MPH in Social & Behavioral Sciences
My Degree and What It’s Good For
Public health is concerned with the health of a population, rather than with treating individuals. If students get a Master of Public Health (MPH), one of the areas in which they can specialize in social and behavioral sciences. A community’s traditions, laws, and habits are all tightly yoked to that community’s health. Huge improvements to a community’s standards of living can be caused by changing a few minor but widespread habits in that community. Someone with a Master of Public Health and a concentration on behavioral science may conduct research or implement programs to improve public health in a population by changing that community’s own behavior.
The field of social science looks at the impact of social behavior on a population’s health, which behavioral science studies the communication and interaction processes within a population and how this effects health. Some of the areas students study as part of their degree program include:
- genetics
- psychology
- data analysis
- anthropology
- history
- research methods
- public policy
- sociology
Once students have their MPH degree, they can work for a variety of types of employers including government health departments, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, research laboratories, and more. Having a MPH also means that students qualify for more advanced positions in the field of public health, working in an administration or management position.
My Earning Potential
There is no reliable data about how much graduates of MPH – Behavioral Science programs earn once they enter the workforce, but since many who are interested in behavioral science pursue sociological research, it may be useful to look at the data collected by The Bureau of Labor Statistics for that career path. Sociologists earned a mean annual wage of $80,130 as of May 2008.
Most MPH programs last about two years for full time students. Students can also go to school part time to earn their master’s degree, which is optimal for students who want to continue to work as they get their degree. A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite of nearly all MPH programs, but credit transferability, costs, and the speed at which a program can be completed vary by school, so contacting an actual university is the best way to get detailed information about a particular program.
Online MPH Degrees in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Capella University – MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Best Online MPH (Master of Public Health) Degrees
Public health is the science of preventing disease and promoting health at the population level. Programs prepare students to become leading public health professionals capable of addressing current global public health problems. By clicking on the logos below, you can receive more information regarding your degree and school of choice.
Master of Public HealthMPH: Disaster Mgmt MPH: Health Education MPH: Health Policy MPH/MBA Dual Degree |
Benedictine University – Benedictine University's Master's in Public Health program features a curriculum of public health core with a focus on the needs of today's healthcare industry. Courses feature a conceptual, factual, and skill base where students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a professional setting. Benedictine offers areas of emphasis within their MPH program: disaster management, health education, and healthcare policy. They also offer an MPH/MBA dual degree. |
Master of Public HealthMPH: Health Education |
Kaplan University – Graduates of the Kaplan University MPH program are ready to take their careers to the next stage at the government, nonprofit, or private level. The online program provides students with an education on how to analyze and apply scientific research, prepare public health policies, develop health education programs, and review the impact of occupational and environmental factors. Kaplan offers several specializations within their MPH program, including health education. |
Master of Public HealthMPA: Health Policy |
Walden University – The Walden University MPH degree teaches the development of healthy individuals, organizations, and communities. The program provides core study in the public health field, using real-world teaching methodology, industry leading professors, and a capstone fieldwork practicum. Those interested in policymaking may find Walden's MPA in health policy to be of interest. |
Master of Public Health |
Grand Canyon University – The Grand Canyon University Master of Public Health program is recognized as a leader in training the next generation of public health advocates. Featuring a curriculum that is developed around a multidisciplinary methodology, courses include Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health, and Social, Behavioral, and Cultural Factors in Public Health. |
Master of Public HealthMPH: Behavioral Science MPH: Health Policy |
Capella University – The MPH program at Capella University prepares students for careers in public health management, social welfare, or research. Key facets of the curriculum include the behavioral, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the health of populations. Specializations include behavioral science and healthcare policy. Courses include International Public Health, Environmental Health Concepts in Public Health, and Principles of Biostatistics. |
MS: Disaster Mgmt |
Philadelphia University – The Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Management at Philadelphia University is focused on the study of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, hazardous materials, natural disasters, psychological effects of disasters, stress intervention, and disaster research. In a post 9/11 world, this knowledge is in high demand. |
MHA: Health EducationMHA |
University of Phoenix – The Master of Health Administration and MHA in Health Education programs at the University of Phoenix provide a foundation in sciences with a relevant working knowledge of the industry. Graduates of either online degree program will be empowered to both analyze current public health care environments and have the tools necessary to improve their management. |
MS: Health Communication |
Boston University – At the Boston University online Master of Science in Health Communication program, students are taught cutting edge methods in hospital administration through a dynamic curriculum that examines current healthcare issues. The program gives students a world class education in the art of communicating health literacy. |
Master of Public HealthMPH: Epidemiology MPH: Health Mgmt MPH: Intl Public Health |
University of Liverpool – The University of Liverpool Master of Public Health degree provides a foundation in the science of promoting health and preventing disease. Areas of emphasis within the MPH program include epidemiology, healthcare management, and international public health. As an added convenience, the university offers a modular system that provides students the flexibility of obtaining credits at partner institutions. |
MS: Health ServicesMBA: Health Services |
Strayer University – Strayer University offers two health services administration degrees through its accredited online program. The Master of Health Services Administration prepares students for high-level careers as healthcare managers, managed healthcare plan coordinators, hospital administrators, and much more. The MBA in health services administration gives students a well-rounded business education in addition to healthcare-specific knowledge. |


Our blog addresses the professional and educational development of Master of Public Health (MPH) students. 









