MPH in Behavioral Health and Sciences

Exploring human behavior through the lens of public health can help to address lifestyle choices and prevent the spread of disease in communities. A Master of Public Health in Behavioral Health Science can prepare you to work with patients to mitigate harmful habits and make a positive change. 

Students in these advanced degree programs can explore the ways that social, physical and mental factors impact human behavior, and how that behavior dictates patient care and treatment.

Sponsored MPH Online Programs

The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in November 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Master of Public Health (MPH)

Earn your Master of Public Health (MPH) from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health in as few as 20–24 months. The CEPH-accredited online learning experience offers four concentrations.

  • Three accredited concentrations: MPH Leadership, MPH Nutrition, and Applied Epidemiology
  • Part-time and full-time program options
  • Curriculum includes applied field experience. Field placement services available.

George Washington University

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Master of Public Health

With the online Master of Public Health (MPH) program from GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health, you can earn your MPH in as few as 12 months. Make a meaningful difference in public health without having to relocate. No GRE required.

  • Complete in as few as 12 months  
  • No GRE required  
  • Accredited by CEPH 

Boston University

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Online Master of Public Health

Fully online and offered by the No. 6 School of Public Health, the Boston University Online MPH program offers a skills-based curriculum focused on health equity that prepares graduates to solve real-world public health problems. In just 24 months students will acquire the knowledge and skills to influence change and transform lives in their communities across the globe. No GRE/GMAT required to apply.

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What Is the Online MPH in Behavior Health Sciences?

Public health is concerned with the overall well being of communities and society at large. Much of public health can be determined by individual behaviors, such as a person’s diet, level of physical activity, drug use and other activities. Earning your MPH in Behavior Health Sciences can give you the tools to identify the behaviors that lead to various health outcomes and help patients develop good habits.

In an online MPH program, classes may cover the psychology of behavioral health, how to communicate effectively with the public and provide plans for change or improvement. Socioeconomic factors, cultural norms and biological determinants can also influence people’s behavior. Learning how to identify the differences present within society can help you develop tailored solutions to accommodate the needs of diverse groups.

What to Expect as a Student

In an online MPH in Behavioral Health and Sciences program, students benefit from a quality curriculum while having the flexibility to learn from anywhere. This can open opportunities to learn while working or attending to other responsibilities, as well as the option to attend classes from anywhere in the world.

This degree concentration is a great option for individuals interested in psychology and sociology within the context of public health. Students can learn how biology and experience each play a role in the development of personality, impulse control and resilience — factors which can influence a person’s behavior.

What You Can Do With an MPH in Behavior Health Sciences

An MPH in Behavior Health Sciences gives you the option to pursue a variety of career paths. You might help develop programs to increase mental health awareness or work directly with patients to increase their quality of life. Take a look at some of the potential work settings for behavioral health specialists below.

  • Community health centers
  • Schools
  • Health departments
  • Field research
  • Government policy
  • Mental health centers
  • Corrections facilities

Pursuing behavioral health studies can give you a better idea of what it’s like to work in different environments. Programs may offer opportunities to conduct field research or work with real patients. These activities can help you determine where you want to take your career once you complete your degree.

Top Salaries & Careers for the MPH in Behavior Health Sciences

If you’re interested in landing a job that utilizes your MPH in Behavior Health Sciences, you’re probably wondering about the potential pay associated with different roles in the field. While your interests and skill set can help you narrow your focus, salary can be a determining factor when it comes time to apply for a job. Here are a few examples of different roles and their average annual pay as of May 2022:

CEPH Accredited Programs

The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) is an independent agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that provides accreditation to public health programs that meet its strict criteria. See below for the list of MPH programs that are CEPH accredited.

Colorado University Anschutz

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Aurora, Colorado

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Leadership and Public Health Practice, Population Mental Health and Wellbeing

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose
  • CV/resume
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Colorado University Anschutz

Kent State University

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Kent, Ohio

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 46

Concentrations:

Social and Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management

Admission Requirements:

  • 3.00 GPA
  • GRE scores
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Goal Statement
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Kent State University

New York Medical College

School of Health Sciences and Practice

Master of Public Health

Valhalla, New York

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 43

Concentrations:

Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion, Environmental Health Science, Health Policy and Management

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from New York Medical College

University of Pennsylvania

School of Medicine

Master of Public Health

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: N/A

Credits: 14

Concentrations:

Environmental Health, General, Global Health, One Health

Admission Requirements:

  • Undergraduate degree
  • Official transcripts
  • CV/resume
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • TOEFL/IELTS (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Pennsylvania

San Diego State University

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

San Diego, California

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2.5 years

Credits: 51

Concentrations:

Health Promotion and Behavioral Science

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/resume
  • Course prerequisite in statistics
  • Minimum three years full-time work experience
  • Current full-time employment (public health field preferred)
  • TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from San Diego State University

Temple University

College of Public Health

Master of Public Health

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Part-Time

Length of Program: 3 years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Social and Behavioral Sciences

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites (Nutrition only, other preferred but not required)
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of goals
  • CV/resume
  • TOEFL, course evaluations (for international applicants)
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from Temple University

University of Florida

College of Public Health and Health Professions

Master of Public Health

Gainesville, Florida

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time

Length of Program: 2 years

Credits: 48

Concentrations:

Biostatistics, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, Population Health Management, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Public Health Practice

Admission Requirements:

  • The Public Health Practice concentration requires substantial post-baccalaureate professional work experience in a health-related field in addition to the required academic credentials.
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Florida

University of Maryland

School of Public Health

Master of Public Health

College Park, Maryland

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 45

Concentrations:

Behavioral and Community Health, Public Health Practice and Policy, 

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • CV/resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (for international applicants) 
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of Maryland

University of South Dakota

Master of Public Health

Vermillion, South Dakota

Name of Degree: Master of Public Health

Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time

Length of Program: 2+ years

Credits: 42

Concentrations:

Biostatistics, Health Services Administration, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field
  • Official transcripts
  • Course prerequisites
  • CV/resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Background Check
Learn more about the Master of Public Health from University of South Dakota

Last updated: November 2023