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
Mind Over Mat
Celebrate World Mental Health Day at Mind Over Mat, featuring yoga, refreshments, and more!
2026 SPH Convocation: The Pictures of Public Health - Global Stories and Timeless Wisdom
Join an evening of storytelling with SPH Dean Boris Lushniak, SPH Founding Dean Robert Gold and illustrator Maya Nadison. Explore how stories and images have shaped understanding of public health and learn about the founding of SPH.
2026 SPH Convocations
In Dr. Boris Lushniak’s final year as SPH Dean, hear the stories behind the titles, and ask him about anything from treating patients with Ebola, to that time he was almost an astronaut, to helping grow SPH into a public health force for good.
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!