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
$2.5M NIH Grant Supports UMD Study of How Wildfire Smoke and Extreme Heat Affect Pregnancy
UMD Debuts 8 New Degree, Certificate Programs
Researchers Develop AI Tool to ID Dementia Risk in Understudied Populations
Upcoming BCH Events
School of Public Health Fall 2026 Graduate Programs Virtual Open House
Ready to make a difference in the health of communities, locally and around the world? Join the UMD School of Public Health for our Graduate Programs Virtual Open House, Oct. 7–9, 2026, and discover how to turn your passion into impact.
Leveling the Playing Field: Navigating Accommodations at UMD
The Faculty Staff Assistance Program hosts the October Lunch & Learn- Leveling the Playing Field: Navigating Accommodations at UMD presented by Monica Aisenberg of the Accessibility and Disability Service
Improv Your Teaching: Improvisational Theatre Techniques for Reimagining Presence, Connection, & Play in Learning Environments (TLTC + Academy for Innovation and Entrepreneurship workshop)
Join us to learn what improv theater can teach us about being more confident, connected, and playful in the classroom.
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!