Prevention Science, MS

Program Overview

The Prevention Science MS program is a research-intensive program that focuses on promoting health and well-being in human populations. The program's objectives are to advance the understanding of risk and protective factors, translate research findings into effective programs and policies, and develop partnerships to disseminate effective programs into routine practice. Graduates of the program typically obtain employment in community prevention settings, health departments, non-profit human service agencies, social advocacy centers, or university settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Prevention Science MS program is a multidisciplinary, research-intensive program focused on promoting health and well-being in human populations.
• The program's objectives are to:
• Advance the understanding of risk and protective factors.
• Translate research findings into effective programs and policies.
• Develop successful partnerships with local, national, and international organizations to disseminate effective programs into routine practice.
• The program is intended for students with a bachelor's degree in a related discipline or experience in human development, psychology, education, biology, human physiology, nutrition, or prevention science.
• Graduates of the program typically obtain employment in community prevention settings, health departments, non-profit human service agencies, social advocacy centers, or university settings.

Outline:

• The program's content covers the following areas:
• Risk and protective factors for health and well-being.
• Research methods and statistics.
• Program development and evaluation.
• Policy analysis and advocacy.
• The program's structure consists of:
• Core courses in prevention science.
• Elective courses in related fields.
• Research practicum.
• Thesis.
• The course schedule is designed to allow students to complete the program in two years of full-time study.
• The individual modules include:
• Core Courses:
• Introduction to Prevention Science
• Research Methods in Prevention Science
• Statistics for Prevention Science
• Program Development and Evaluation in Prevention Science
• Policy Analysis and Advocacy in Prevention Science
• Elective Courses:
• Students can choose from a variety of elective courses in related fields, such as:
• Behavioral Health
• Child Development
• Education
• Health Promotion
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Social Work
• Research Practicum:
• Students complete a research practicum in a community-based setting.
• Thesis:
• Students complete a thesis that presents the results of their research.

Assessment:

• Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Exams
• Papers
• Presentations
• Research projects

Teaching:

• The program's faculty are experts in prevention science and related fields.
• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Simulations
• Hands-on experience
• The program also offers a unique opportunity for students to develop long-term collaborations with faculty members both within and outside the program.

Careers:

• Graduates of the program have a wide range of career opportunities, including:
• Behavioral health specialists
• Case managers
• Interventionists
• Prevention specialists
• Program managers
• Research project coordinators
• Many graduates also choose to continue their graduate education in pursuit of doctoral training in the fields of counseling psychology, couples & family therapy, psychology, prevention science, school psychology, public health, or social work.