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 This 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.
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
RESEARCH & PRACTICE
Be prepared for academics and the field
What Can You Do With This Degree?
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
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 this program's requirements 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.
Areas of Interest
- 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.
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.

Julie Denison, PhD '06, MHS '99, develops interventions for youth living with HIV, with a focus on the role of family and environmental and structural determinants of 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 Tasleem Saleem, PhD ’14, MPH, ’09, studies how to improve the sexual and reproductive health of people living with HIV and to mitigate the risks of injection drug use.
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.
Cristina Salazar, MA
Academic Program Manager
csalazar@jhu.edu
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