
We prepare students to apply theories, concepts, and methods of the various social and behavioral science disciplines to the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that prevent illness and promote health.
K. Leroy Irvis Fellowship for doctoral students
The Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences is actively recruiting doctoral students for the K. Leroy Irvis Fellowship, which supports outstanding and diverse graduate students and prepares them for academic and/or research careers. Each year, the School of Public Health selects distinguished doctoral applicants to participate in this prestigious program, which provides five years of financial support, plus academic guidance and cohort-based mentoring.
Interested applicants must apply to the doctoral program by the deadline; award recipients matriculate as full-time students in Fall 2025.
BCHS Newsletter
Get the latest news and accomplishments from BCHS faculty, staff, and students.
Our Mission
We seek to improve and promote health and equity by engaging individuals, communities, and systems through our research, teaching, and practice.



News

New Pitt classes and programs launch in fall 2025
Pitt Public Health is offering new courses for fall 2025, including a Disaster Preparedness Certificate and a course in AI in Health Data Science, as well as training opportunities through the Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health.

Healthy grieving online: Finding comfort, support, and meaning in the digital age
"Grief is an ongoing process," reflects BCHS Assistant Professor Beth Hoffman on the passing of her only sibling, Emily. "It doesn’t move forward in a straight line. People tell you the first year without your loved one is the hardest. But in my case, years 2 and 3 have been more difficult.”

Early lead exposure could result in memory issues later in life
“Heavy metals, which include lead as well as mercury, are not good for your body or your brain, even at low-level exposure," said BCHS Professor Steve Albert, commenting on studies presented at the recent Alzheimer’s Association International Conference highlighting potential links between lead exposure and cognitive problems. “There are many environmental pollutants, airborne toxins, that have been associated with cognitive performance,” he added.