Most students aren’t aware that choosing to specialize a Master of Public Health degree in social and behavioral science is very straightforward. This is because almost all schools that offer Master of Public Health degree will also offer standard specializations. For example, common specializations include epidemiology, food and nutrition, global health, infectious diseases and of course, social and behavioral science.
Related:
Why Specialize in Social and Behavioral Science?
Specializing in social and behavioral science is an excellent choice, because students will learn transferable skills and fundamental concepts that will make them employable in any field. After graduation, students will know how to independently design, implement and evaluate programs that promote health behaviors. As an added benefit, students will know how to apply psychology and social psychology concepts to understanding health related attitudes and behaviors. A specialization in social and behavioral science will teach students about the conceptual basis of social, behavioral and psycho-social influences on health maintenance and disease development. Therefore, students will be able to identify specific social and psychological factors that negatively impact health. Consequently, they will know how to creatively resolve or minimize these issues. Students will also possess a broad knowledge base of effective intervention strategies and implementation techniques that will help them influence health related behaviors and health statuses among target demographic groups. Finally, students will be able to conduct inclusive evaluations of health behavior change programs through formative and qualitative research.
Social and Behavioral Science Coursework
Students who specialize a Master of Public Health degree in Social and Behavioral Science will be able to study some of the most fascinating coursework regarding public health. For example, there are fundamental courses that study the theoretical basis of public health. Students may choose from classes that teach about the psychosocial factors in health and illness or social and behavioral features of public health. Alternatively, students must learn how to implement and design public health programs. Therefore, they will learn about how to create and maintain programs about health communication and behavior change. All students must learn about the fundamentals of quantitative research and evaluation. Thus, they must study data analysis, research design and statistical methodology. Advanced courses will cover distinctive classes, such as psychiatric genetics, mental disorder etiology and sociological health perspectives. Finally, students will learn administrative skills that will enable them to excel in their future careers, which could be classes regarding health literacy strategies, public health media advocacy and community project development.
Job Prospects for Graduates
After graduation from an accredited master of public health program, students are eligible to take the Certification in Public Health (CPH) exam or the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. Both of these exams are provided by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. However, the CPH exam is the standard requirement for most public health research and policy related positions. The exam includes five basic areas that include biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental health sciences and of course, social and behavioral sciences. After successfully passing the exam, students will be ready to choose from a wide range of employers in various settings, such as hospitals, universities, health departments and community-based organizations. Sample career choices include health educator, prevention specialist and project director.
Related Resource: Healthcare Policy Analyst
Students who choose to specialize a Master of Public Health degree in social and behavioral science will enjoy an exciting and rewarding career that is personally satisfying and beneficial for society.