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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH (MSPH)

Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Social and Behavioral Interventions

Offered By: Department of International Health

Onsite | Full-Time | 1.5–2 years

About the MSPH in Social and Behavioral Interventions Program

The SBI Program conducts research and training on the development, implementation and evaluation of social science-based public health interventions to benefit the underserved globally and locally.

This is a STEM designated program. Eligible F-1 visa students can receive an additional 24 months of work authorization, beyond the initial 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

MSPH in Social and Behavioral Interventions Program Highlights

Our work is multi-disciplinary. We draw on the theoretical and methodological approaches of medical anthropology, nutritional anthropology, social epidemiology, behavioral psychology, health education, and other social science and public health disciplines.

Global network

Practicum opportunities around the world

Mixed methods

Develop qualitative and quantitative skills

Hands-on training

Learn through practicums in North America and globally

STEM Designated

Eligibility for a 24-month STEM OPT extension

What Can You Do With a Graduate Degree In Social And Behavioral Interventions?

Alumni take on positions where they are able to provide technical assistance in assessing the sociocultural context surrounding public health interventions, and in the development, implementation and evaluation of social and behavioral change programs, to improve the health of underserved communities locally and globally.

Job Title Organization

Associate

Rabin Martin

Key Populations Advisor

USAID

Health Program Planner

San Francisco Department of Public Health, Community Health and Equity Promotion

WASH BCC Specialist

UNICEF Zambia

Program Director

D-tree International,

Project Manager

Ona

Consultant for Social Art and Behavior Change

One Drop Foundation

Research Coordinator

Center on Gender Equity and Health

Program Associate for Behavior Change

Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, UN Foundation

Informed Consent Specialist

Merck, Kenilworth, NJ

Research & Evaluation Officer

ThinkWell

Curriculum for the MSPH in Social and Behavioral Interventions

Through multiple practicum opportunities, the program offers students extensive hands-on exposure to the development and implementation of social and behavioral interventions globally or locally.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this master's program in the JHU Academic Catalogue, explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School Course Directory, and find many more details in the program's Student Handbook.

Courses Available in the Following Areas:

  • Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
  • Behavior change
  • Community mobilization
  • Maternal and child health
  • Social anthropology
  • Social epidemiology
  • Behavioral psychology
  • Sexual and Reproductive Health
  • Mental Health
  • Indigenous health

Admissions Requirements

For general admissions requirements, please visit the How to Apply page.

Prior Work Experience

Not required but desirable

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are optional for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions. Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Student Spotlight

Neve Durrwachter

MSPH student, Class of 2023

Practicum topic: Lifestyle Medicine Implementation in U.S. Health Systems

Practicum description: My research is a cross-case analysis to determine how workplace culture influences practitioner’s ability to provide and engage in lifestyle medicine programs that treat chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.

Practicum organization: American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Advice to students: Don’t worry if you don’t have a clear direction for your degree or career, and it's okay if your interests evolve. There is an abundance of formative opportunities at the Bloomberg School, so don’t settle for one that is less than ideal and don’t be afraid to reach out to faculty because they are more than willing to help you along your journey!

Neve Durrwachter

Program Faculty Spotlight

Caitlin Kennedy
Professor
International Health

Caitlin Kennedy PhD ’09, MPH ’04, is a social and behavioral scientist with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and HIV prevention, and resource-limited settings.

Associate Professor
International Health

Victoria M. O’Keefe, PhD, MS, works to achieve strengths-based and culturally informed suicide prevention, mental health promotion, and wellness among Indigenous communities.

Haneefa Saleem
Assistant Professor
International Health

Haneefa Tasleem Saleem, PhD ’14, MPH, ’09, conducts research to inform and evaluate approaches aimed at improving HIV prevention and treatment and other health outcomes for people who use drugs globally.

Tuition and Funding

The Master’s Tuition Scholarship is available to students in good academic standing in a two-year, full-time master’s program. The MTS is a 75% reduction in tuition for year two of an eight-term program.

Contact Us

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Elisabeth Simmons, MEd
Academic Program Administrator
esimmo15@jhu.edu

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