The MPH in Community and Behavioral Health prepares public health practitioners for a variety of positions related to community development, health program implementation, and health education. Students learn how to design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based interventions that are directed toward identified public health problems in populations. Bachelor’s level training in the social and behavioral sciences is good preparation for this program, but current students come from a variety of educational backgrounds.

The Applied Practice Experience requirement has been fulfilled in the past with organizations or agencies that are actively addressing public health concerns with intervention programs. Past sites have included the Johnson County Public Health Department, the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa City Family Planning Clinic, and the University of Iowa Department of Pediatrics.

Graduates of the CBH Program of Study are able to:

• Articulate the historical and contemporary interrelations among determinants of health
• Summarize community-engaged research and practice methodology
• Utilize the strengths/assets of a community to address health inequities.
• Use ethical, culturally informed, and participatory processes to implement health promotion action.
• Develop appropriate, realistic, and measurable goals and objectives for health promotion action.
• Analyze differences in perspectives and values among stakeholders/decision makers that affect health equity
• Adapt evidence-based theory-guided approaches and interventions to rural contexts.

Examples of careers include:

• Health Educator
• Program Manager, State Public Health Department
• Sexual and Domestic Violence Program Coordinator
• Director, County Public Health Department
• Policy Advisor

A typical student completes the MPH in two years. This following is a sample plan of study based on a full-time student starting in the Fall. Please work with your advisor to choose a plan that works best for you.