Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration in the University of Florida’s Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) program equips students with the tools and knowledge to address health-related behaviors and the social determinants of health.
M.P.H. Concentration
Social and behavioral sciences
Graduates of the SBS concentration are equipped to pursue careers in areas such as: Public health program management, health education and promotion, behavioral health research, policy advocacy, community health initiatives
By focusing on the intersection of human behavior, social structures, and health outcomes, students are prepared to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies that promote health equity and improve public health outcomes across diverse populations.
Whether you choose to complete the program on campus or online, the social and behavioral sciences concentration offers a rigorous and flexible curriculum designed to meet the needs of future public health professionals.
Program highlights
- Focus areas: Social determinants of health, health behavior theories, program planning and evaluation, health disparities, and community-based interventions.
- Practical experience: Students engage in applied practice experiences and an integrative learning project tailored to their interests and career goals.
- Interdisciplinary approach: Training combines principles from psychology, sociology, anthropology, and public health to understand and influence health behaviors.
Curriculum overview
The SBS concentration curriculum is designed to provide flexibility for both on-campus and online learners while maintaining the same rigorous academic standards. In addition to the public health core curriculum that all M.P.H. students take, social and behavioral sciences concentration students take additional coursework specific to health-behavior theory, health communication, and planning and evaluating public health programs.
Core MPH courses
Students in both formats complete foundational courses in:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Environmental health
- Health policy and management
- Social and behavioral sciences
Specialized social and behavioral sciences courses
Courses specific to the social and behavioral sciences concentration include:
- Theoretical foundations of public health
- Health communication for public health
- Community-based participatory research
- Public health program planning and evaluation
Applied practice and capstone
All M.P.H. students also complete an Applied Practice Experience to gain hands-on experience in public health settings. This is complemented by an Integrative Learning Experience (M.P.H. Capstone), which involves creating a high-quality project or deliverable that demonstrates mastery of core and concentration-specific competencies.
On-campus format
The on-campus program offers face-to-face learning and opportunities for direct engagement with faculty, peers, and community partners. Students benefit from networking events, research collaborations, and access to the university’s extensive campus resources.
Online format
The online program is designed for students who need flexibility due to work, location, or personal commitments. It delivers the same high-quality curriculum as the on-campus program, with courses taught by experienced UF faculty and asynchronous learning options to accommodate diverse schedules.
Career opportunities
Graduates of the social and behavioral sciences concentration are equipped to pursue careers in areas such as:
- Public health program management
- Health education and promotion
- Behavioral health research
- Policy advocacy
- Community health initiatives
Why choose UF for your MPH in social and behavioral sciences?
The UF, social and behavioral sciences concentration students take concentration courses and receive mentorship from social and behavioral faculty. At UF, our social and behavioral sciences faculty represent an interdisciplinary cadre of faculty with a broad array of public health backgrounds, allowing students to develop mentorship relationships with faculty with experience and interests that align with their own goals and aspirations. The social and behavioral sciences program trains public health scholars and practitioners to identify and analyze the major social, cultural, and behavioral determinants of health, and to design, implement, and evaluate public health interventions and policies aimed at improving community and population health.
Questions? Contact us!
Our team is here to answer any questions you may have about the M.P.H. program. Reach out to us at askmph@phhp.ufl.edu.
Ready to apply?
Learn more about the M.P.H. application process and get started today!