Social and Behavioral Sciences,
MPH

Master of Public Health

Course Delivery

100% Online
Total Credits

45
In-State Tuition Per Credit

$566.00
Out of State Tuition Per Credit

$610.00

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:

A bachelor’s degree
Minimum of one year of undergraduate mathematics
GPA of 3.0 or higher, or official GRE scores

To apply to this program, complete an online application that includes:

Official transcripts
GRE (students with GPA below 3.0 only)
Personal statement (500 words)
Resume
Three letters of recommendation
TOEFL or IELTS scores (international applicants only)
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

Courses

Core

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 courses

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 courses:

Global Maternal Child Health

PBHL-S 630	Global Maternal and Child Health	3 Credits
PBHL-S 635	A Biosocial Approach to Global Health	3 Credits

Public Health Communication

PBHL-S 622	Coaching for Health and Wellness	3 Credits
PBHL-S 625	Applied Public Health Campaigns	3 Credits

Public Health Practice Experience

PBHL-S 602

Applied 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: $566.00

3 Credit Hours
Tuition: $1698.00

Note:

Additional fees will apply.

Cost for Out of State Residents

Per Credit Hour
Tuition: $610.00

3 Credit Hours
Tuition: $1830.00

In accordance with Federal Financial Aid requirements, IU has calculated a “Cost of Attendance” for this program based on the most common enrollments from students who are enrolled full time for the academic year. We’re showing you the estimated cost of attendance for the full 2023–24 academic year (fall and spring semesters). Cut these numbers in half to figure out the cost of a single semester. Your actual costs for housing and food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses will vary based on:

• The number of credit hours you take
• Whether you’re an Indiana resident
• Your personal choices
• Your travel habits

Your cost of attendance may differ from these estimates.

Full time Students

Part time Students

Direct Costs:

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Indiana Residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Non-residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Direct Costs:

Tuition & Mandatory Fees

Indiana Residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Non-residents

See per credit hour rate listed above

Indirect Costs:

Food & Housing $15,570

Books & Supplies $770

Transportation $2350

Personal Expenses $2200

Indirect Costs:

Food & Housing $15,570

Books & Supplies $280

Transportation $2350

Personal Expenses $2200

If you would like a more detailed estimate of expenses, please use IU's Tuition and Fee Calculator.

IU Tuition & Fee Calculator

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You'll also earn skills that will help you to achieve success for the foreseeable future, whether you're seeking to complete an advanced degree in your current field or switch career paths altogether.
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