Behavioral and Community Health (online) (MBCO)

Graduate Degree Program
College: Public Health

ABSTRACT

The Department offers graduate study leading to the Master of Public Health (MPH) in Behavioral and Community Health and the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Behavioral and Community Health. The graduate programs are designed to prepare behavioral health professionals with specific skills and the ability to implement theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.

The mission of the MPH program is to promote the development of behavioral and community health professionals who understand the science, theory, and practice of public health and can apply this knowledge toward the enhancement of health status of communities. The MPH program is designed as a professional degree to prepare behavioral and community health professionals working in public health service as practitioners, administrators, supervisors, educators, consultants, and researchers. Students will participate in both academic and applied training in program planning and implementation, program evaluation, and research.

CONTACT

Jenny Hodgson, Ed.D., MPH
Associate Clinical Professor
Director, Online MPH Program
Department of Behavioral and Community Health 
University of Maryland 
School of Public Health Building 
4200 Valley Drive
College Park, MD 20742
Phone: 301-405-2519 (office line)
Email: jhodgson@umd.edu

Website: sph.umd.edu/bch

Courses: HLTH SPHL

Relationships: Epidemiology (EPID), Health Administration (HLSA), Behavioral and Community Health (BCHL)

The Online MPH in Behavioral and Community Health program has a two-part application process. Applicants must submit the SOPHAS application (sophas.cas.myliaison.com), the centralized application service for schools and programs of public health, and the UMD Supplemental application. Both applications must be submitted, complete with all required documents and verified by the scheduled deadline. Applications will be reviewed when both the SOPHAS and the UMD Supplemental applications are completed and verified.

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • A Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Transcripts from all previous coursework
  • English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS or PTE) (international applicants)
  • Statement of purpose and objectives
  • Response to personal experiences question(s)

PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

  • SOPHAS application & UMD Supplemental application
  • Statement of purpose should outline 1. who you are (personal and professional experiences and accomplishments), 2. where you are going (educational, professional/career goals), and 3. how the BCH program will help get you there (include alignment with BCH courses, competencies and specific faculty you are interested in working with) 
  • At least one undergraduate math course
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Alignment between the applicant's professional goals and expectations and the program's degree competencies and faculty expertise
  • Official GRE test scores submission is not required
  • A writing sample is optional

The admissions committee assesses the overall packet for bi-directional fit for the program: Does the BCH program fit the student’s professional goals? And does the student’s background and goals fit the BCH program?

Note for applicants with foreign credentials:

  • The SOPHAS application requires that applicants submit a WES credential evaluation
  • The UMD supplemental application requires uploading unofficial transcripts issued in the original language, along with a literal English translation. Visit the Graduate School website for additional information
  • Evidence of English language proficiency is required if the applicant does not hold a degree from a U.S. institution or one of the English-speaking countries listed on the Graduate School website
    • The Department of Behavioral and Community Health only admits students with English Language proficiency test scores in the full enrollment range
  • Language scores must be submitted to the SOPHAS and the UMD supplemental application

For detailed instructions on how to apply, please visit the School of Public Health Website: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-process

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Type of Applicant Fall Deadline Spring Deadline Summer Deadline
Domestic Applicants
US Citizens and Permanent Residents May 14, 2027 N/A N/A
The priority deadline for both the SOPHAS and the UMD applications is January 15, 2027.
International Applicants
F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A, E, G, H, I and L visas and immigrants May 14, 2027 N/A N/A
The priority deadline for both the SOPHAS and the UMD applications is January 15, 2027.

RESOURCES AND LINKS:

SPH Program Website: sph.umd.edu/mph-behavioral-and-community-health
Office of Extended Studies (OES) Program Website: exst.umd.edu/professionals-post-baccalaureates/professional-graduate-programs/school-public-health-graduate-programs-online/mph-behavioral-and-community-health
Application Process: sph.umd.edu/admissions
Admissions FAQ: sph.umd.edu/graduate-application-faqs

 
 

The Department has research specializations in a variety of areas including:

  • Minority health/social inequalities in health
  • Alcohol and drug abuse
  • Safety and health
  • Sexual health
  • Adolescent health and risk behavior
  • Violence prevention/community violence
  • Public health communication
  • Treatment of nicotine dependence

Specialized laboratories operating within the Department include:

  • The Laboratory for Health Behavior Assessment and Intervention
  • The Center for Health Behavior Research
  • The Center for Young Adult Health and Development

The proximity of the nation’s capital, the National Institutes of Health, the National Library of Medicine, the Food and Drug Administration, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and numerous public health focused private and not-for profit organizations/agencies render the University of Maryland unusually well suited for graduate work in behavioral and community health.