The social and behavioral impact on public health is unique, and these online MPH in social and behavioral sciences programs offer an opportunity to make a significant investment in the field. The following ten programs are each unique opportunities with a flexible format for working professionals to pursue graduate education online.
Methodology for Ranking MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences Online Programs
The College Navigator website was used to develop a pool of schools and programs for ranking. All schools in the initial pool had a Master of Public Health program that was accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Programs were ranked based on relevance of content, online availability and flexibility and tuition cost. The tuition costs posted here are from the College Navigator website and are for comparison purposes only. As a prospective student you should communicate with your school of choice to verify tuition costs and application requirements for your program of interest.
10. University of Maryland, College Park
Online MPH in Behavioral and Community Health
- Tuition: In State $16,238
Out of State $35,388
- Full or part time
- Evening classes for working professionals
- Can take up to 5 years to complete
The Behavioral and Community Health concentration of the MPH program at the University of Maryland is available to help you as a health professional continue to develop in order to promote health in communities. This unique and affordable program is offered full or part time. Classes are taught in the evenings to offer flexibility for working professionals, and you have five years to complete the program. Prospective students who are interested in developing as behavior and community health professionals may find this program very helpful. As a graduate you may pursue roles such as administrators, consultants, educators, researchers and more. This program gives you the opportunity to network and have an internship with impressive organizations. Learn more about the exciting and rewarding MPH program concentrating in behavioral and community health at the University of Maryland.
9. Johns Hopkins University
Hybrid MHS in Social Factors in Health
- Tuition $60,480
- Full time
- 12-18 months to complete
The MHS in Social Factors in Health at Johns Hopkins University helps you to integrate knowledge and skills into the social aspects found in public health. This program places an emphasis in contemporary health problems. If you have a background in public health or social and behavior sciences you may find this program is a good fit. The MHS program helps you to prepare for future roles in public health research, policy or doctoral studies. This program is offered in a full time option, is completed between one and one half to two years and also involves a mentored research project. This program is offered through the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University and the Department of Health, Behavior and Society. The department proudly collaborates at the local and global level to address current issues in the public health field. Find out how you can enroll in the MHS program at Johns Hopkins University and have a positive impact in the public health field.
8. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at LA
Online MPH in Mental Health and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health
- Tuition $23,454
- 27 months to complete
- Online program
In just 27 months, you can earn your MPH degree at the Chicago School. This online MPH program at the Chicago School offers a unique concentration for students like you to focus their studies on Mental Health and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health. You can expect to gain an education about the psychological aspects regarding health as well as ways to support mental health. MPH students at the Chicago School also participate in a fieldwork experience to gain practical knowledge. The Chicago School communicates a clear dedication to supporting students through scholarships and the financial aid department. You can preview an online class on the Chicago School’s website.
7. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Online MPH in Health Behavior
- Tuition: In State $8,424
Out of State $19,962
- Online program
- Dual degrees offered
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an entirely online master of public health program with several options students can concentrate studies in, one of which is health behavior. This program is geared towards helping students learn to address the behavioral, social and cultural effect on health. You have the opportunity to learn about program development, theory application, literature evaluation and more. The dual degree programs offered by UAB reflect the priority and understanding that Public Health is a collaborative career field and that numerous aspects affect public health. UAB understands that financing a graduate degree is an investment and offers scholarship information for students. The University of Alabama at Birmingham MPH program is accredited by CEPH.
6. The University of West Florida
Online Master’s in Public Health in Health Promotion, Education and Behavior
- Tuition: In State $7,088
Out of State $22,166
- Online program
- 42 credit program
- Internship required
Prospective students interested in career positions as public health consultants, educators or outreach specialists may benefit from earning their degree at the University of West Florida. This MPH program with concentration in Health Promotion, Education and Behavior is offered in a flexible online format. If you are interested in health promotion and behavior, you should consider this affordable and flexible program. This program involves an internship and the opportunity for you to earn a certification through the Certified Health Education Specialist exam. When you graduate from this 42-credit MPH program at the University of West Florida, you can go on to have a positive impact on public health.
5. New York Medical College
Online MPH with Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion Concentration
- Tuition $27,521
- 46 credit program
- online, hybrid or online format
- practicum and culminating experience
New York Medical College offers a MPH program with a concentration in Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion. You can expect to engage in learning how behavior impacts health and interventions that promote health. This 46-credit program at NYMC can be completed in an online, hybrid, or in-class format. When you are enrolled in the MPH behavioral sciences and health promotion concentration. you will also participate in a practicum experience and a culminating experience. This program is accredited by CEPH and does not require you to take the GRE for admissions. You can learn more about the MPH program, admissions process and more on the NYMC website.
4. San Diego State University
Online MPH Health Promotion and Behavioral Science
- Tuition: In State $7,176
Out of State $16,680
- 18 month program
- flexible online format
SDSU offers an online MPH program where you can specialize in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. This program is an impressive 18 months long and is in a flexible online format allowing you to continue working. Students in the San Diego State University MPH program online concentrating on health promotion and behavioral science will engage in learning about assessing health needs, evaluate health programs, and so much more. You can learn more about the SDSU curriculum and admissions process on their website.
3. Kent State University at Kent
Online MPH Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Tuition: In State $12,071
Out of State $22,522
- Online
- 27 months to complete
Are you passionate and committed to a healthier world and having a positive impact? This online MPH program at Kent State University may be a good fit for you! Students can focus their studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students enrolled in the SBS concentration learn about the connections between people, behaviors, the environment, and public health. Students enrolled in the program can prepare for future program development that helps with health promotion or disease prevention, for example. Students can graduate in just 27 months, and qualified applicants can apply to have the GRE waived. The online MPH program at Kent State University helps you to gain the skills and knowledge needed to have a positive influence in the public health field.
2. University of Florida
Online Master’s in Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Tuition: In State $10,770
Out of State $27,335
- Online or on campus format
- Internship and special project
The University of Florida offers multiple MPH concentrations for you to choose from. Students can pursue a master’s in public health degree with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Sciences in an online format, or on campus if so desired. Students in the social and behavioral sciences concentration have a variety of backgrounds, from science and health professions to psychology and journalism. Upon graduation you may pursue a variety of positions, including an agency position to engage in assessing the community, research as well as program development and evaluation. The social and behavioral sciences concentration at the University of Florida integrates an internship and special project.
1. University of Memphis
Online MPH Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Tuition: In State $9,378
Out of State $13,194
- practicum experience
- dual degree offerings
Do you have a passion to make a difference? The University of Memphis offers an online MPH program with the opportunity to concentrate studies in Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students in the UM MPH program are from a variety of backgrounds, and the flexible course offerings makes this course of study suitable for students with a busy lifestyle. Students in the MPH program at UM will engage in a practicum experience. The University of Memphis also offers unique MPH dual degree programs. UM program communicates that while students in the MPH program have a variety of backgrounds, there is a shared common desire to make a difference. If you have a passion to make a positive difference in the public health arena, improve health and focus studies in social and behavioral sciences, consider the University of Memphis for your graduate studies.
FAQ’s
How long will the MPH in social and behavioral sciences online take?
Programs can take around two years for completion. Most schools communicate a time cap for part time students to complete their studies. For example, the University of Maryland, College Park gives students up to five years to complete the program. The Kent State program can be completed in 27 months. Each program has a little different time frame, and most offer the flexibility that working professionals need when pursuing graduate school. Your advisor is typically a great resource for you once enrolled in program as you develop your specific course plan and navigate life events, work and studies.
How will I be able to afford my online MPH social and behavioral studies?
Each student will approach tuition a little differently. Some employers do offer scholarships for employees pursuing graduate school. Most schools have a financial aid office to guide students through the process, and students can always look for additional scholarships to help pay tuition.
What will I be able to do once I have earned my MPH online?
What do you want to do when you are done with your degree? Do you have a specific goal or are you still figuring it out? Most programs offer a list of potential opportunities that graduates pursue: educator, administration, research or consultant, for example. If you have an idea about what you would like to do, shadow someone, talk with a professor, volunteer, pursue an internship and keep asking questions. Talking with other professionals and learning about the different opportunities can shed light on the position you would like to pursue.
Will an MPH graduate make a difference in the world today?
Over the last 100 years, public health initiatives have added 25 years to life expectancy to the American population. The Center for Disease Control reports the greatest advancements in public health in the past century include workplace safety, infectious disease control, food safety, mother-baby health, motor vehicle safety, immunizations, family planning, fluoridated drinking water, tobacco use hazard, and decline in death from heart disease and stroke.
What is the professional organization for public health?
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the professional organization for the field of public health. With a vision to “Create the healthiest nation in one generation,” APHA champions the health of all people and communities. APHA strives to strengthen the public health profession and speak out for public health issues and policies. APHA influences federal policy, and with its nearly 150-year history, it brings together members from all areas of public health. APHA’s mission is to improve the health of the public and achieve equity in health status, and it includes members from all public health disciplines from over 40 countries.
MPH Staff
Updated November 2023
Related: