Master of Public Health
The Department of Health Behavior and Health Education's M.P.H. program prepares individuals to function in leadership positions in the development and application of behavioral science theory and research methods to analyze and design interventions that improve population health and quality of life. Our program graduates go on to successful careers in local, regional, state, national, and international organizations.
The master's degree program uses a competency-based format for instruction. Each student in the M.P.H. program will meet the Council on Education for Public Health's twenty-two Foundational Competencies and the Health Behavior and Health Education M.P.H. Concentration Competencies listed below:
- Describe how to use social-ecological and life course perspectives to address key determinants of health and health disparities through programs and policies
- Apply relevant social and behavioral science theories, concepts and models that are designed to understand and modify health behavior
- Apply research and evaluation methods to understand the effect of health education and health behavior interventions
- Specify approaches for planning, implementing, and managing socio-behavioral health education-focused programs and/or policies to promote human health
- Integrate principles and methods of community engagement, including ethical considerations, relevant to the design and implementation of health education programs and policies
HBHE MPH Curriculum
The Department of Health Behavior and Health Education offers a multidisciplinary and integrated curriculum for the M.P.H. degree. All students working toward the M.P.H. will complete courses designed to provide a deep understanding of the issues, skills, and competencies necessary for leaders in the field.
All M.P.H. students must complete the Michigan Public Health Core Curriculum ("the Core").
The required Health Behavior & Health Education classes for the M.P.H. degree are listed below:
| Topic | Course Number | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Psychosocial Factors of Health-Related Behavior | HBEHED 600 | 3 |
| Program Development in Health Education | HBEHED 651 | 3 |
| Program Evaluation in Health Education | HBEHED 622 | 3 |
| Behavioral Research and Evaluation Methods (select one class) | HBEHED 530, 620, 621, 626, 638, or 700 | 3 |
| Internship | 318 to 636 hours | 3-6 hour credit reduction (limited to 3 for dual degree students) |
| Foundational Skills in the Practice of HBHE (Year 1) | HBEHED 601 | 2 |
| Culminating Seminar in HBHE (Year 2) | HBEHED 675 | 1 |
The Health Behavior & Health Education M.P.H. Degree program is 60 credit hours.
Note: Students are required to take at least half of their credit hours within the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education. The credit reduction received for the internship may not count toward this requirement.
Internship
The primary purpose of the internship is to help students learn how to apply theory and principles to work situations and to develop and expand professional skills and competencies essential to these tasks. It is intended to help students explore areas of interest and affords the opportunity to become acquainted with agencies and community groups commonly engaged in public health education and behavioral change programs.
The specific locale of the placement is an individual decision reached by students with the guidance of the HBHE Director of Internships and Alumni Relations and their Advisor. This requirement is typically fulfilled during the months of May through August between the first and second year in the program.
Learn about the experiences of our HBHE Summer 2017 interns here.
Admissions, Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit the Admissions & Aid section of the School of Public Health site for details on the application deadline and process, application requirements, and financial aid options. Additional information for international applicants can be found here.
During the admissions process, students may be offered a HBHE Department Scholarship for tuition support. Selection is based on a combination of merit, alignment with the department's mission, and need. Award notices are generally sent separately from and later than offers of admission. HBHE Department Scholarship awards are completely separate from financial aid. Students applying to multiple programs at the University of Michigan should also note that there is no guarantee or expectation that HBHE awards will align with financial awards from other UM units.
