The Department of Behavioral and Community Health (BCH), ranked as #17 in the country by U.S. News and World Report in 2025, is committed to promoting and protecting the health and well-being of all people and communities through innovative, theory-based research and discovery that strive to eliminate social injustices and transforms public health practice and training to prepare the next generation of practitioners, researchers, and leaders in social and behavioral sciences. We offer a BS in Public Health Practice, an MPH and a PhD in Behavioral and Community Health and an MPH in Health Literacy and Public Health Communication.
David Liendo, PhD Student
"My favorite part of the BCH program is having professors who are genuinely supportive and open to hearing about our projects. I really appreciated how willing they are to connect me with others who share similar interests, which helps me grow my ideas and build meaningful collaborations."
Recent SPH News
UMD Debuts 8 New Degree, Certificate Programs
Researchers Develop AI Tool to ID Dementia Risk in Understudied Populations
Op/ed: How Social Media Can Be Good for Our Health
Upcoming BCH Events
Metacognition - Teaching Students How to Learn
Learn strategies for helping students become more self-aware and reflective learners. When they understand the science of learning, they are more successful.
Understanding the Lens of Incoming Students (Gen Z): The Experience, Perspective, and Opportunities for Support
The Faculty Staff Assistance Program hosts September Lunch & Learn: Understanding the Lens of Incoming Students (Gen Z): The Experience, Perspective, and Opportunities for Support presented by Nyree Watson M.Ed.
On-Campus & Part-Time Jobs Meetup
All University of Maryland, College Park students are invited to explore paid, part-time job opportunities on campus or in the College Park vicinity at the biannual On-Campus & Part-Time Jobs Meetup.
Take the Next Step
As a member of the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, you will be a part of the effort to build healthier and socially just communities through participating in experiential courses, innovative research and service. Join our program!