About the Department

The Department of Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences is a community of scholars committed to advancing health equity and social justice through interdisciplinary, community-engaged research, teaching, and service.

Our approach to health promotion and behavioral sciences is framed within the social ecological model. We conduct research on theory and action to support the development, implementation, evaluation, and translation of interventions with impact at multiple levels. Our faculty maintain a growing research portfolio aiming to develop innovative approaches to addressing inequity and to inform policy, practice, and resource distribution. Located within a metropolitan research university, we collaborate with scholars from various disciplines, as well as local agencies and organizations to improve population health. In addition, our strong relationships with community partners provide a direct path for translation of our research into action both locally and globally.

We take a student-centered approach to teaching, learning, and mentoring. Our goal is that each of our graduates leaves with the training and experience to engage as public health-oriented leaders. We achieve this by intentionally building their critical thinking and leadership skills and utilizing our research and multidisciplinary expertise to immerse students in the work of public health.

The department offers a concentration in the MPH program and a PhD in Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences. Learn more about our department's academic programs.

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