The Department of Health Behavior offers a two year, full-time MPH degree program. MPH students take coursework in the following, as well as electives based on individual student interests:

• social and behavioral science theory
• qualitative and qualitative research methods
• biostatistics
• social determinants of health and health disparities
• program planning and evaluation
• proposal development

A hallmark of the program is intensive field training. MPH students complete an individual 200- to 400-hour summer practicum after their first year in the program and a year-long Capstone project with UNC and community-based organizations during their second year in the program. Students further synthesize and apply this learning by completing a written comprehensive examination.

The job skills MPH students acquire include learning how to:

• Plan, develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate public health programs and interventions
  
• Gain competencies in both qualitative and quantitative research methodology
  
• Apply theory and scientific evidence in a way that maintains values of social justice and respect
• Collaborate in diverse cross-cultural, community and organizational settings