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Indiana University Online

Social and Behavioral Sciences, M.P.H.

Develop a deeper understanding of how social factors influence the health of communities, families, and individuals with the IU Online Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences. This flexible degree program teaches you how to improve the public health of our communities, supported by award-winning, dedicated faculty. 

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 45

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $528.99

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $634.42

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

Degree Overview

As a student in the IU Online M.P.H. in Social and Behavioral Sciences, you’ll engage with meaningful coursework to address the social determinants of health. Through a wide variety of instructional experiences, you’ll engage with both theoretical and practical applications of social and behavioral sciences in the public health sphere.

You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

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)
Application Dates

Fall semester: July 1

Fall semester (international students): Apr 1

Spring semester: Nov 1

Spring semester (international students): Sep 15

The IU Online M.P.H. 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

To earn the M.P.H. in Social and Behavioral Sciences, you must complete 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)

Core

Core Classes for the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Course Number Course Name Credits
PBHL-P 510 Introduction to Public Health 3 Credits
PBHL-P 511 Comprehensive Methods and Applications in Biostatistics and Epidemiology 3 Credits
PBHL-P 512 Communication and Leadership 3 Credits
PBHL-P 513 Planning, Evaluation, and Management 3 Credits

Social and Behavioral Sciences Concentration

Social and Behavioral Sciences Concentration Courses for the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Course Number Course Name Credits
PBHL-S 605 The Biological Foundation of Public Health 1 Credit
PBHL-S 617 Health Promotion and Disease Prevention 3 Credits
PBHL-S 619 Health Disparities and Health Equity 3 Credits
PBHL-S 620 Biopsychosocial Exploration of Stress 3 Credits
PBHL-S 615 Qualitative Methods 3 Credits
PBHL-S 662 Integrated Learning Experience 1: Advanced Program Planning 4 Credits
PBHL-S 664 Integrated Learning Experience 2: Research Methods and Program Evaluation 4 Credits

Focus Area

Focus Area Courses for the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Course Number Course Name Credits
PBHL-S 630 Global Maternal and Child Health 3 Credits
PBHL-S 635 A Biosocial Approach to Global Health 3 Credits
PBHL-S 622  Coaching for Health and Wellness 3 Credits
PBHL-S 625 Applied Public Health Campaigns 3 Credits

Public Health Practice Experience

Public Health Practice Experience Courses for the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Course Number Course Name Credits
PBHL-S 602 Applied Practice Experience (APE) 3 Credits

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

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