• Course Delivery
    100% Online
  • Total Credits
    45
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit
    $556.00
  • Out of State Tuition Per Credit
    $1350.00

Social and Behavioral Sciences, MPH

Master of Public Health

The IU Online MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences prepares graduates to improve the health of communities, families and individuals by improving social factors that influence health behaviors and outcomes. Students gain knowledge and skills through engaging virtual classroom experiences, meaningful assignments, and impactful internships. Students are supported in their learning by award-winning faculty who are committed teachers, and researchers leading projects that are making positive changes in communities. The social and behavioral sciences faculty, staff and student body are humanitarians dedicated to advancing the dignity of all people.

As a student in this program, you will study in depth the social determinants of health, from theoretical to practical, hands on perspectives. You learn through many different methods and experiences how to best address the social determinants of health and thus improve the health of our population. Instructional experiences include: partnering with a community agency to produce a community needs assessment and community health plan, writing policy briefs, developing grant proposals to help a community agency, analyzing and addressing health disparities, and producing a podcast episode.

Students can tailor the degree by choosing one of the following focus areas:

  • Global Maternal and Child Health
  • Public Health Communications

The IU Online MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences prepares you to pursue careers in government agencies, non-profit agencies, healthcare systems or private industry. Careers might include:

  • Social services program coordinator, manager, director
  • Program monitoring and evaluation coordinator
  • Community development consultant
  • Gender equity specialist
  • Health communicator 
  • Health program coordinator
  • Health and wellness manager
  • Health educator
  • Clinical research coordinator
  • Social and community service manager

Degree Requirements

To earn the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences, you must complete a total of 45 credit hours. Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • Public health core courses (12 credits)
  • Social and behavioral sciences concentration courses (21 credits)
  • Focus area courses (6 credits)
  • Electives (3 credits)
  • Public health practical experience (3 credits)

Admissions

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  1. A bachelor’s degree
  2. Minimum of one year of undergraduate mathematics
  3. GPA of 3.0 or higher, or official GRE scores 
To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:
  1. Official transcripts
  2. GRE (students with GPA below 3.0 only)
  3. Personal statement (500 words)
  4. Resume
  5. Three letters of recommendation
  6. TOEFL or IELTS scores (international applicants only)
  7. Interview (if applicable)

Courses

Core

PBHL-P 510Introduction to Public Health3 Credits
PBHL-P 511Comprehensive Methods and Applications in Biostatistics and Epidemiology3 Credits
PBHL-P 512Communication and Leadership3 Credits
PBHL-P 513Planning, Evaluation, and Management3 Credits

Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration courses

PBHL-S 605The Biological Foundation of Public Health1 Credit
PBHL-S 617Health Promotion and Disease Prevention3 Credits
PBHL-S 619Health Disparities and Health Equity3 Credits
PBHL-S 620Biopsychosocial Exploration of Stress3 Credits
PBHL-S 615Qualitative Methods3 Credits
PBHL-S 662Integrated Learning Experience 1: Advanced Program Planning4 Credits
PBHL-S 664Integrated Learning Experience 2: Research Methods and Program Evaluation4 Credits

Focus area courses:

Global Maternal Child Health

PBHL-S 630Global Maternal and Child Health3 Credits
PBHL-S 635A Biosocial Approach to Global Health3 Credits

Public Health Communication

PBHL-S 622Coaching for Health and Wellness3 Credits
PBHL-S 625Applied Public Health Campaigns3 Credits

Public Health Practice Experience

PBHL-S 602Applied Practice Experience (APE)3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Tuition & Fees

Cost for Indiana Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $556.00
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $1668.00
Note: 

Additional fees will apply.

Cost for Out of State Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $1350.00
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $4050.00
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