MPH in Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences

The Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences (BSHES) is dedicated to advancing health equity through innovative research and community-engaged practices addressing the multi-level determinants of health. Our community is motivated to examine and challenge systemic patterns of inequity and exclusion to bring about meaningful social change and improve population health. We aim to provide an inclusive learning environment and community where all students can thrive.

Our Master of Public Health (MPH) students receive intensive training in theories and methods of health promotion and health equity, planning and design of culturally informed interventions, program evaluation and data analysis, and principles of community engagement. Our curriculum is carefully constructed to enable our BSHES graduates to achieve a range of professional options in their journeys to bring about positive impacts on community health and wellbeing.

There are three ways to complete the BSHES MPH program:

BSHES Program Offerings	Time for Completion	Description
Traditional Program	Two academic years (4 semesters)	Students take at least 9 credit hours per semester.
Dual Degree Program	One academic year (2 semesters)	Students complete their MPH while also in another graduate program, such as law, medicine, nursing, physical therapy, business, or theological studies, among others. See more information here.
Part Time Program	Four academic years (8 semesters)	Students take about 5-6 credit hours per semester to offer flexibility in scheduling. See more information here.

Skills

Our students develop transferable skills that can be applied in a diverse settings and communities.

Health promotion theories and methods
Foundations for promoting health equity in public health research and practice
Qualitative and quantitative methods and data analysis
Community assessment, program planning, and evaluation

Jobs

BSHES MPH graduates work in a variety of public health research and practice settings, including in the public sector, in healthcare and service delivery settings, in consulting, in private industry, and in academia

Click the pie chart to see careers of alumni, by sector.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the SOPHAS application, all applicants will need to submit the following materials when applying to Rollins.

Personal statement, including your interest in the field of public health and your specific interest in the Rollins School of Public Health and BSHES.
College transcripts
Two letters of recommendation
Resume

Detailed information about each of these admission requirements can be found in Admissions.

We aim to matriculate a diverse cohort of students who hold the BSHES values of equity, social justice, and engagement. We firmly believe that each student brings unique skills and talents that enhance and contribute to the BSHES community. Thus, we consider all aspects of your application in the review process.

Important: Evidence of quantitative skill and writing ability must be expressed in the application.

MPH Degree Requirements

42 credit hours: includes Applied Practice Experience and Integrative Learning Experience (thesis or capstone project).

Capstone Project

Capstone projects allow students to explore a topic of interest in depth and to increase practical skills and experience, sharpen presentation skills, gain peer feedback, and increase career development.

Students complete a capstone project through a structured course on Health Equity or Grant Writing.

Examples of past capstone project titles include:

Residential Segregation: Impacts and Pathways to Violence and Cardiovascular Disease among Metropolitan Black Residents

Exploring How Racial Bias Affects Differences in Opioid Prescribing Practices for Black and White Patients in the U.S.

Coordinated and Compassionate Systems: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Understanding and Responding to Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Juvenile Justice-Involved Youth

uSTAT: A Universal Testing and Treatment Approach to Addressing the Re-emergence of Syphilis and Congenital Syphilis

Learn more »

Thesis

Thesis projects are independent research or evaluation projects that a student completes with the mentorship of a thesis chair and committee. The thesis facilitates the development of students' skills in conducting research, and analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating study findings.

Examples of past thesis titles include:

“Now they’re sober and they’re broke.” A qualitative study of people who use drugs’ naloxone experiences

'It’s Like Your Body is Fighting Against You’: Perceptions and Experiences Regarding Quality of Life in Black Women Diagnosed with Endometriosis

“We want to improve our practices. We want to improve patient outcomes”: An Evaluation of UCLA Health’s Data-Sharing Partnership with 12 Hospice Agencies

Impact of developmental disability on school absenteeism in U.S. children aged 6-17 years: National Survey of Children’s Health, 2016-2017

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Learn more »

Applied Practice Experience (APE)

An Applied Practice Experience (APE) is a unique opportunity for graduate students to integrate and apply practical skills and training learned through course work and prior experiences in a professional public health environment. All RSPH graduate students are required to complete an APE of at least 200 work hours in a public health agency, institution, or community under the supervision of site supervisor and the guidance of the Department. Although there are no credits associated with the APE requirement, the completion of the requirement is noted on the student’s transcript.

Learn more »

Certificates

Students can also choose from a range of Certificates to pursue deeper exploration of specific areas of interests such as Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health among others.

View Certificates

Catalog & Schedules

RSPH Catalog

Academic Calendar

Enrollment Services & Course Schedules

Other Useful Info

Tuition Costs »

International Applicant Info »

Registrar Details »

Global Field Experience »

Clifton Notes »

Student Resources »

BSHES MPH FAQ »

Rachel Corbett, Assistant Director of Academic Programs

The Assistant/Associate Directors of Academic Programs can assist with course-related questions.

Rachel Corbett - Phone: 404-727-9199, Email: rachel.whitney.corbett@emory.edu

Brianna Binns - Email: brianna.bins@emory.edu