"I decided to go back to school and study public health after an internship I did in a nonprofit health center in Tijuana that focused on sexual and reproductive health. After I graduate, I would like to continue my work in this area, either internationally or with immigrant populations in the United States. So far, I have had a great experience at Berkeley; I really enjoy working on projects with local agencies, and look forward to my summer internship in Bolivia."AREAS OF CONCENTRATION
Health & Social Behavior
The mission of the M.P.H. Program in Health and Social Behavior is to train scholars and practitioners to identify and analyze the major social, cultural, and bio-behavioral determinants of health and health behavior; and to design, implement, and evaluate social and behavioral interventions and social policies aimed at improving community and population health.
The core curriculum includes course work in the behavioral, bio-behavioral, and social sciences as these relate to public health, in survey research methods, and in program planning and evaluation. The role of race/ethnicity, culture, class, and gender in influencing physical and mental health status, interactions between the individual and society, and ethical issues in the design and implementation of community-based interventions are also stressed.
In addition to required courses, students are encouraged to create a cluster of elective courses which will enhance their knowledge and skills in a particular area of interest. A comprehensive examination or original research paper completes the degree.
Students and faculty in this concentration work closely with the School's Center for Public Health Practice to ensure that their educational experience reflects the profession's and the School's commitment to integrating field experience with more traditional forms of pedagogy.
Health and Social Behavior Faculty
Health and Social Behavior Links