Learn more about the Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
About the Program
The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers the Master of Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences (MPH-SBS). The MPH in SBS is a terminal, professional degree that prepares students to design, implement and evaluate interventions directed toward public health problems in communities, within the lens of inclusive practice. This program aims to prepare public health practitioners to identify and assess the needs of populations; plan, implement and evaluate programs to address those needs; and ensure that the needs of diverse populations are met to improve overall health status and outcomes. The program has a strong focus on addressing the behavioral, social and cultural factors related to individual and population health and health disparities over the life course, as well as the social and behavioral aspects of community health, health communication, program implementation and evaluation, and health education. Research and practice in this area contribute to the development, administration and evaluation of programs in public health, which promote and sustain healthy lives for individuals and communities.
Applicants to the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences can choose between our on-campus and online programs, both of which adhere to the same competency-based curriculum and content. Only the delivery formats differ:
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The on-campus format is designed for students who prefer live interaction with instructors and fellow students, access to campus activities, and the opportunity to choose regional Philadelphia fieldwork placements with the assistance of our fieldwork coordinator. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. Coursework is primarily delivered in person over a full 16-week academic term during evening hours; however, upper-level program courses may be offered online depending on the semester and enrollment. Students often take courses online in the Summer over two 6-week academic terms during evening hours.
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The online format is designed for working professionals interested in completing their degree remotely with courses that include synchronous classes held via Zoom and asynchronous activities. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. A fieldwork coordinator works with students to find appropriate placement in their preferred geographic location.
For more information about the on-campus or online MPH program, please contact the CPH Office of Admissions at cph@temple.edu or 215-204-5200.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 4 years
Campus Location: Main for in-person instruction or Online
Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Full-time students usually complete the program within two academic years, while part-time students usually take three to four years to complete their degree.
Interdisciplinary Study: Interdisciplinary MPH coursework, research and interactions with students and faculty in other departments are encouraged to give students as broad a perspective as possible to excel in the complex, diverse and dynamic state of public health. Through associations with research laboratories in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, such as the Center for Obesity Research and Education, the Health Behavior Research Clinic, the Health Disparities Research Lab, the Risk Communication Laboratory, and the Social and Behavioral Health Interventions Laboratory, as well as other laboratories throughout the College, students have access to over 100 faculty at Temple University and additional regional scholars who are actively involved in programs, research and teaching in public health. Further, as with other MPH degree programs offered by the College of Public Health, the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences can be undertaken as part of these dual MPH degree programs:
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MS Health Informatics/MPH within the Temple University College of Public Health
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MSW/MPH with the Temple University School of Social Work
For more information, visit https://www.temple.edu/academics/dual-degree-programs or contact the CPH Office of Admissions at cph@temple.edu.
Affiliation(s): The MPH-SBS maintains dozens of affiliation agreements with community partners relevant to public health professionals studying and applying social and behavioral interventions to address public and community health priorities. MPH students choose community agency fieldwork placement from this array of options throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond. For example, the program has long-standing research and fieldwork affiliations with The Food Trust; Fox Chase Cancer Center; Health Federation of Philadelphia; Maternity Care Coalition; NORTH, INC.; Philadelphia Department of Public Health; Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) and its subsidiaries; the School District of Philadelphia; and many other community health agencies. These partnerships allow us to offer students a wide range of fieldwork opportunities to translate skills learned in the classroom to actual practice in the community.
The MPH fieldwork coordinator assists online students in finding appropriate placement in their preferred geographic region.
Study Abroad: Short-term, international travel experiences focused on public health are offered as part of the MPH program of study through the Public Health Beyond Borders (PHBB) group and elective course. Contact the PHBB faculty advisor for information about timing of travel
Accreditation: The MPH is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Achieving accreditation in 1985, Temple's MPH program is one of the longest established accredited MPH programs in the country.
Areas of Specialization: The MPH degree program is offered in six specialty fields of study:
- Applied Biostatistics (APBIO)
- Environmental Health (EH)
- Epidemiology (EPI)
- Health Policy and Management (HPM)
- Nutrition (NUTR)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS)
Students in the Social and Behavioral Sciences MPH program may complete transcripted College of Public Health certificate programs by taking their 9 credits of electives in the relevant coursework. For questions about certificates, please contact your graduate academic advisor or program director.
Job Prospects: Graduates with an MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences have positions in a wide range of health-related settings, including state and local public health departments, community-based organizations, voluntary health agencies, health maintenance organizations, hospitals, clinics, schools and public health-related work sites. Graduates are employed as health educators and counselors, evaluation specialists, marketing specialists, prevention specialists, project directors, research and community health program managers, HIV/AIDS coordinators, infection control coordinators, adjunct faculty and consultants. Virtually all students are placed within three to six months of graduation.
Licensure/Certification: Students who complete an MPH at Temple University are eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) exam offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners and the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) exam offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC). For more information about credentialing in public health, visit https://www.nchec.org/.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students are required to speak with an advisor before registering for classes and to obtain the permission of the professor, whether the coursework is taken in the on-campus or online format. If accepted to the program, a maximum of three courses (9 credits) with a grade of B or better may be applied toward the degree program.
Financing Opportunities: Limited Teaching and Research Assistantships may be available in the College of Public Health and are assigned on a competitive basis among students who academically excel. Assistantships are awarded on a term or annual basis. TAs can work 5 to 20 hours per week in any combination of teaching assignments made by the department and must meet the English Language Proficiency standards set by the University and the College. Students who hold Teaching or Research Assistantships are not permitted to hold other employment without the written prior approval of their advisor, the Graduate Program Director and the Graduate School. To be considered for a Teaching or Research Assistantship, complete an application form that is sent to students upon admission to the MPH program.
In both the Fall and Spring terms, the College of Public Health and Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences may award a limited number of partial scholarships on a competitive basis to students with an outstanding academic record. No separate application is needed for these awards as outstanding applicants are automatically considered following submission of their application.
Other available scholarships are listed at https://cph.temple.edu/admissions/scholarships. Students may also be eligible for financial support through the Office of Student Financial Services. For more information, please contact the CPH Office of Admissions at cph@temple.edu or 215-204-5200.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall: March 1
All applicants to the MPH program must apply via the Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS). The system can be accessed at https://sophas.liaisoncas.com/.
Applicants should check their application status on the SOPHAS portal often and inquire directly of SOPHAS about receipt of materials. For other questions, please contact the CPH Office of Admissions at cph@temple.edu or 215-204-5200.
Deposit Deadline for Admitted Applicants:
Fall: April 30
Applicants who are accepted to the program must pay a $500 deposit to secure their enrollment. For questions about the deposit and payment process or to request an extension, please contact the CPH Office of Admissions at cph@temple.edu or 215-204-5200.
Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 3
From Whom: Letters of recommendation, which are completed electronically through the SOPHAS system, should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with academic competence. If the applicant has been out of school for an extended period of time, ensure that letters are provided by supervising employers or professional colleagues who can discuss your relevant academic skills, including critical thinking, research and writing.
Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: Applicants' files are reviewed for undergraduate coursework in mathematics and/or statistics, social sciences and writing. Applicants who completed prior graduate coursework or earned a graduate or professional degree are expected to submit such documentation as this will be considered in the application review.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of an accredited baccalaureate degree. The minimum acceptable undergraduate GPA is 3.0.
Statement of Goals: In 500 to 750 words, address the following questions:
- Why are you pursuing the MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and what are your particular areas of interest in the field?
- What are your future career goals, and what have you done either academically or professionally to guide your interest in public health and to begin preparation toward your career goals?
- Are there any exceptional circumstances related to previous academic performance that you would like the Admissions Committee to consider?
Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Optional. While the program takes a portfolio approach to admissions, standardized tests provide important insight into quantitative and verbal abilities. If submitted, scores above the 50th percentile on both the verbal and quantitative sections of the test are desired. Official GRE scores should be sent to SOPHAS using code 0151.
Standardized tests considered in lieu of the GRE include DAT, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, OAT and PCAT.
Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master’s degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:
- TOEFL iBT: 79 (send officially to SOPHAS using the SOPHAS-specific TOEFL code 5688)
- IELTS Academic: 6.5
- PTE Academic: 53
- Duolingo: 110
Resume: Current resume or CV required.
Laptop: Laptops are integrated into the College of Public Health curricula, and all students are required to have a laptop for full participation in class activities; online class sessions; online exam proctoring; and the use of special software, which is used to reinforce the learning objectives and program student learning competencies in certain classes. A laptop that meets the minimum device specifications defined below IS REQUIRED for all undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Public Health.
Review the College of Public Health laptop requirement for additional information: https://cphapps.temple.edu/wiki/it/student/laptop
Transfer Credit: Graduate credits from an MPH program accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) may be transferred into the MPH. The credits must be equivalent to coursework offered at Temple, and the grade must be a "B" or better in order to transfer. The MPH program director approves the transfer of credits based on a review of course materials provided by the student. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 9.
Clearances: The MPH program requires students to complete fieldwork education. In the MPH program, it is the fieldwork site that determines the clearances, such as criminal background check and FBI fingerprinting, needed by a student. The results of these clearances determine whether a student may be onboarded at a respective site.
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they obtain the necessary clearances for their fieldwork. Clearances are site-specific. If you plan on completing your fieldwork in a site that requires clearances such as, but not limited to a hospital, at a health department, or with children or youth, please start to obtain your clearances the semester prior to fieldwork. Many sites now require a background check and child abuse clearance. Hospitals and other clinical sites may also require physicals, immunization records, and drug testing.
These clearances can take up to 4-6 weeks to process. If you do not start this process the semester before fieldwork, it could significantly delay your fieldwork start date and ultimately your graduation.
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 42
Required Courses:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| College Core Course | ||
| HRPR 5001 | Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions | 0 |
| Public Health Core Courses | ||
| ENVH 5004 | Environmental Health | 1.5 |
| EPBI 5006 | Biostatistics and Applied Analysis of Health | 4.5 |
| EPBI 5101 | Fundamentals of Epidemiology | 3 |
| HPM 5006 | Political and Economic Aspects of Health | 3 |
| SBS 5001 | Fundamentals of Public Health | 3 |
| SBS 5002 | Program Planning, Theory, and Practice | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Core Courses | ||
| SBS 8001 | Research Methods in Public Health | 3 |
| SBS 8009 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| SBS 8105 | Health Communication | 3 |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Electives 1 | 9 | |
| Select three from the following: | ||
| Understanding Stress and Change | ||
| Maternal and Child Health | ||
| Health Promotion in Vulnerable Populations | ||
| Addictions and Dependencies | ||
| Obesity: From Genes to Junk Food | ||
| MPH Fieldwork Experience | ||
| SBS 9289 | MPH Fieldwork I | 3 |
| SBS 9389 | MPH Fieldwork II | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
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Students may select as electives any of the courses listed or, with approval, other graduate courses offered by the College of Public Health.
On-Campus Full-Time MPH-SBS
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| EPBI 5101 | Fundamentals of Epidemiology | 3 |
| HPM 5006 | Political and Economic Aspects of Health | 3 |
| HRPR 5001 | Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions | 0 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| SBS 5002 | Program Planning, Theory, and Practice | 3 |
| SBS 8009 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| SBS 8105 | Health Communication | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Summer | ||
| ENVH 5004 | Environmental Health | 1.5 |
| EPBI 5006 | Biostatistics and Applied Analysis of Health | 4.5 |
| SBS 5001 | Fundamentals of Public Health | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SBS 8001 | Research Methods in Public Health | 3 |
| SBS 9289 | MPH Fieldwork I | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| SBS 9389 | MPH Fieldwork II | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
Online MPH-SBS
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| SBS 5001 | Fundamentals of Public Health | 3 |
| SBS 5002 | Program Planning, Theory, and Practice | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| EPBI 5101 | Fundamentals of Epidemiology | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| HPM 5006 | Political and Economic Aspects of Health | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SBS 8009 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| SBS 8105 | Health Communication | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENVH 5004 | Environmental Health | 1.5 |
| EPBI 5006 | Biostatistics and Applied Analysis of Health | 4.5 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Summer | ||
| HRPR 5001 | Current and Emerging Issues in Public Health and Health Professions | 0 |
| Credit Hours | 0 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SBS 8001 | Research Methods in Public Health | 3 |
| SBS 9289 | MPH Fieldwork I | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Spring | ||
| SBS 9389 | MPH Fieldwork II | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
Minimum Grade to be Earned for All Required Courses: B-
Culminating Events:
Fieldwork Practicum:
Students are required to synthesize and integrate the knowledge acquired in coursework and other learning experiences and to apply theory and principles in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice through an internship or practicum experience with a public health agency, health services organization, or under the supervision of a faculty preceptor. The MPH fieldwork experience serves as the applied practice experience as required by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the accrediting body for schools and programs of public health, for completion of the Master of Public Health degree. In addition, this applied practice experience provides the student with the opportunity to develop expertise in a topic area and to contribute original and independent observations to a body of knowledge.
Evaluative Paper:
For the applied practice experience to fulfill the requirements of SBS 9289 and SBS 9389, MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences students are expected to complete a fieldwork experience. The required deliverable for the MPH fieldwork requirement is a final evaluative paper. Students must demonstrate their proficiency and the application of theory and principles in the paper.
Accelerated Programs
Undergraduate students may opt to pursue an accelerated +1 program, enabling them to complete both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time than the traditional route.
The accelerated pathway to the Social and Behavioral Sciences MPH is available to students pursuing the Public Health BS.
Cohort Code: XMPHSBS
Minimum GPA: 3.50
Graduate Courses Approved to Count for Both Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| EPBI 5101 | Fundamentals of Epidemiology 1 | 3 |
| HPM 5006 | Political and Economic Aspects of Health 2 | 3 |
| SBS 5001 | Fundamentals of Public Health 3 | 3 |
| SBS 5002 | Program Planning, Theory, and Practice 4 | 3 |
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EPBI 5101 fulfills the EPBI 3101 requirement for the Public Health BS.
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HPM 5006 fulfills the HPM 2214 requirement for the Public Health BS.
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SBS 5001 fulfills a Public Health elective for the Public Health BS.
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SBS 5002 fulfills a Public Health elective for the Public Health BS.
Suggested Academic Plan
| Year 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| SBS 5001 | Fundamentals of Public Health | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| HPM 5006 | Political and Economic Aspects of Health | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| EPBI 5101 | Fundamentals of Epidemiology | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Spring | ||
| SBS 5002 | Program Planning, Theory, and Practice | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
Admissions Criteria
Candidates for the +1 program must:
- be a declared Public Health major.
- take 12 graduate credits.
- earn a B or better in graduate courses.
- take no more than 18 credits per term once starting the +1 program.
- if a junior status entrant, be able to complete their undergraduate degree within two years of program entry; if a senior status entrant, be able to complete their undergraduate degree within one year of program entry.
- complete the graduate degree in one additional year including one summer term.
Contact Information
Caite Wolak, MPH
caite.wolak@temple.edu
Learn more about the accelerated program in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Contacts
Program Web Address:
https://www.temple.edu/academics/degree-programs/social-and-behavioral-sciences-mph-hp-sbsc-mph
Department Information:
Dept. of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Ritter Hall Annex, 9th Floor (004-09)
1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6005
215-204-8726