 credit hours from various public health disciplines, including biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences, or other approved courses. This enables students to tailor their education based on their career interests. A key component of the program is the culminating requirement, which includes either a practicum in addictions counseling or an applied practice experience in social and behavioral sciences, providing hands-on, supervised field experience. Additionally, students must complete an integrative learning experience, which allows them to synthesize and apply their knowledge to real-world public health challenges. Overall, the program combines theoretical learning with practical training to prepare graduates for careers in public health practice, research, and program development.