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Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences (MPH)
Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences (MPH)
Based on the foundation of behavioral science research, the Rutgers School of Public Health's Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences degree prepares students to understand the importance of individual behaviors in health decision making.
About the Program
Students will be trained in public health policy and health behavior theories and models to assess diverse populations.
Graduates will be able to design, implement, conduct, and evaluate health education programs to positively impact health behavior change, health promotion, and health outcomes for all people and populations.
Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health Exam and Certified Health Education Specialist Exam.
Competencies
Each concentration identifies competencies for each degree offered. These competencies reflect the full range of knowledge, skills, and other attributes that a student will acquire as a result of completing the requirements for a particular degree.
Upon graduation, a student completing the MPH curriculum in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences will be able to:
- Utilize health behavior theories or models for understanding health behaviors;
- Develop an evaluation plan, including process and impact evaluation approaches, for a population-based intervention, program, or issue;
- Apply research methods to address a public health issue;
- Develop or critique health education, health promotion, or health intervention materials, methods or programs; and
- Utilize principles of health communication and risk communication in addressing public health issues or concerns.
Program Format and Length
The MPH in Social and Behavioral Health Sciences degree is offered to students on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses are available in-person, remote, and/or online. Students will complete a total of 45 credits, including a practicum experience and capstone research project.
If completing the program as a full-time student (nine or more credits per semester), the degree requirements may be completed in as little as two years (four to five semesters). Part-time students taking at least six credits per semester may expect to finish within four years. Taking courses in the summer may help expedite part-time students’ timing.
Dual-degree options are available in partnership with other Rutgers University schools.
Students are also required to register for and complete an Interprofessional Education activity prior to graduation.
Students can earn a post-baccalaureate certificate alongside their degree with an additional 6-12 credits. Contact admissions for additional information at admissions@sph.rutgers.edu.
Application Requirements
A complete application includes:
- Completion of the online application
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Statement of goals, one-to-three pages in length, which addresses:
- Interest in the program
- Preparedness for the program
- Goals and aspirations
- Two letters of recommendation with at least one letter from an academic reference if you are currently enrolled in a degree program or have graduated within the last four years.
- Resume or CV
- GRE General Exam (optional)
- TOEFL or IELTS score for applicants educated in a non-native English-speaking country
Applications are accepted on a rolling, space-available basis following the regular deadline.
Core Courses (18 credits)
- PHCO 0501 - Health Systems and Policy
- PHCO 0502 - Principles and Methods of Epidemiology
- PHCO 0503 - Introduction to Environmental Health
- PHCO 0504 - Introduction to Biostatistics (Prerequisite: Quantitative Skills Assessment)
- PHCO 0505 - Social and Behavioral Health Sciences in Public Health
- PHCO 0513 - Leadership and Management Essentials for Public Health
Practicum (3 credits)
Note: Students should review the Practice Experience webpage for information about Practicum.
- PRAC 0715 - Applied Practice Experience (0 credits) [Prerequisite: APE Learning Agreement and select PHCO and concentration courses]
- PRAC 0716 - Practicum Capstone (3 credits) [Prerequisite: Completion of the APE and Practicum Capstone Learning Agreement]
Review the School’s Registration Calendar for important MPH Practice Experience Registration dates specific to PRAC 0715 and PRAC 0716.
Concentration Courses (15 credits)
Note: Students should review the Course Descriptions in the School Catalog for specific information about prerequisites required for required courses and recommended electives.
- HBSP 0600 - Health Behavior and Policy Research Design and Methods (Fall/Spring/Summer)
- HBSP 0652 - Program Planning and Evaluation (Fall/Spring/Summer)
- HBSP 0653 - Modifying Health Behaviors: Theory and Practice (Spring)
- HBSP 0654 - Public Health Communication/Risk Communication (Spring)
- HBSP 0655 - Social Marketing (Fall)
Other Requirements (0 credits)
- PRAC 0621 - Interprofessional Education (0 credits) [Fall/Spring]
Students are required to register for and complete an Interprofessional Education activity prior to graduation.
Recommended Elective Courses (9 credits)
- HBSP 0540 - Seminar in Health Behavioral Topics (1-3 credits)
- HBSP 0640 - Seminar in Health Education Topics (1-3 credits)
- HBSP 0657 - Seminar in Tobacco Control and Public Health