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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Last updated: November 2023