Master’s Programs

The Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers two degrees in the Master in Public Health Program and a more flexible, specialized degree in the Master of Science Program.

Master in Public Health Program

MPH-45 in Health and Social Behavior (MPH-HSB 45)

The MPH-HSB 45 is for individuals who already hold a graduate degree, are current medical or dental students who have completed their primary clinical year, or have at least five years of relevant work experience in public health or a related field. In most cases, you can complete the MPH-45 in two semesters.

MPH-65 in Health and Social Behavior (MPH-HSB 65)

The MPH-HSB 65 is for individuals with a minimum of two years of post-baccalaureate work experience in a relevant public health field. You can complete this full-time program in three semesters with a summer practicum experience between the second and third semesters. This degree prepares those early in their careers to work in diverse spheres, including federal, state, and local government; advocacy groups; voluntary health organizations; and community-based primary care settings in the United States and other countries.

Master of Science Program (SM1)

This research degree is designed for established researchers and investigators or practitioners with significant experience in the social or behavioral sciences.  The program is flexible to allow specialization in a specific content or skill area.

Students must complete:

  • 42.5 credits (1 year)
  • Individualized study plan

Successful candidates have a doctoral degree or masters degree, and significant work experience in the social or behavioral sciences, health care, or a public health field.


Curriculum Guides

MPH Curriculum Guides

FAQs

What are the admission requirements for the MPH-45 and 65 programs?

For applicants that are applying into any of the Master of Science in Social and Behavioral Sciences or the Master in Public Health in Social and Behavioral Sciences check out this admission requirements checklist.

How do you evaluate applications? What do you look for in applicants?

We look at the application holistically. GRE scores, grades, experience, letters of recommendation and the statement of purpose are all weighed in the review process. We recommend spending time to craft your statement to reflect your interest of study and address the following questions: Why public health? Why Harvard? Why Social and Behavioral Sciences? How will this degree help you get to where you want to go?

What’s the difference between the SM1 and MPH degrees?

The SM1 is a one-year research degree designed for established researchers and investigators or practitioners with a prior advanced degree and significant experience in the social or behavioral sciences. This degree provides training for careers in public health research. The MPH is a professional degree program that trains individuals for careers in public health practice.

What’s the difference between the MPH-HSB 45 and MPH-HSB 65?

The MPH-HSB 45 is for individuals who already hold a graduate degree, are current medical or dental students who have completed their primary clinical year, or have at least five years of relevant work experience in public health or a related field. In most cases, you can complete the MPH-45 in two semesters.

The MPH-HSB 65 is for individuals with a minimum of two years of post-baccalaureate work experience in a relevant public health field. You can complete this full-time program in three semesters with a summer practicum experience between the second and third semesters. This degree prepares those early in their careers to work in diverse spheres, including federal, state, and local government; advocacy groups; voluntary health organizations; and community-based primary care settings in the United States and other countries.

You can also learn more by visiting Admissions.

What funding is available for Master’s students?

In order to be considered for all forms of funding, you must fill out the HSPH financial aid application. If you are a US citizen or permanent resident you should also fill out the FAFSA.  Some forms of financial aid are merit-based and some are need-based.

Where have MPH-65 students done practicums?

Practicums students have done in the past can be found by clicking on “Health & Social Behavior,” and then “MPH-65 Program Practice sites.” Please visit the Field Practice webpage.

Click here for information on practicum guidelines.

What types of jobs do students take upon graduating?

Some examples of jobs taken by doctoral students include postdoctoral positions, tenure-track faculty, and management/research positions at government agencies. For master’s students, some examples include research analysts at consulting firms, program coordinators at community-based organizations, and project directors at city, state and federal health commissions. Some have even started their own non-profit organizations.

Can I take other courses at other schools?

HSPH students may enroll in courses offered by the cross-registration consortium. This includes Harvard facultiesMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Tufts Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

When do I get an advisor?

Advisors are assigned prior to the Fall semester, however you are not expected to meet with your advisor until Orientation.

Where can I direct questions about the MPH program that are not specific to the Social and Behavioral Sciences field of study?

Feel free to send an email to the MPH Office: mph@hsph.harvard.edu or visit the Office of Education page.

For more frequently asked questions regarding admissions or financial support, please visit these Harvard Chan School web pages:

Office of Admissions

Office of Student Financial Services

Where can I find out more information on the research in the SBS department?

You can get some information on faculty research by viewing their profiles on the department website.

You can read about the research areas of current students here.