Graduate Studies in Behavioral Health
DrPH Program
The Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute and the College of Public Health (COPH) jointly offer the Behavioral Health Concentration as part of the MPH and MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program and the Behavioral Health Focus as part of the PhD and DrPH Degree Programs in the Department of Community & Family Health (CFH). Behavioral Health (alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services from a public health perspective) examines community and family issues in policy, evaluation, systems performance, and outcomes of alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services. Students with public health, psychology, education, counseling, social work, and nursing backgrounds analyze current trends and research in behavioral health services.
The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Behavioral Health Focus is an advanced professional degree program for students intending to pursue leadership and executive management opportunities in behavioral health services and organizations. The curriculum at the doctoral level is individualized based upon the student's career goals and previous work experiences. Requirements include two years of previous experience in public health, COPH prerequisites (for individuals without an MPH or MSPH), DrPH required courses, behavioral health focus courses, qualifying exams, field placement, and a practice-based dissertation. Interested students should consult the DCFH Doctoral Program Guidelines & Manual for the complete degree requirements.
A graduate from the DrPH program will be able to:
- Contribute to the improvement of the health and well being of individuals, families, and communities through intra- and interdisciplinary effort
- Implement change within the community and public health agencies and organizations
- Conduct practice-based research in the identification, prevention and evaluation of public health problems
- Teach in University settings
- Assume leadership and executive management roles in public health organizations at the local, state, national and international levels
Course Offerings
- Fall
For admission information click here
DrPH Curriculum
For curriculum information click here.