Graduate Program Overview

   Please NOTE: The application deadline is January 15th.

   Admissions questions can be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies at ksharp1@umd.edu.

MPH Program

The MPH in Behavioral and Community Health program is designed to promote the development of professional community health educators who understand the science, theory, and practice of public health and can apply this knowledge toward the enhancement of health status in communities. Graduates will participate in both academic and applied training in program planning and implementation, program evaluation, public policy analysis, research and management.

Community Health Education MPH graduates are being sought in the field of public health, especially in the area of behavioral science. Career opportunities abound in both the private and public sectors - in public health agencies, volunteer programs, in business and in industry. MPH graduates are highly competitive in the fast-growing marketplace of community health education and public health.

PhD Program

The purpose of the doctoral program in Behavioral and Community Health is to prepare health education researchers of the highest quality. Admission is very selective and competitive. The program provides students with the opportunity to develop research skills essential in making significant contributions to the scientific and professional literature in health education. The goal of the program is to develop health professionals competent in understanding the health needs of the nation and qualified to conduct research that will result in setting the public health agenda for the future.

We primarily admit full-time students; however, we do admit a limited number of outstanding part-time students who are able to maintain a high level of commitment and determination to obtain their degree through all phases of their program including the dissertation phase. All students must complete their degree in nine (9) years in accordance with University of Maryland Graduate School policy. Students must advance to candidacy within 5 years of enrolling in the program and must complete their individualized research plan credits and dissertation within 4 years of advancing to candidacy. For an outline of required coursework and additional requirements of the program, please click on PhD Program Guidelines in the Degree Requirements section of the GRADUATE drop down menu.