Arnold School of Public Health

Health promotion is where behavior change, community engagement and public health action come together. In USC’s MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior Online Program, students will learn how to identify the factors that influence health, engage communities to address these factors, plan, implement and evaluate evidence-based programs and interventions, advocate for those in need through social action and policy change and communicate effectively across diverse populations.  

The Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior MPH program is for those who want to work directly with communities, promote healthy lifestyles, understand and change health behaviors, create, implement and evaluate health promotion programs, conduct research and make a meaningful impact on public health through work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, healthcare systems, and community health organizations. 

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What You’ll Study 

Students will build the knowledge and skills to address complex public health challenges using evidence-based program planning frameworks and strategies that promote healthy lifestyles and improve population health. Students will develop a deep understanding of the social, behavioral, environmental and structural factors that influence health outcomes, and learn to apply behavioral change theories and models, develop, implement, and evaluate multi- level health promotion programs, engage partners and key stakeholders across various sectors, and advance healthcare access and health equity.

Curriculum 

The Online MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior is a 45-credit-hour program that includes the public health core, HPEB core, cognates/electives courses, a 5-credit experiential applied practice experience and a comprehensive exam. 

View the full curriculum in the Graduate Academic Bulletin: Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, M.P.H.

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Admissions 

Applicants for the Online MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior apply through SOPHAS.

Learn about the complete admission requirements.

Where our Grads Work 

Career opportunities include roles such as health education specialist, wellness specialist, health program manager, evaluation coordinator, and other public health practitioner positions. Alumni work in local, state, and national organizations, healthcare settings and academia, including the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Medical University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council, PRISMA Health, Department of War, PASOs, and many other health-related sites. 

Tuition 

Tuition and fees are subject to change and vary based on enrollment status and residency. Students are encouraged to explore financial aid options, scholarships and assistantships to help support their education. Learn more from the Office of Graduate Student Services.

Tuition and Fees

FAQ 

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• Is the Online Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior MPH Program a practice-focused degree?

  Yes. The Online Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior MPH Program is designed to prepare students to apply public health and HPEB principles in a variety of health-related settings, work effectively with diverse populations, and address public health challenges through evidence-based approaches. 

• How many credit hours are required?

  The program requires 45 credit hours. 

• Is the GRE required to apply?

  GRE scores are optional. 

• Is the program fully online?

  Yes.  

• Will I complete an applied practice experience?

  Yes. Online students complete a 5-credit applied practice experience that connects public health coursework to real-world practice. 

• How do I apply?

  Applicants for the Online MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior apply through SOPHAS.

• What should I include as part of the statement of purpose (also known as the personal statement)?

  This statement should explain why you want to pursue the HPEB MPH degree, why you are interested in an MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, and how your academic interests and relevant professional, volunteer, or research experiences have prepared you for graduate school. Applicants should also discuss how the HPEB MPH will help them achieve their short- and long-term career goals.  

• How long does it take to receive a decision about my application?

  The deadline for application is February 15. Once deemed complete, applications are reviewed by a committee from February through April for Fall semester admission. Only completed applications (where all application materials have been received) are reviewed. 

• How will I be notified of acceptance?

  Applicants will be notified of the admission recommendation initially by email from the Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior MPH Program Director, Dr. Edena Guimaraes. However, the official letters of acceptance are sent by the Graduate School.

• Who can I contact for more information about the application process?

  Applicants may contact the Arnold School of Public Health’s Office of Graduate Student Services about their application status (803-777-5031). 

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Learn more about the MPH in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior.