MPH with Social & Behavioral Sciences Emphasis/Concentration

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers an online Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Sciences designed to prepare graduates to make a significant difference in the lives of others by understanding and addressing social determinants of health. The program focuses on equipping students with the skills to develop, implement, and evaluate public health initiatives, assume hands-on management of public health programs, and provide thoughtful leadership within the public health community.

Key highlights include:

• Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

• No GRE Required: Admission does not require GRE test scores.

• Focus on Social and Behavioral Sciences: Tailored curriculum to address social determinants of health.

Delivery Modes

The MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences is offered primarily as an online program, providing flexibility for working professionals and students from various locations. The university states that students receive the same degree whether they study online or on-campus, indicating an on-campus option is also available.

Curriculum Overview

The program requires the completion of 14 courses, totaling 42 credits. The curriculum is structured as follows:

• Required Courses (5 courses / 15 credits): Covering core public health areas such as Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health, Public Health Policy, Environmental Health, Leadership and Management in Public Health, and Epidemiology and Biostatistics.

• Social and Behavioral Health Courses (5 courses / 15 credits): Including Assessment and Planning in Public Health, Applied Public Health Research and Practice, Program Development and Implementation, Health Communication and Technology, and Advanced Program Evaluation.

• Public Health Practice Courses (2 courses / 6 credits): Consisting of an MPH Practicum and Integrated Practical Learning, which serve as culminating experiences.

• Elective Courses (2 courses / 6 credits): Students can choose from a wide range of graduate-level courses with approval.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the MPH program must submit the following:

• A completed application and a $50 application fee.

• A statement of purpose.

• Two letters of recommendation.

• Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. International transcripts require a credential evaluation.

Additional requirements include a Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.000 GPA from an accredited institution. Prerequisite college-level courses (grades of C or better) include one semester of statistics and one semester of either biology or anatomy and physiology. GRE scores are not required. International applicants whose national language is not English must submit English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, ASC English, or PTE).

Cost & Financial Aid

For Summer 2025, the tuition for online graduate courses is $600 per credit. With 42 credits required for the MPH program, the estimated total tuition cost is $25,200, excluding fees. There is a Term Registration Fee of $30 per term. Tuition for online programs is the same for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. UMass Lowell offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship options. For more details, visit the UMass Lowell Financial Aid page . An online tuition calculator is also available. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences prepares graduates for leadership positions in diverse settings and organizations, contributing to public health. Careers span public health practice, research, and policy. Graduates have found employment in:

• Public Sector Organizations (e.g., CDC, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, MA Department of Public Health)

• Health Care Institutions (e.g., Boston Medical Center, Partners Health Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)

• Private Corporations (e.g., Vinfen, Signify Health, JSS Medical Research)

• Nonprofit Organizations (e.g., Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts Medical Society)

The curriculum includes an MPH Practicum and Integrated Practical Learning courses, which provide hands-on experience applying theories and principles from coursework in a public health setting under the supervision of a qualified preceptor.