Behavioral and Social Health Sciences

The Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences at Brown University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to explore the complex factors that influence health behaviors and outcomes. This program aims to equip students with a solid foundation in social sciences, public health, and behavioral sciences, enabling them to understand and address the multifaceted nature of health issues in diverse populations. Students engage with coursework that covers topics such as health behavior theories, social determinants of health, epidemiology, health policy, and community health interventions. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in public health, healthcare, research, policy analysis, and community service. Students have opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, community-based projects, and collaborative research, fostering real-world experience alongside academic knowledge. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches and seeks to develop culturally competent professionals who can contribute effectively to health promotion and disease prevention initiatives across different settings. With a focus on social justice and health equity, students are encouraged to examine the systemic factors that contribute to health disparities and to develop innovative strategies for improving health outcomes at the individual, community, and policy levels. The faculty are dedicated to mentoring students and guiding them toward impactful careers in health and social sciences, emphasizing ethical practices and lifelong learning. Graduates of the program will be well-prepared to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce, making meaningful contributions to improving health and well-being across diverse populations.

Required Core Courses

• Introduction to Methods in Epidemiologic Research
• Behavioral and Social Science Theory for Health Promotion
• Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating Public Health Interventions
• Health Communication
• Quantitative Methods for Behavioral & Social Sciences Intervention Research

Electives: Must take 3 from this list

• Burden of Disease in Developing Countries
• Anthropology of Addictions and Recovery
• Survey Research in Health Care
• HIV/AIDS in Africa: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Support HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Programs in Africa
• Global Health Nutrition
• Case Studies in Public Health
• Alcohol Use and Misuse
• Obesity in the 21st Century: Causes, Consequences and Countermeasures
• Tobacco, Smoking, and the Evil Empire
• Principles of Health Behavior and Health Promotion Interventions*
• Meditation, Mindfulness and Health
• Social Determinants of Health
• Clinical Trials Methodology
• Applied Research Methods
• Qualitative Methods in Health Research
• Ethical and Legal Issues in Public Health
• Intro to Methods in Epi Research
• Human Biology for Public Health
• Injury as a Public Health Problem
• Epidemiology of Violence and its Consequences
• Perinatal Epidemiology
• Place Matters: Exploring Community-Level Contexts on Health Behaviors, Outcomes, & Disparities
• Public Health Issues in LGBT Populations
• Etiology of Substance Use Disorders
• Treatment of Substance Use Disorders
• US Health Care System: Case Studies
• Graduate Independent Study/Thesis Research 

Requirements

• Personal Statement
• Transcripts 
• 3 Letters of Recommendation 
• GRE 
• TOEFL/IELTS 
• A non-refundable fee of $75 is charged for processing each application received by the Graduate School. This fee must be paid when the application is submitted.
• Graduates of non-U.S. colleges and universities who have completed the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor's degree may apply for admission to the Brown University Graduate School. Along with the application, international applicants must provide the Graduate School with original documents or official certified copies indicating the nature and scope of their educational program. 

Scholarships

Limited financial aid is available to master’s students in the form of School of Public Health Program scholarships and research apprenticeships. The PHP scholarship grants roughly 25% tuition. Research apprenticeships cover a larger portion of tuition and provide a monthly stipend. These awards are based on merit and qualifications; student loans also are available through the Financial Aid Office. 

Behavioral and Social Health Sciences at Brown University offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex factors that influence health behaviors and outcomes. The program emphasizes understanding the behavioral, social, and environmental determinants of health, integrating interdisciplinary approaches from psychology, sociology, public health, and medicine. Students engage in rigorous coursework that covers topics such as health behavior theories, epidemiology, health promotion strategies, and health policy analysis. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to evaluate and develop interventions aimed at improving health across diverse populations.

Research opportunities are a core component of the program, allowing students to participate in cutting-edge projects within Brown’s renowned research centers and affiliated institutions. These projects often focus on areas such as mental health, substance abuse, chronic disease management, and health disparities. By engaging in hands-on research, students gain valuable experience in designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and translating research findings into practical applications.

The program also prioritizes interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to work alongside faculty members from various departments including Public Health, Behavioral Medicine, and Sociology. This approach fosters a holistic understanding of health issues and prepares graduates for careers in public health practice, research, policy development, and health education. Brown’s location within a vibrant academic community provides additional opportunities for internships and community engagement, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for advanced study or careers in public health agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare systems, and research institutions. They gain a comprehensive understanding of behavioral and social factors affecting health and develop the skills necessary to implement effective health interventions and policies. Overall, the program at Brown University offers a robust foundation for those interested in addressing some of the most pressing health issues of our time through multidisciplinary and evidence-based approaches.

Further specialization and coursework are tailored to individual interests, allowing students to focus on specific areas such as health disparities, global health, adolescent health, or health communication. The program maintains a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that students are prepared to serve diverse communities effectively. With its blend of academic rigor, research opportunities, and practical experience, the Behavioral and Social Health Sciences program at Brown University is designed to cultivate leaders in public health dedicated to advancing health equity and improving health outcomes worldwide.