Master of Public Health - Community Health and Health Behavior

Program Overview

The MPH in Community Health and Health Behavior at UB is a 47-credit hour program, typically completed over two years for full-time students. It combines foundational public health coursework with specialized training in health behavior theory, program planning, and evaluation. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public health philosophy and the practical knowledge and skills needed to address current and emerging public health problems. A required field training experience provides invaluable hands-on experience in real-world public health settings, and the program culminates in a culminating project, demonstrating mastery of core public health competencies and concentration-specific skills. UB also offers combined degree programs, such as MPH/MD, MPH/MSW, MPH/MUP, and MPH/PharmD, for students seeking interdisciplinary expertise.

CEPH Accredited: Yes, the School of Public Health and Health Professions at the University at Buffalo is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH is the recognized accrediting body for schools and programs of public health in the United States. This accreditation signifies that UB's MPH program meets rigorous quality standards for public health education, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional practice and eligible to sit for the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential. The School received its latest reaccreditation in September 2023.

Curriculum: The 47-credit curriculum for the MPH in Community Health and Health Behavior provides a strong foundation in public health and in-depth knowledge of health behavior principles. Foundational MPH courses cover "Introduction to Epidemiology," "Statistical Analysis I," "Environmental Health," "Introduction to Health Care Organization," and "Study of Health Behavior." The concentration-specific courses delve into "Applied Statistics for Public Health," "Introduction to Program Planning and Evaluation," "Health Equity," and "Health Behavior Change." Students also select elective courses to further specialize their knowledge. The curriculum is competency-based, ensuring students develop skills in areas such as assessing population health needs, developing interventions, and evaluating public health programs.

Research Focus: The MPH in Community Health and Health Behavior at UB has a significant research focus, centered on understanding individual and community-level factors that influence health behavior choices and developing effective strategies for positive behavior change. Faculty members in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior conduct diverse research projects, including studies on tobacco use behaviors, substance use among healthcare workers, breastfeeding promotion, opioid intervention courts, and the social and environmental influences on health. Students have opportunities to engage in faculty-led research, contributing to the evidence base for public health practice, particularly through their culminating projects which often involve applying research methods to real-world health problems.

Industry Engagement: The MPH in Community Health and Health Behavior program at UB is highly focused on preparing graduates for direct entry into the workforce across a wide range of public health and healthcare settings. The program actively engages with local, state, national, and international public health agencies, healthcare delivery systems (including hospitals and managed care organizations), non-profit health agencies, and private research firms. The required field training experience is a critical component, providing students with practical, hands-on experience and networking opportunities within these organizations. This practical training ensures graduates are equipped with marketable skills in program planning, implementation, evaluation, community engagement, and health communication, directly aligning with industry needs.

Global Perspective: The MPH in Community Health and Health Behavior at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing health issues and behavioral determinants that are universal. The program prepares graduates to tackle public health challenges that transcend national borders, such as global health disparities, infectious disease control, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases. The curriculum may include discussions on global health concerns and the application of health behavior theories in diverse cultural contexts. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and approaches to promoting health and well-being worldwide. This exposure prepares graduates to contribute to international public health initiatives and work effectively with diverse populations globally.