Program Overview

Master of Public Health in Health Behavior (MPH)

The Master of Public Health in Health Behavior (MPH) is a residential program that focuses on the social and behavioral aspects of public health. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence health behavior and the skills to develop and implement effective health promotion programs.

Program Details

• Minimum Credit Hours: 42
• Application Cycle: Fall
• Designation: The MPH Health Behavior concentration is not a STEM-designated degree under the approved categories from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Priority Deadline (For Fall Graduate School Fellowship Consideration): SOPHAS must be submitted by December 1, 2025. The UNC Graduate School supplemental application must be submitted by December 16, 2025.
• Final Deadline: SOPHAS must be submitted by February 1, 2026. The UNC Graduate School supplemental application must be submitted by February 10, 2026.
• Expected Duration: 2 Years
• Learning Environment: Residential
• Dual Degree Options Available: Please visit our MPH Dual Degrees page for more information.

Admissions Information

• Health Behavior Concentration Preferences: Preference is given to applicants with the equivalent of 1-2 years full-time work or sustained volunteer experience in public health/health behavior.
• Minimum Graduate Admissions Requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree (based on a four-year curriculum) completed before graduate study begins or its international equivalent with an accredited institution
  • An average grade of B (cumulative GPA 3.0) or better
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3 academic and/or professional
• Faculty-Student Match Required: Not Required
• Interviews Required: Not Required
• Visit Opportunities: Learn about opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and current students virtually and in person.

Application Process

1. Complete online SOPHAS application:

• See SOPHAS website for complete checklist of SOPHAS steps as not all are listed here.
• Applicants will enter all coursework information into SOPHAS and submit an official transcript to SOPHAS.
• Upload a statement of purpose.
• Provide the names and contact information for 3 recommenders.
• Report test scores, if applicable, to SOPHAS.
• Send official transcripts from every institution attended directly to SOPHAS.
• Check SOPHAS portal to track progress.

2. Complete UNC Graduate School supplemental application:

• Once the SOPHAS application has been received by UNC, an email with instructions for completing the UNC Graduate School supplemental application will be sent to the applicant.
• Although the Graduate School application will import some information from SOPHAS, applicants will be asked to answer residency and honor code questions, upload a copy of their unofficial transcript(s), and pay the application fee.

3. Application review process:

• Concentration(s) review the application and recommend a decision.
• UNC Graduate School reviews concentration recommendations and renders a final decision.

Costs and Funding

• Tuition and Fees: Please visit the UNC Cashier’s Office and use the Graduate and Professional Program Tuition and Fees link.
• Funding Opportunities:
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply before the priority deadline to be eligible for UNC Graduate School scholarships and fellowships.
  • Please refer to our School’s Costs and Funding page and/or UNC-Chapel Hill’s Office of Scholarships and Student Aid (OSSA) website.
  • Apply for FEDERAL financial aid by March 1.
  • Departments and concentrations contact admitted students regarding award packages throughout the admissions cycle.