The Master of Science (MS) concentration in Health Behavior Research (36 credit hours) is designed for students who wish to pursue research careers in public health or other health related fields. By the end of the program, students will have a foundational understanding of multi-level health behavior theory, data analysis, quantitative and qualitative research methods, community needs assessment, program planning and evaluation, and the ability to communicate scientific information to both lay and professional audiences. As the culminating experience of the program, students will write a discovery-based paper that meets current standards for publication in referred journals. Graduates of the program will be prepared to apply to doctoral degree programs in health behavior research or to pursue research staff positions in health and medical centers, public health departments, governmental agencies, and the private sector.
Students in the MS degree program in Public Health Sciences are admitted in Fall Semesters as a cohort.
Full-time enrollment is required and students are expected to graduate in five consecutive semesters. Students follow a weekly calendar of curricular and co-curricular activity that occupy 8-hour blocks of time, Monday through Friday. Students are strongly discouraged from holding employment when courses are in session.