OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Master of Public Health Option
Create change to promote health
Applications reviewed on Dec 1 (Priority), March 1 & June 1 (Final).
Health promotion and health behavior specialists work to understand the social and behavioral influences at play in various communities, especially those with health disparities. They dig deep to get at the root of issues.
Whether it’s looking at living conditions, lifestyle choices or new evidence about what works, these public health professionals use scientific approaches to create real solutions to communities’ most pressing health challenges.
Join a diverse community that shares the desire to reduce risk, prevent disease and injury, and promote human health.
Oregon State’s MPH in health promotion and health behavior consists of small classes taught by tenure-track faculty who provide individualized attention to create a positive environment. These faculty members will also be your advisors and mentors.
You’ll learn to develop, implement and evaluate health promotion programs and translate evidence-based programs to practice.
Our faculty have a strong background in practice-based public health, engage in interdisciplinary research and can help guide you in developing skills and conducting research that can be applied to health issues across various contexts.
Conor Foley
MPH: Health Promotion and Health Behavior student
MPH Ambassador
"I would encourage anyone who is interested in working on making communities or the world a better place to live in, to consider pursuing an MPH."
The Oregon State MPH – Health Promotion and Health Behavior program requires 59 credit hours of coursework (approximately the equivalent of 40 semester credits).
This includes 12 credits of integrated core coursework, 24 credits of option-specific coursework, 17 credits of elective coursework and a 6-credit internship.
The program does not require a thesis; rather, it culminates with an integrative learning experience (ILE). Each MPH option has its own distinct ILE, created by program faculty to assess students’ mastery of program competencies.
See which courses you'll take as a health promotion and health behavior student.
Option-specific handbooks
What you'll learn as an MPH student.
Learning competencies
How you'll apply your knowledge.
MPH internships
Careers in the health promotion and health behavior sector focus on addressing factors that impact health so individuals, groups and communities can make changes to optimize personal health and working and living conditions.
Graduates of our program often find work in federal, state and local health agencies, non-profit organizations, private companies, colleges and universities, and as consultants.
Sample careers:
Marissa Song Mayeda, '20
"The MPH-HPHB program has given me a great opportunity to gain a well-rounded public health experience that encapsulates theory and practice that fits my interests and has given me the tools to better serve the communities I work in.
"I have not only had the privilege to meet and work with faculty, peers and mentors from multiple disciplines with a wide variety of experiences but have also gained a community."
For information on assistantships, your investment and more visit the main MPH program page.
We’re happy to connect with you by email, phone or virtual meetings.
For questions about the application process and requirements, contact CPHHS graduate admissions.
To talk about curriculum and life as an MPH student, contact MPH Administrative Director Hanako Justice, MPH, MSW, CHES.
For academic or professional information specific to the Oregon State MPH health promotion and health behavior program, please contact Program Director Kari-Lyn Sakuma, Ph.D., MPH.
In 2014, our college was accredited by the Council for Education in Public Health – the first in Oregon. This distinction provides our students with more resources, more opportunities to engage in research, and faculty experts who specialize in a variety of public health topics.
