MPH in Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences

If you are passionate about exploring the impacts of human behavior and socio-cultural contexts on population health and contributing to the health education of global communities, you may be interested in earning your master of public health (MPH) in behavioral, social, and health education sciences (BSHES).

Dual degrees include DPT/MPH, JD/MPH, MD/MPH, MSN/MPH, MTS/MPH, PA/MPH and PhD/MPH. Individual curricula are available upon request. The dual degree MPH requires one academic year in residence in BSHES.

Skills

In BSHES, we believe all students must have a strong scientific and methodological foundation to inform the development and implementation of effective health promotions programs locally, nationally, and globally.

Jobs

Graduates of the MPH program find positions at a range of settings, including academia, hospitals, private organizations, and NGOs and work as analysts, health educators, consultants, and more. 

Click the pie chart to see careers of alumni, by sector.

Careers by Sector

Admission Requirements

In addition to the SOPHAS application, all applicants will need to submit the following materials when applying to Rollins.

  • College transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • The submission of GRE scores are optional for all candidates applying to MPH and MSPH programs for fall 2022 admission.
  • Resume (optional)

Detailed information about each of these admission requirements can be found in Admissions.


The BSHES Admissions Committee reviews approximately 400 applications each year.

Our admissions process is holistic, meaning we take the whole student into account. Ultimately, we look for students who will excel academically and enrich both the campus and classroom environments. The average GPA and GRE scores for the most recent incoming class can be found below.

  • Average GPA of 3.44
  • Average GRE score of 156 Verbal, 153 Quantitative, and 4.24 Analytic Writing
Important: Evidence of quantitative skill and writing ability must be expressed in the application. 

MPH Degree Requirements

42 credit hours: includes Applied Practice Experience and Integrative Learning Experience (thesis or capstone project).

Capstone Project

Capstone projects allow students to explore a topic of interest in depth—possibly expanding a course project or applied practice experience into new dimensions—to increase practical skills and experience, sharpen presentation skills, gain peer feedback, and increase career development.

Examples of past capstone project titles include: 

Project OutLAST (Outreach to LGBTQ Adolescents for STI/HIV Testing and Treatment): A Multilevel Intervention for Homeless, LGBTQ Youth and Emergent Care Providers in Detroit, Michigan

Active Atlanta: A Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program for Atlanta Children

HEART BEAT: Beating cardiovascular disease at the community level for African American women's heart health

Learn more »

Thesis

Thesis Projects help students develop skills in conducting research and analyzing, interpreting, and processing study findings.

Any project from a public health work experience, volunteer position, applied practice experience, or global field experience has the potential to lead to a thesis.

Examples of past thesis titles include:

Con Amor Aprendemos: Evaluating a Cervical Cancer Education Intervention in El Salvador

Comparing Total Fertility Rates by Education and Ethnicity in Niger

Examining Concussion Awareness, Perceptions, and Management Practices in Georgia High School Sports: An Application of the Diffusion of Innovations Theory in Sports Injury Prevention

Intimacy and Infidelity: Using the Theory of Gender and Power to better understand the sexual realities of African American adolescent women

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Learn more »

Applied Practice Experience (APE)

An Applied Practice Experience (APE) is a unique opportunity for graduate students to integrate and apply practical skills and training learned through course work and prior experiences in a professional public health environment. All RSPH graduate students are required to complete an APE of at least 200 work hours in a public health agency, institution, or community under the supervision of site supervisor and the guidance of the Department. Although there are no credits associated with the APE requirement, the completion of the requirement is noted on the student’s transcript.

Learn more »

Certificates

Students can also choose from a range of Certificates to pursue deeper exploration of specific areas of interests such as Social Determinants of Health and Mental Health among others.

View Certificates

Rachel Corbett, Assistant Director of Academic Programs

The Assistant Director of Academic Programs can assist with course-related questions. 

Rachel Corbett - Phone: 404-727-9199, Email: rachel.whitney.corbett@emory.edu