Health, Behavior and Society
We discover and apply ways to change human behavior to improve public health.
Health, Behavior and Society Headlines
Recommendations for Building a National Public Health System
The public health system has been fragmented and haphazard for years, and COVID-19 showed just how consequential a weak system can be.
Justice Builders
In righting wrongs, they’re protecting the health of millions.
If Roe Falls
Medication abortion or traveling to other states will be options for some. Others will endure unsafe procedures or other costs.
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
The MHS in Social Factors in Health is an advanced research degree for students with undergraduate exposure to social and behavioral sciences and/or public health who are interested in further training in the theory and methods in this area.
Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Health Education and Health Communication
The MSPH in Health Education and Health Communication offers specialized formal 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
Our doctoral program is designed for individuals seeking training for careers as social and behavioral scientists, health educators, and health promotion or communication specialists in the public health arena.
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.