Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University’s College of Public Health trains students to assess and address the behavioral, cultural, and social factors that influence pressing public health problems. Through coursework, professional development opportunities, and fieldwork experiences, our MPH students learn to plan, implement and evaluate programs designed to improve the health of all people.

Social and behavioral sciences is a public health discipline that focuses on health promotion, illness prevention, and barriers to health behavior change, on both individual and health system levels. Professionals in this field use the tools and insights of the social and behavioral sciences to reduce health disparities and promote positive health outcomes, both in the general population and in vulnerable populations such as children, those with chronic physical and mental illnesses, and individuals living in poverty.

As a student in the social and behavioral sciences program, you will be prepared for practice-oriented careers in health counseling and education, health promotion, public health program development and evaluation, and research. Our graduates become public health leaders in community-based health agencies, healthcare systems, state and local public health departments, and voluntary health organizations. You will also be able to launch a career in research program management or continue your education in public health doctoral programs.

What sets apart our MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences?

• Real-world experience: Through the master’s program’s culminating fieldwork experience, students apply their classroom learning to real-world scenarios in health services or public health organizational settings that prepare them to launch their careers in social and behavioral sciences. You will benefit from the mentorship of a community agency partner and receive guidance from our program faculty.
• Renowned faculty: In and outside the classroom, you will engage with faculty who are experts in cancer prevention, chronic disease prevention, health communication, maternal and child health, nutrition and obesity, organ donation, substance dependence prevention and treatment, healthy lifestyle promotion, and more.
• Interdisciplinary education: The College of Public Health incorporates healthcare and health services disciplines, as well as traditional public health fields. Students can take elective courses across 17 disciplines that range from social work to rehabilitation sciences and speech-language pathology. This opportunity for interdisciplinary coursework and research gives you a broad perspective on health promotion and illness prevention and prepares you to excel in the complex, diverse field of public health.
• Research opportunities: Advanced students can engage in faculty research as volunteers, student workers, and research assistants. Research opportunities exist both within the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and across the College of Public Health.

The College of Public Health is preparing the next generation of researchers, practitioners, and clinicians to solve health’s complexities for a better tomorrow. Our thriving and diverse community is guided by a commitment to social justice and the belief that health is a human right.

Diversity and Inclusion

The College of Public Health’s diversity committee works to support policies and procedures that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

We embrace the differences, values, and unique qualities of every individual. We are committed to building a diverse educational community founded on respect, open-mindedness, and appreciation of others. We understand that diversity is expressed in myriad forms, including—but not limited to—race and ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, language, culture, national origin, religious commitments, age, disability status, and political perspectives.

Our policies, practices, and programs treat everyone equally, respectfully, and impartially. They exemplify our commitment to civility, non-discrimination, and pluralism, encouraging dialogue that builds meaningful and collaborative relationships throughout our academic, service, and research programs.

We promote a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment in which to work, learn and grow. We are committed to pursuing deliberate efforts to make our college a place where differences are welcomed and celebrated.

Our diverse learning environment

As a student in the College of Public Health, you will explore diversity, cultural competence, and health disparities within your coursework, and you will have the added benefit of learning and living with students, faculty, and staff who are similar yet different from you, thanks to the diversity that exists within our college. Temple University and the College of Public Health are known for the diversity within our student body.

Studying in our diverse environment will allow you to explore your own values and how they influence your thoughts and behaviors. It will also prepare you to more effectively work in the health and human services fields because you will value the uniqueness of each client and group that you serve.

Embrace this unique aspect of your Temple education by participating in one of the many service learning opportunities sponsored by the Office for Clinical Practice and Field Education.