MPH with Health Promotion and Behavioral Science Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Public Health (MPH) program at San Diego State University (SDSU) with a concentration in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science is offered through the Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science within the SDSU School of Public Health.

The curriculum focuses on socio-ecological factors influencing health-related behaviors that contribute to morbidity, premature mortality, and health disparities. Students are trained in research and evaluation techniques relevant to health behavior and community health research. The program emphasizes the study of disease prevention and health promotion in diverse populations and settings, fostering extensive faculty-student collaboration to apply health behavior change principles in both research and practice.

Delivery Modes

The program is offered in a full-time format.

Curriculum Overview

The program requires the completion of 51 units, typically completed in two years by full-time students. The curriculum is structured as follows:

• Public Health Core Classes (18 units)

  • PH 601 Epidemiology (3)

  • PH 602 Biostatistics (3)

  • PH 603 Social and Behavioral Sciences (3)

  • PH 604 Environmental determinants of Human Health (3)

  • PH 605 Health Services Administration (3)

  • PH 606 Applied Research Methods (3)

• Health Promotion Concentration Courses (15 units)

  • PH 607 Research Methods (3)

  • PH 661 Theoretical Foundations of Health Promotion (3)

  • PH 662 Motivating Health Behavior (3)

  • PH 663 Health Communication (3)

  • PH 672 Public Health Program Evaluation (3)

• Supervised Field Placement (6 units)

  • PH 650R Required Community Field Practice (130 hours; 3 units) Cr/NC

  • PH 750F Required Community Field Practice (160 hours; 3 units) Cr/NC

• Integrated Learning Experience (6 units)

  • PH797 Integrated Learning Experience Supervision

  • PH 799A Thesis or Project (3) Cr/NC OR PH 798 Special Study (3) Cr/NC

• Prescribed Electives (6 units) – A minimum of six additional units selected with the approval of advisor; elective offerings change each year and may include:

  • PH 664 Health, Society, and Human Behavior (3)

  • PH 667 Prevention and Control of Chronic Illness (3)

  • PH 700F Seminar in Public Health: Qualitative Methods (3)

  • PH 700F Seminar in Public Health: Quantitative Methods (3)

  • PH 700G Seminar in Public Health: Health Promotion (3)

Students can complete their MPH degree by choosing either Plan A (Thesis - traditional or manuscript format) or Plan B (Manuscript, Systematic Review, or Capstone Project). PH 799A is required for Plan A, and PH 798 (Special Study) is required for Plan B.

The school expects a student to complete the degree within seven years. Failure to complete the degree requirements within seven years will result in dismissal from the program.

For course descriptions and prerequisites, see the SDSU Graduate Bulletin .

Additional curriculum details and course sequencing can be found in the following roadmaps:

• Course Roadmap – MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science (updated September 2024 for students who entered in 2023)

• Course Roadmap – MPH in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science (updated 2021 for students who entered prior to 2023)

Admissions Requirements

For detailed information on admission requirements and application procedures, please refer to the following resources:

• Admission Requirements and Application Instructions for All MPH and MS Applicants

• Tips for Your Application, MPH – Health Promotion & Behavioral Science (pdf)

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the program are prepared to design, manage, and evaluate health promotion programs in a variety of settings, such as schools, work sites, health care facilities, and community organizations.

The program includes a significant practical component through a Supervised Field Placement, totaling 6 units. This involves 130 hours of community field practice (PH 650R) and an additional 160 hours (PH 750F), providing students with hands-on experience.