Master of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia

University Rank:#721

International students can study the Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University at its main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America. This Master degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 2 years and is offered at the university's main campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 28, 2027.

About Master of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Master of Public Health (MPH) in Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple's College of Public Health trains students to assess and address the behavioral, cultural and social factors that influence pressing public health problems. Through coursework, professional development opportunities and fieldwork experiences, our MPH students learn to plan, implement and evaluate programs designed to improve the health of all people.

Social and behavioral sciences is a public health discipline that focuses on health promotion, illness prevention, and barriers to health behavior change, on both individual and health system levels. Professionals in this field use the tools and insights of the social and behavioral sciences to reduce health disparities and promote positive health outcomes, both in the general population and in vulnerable populations such as children, those with chronic physical and mental illnesses, and individuals living in poverty.

As a student in the social and behavioral sciences program, you will be prepared for practice-oriented careers in health counseling and education, health promotion, public health program development and evaluation, and research. Our graduates become public health leaders in community-based health agencies, healthcare systems, state and local public health departments, and voluntary health organizations. You will also be able to launch a career in research program management or continue your education in public health doctoral programs.

What sets apart our MPH in Social and Behavioral Sciences?

Real-world experience: Through the master's program's culminating fieldwork experience, students apply their classroom learning to real-world scenarios in health services or public health organizational settings that prepare them to launch their careers in social and behavioral sciences. You will benefit from the mentorship of a community agency partner and receive guidance from our program faculty.
Renowned faculty: In and outside the classroom, you will engage with faculty who are experts in cancer prevention, chronic disease prevention, health communication, maternal and child health, nutrition and obesity, organ donation, substance dependence prevention and treatment, healthy lifestyle promotion and more.
Interdisciplinary education: The College of Public Health incorporates healthcare and health services disciplines, as well as traditional public health fields. Students can take elective courses across 17 disciplines that range from social work to rehabilitation sciences and speech-language pathology. This opportunity for interdisciplinary coursework and research gives you a broad perspective on health promotion and illness prevention, and prepares you to excel in the complex, diverse field of public health.
Research opportunities: Advanced students can engage in faculty research as volunteers, student workers and research assistants. Research opportunities exist both within the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences and across the College of Public Health.

Program Format

Students can complete the MPH on-site or through our fully online program. The program offers a flexible curriculum: Students can study full time to complete the master's program in two years, or part time to finish in three years.

Students take core courses that explore the fundamentals of public health, as well as courses that focus on essential topics in social and behavioral sciences. You will also complete two fieldwork courses and take electives in order to build topical expertise.

See a full list of program courses.

Related Graduate Degrees in the College of Public Health

The College of Public Health offers four other MPH programs.

MPH in Applied Biostatistics
MPH in Environmental Health
MPH in Epidemiology
MPH in Health Policy and Managment

A Certificate in Global Health is available to all MPH students, who can complete this certificate by using their three MPH elective courses for global health classes.

The College of Public Health offers the PhD in Social and Behavioral Sciences for students interested in pursuing a research-intensive doctoral degree.

Dual Degree Programs

The public health perspective is relevant to many professional fields in which population-based theory and research can assist in improving health outcomes. An MPH dual degree opens new career options and enhances graduates' mobility in their chosen fields.

The College of Public Health offers two dual degree programs.

MSW-MPH with the college's School of Social Work
MPH-MS in Health Informatics with the college's Department of Health Services Administration and Policy

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University

Entry Requirements

University degree requiring four years of study.

Request one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university you have attended, even if only one course was taken. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency with a U.S. degree based on the characteristics of the national educational system, the type of institution attended and the level of studies completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. If unofficial transcripts are submitted during the application process, submission of official academic records will be required by the end of your first term of graduate study if you are admitted and subsequently enroll at Temple University.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University

Application Fee 60

How to Apply for Master of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University

There are important details to keep in mind as you complete and submit your application to Temple University.

1. Apply using one of two methods.

Choose one of the following two methods to apply.

1. Online Application

Submit an online application and pay the nonrefundable $60 application fee online using either a credit card or a bank account drawn on U.S. funds.

2. Paper Application

Download the PDF application and save it to your device. (Adobe Acrobat is required for access.) You can write on the form, save the final version, and then print for mailing. If you have questions while completing the paper form, refer to the application instructions. Before mailing, enclose a check or money order made payable to Temple University, in the amount of $75, drawn on a U.S. bank. The application fee cannot be refunded.

2. Ensure you use the same name on your application and standardized tests.

Use the exact same name on your application that you used when registering for your standardized tests. Slight differences in your name can cause your application to go unmatched with your reported test scores and delay the processing of your application.

3. Submit all supporting credentials.

Submit the documentation you have been gathering for your application. You can find the correct mailing address or alternate electronic submission information on the degree program’s "Contacts" page in the Graduate Bulletin. All application materials, including portfolios and exhibits, become the property of Temple University and will not be copied, forwarded to another institution or returned.

4. Contact the department with any questions.

If you have any questions about your application, contact the program or department directly. Admissions decisions are made by the department based on your complete application profile, which includes grades, test scores, recommendations, statement of goals, research interests, past employment, portfolio and more.

5. Check the status of your application.

Remember that your application is reviewed only after it is complete. You can check the status of your application and materials by returning to the application system through which you applied.

Master of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia