DrPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) is a Schoolwide advanced professional degree program designed for the student who has a master of public health (MPH) or its equivalent and who intends to pursue a leadership career in the professional practice of public health. The focus of the DrPH program in the Department of Health, Behavior and Society is on integrating and applying a broad range of knowledge and analytical skills in leadership, practice, policy analysis, program and budget management, and communication, with an emphasis on the application of behavioral and social science perspectives to contemporary health problems.

  DrPH Curriculum

The Department focuses its research in the following areas:

Health Education and Communication

This area focuses on the application of principles from education, communication, behavioral, social science and psychological theories to encourage health behaviors conducive to optimal health in individuals, groups and communities. Students are exposed to current research on health education and communication, with particular focus on multilevel, ecological models of health and health behavior, design and evaluation of multifaceted intervention programs and patient-provider communication.

Social and Psychological Influences on Health

This area focuses on social and psychological factors and processes in the etiology and prevalence of disease in health-care-seeking behavior, disease prevention, long-term care and rehabilitation. Students are exposed to current research on health knowledge, attitudes and beliefs; social and psychological factors in disease etiology; risk reduction; and cultural influences in public health, including cross-cultural and multilevel studies.

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