Degree Programs
Master of Public Health - Social and Behavioral Sciences
The Indiana University MPH Program is a unique program which can be completed on a part-time basis in three years, or on a full-time basis in two years. Most of the required MPH courses are offered in the evening to allow working professionals the opportunity to continue their education. Through case studies, group and individual projects, and internships, students will explore public health problems and issues, learn how to think critically and work in teams. Courses are taught by scholars and practitioners drawn from many disciplines and perspectives.
The MPH Program at IU School of Public Health is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
The Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration will prepare students to use behavioral science and educational content and research methods in the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions designed to affect health behaviors in populations. Health assessment and program planning and evaluation are essential in understanding the psychosocial factors associated with health status. Students will learn how to use research, communications, and management tools to solve health problems in various professional settings including clinical, school, work site and community programs.
Social and Behavioral Sciences Curriculum
To complete this degree, you will take a combination of Public Health Core Courses, SBS Concentration Courses, Public Health Electives Courses, and Public Health Practical Experience Courses that together total 45 credits. The specific distribution of courses is as follows:
Public Health Core Courses
Take all 4 courses for a total of 12 credits
- PBHL P510 Introduction to Public Health (3 credits)
- PBHL P511 Comprehensive Methods and Applications in Biostatistics and Epidemiology (3 credits)
- PBHL P513 Planning, Evaluation & Management (3 credits)
- PBHL P512 Communication & Leadership (3 credits)
Social and Behavioral Science Concentration Courses
Take all 7 courses for a total of 21 credits
- S615 Qualitative Methods (3 credits)
- S617 Health Promotion & Disease Prevention (3 credits)
- S620 A Biopsychosocial Approach to Stress (3 credits)
- S670 Health Disparities and Health Equity (3 credits)
- S670 The Biological Foundation of Public Health (1 credit)
- S614 Integrated Learning Experience 1: Advanced Program Planning (4 credits)
- S510 Integrated Learning Experience 2: Research Methods and Program Evaluation (4 credits)
All students will choose a focus area of either "Global Maternal and Child Health" or "Public Health Communications" and take 2 courses for 6 credits in their chosen focus area
Global Maternal and Child Health
- S670 Global Maternal and Child Health (3 credits)
- S660 A Biosocial Approach to Global Health (3 credits)
Public Health Communication
- S625 Applied Public Health Campaigns (3 credits)
- S622 Coaching for Health and Wellness (3 credits)
Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective Courses
Select 1 course for a total of 3 credits. If a course below is not in your selected focus area of either "Global Maternal and Child Health" or "Public Health Communications," it can be taken as an elective.
- S622 Coaching for Health Behavior Change (3 credits)
- S625 Applied Public Health Campaigns (3 credits)
- S631 Maternal and Family Child Health (3 credits)
- S640 Culture and Health (3 credits)
- S660 A Biosocial Approach to Global Health (3 credits)
- S670 Global Maternal and Child Health (3 credits)
Public Health Practical Experience
Take the course below for a total of 3 credits
- S602 MPH Applied Practice Experience (APE) (3 credits)
Admission Criteria
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college.
- Official GRE scores, if cumulative undergraduate GPA from all universities attended is below 3.0.
- Minimum of one year of undergraduate mathematics (e.g. algebra, statistics, or finite math).
- Competent written and oral communication skills.
- Students meeting these requirements are not guaranteed admission. Other admission factors include references, work experience, the personal statement, and personal interview (if applicable).
MPH applications and supplemental materials must be submitted to SOPHAS (Schools of Public Health Application Service). SOPHAS is meant to facilitate the collection of common application materials and general information. For more information and frequently asked questions please visit sophas.org. In addition to the SOPHAS application all applicants will be required to complete a short application to the IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) Online Graduate And Professional Admissions Application system at the link provided within the SOPHAS application.
Admission Requirements
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Recommendations
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
Applicants who have earned a cumulative undergraduate GPA of below a 3.0 are required to submit official scores from the GRE taken within the past 5 years. International applicants whose undergraduate work was completed at institutions outside of the U.S. or Canada are required to submit scores from the GRE regardless of cumulative GPA. The cumulative undergraduate GPA is calculated using all undergraduate grades earned from all colleges and universities attended. The GRE is not required of applicants who have a graduate or professional degree from a U.S. or Canadian college or university. The following exams can be substituted for the GRE: DAT, ECFMG, LSAT, OAT, GMAT, MCAT, or USMLE (steps one and two).
International Applicants
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health requires applicants whose native language is not English or whose academic study was done exclusively at non-English speaking institutions to prove English proficiency by providing either official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. Scores must be under two years old.
