In addition to the overall Master of Science in Public Health degree competencies, Behavioral Health M.S.P.H. graduates will be able to: - Identify the fundamental principles of the epidemiology of mental and substance use disorders;
- Specify unique issues in behavioral health programs and disorders for culture, age, and other specific at-risk populations;
- Demonstrate an in depth understanding of behavioral health advocacy, policy, information systems, & systems change; and
- Critically evaluate and specify a broad range of behavioral health literature to analyze behavioral health issues and problems.
Research Skills - Conduct needs assessments focused on health behavior change and the social impact of planned health programs;
- Use qualitative and quantitative research methods for studying the impact of psychological, interpersonal, social structural, cultural and biological factors in the etiology and social consequences of public health problems;
- Carry out, with faculty supervision, all phases of the research process, including project design, proposal development, data collection, data analysis, and interpretation and writing up of results; and
- Use ethical principles guiding the conduct of research on human subjects.
Practical Applications to Public Health - Identify areas in which social and behavioral science expertise can contribute to the design, implementation and evaluation of public health programs;
- Determine the appropriate level of intervention for different health problems, including individual behavior, family systems, community organization, complex social systems and the social and physical environment; and
- Critically evaluate research and translate it into evidence-based practice and public policy.
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