Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Sciences at the NYU School of Global Public Health is a research-based degree that combines academic rigor with cutting-edge curriculum and award-winning faculty. This program enables students to make a positive impact on communities worldwide by tackling pressing challenges in achieving health equity at the behavioral, community, and societal levels.

Program Overview

The MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration prepares students to analyze and address the social, psychological, and behavioral factors shaping public health. Rooted in psychology and behavioral science, this program equips students with research skills and evidence-based approaches to design, implement, and evaluate interventions that drive behavioral change, reduce health disparities, and promote social justice.

Key Skills and Competencies

When graduating with the Social and Behavioral Sciences Concentration, students will be prepared to take on leadership roles in public health settings around the globe. They will stand out to employers with a skillset that has both breadth and depth, including the following competencies:

• Critically assess the literature related to social and behavioral aspects of health
• Explain major theories, trends, and debates in the social and behavioral sciences literature regarding health
• Assess the means by which structural bias and social inequities undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at the behavioral, community, and societal levels
• Apply the methods and analytic tools of social and behavioral science to design, implement, and analyze evaluation or research studies
• Apply ethical principles to public health research and evaluation
• Disseminate research findings to diverse audiences

Professional Development

At NYU GPH, professional development opportunities are more than just an offering—they're a priority. The school helps students develop the in-demand skills to make them fiercely competitive job applicants. As a boutique program, students have unmatched access to award-winning faculty, hands-on internships, and opportunities to work in active labs.

Curriculum

The program includes a set of core courses and concentration courses. Core courses include:

• GPH-GU 2030 Introduction to Global Health
• GPH-GU 2106 Epidemiology
• GPH-GU 2140 Global Issues in Social & Behavioral Health
• GPH-GU 2110 Health Care Policy
• GPH-GU 2112 Public Health Policy and Management
• GPH-GU 2153 Global Environmental Health
• GPH-GU 2995 Biostatistics for Public Health
• GPH-GU 5171 Global Health Informatics Workshop
• GPH-GU 5170 Introduction to Public Health

Concentration courses include:

• GPH-GU 2160 Qualitative and Field Methods
• GPH-GU 2361 Research Methods in Public Health
• GPH-GU 2353 Regression I: Linear Regression and Modeling
• GPH-GU 2354 Regression II: Categorical Data Analysis
• GPH-GU 2960 Theories in Public Health Practice, Policy & Research

Electives and Culminating Experience

Students are required to take 9 credits of electives and complete a culminating experience that consists of a practice experience and a two-semester MPH thesis.

Full-Time and Part-Time Study Options

The program can be completed in two years for full-time students and three to four years for part-time students. The curriculum is designed to accommodate working professionals, with some classes held at night and on weekends.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in any major from a regionally accredited institution or the international equivalent. The GRE is not required. Public health-related work, volunteer, research, and/or internship experience is valued but not required.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences program can pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Behavioral Health Specialist
• Health Promotion Coordinator
• Policy Analyst
• Research Assistant/Coordinator

Program Distinctions

The MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences program at NYU GPH is distinct due to its focus on the social and psychological factors that influence health behaviors and outcomes. The program's interdisciplinary approach, drawing from sociology, psychology, anthropology, and community development, prepares students to address complex health issues at the individual, community, and population levels.

Research Areas

Graduates address a range of health issues, including climate change and environmental health, substance use disorders, and intervention sciences and community health education. They work in various settings, such as public health agencies, non-profits, healthcare organizations, and academic institutions, applying research methods to inform policy and practice.

Conclusion

The Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences at NYU School of Global Public Health offers a comprehensive education that prepares students to make a significant difference in public health. With its strong foundation in research, practice, and policy, this program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex health challenges of the 21st century.