Health, Behavior and Society
We discover and apply ways to change human behavior to improve public health.
Health, Behavior and Society Headlines
OTC Narcan: A Win for Public Health
Narcan, the naloxone nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdose, was just FDA-approved for over-the-counter sale—a major victory for harm reduction advocates and public health.
Caregivers Need Care, Too
Nearly all older adults with Alzheimer’s disease rely on the help of family and other unpaid help. Experts on aging share essential tips and resources for these caregivers to also care for themselves.
The Tobacco Endgame
Inside the international fight to eliminate commercial tobacco sales
What We Do in the Department of Health, Behavior and Society
Our Department is dedicated to research, education, and practice on public health issues rooted in human behavior and social conditions—from smoking and substance use to diabetes and HIV and more. We develop and evaluate individually targeted interventions, work with communities to address social factors that affect health, and improve public policy and other structural factors to improve the health of millions at a time.
Learn how the Department of Health, Behavior and Society partners with communities to change behaviors, eliminate health disparities, and improve the health of their citizens.
Health, Behavior and Society Highlights
3,000+
professional publications by HBS faculty as of August 2020
57
full-time HBS faculty
2
HBS faculty members named to the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Insights and Sciences for Health
75+
full-time HBS master's and doctoral students
Health, Behavior and Society Programs
We offer three master's degrees, one PhD, and seven certificate programs focused on behavioral and societal impacts on public health.
We also offer two combined bachelor's/master's degrees to Johns Hopkins University undergraduate students of all majors.
Master of Health Science (MHS) in Social Factors in Health
Application deadline is extended to May 1, 2023. The MHS in Social Factors in Health is an advanced research degree offering training in the theory and methods of social and behavioral sciences and public health.
Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Health Education and Health Communication
Application deadline is extended to May 1, 2023. The MSPH in Health Education and Health Communication offers specialized academic training in health education, health promotion, and health communication.
Master of Science (ScM) in Genetic Counseling
The ScM in Genetic Counseling is designed to prepare graduates to provide genetic counseling with an emphasis on clients’ psychological and educational needs.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social and Behavioral Sciences
The PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences trains graduates to apply social and behavioral science perspectives to research on contemporary health issues.
Centers and Institutes in the Department of Health, Behavior and Society
We are home to seven Centers and Institutes that engage in research and practice around our work.
Rajiv Rimal, PhD, MA,
chairs the Department of Health, Behavior and Society. He works globally on social and behavior change interventions with a focus on gender norms.
Support Our Department
A gift to our department can help to provide student scholarships and internships, attract and retain faculty, and support innovation.