Academics

Why Study BCHS?

  • Examine public health problems using social and behavioral sciences theory and information
  • Conduct community-based research and practice to build a knowledge base and gain understanding
  • Develop and plan programs and policies to address public health problems

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health educators and community health workers are:

  • Projected to experience faster than average employment growth (12%) over the period 2021-31
  • Projected to see 15,200 job openings over the period 2021-31
Degree Programs
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Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD prepares students to conduct research and teach in the social and behavioral sciences areas of public health and in academic settings.

Doctorate
Professor and student
Master of Public Health

The MPH prepares students for an applied public health career.

MPH
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MPH/MSW

Students participate in class work, field placements, and leadership seminars to acquire the knowledge and skills to address health problems.

MPH/MSW
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MPH/PhD in Anthropology

This joint degree program with the Department Anthropology in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences prepares anthropologists for research, teaching, and program planning/evaluation for specialization in the cultural, social, and behavioral aspects of health and health care.

MPH/PhD in Anthropology
Student and Professor
MPH/PhD Social Work

This joint program with Pitt’s School of Social Work prepares students to fulfill leadership roles in public health systems or academic settings with a particular focus on maternal and child health.

MPH/PhD Social Work
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MPH/MID, MPA, or MPIA

Students in the BCHS MPH program may pursue a master of international development, public administration, or public and international affairs with Pitt's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

MPH/MID, MPA, or MPIA
Master of Public Health

MPH Graduates

MPH graduates of BCHS are able to:

  • examine public health problems using social and behavioral sciences theory and information
  • develop and plan programs and policies to address public health problems
  • implement, manage, and evaluate programs and policies; conduct community-based applied research to build a knowledge base and gain understanding; communicate information to policy makers and the public
  • advocate for program development and policy change
Doctor of Philosophy

PhD Graduates

PhD graduates of BCHS are able to:

  • Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • Develop an understanding of the social ecological context within which public health programs are designed, implemented, and researched
  • Employ qualitative and quantitative methodologies to design and conduct rigorous and scientifically valid research at various levels of human activity
  • Develop a social justice perspective in the consideration of and sensitivity to ethical issues that influence public health, health policy, and the delivery of health care
  • Apply data management and analysis skills and competencies in communicating research findings orally and in writing
Students abroad
Student in chair

Research and Practice

BCHS Research and Practice is important for:
  • Implementing, managing, and evaluating community programs and public policies
  • Communicating information to policy makers and the public
  • Advocating for program development, policy changes, and improvements in the quality of life of populations and communities
Benefits from BCHS Research & Interventions include:
  • Discovering ways to prevent falls in the elderly
  • Examining depression and end-of-life care in patients diagnosed with definite or probable amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Examining patterns of substance use over time among an existing cohort of HIV-positive and negative men who have sex with men (MSM)
  • Exploring the relationship between neighborhood context and racial disparities in pregnancy-related health outcomes (e.g., preterm birth and low birth weight)
  • Providing training in conducting behavioral trials on cancer screening among underserved Latino populations
  • Increasing the quantity and improving the quality of social services in maternal and child health by training qualified social workers for leadership positions as administrators, consultants, and practitioners
  • Identifying the precursors of methamphetamine use and/or abuse among MSM