About
Many of today’s most intractable public health issues —from smoking and substance use to diabetes and HIV —are rooted in human behavior and social conditions.
The Department of Health, Behavior and Society tackles these issues from every angle—by developing and evaluating individually targeted interventions, working with entire communities to address the social factors that affect health, and improving public policy and other structural interventions to improve the health of millions at a time.
Health communication and health education, community-level interventions, and the behavioral aspects of genetics and genetic counseling are among are core areas of focus.
The Department conducts empirical research in Baltimore, the U.S., and in over 45 countries around the world.
We have three master's programs and one PhD program focused on behavioral and societal impacts on public health.
- Master of Science in Public Health in Health Education & Health Communication
- Master of Health Science (MHS) in Health, Behavior and Society
- Master of Science in Genetic Counseling
- Doctor of Philosophy in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Additionally, our department sponsors seven certificate programs for professionals seeking continuing education.
Health, Behavior and Society faculty members have established a prolific body of research. As of August 2020, they have published over 3,000 peer-reviewed manuscripts.
The Department also has an exceptional record of providing scientific input to key decision-makers, from the President to Congress to state health departments to local community-based organizations to the private sector.