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. Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.
| 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 are required for this program. This program accepts the following standardized test scores: GRE. 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!
Program Faculty Spotlight
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.
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 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.
Additionally, Johns Hopkins University, thanks to support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, offers need-based scholarships for students enrolled in an MSPH program. These need-based scholarships, which cover up to 50% of tuition costs in the first year of study, will enable the best and brightest students with an interest in public health to obtain the highest-quality professional public health education available. Students who are first-generation graduate students, and have exceptional undergraduate academic records, will be prioritized for this need-based scholarship.
To be considered for an MSPH need-based scholarship, applicants should submit their SOPHAS application and supporting documents by the January 15 application deadline, along with the CSS profile to the Financial Aid Office using code 5315 no later than February 15. Applicants should indicate their interest in the scholarship by answering “yes” to the school specific question in their SOPHAS application for the MSPH program of their choice.
Contact Us
Questions about the program? We're happy to help.
Elisabeth Simmons, MEd
Academic Program Administrator
esimmo15@jhu.edu
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