Behavioral Science and Health Equity

As a Master of Public Health-trained health educator, you can improve public health by developing, promoting and researching community-wide initiatives encouraging healthy living practices to prevent disease and injury.

In Saint Louis University's behavioral science and health equity M.P.H. concentration, we couple a team-based experience with additional learning experiences beyond the classroom, all tailored to your interests by professors who know you by your name.

Behavioral science and health equity concentration students at SLU study why people behave the way they do related to their health and wellness.  After you graduate from SLU's nationally recognized, competencies-based M.P.H. program you will be able to:

• Apply conceptual models and theories at multiple ecological levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community and policy).
• Examine risk factors and determinants of specific health threats at multiple ecological levels.
• Assess needs, assets, resources and capacity for social and behavioral science interventions at multiple levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional, community and policy).
• Plan theory and evidence-based interventions (program/policy/environmental change) to improve health.
• Collaborate to implement public health-related programs, policies, and environmental changes.
• Develop programs, policies and environmental strategies that address social determinants.
• Conduct evaluations (process, impact, and outcome) of public health related interventions using multiple methods.

Evidence-based Approaches to Public Health

• Graduates will be able to apply epidemiological methods to the breadth of settings and situations in public health practice.
• Graduates will be able to select quantitative and qualitative data collection methods appropriate for a given public health context.
• Graduates will be able to analyze quantitative and qualitative data using biostatistics, informatics, computer-based programming and software, as appropriate.
• Graduates will be able to interpret results of data analysis for public health research, policy or practice.

Public Health and Health Care Systems

• Graduates will be able to compare the organization, structure and function of health care, public health and regulatory systems across national and international settings.
• Graduates will be able to discuss the means by which structural bias, social inequities and racism undermine health and create challenges to achieving health equity at organizational, community and societal levels.

Planning and Management to Promote Health

• Graduates will be able to assess population needs, assets and capacities that affect communities' health.
• Graduates will be able to apply awareness of cultural values and practices to the design or implementation of public health policies or programs.
• Graduates will be able to design a population-based policy, program, project or intervention.
• Graduates will be able to explain basic principles and tools of budget and resource management.
• Graduates will be able to select methods to evaluate public health programs.

Policy in Public Health

• Graduates will be able to discuss multiple dimensions of the policy-making process, including the roles of ethics and evidence.
• Graduates will be able to propose strategies to identify stakeholders and build coalitions and partnerships for influencing public health outcomes.
• Graduates will be able to advocate for political, social or economic policies and programs that will improve health in diverse populations.
• Graduates will be able to evaluate policies for their impact on public health and health equity.

Leadership

• Graduates will be able to apply principles of leadership, governance and management, which include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration and guiding decision making.
• Graduates will be able to apply negotiation and mediation skills to address organizational or community.

Communication

• Graduates will be able to select communication strategies for different audiences and sectors.
• Graduates will be able to communicate audience-appropriate public health content, both in writing and through oral presentation.
• Graduates will be able to describe the importance of cultural competence in communicating public health content.

Interprofessional Practice

• Graduates will be able to perform effectively on interprofessional teams.

Systems Thinking

• Graduates will be able to apply systems thinking tools to a public health issue.

• Completed application​
• Undergraduate degree (most successful applicants have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better)
• Official transcript from a degree-granting institution
• Statement of purpose (about 500 words)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• External reference recommendations (encouraged but not required)

Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first term coursework.

• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

With a concentration in behavioral science and health equity, you can work in a variety of public, private and nonprofit settings to:

• Assess and implement health promotion interventions, such as smoking cessation programs.
• Develop programs and effective communications strategies to help young people avoid alcohol and substance abuse.
• Help curb the spread of STDs, such cervical cancer and HIV/AIDS.
• Identify and promote health literacy and health communications strategies through the improved translation and dissemination of health discoveries.
• Improve the quality of life for the growing population of senior citizens.
• Reduce obesity and chronic health problems in youth and adult populations and in underserved urban or rural communities.
• Research complex health issues so communities can improve access to important resources and services.

SLU's public health graduates are employed at federal, state and local health agencies; consulting firms; consumer advocacy organizations; community-based organizations and health care centers; hospitals; research centers; and universities.

Within the first year of graduation, the vast majority of M.P.H. graduates are beginning their careers, participating in fellowships, or furthering their graduate education.

Step 2: Set up your SLU Net ID

Step 3: Log into MySLU

Step 4: Check with your academic department

Step 5: Read the Saint Louis University Graduate Catalog

Step 6: Submit your immunization and health insurance forms

Step 7: Visit parking and card services to obtain your SLU ID card