Requirements and Curriculum

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Requirements

The Master of Science (MS) program in Community Health and Health Behavior requires 30 credit hours of classroom coursework, directed research and a culminating experience.

The UB Graduate School requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum grade of B in all coursework to count towards your degree.

Curriculum

Throughout your coursework, you will study key principles of public health, community health and health behavior, and statistical and research methodology. 

Beyond formal coursework, the program is based on a mentor-mentee, apprenticeship model. This means that you will be involved with a faculty member’s research during your time in the program.

You can also participate in the department's CHHB Brown Bag Series offering speakers on a broad range of research ideas and community activities, in service to improve the health of populations, communities, and people.

Upon completion of your coursework, you’ll complete a culminating experience–either a master's research project or a written comprehensive exam.

Required Courses

Community Health and Health Behavior (CHHB) Core Courses (9 Credit Hours)

Public Health Core Courses (6 or 7 Credit Hours)

Statistics and Research Methods Core Courses (7-8 Credit Hours)

  • STA 527 Statistical Analysis I, plus one 3 or 4-credit hour graduate-level statistics/research methods course.

Individualized Program of Studies

Beyond the required courses, you will design an individualized program of studies in consultation with an advisor and supervisory committee and will complete at least two additional graduate-level courses or mentored research experiences. You may take part in mentored research experiences for credit by working on a research team with your mentor. Through this process you will gain expertise in conducting research, statistical analysis, writing and research ethics. 

While working on mentored research projects, you will register for either:

Students who are completing a master's project for the MS should register for 3 credits of CHB 695 or CHB 696. Students who are completing a master's project for the BS-Public Health / MS combined program should register for 4 credits of CHB 695 or CHB 696. All students should register for credits during the semester they are working on their project.

Culminating Experience

After completing your coursework, you will satisfy the culminating experience requirement by taking either a written comprehensive exam or completing a master's research project. 

Students in the BS-Public Health/MS program satisfy the culminating experience through a master’s research project.

Questions about program requirements or curriculum?

Contact Heather Orom, director of graduate studies, at horom@buffalo.edu.