Social and Behavioral Sciences
Welcome to SBS
Welcome to SBS at the Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, our Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) explores the human, social, and cultural dimensions of health. We focus on how environments, communities, and behaviors influence well-being — and how to design interventions that drive lasting change.
For students who want to understand the root causes of health disparities, work directly with communities, and create innovative programs that improve lives, SBS offers the perfect blend of Excellence for Impact.
Goals
- Provide world-class education in social and behavioral sciences.
- Conduct research that addresses health disparities and informs public health practice.
- Partner with communities, organizations, and agencies to co-create effective health solutions.
- Develop leaders who advocate for social justice and equity in public health.
Core Values
- Excellence – High standards in education, research, and service.
- Impact – Translating evidence into meaningful community change.
- Equity – Reducing disparities across populations.
- Collaboration – Building partnerships for broader reach.
- Respect – Honoring cultural diversity and community voices.
About the Department
The Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences examines the social, cultural, and behavioral factors that influence health outcomes. Our faculty and students design, implement, and evaluate interventions that address pressing public health challenges such as chronic disease, substance use, mental health, and adolescent health.
SBS equips graduates with the skills to lead in community health, behavioral health, research, and advocacy — making them powerful agents of change.
Programs and Degree Concentrations
- Master of Public Health (MPH) with a concentration in Social & Behavioral Sciences.
- PhD in Public Health Sciences with a concentration Social & Behavioral Sciences.
- Gradudate Certificates in Health Promotion, Health Communication, and Community Engagement.
Research Programs
- Community-based participatory research.
- Health communication and social marketing.
- Mental health promotion and stigma reduction.
- Nutrition, obesity, and chronic disease prevention.
- Adolescent, youth, and family health.
- Substance use and addiction prevention.
- Culturally tailored health interventions.
Curriculum, Concentrations, and Competencies
SBS programs combine theory with applied practice, preparing students to design and evaluate interventions that improve health at scale.
Competencies you’ll gain include:
- Designing and implementing community health interventions.
- Applying behavioral and social science theories to real-world challenges.
- Conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
- Health communication and digital health strategies.
- Program evaluation and grant writing.
- Cultural competency and community engagement. Concentrations:
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (MPH) – Applied, practice-oriented training.
- Behavioral & Community Health (PhD) – Advanced research and leadership focus.
- Certificates – Targeted expertise in communication, engagement, and promotion.
Concentrations:
- Social & Behavioral Sciences (MPH) – Applied, practice-oriented training.
- Behavioral & Community Health (PhD) – Advanced research and leadership focus.
- Certificates – Targeted expertise in communication, engagement, and promotion.
What Makes SBS Unique?
- Community-Engaged Learning – Students partner directly with communities to design and implement programs that matter.
- Equity-Focused Approach – Research and training emphasize reducing disparities across diverse populations.
- Hands-On Training – From fieldwork to practicum projects, students gain real-world experience from day one.
- Interdisciplinary Faculty – Experts in behavioral science, sociology, psychology, and public health.
- Career Versatility – Graduates thrive in nonprofits, health departments, research centers, and global NGOs.
SBS integrates practice into every stage of learning:
Social & Behavioral Sciences (MPH) – Applied, practice-oriented training.
- Advanced Placement experencies where students collaborate with local partners to address real challenges.
- Independent Learning (Capstone) Experiences that translate academic learning into actionable solutions for communities.
Behavioral & Community Health (PhD) – Advanced research and leadership focus.
- Practical Experience & Partnerships
- An Impact Driving Internship at the end of year one with student choice sites including health departments, faculty labs, active research teams in local and global settings, nonprofits in local and global settings, and advocacy organizations.
Current Graduate Students
Our students are the heart of SBS — committed, passionate, and making an impact.
On our Current Graduate Students page, prospective students can explore:
- Student Spotlights – Profiles highlighting practicum experiences, community projects, and career aspirations.
- Achievements & Awards – Recognition for leadership, service, and scholarship.
- Research Publications & Presentations – Evidence of excellence and impact on the field.
- Student Organizations – Opportunities to lead and serve through groups like the Public Health Student Association.
View our academic programs and faculty pages.