Degrees Offered, Concentrations and Course Requirements
The MPH program in Behavioral & Community Health Science (BCHS) prepares students for professional careers in which they will develop and deliver programs to improve and maintain health in our communities.
It is a 45-credit degree program that consists of core courses in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Health Services Administration and Management, Behavioral Health Science, and Ethics, as well as Fieldwork and Thesis/Capstone.
The Capstone Project for the Masters of Public Health (MPH) in Behavioral and Community Health Science (BCHS) is an experience that focuses on examining how behavioral, psychosocial, socioeconomic factors, and other social determinants influence public health. This experience may include planning, implementing or evaluating a specific intervention, but must contribute to the body of knowledge on reducing health disparities or improving the health status of communities or populations. Options include:
- A written thesis applying theories and principles of BCHS in conjunction with other applicable public health disciplines;
- A major paper based on an approved field experience;
- A special project involving research, data collection, assessment, or intervention, e.g., writing a full grant proposal; manuscript suitable for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
BCHS requirements include behavioral science theory; community analysis and ecology; culture and behavior in health care settings; health communication; health program development and planning; and monitoring and evaluation.
BCHS electives include behavioral theory application; chronic disease prevention and management; community-based participatory programming; diffusion methodologies: research; fuel and physical activity; geriatrics, infectious disease prevention; maternal and child programming; quantitative and quality research methods; rural health access; and survey design.
School of Public Health Course Requirements
Core courses in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Health Services Administration and Management, Behavioral and Community Health Science, and Ethics, as well as Fieldwork and Thesis/Capstone.
