Master of Science Degree in Health Behavior and Health Equity Research
The Master of Science (MS) in Health Behavior and Health Equity Research degree prepares and trains students for health equity-focused careers involving program evaluation, implementation science, research analysis, and/or research coordination roles. The degree is also designed for those seeking to continue their academic careers in a doctoral program.
The program's primary objectives are to:
- Develop students’ expertise in applying social and behavioral science research and theories to health equity research
- Build students’ proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
- Cultivate students’ skills in program planning, implementation, and evaluation with a health equity focus
- Foster students’ ability to translate research findings into practice and policy
Students will complete a minimum 6-credit hour supervised research requirement that applies scientific principles to health equity questions, conduct novel research and develop a publishable-quality research manuscript.
Degree Options and Concentrations
The MS in Health Behavior and Health Equity Research can be completed in 45.5 credit hours across 20 months - see a sample schedule below. This includes research project work which typically occurs in the summer months between your first and second years. *Students wishing to complete the degree faster may inquire about the possibility.
Program Curriculum and Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Applicants should have a strong interest in health and health equity and have completed an undergraduate degree. Applicants should also have completed at least 1 semester of either college-level statistics or calculus, with additional quantitative training preferred. (AP high school courses are accepted based on AP final exam score.)
Curriculum
Below is an example schedule for the 2027-2029 cohort for a student aiming to complete the program over 4 semesters plus summer research. Sample schedules can vary from one cohort to the next, but the majority of the coursework will be quite similar.
Year: 1 Fall
- BIOSTAT 521 Applied Biostatistics (3 cr)
- EPID 600 Introduction to Epidemiology (3 cr)
- HBHEQ 600 Psychosocial Factors (3 cr)
- HBHEQ 620 Behavioral Research Methods (3 cr)
- HBHEQ 672 Professional Development 1 (1.5 cr)
Year 1: Winter
- HBHEQ 651 Program Planning (3 cr)
- Health equity or health communications course (3 cr)
- Methodology or elective course (3 cr)
- HBHEQ 625 Supervised Research (3 cr)
- HBHEQ TBD Research Capstone (1 cr)
Summer:
- Ongoing research work
Year 2: Fall
- HBHEQ 622 Program Evaluation (3 cr)
- Health equity or health communications course (3 cr)
- HBHEQ 625 Supervised Research (3 cr)
- HBHEQ TBD Research Capstone (1 cr)
- Optional elective or methodology course (1 or 3 cr)
Year 2: Winter
- Methodology or elective course (3 cr)
- Methodology or elective course (3 cr)
- HBHEQ 625 Supervised Research (3 cr)
- HBHEQ TBD Research Capstone (1 cr)
- Optional elective or methodology course (1 or 3 cr)
Students must begin their Supervised Research in the Winter term of their first year. They must also take the Research Capstone course each semester that they are completing Supervised Research. Students intending to complete the MS in Health Behavior and Health Equity Research in only 3 semesters + summer must take at least 3 additional credits of elective, methodology, health equity, or health communication courses in each semester.
Financial Support
Applicants will automatically be considered for scholarships from the Department of Health Behavior and Health Equity upon submission of their application. Applications that are submitted by the priority deadline will be the first to receive funding opportunities. As the application cycle continues, funding will not be guaranteed.
In addition to financial aid and funding opportunities from the School of Public Health, Health Behavior and Health Equity Research Master’s of Science degree students can receive financial support from one or more of the following sources:
- Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) positions from the department, the School of Public Health, and other University of Michigan departments/schools
- Research assistantships from faculty research grants
How to Apply
Applicants to the Masters of Science in Health Behavior and Health Equity Research program must submit a Rackham Graduate School application.
Learn more about the steps to apply for an MS degree.
Questions and More Information
Please contact our admissions team at [email protected] with questions about the Health Behavior and Health Equity Research MS degree and application process.