Courses - Spring 2027
HLTH124
Introduction to Behavioral and Community Health
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in a major within the SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health department.
Required of first semester Community Health majors to expose them to introductory-level concepts within the field of behavioral and community health as well as the Community Health degree program. Includes discussion on the delivery of behavioral and community health at the local, state, national, and global levels; career opportunities in the diverse sectors of the community health field; undergraduate programmatic information; and strategies for student success.
HLTH140
Personal and Community Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Meaning and significance of physical, mental and social health as related to the individual and to society; important phases of national health problems; constructive methods of promoting health of the individual and the community.
HLTH140H
Personal and Community Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Meaning and significance of physical, mental and social health as related to the individual and to society; important phases of national health problems; constructive methods of promoting health of the individual and the community.
HLTH200
Introduction to Research in Community Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in a major within the SPHL-Behavioral and Community Health department; or enrolled in the Social Data Science Public Health Track .
An overview of specific components and steps involved in the community health research process. Content includes, foundations of research, sampling, measurement design, and analysis in a community context.
HLTH212
Unraveling the Human Body: Anatomy and Physiology from a Public Health Perspective
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in BSCI170 and HLTH140.
Restriction: Must be in the Public Health Practice program.
Credit only granted for: BSCI201 or HLTH212.
Focuses on human structure and function and provides a foundation for public health professionals by equipping them with an integrated understanding of the dynamic human body, its various biological processes, and associated diseases. The course begins at the simplest level of cellular organization and progresses to tissues, organs, and organ systems. Specific body systems covered include Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Endocrine, Nervous, Digestive, Male and Female Reproductive, Musculoskeletal, Skeletal, and Immune. The complementary structure and function of the healthy body is highlighted as its systems work together to maintain a constant homeostatic environment. Clinical examples are provided to help the student understand the disease process as a disruption of normal structure and function. This will allow them to communicate to various audiences how disease functions within the human body as well as discuss lifestyle factors that are associated with disease onset and progression.
HLTH230
Introduction to Health Behavior
Psychological, social psychological, and sociological approaches to the following health areas: development of health attitudes and behavior, patient-provider interaction and the organization of health care.
Restricted to majors or non-majors with less than or equal to 45 credits.
HLTH240
Am I Not a Man? Contemporary Issues in Black Men's Health
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in HLTH 140; or permission of SPHL-Behavioral and Community Health.
Recommended: HLTH 200, HLTH 230, and FMSC 190.
Restriction: Must be in a major within SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health Department or enrolled in the Anti-Black Racism Minor.
Exposes students to the fundamental aspects of the lived experiences of Black men in the U.S. by critically examining social, economic, cultural, historical, and environmental factors that determine the health and well-being of this heterogenous population. Utilizing a life course perspective, students will assess the health status and health care needs of this population using a health equity lens by drawing upon foundational aspects in the field of public health including, the ecological approach, determinants of health, public heath critical race praxis, and the health disparities generation research framework. Current contemporary health issues will be applied to both highlight and provide evidence of the multitude of factors shaping the lives of Black men. Ultimately, the course aims to identify potential recommendations and solutions to support the well-being of this critically important community.
HLTH264
Restriction: Must not be in the Public Health Practice program.
Examines the current and potential use of digital health and social media to influence public health. Provides an overview of knowledge, skills and terminology necessary to optimize the effectiveness of these technologies to contribute to the enhancement of individual and community health.
HLTH285
Controlling Stress and Tension
Health problems related to stress and tension. Analysis of causative psychosocial stressors and intervening physiological mechanisms. Emphasis on prevention and control of stress through techniques such as biofeedback, meditation and neuromuscular relaxation.
HLTH285H
Controlling Stress and Tension
Health problems related to stress and tension. Analysis of causative psychosocial stressors and intervening physiological mechanisms. Emphasis on prevention and control of stress through techniques such as biofeedback, meditation and neuromuscular relaxation.
HLTH289
Topical Investigations
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
HLTH302
Methods of Community Health Assessment
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in HLTH200 and EPIB301.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the SPHL-Behavioral and Community Health Department.
Examination of research and evaluation tools that can be applied to community health promotion. Includes the application of qualitative research methods, community needs and strengths assessments, asset mapping, and monitoring and evaluating process, outcome and impact evaluation.
HLTH302H
Methods of Community Health Assessment
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in HLTH200 and EPIB301.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the SPHL-Behavioral and Community Health Department.
Examination of research and evaluation tools that can be applied to community health promotion. Includes the application of qualitative research methods, community needs and strengths assessments, asset mapping, and monitoring and evaluating process, outcome and impact evaluation.
HLTH306
Macro Level Influences on Community Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in HLTH124.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health department.
An examination of the effects and influences of policy decisions at the local, state and national levels on community health delivery. Historical and contemporary policy issues will be included with a focus on how the policies have impacted community organizations and the overall health of communities.
HLTH306H
Macro Level Influences on Community Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in HLTH124.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health department.
An examination of the effects and influences of policy decisions at the local, state and national levels on community health delivery. Historical and contemporary policy issues will be included with a focus on how the policies have impacted community organizations and the overall health of communities.
HLTH364
Social Media & Digital Tools for Community & Public Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Completion of HLTH230 with a C- or higher.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the SPHL-Behavioral and Community Health department; Restricted to majors who entered the program in Fall 2018 or later.
Examination of the characteristics and uses of media platforms and digital technologies to expand the capability to identify and reduce community and public health risks at all levels of prevention. Also considered will be the potential threats these new media can play on individual choice, privacy, confidentiality, and social influence -- which themselves can pose health threats to community and public health.
HLTH364H
Social Media & Digital Tools for Community & Public Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Completion of HLTH230 with a C- or higher.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the SPHL-Behavioral and Community Health department; Restricted to majors who entered the program in Fall 2018 or later.
Examination of the characteristics and uses of media platforms and digital technologies to expand the capability to identify and reduce community and public health risks at all levels of prevention. Also considered will be the potential threats these new media can play on individual choice, privacy, confidentiality, and social influence -- which themselves can pose health threats to community and public health.
HLTH366
Behavioral and Community Issues in Public Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: HLTH130, HLTH230, PSYC100, SOCY100, SOCY105, or ANTH260.
Restriction: Must be in Public Health Science program; or permission of SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health department. And must have earned a minimum of 45 credits.
Additional information: This course will initially be restricted to Public Health Science (PHSC) majors, but could ultimately be opened to other majors, particularly those in HLTH.
The exploration of how social and behavioral science theories and public health concepts and methods can be applied to both the health-illness experience and community interventions.
HLTH377
Human Sexuality
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
The biological and developmental aspects of human sexuality; the psychological and emotional aspects of sexual behavior; sexual identity; the historical, cultural, social, linguistic, legal and moral forces affecting sexual issues; the importance of communication, disclosure and intimacy in interpersonal relationships; and research trends in the area of human sexuality.
HLTH377H
Human Sexuality
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
The biological and developmental aspects of human sexuality; the psychological and emotional aspects of sexual behavior; sexual identity; the historical, cultural, social, linguistic, legal and moral forces affecting sexual issues; the importance of communication, disclosure and intimacy in interpersonal relationships; and research trends in the area of human sexuality.
HLTH386
Experiential Learning
Credits:
3 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Permission of SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health department.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
HLTH389
Independent Study in Public Health Practice
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
HLTH391
Making a Difference: Applying Community Health
Prerequisite: SPHL100, HLTH124, HLTH140, HLTH200, HLTH230, EPIB301, EPIB315, BSCI170, BSCI201, and HLTH302. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in HLTH364.
Corequisite: HLTH490.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the SPHL-Behavioral and Community Health department.
The exploration and application of community health concepts including theoretical models, advocacy, cultural competency, asset mapping, and needs assessment. Includes planning, implementing and evaluating a community health program with a designated community partner.
HLTH391H
Making a Difference: Applying Community Health
Prerequisite: SPHL100, HLTH124, HLTH140, HLTH200, HLTH230, EPIB301, EPIB315, BSCI170, BSCI201, and HLTH302. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in HLTH364.
Corequisite: HLTH490.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the SPHL-Behavioral and Community Health department.
The exploration and application of community health concepts including theoretical models, advocacy, cultural competency, asset mapping, and needs assessment. Includes planning, implementing and evaluating a community health program with a designated community partner.
HLTH399
Community Health Field Work
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg
HLTH420
Effective Strategies for Public Health Practice
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in HLTH140 and HLTH230; and must have completed with a minimum grade of C- or be concurrently enrolled in HLTH212.
Restriction: Must be in the Public Health Practice program.
The purpose of this course is to present the interrelationships of curriculum planning, methodology and the selection and use of successful public health presentation strategies. Special problems associated with public health presentations are discussed, and students become familiar with a variety of resources as well as with planning for and implementing demonstration presentations.
HLTH434
Introduction to Public Health Informatics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Public Health Practice; Public Health Science) ; and must have earned a minimum of 60 credits.
Credit only granted for: HLTH434 or HLTH498E.
Formerly: HLTH498E.
Provides an overview of the field of public health informatics and the influence of technology on the public's health and well-being. Emphasizes the application of various technologies and computer/internet applications to support public health research and practice, including strategies to address new and emerging threats.
HLTH434H
Introduction to Public Health Informatics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in one of the following programs (Public Health Practice; Public Health Science) ; and must have earned a minimum of 60 credits.
Credit only granted for: HLTH434 or HLTH498E.
Formerly: HLTH498E.
Provides an overview of the field of public health informatics and the influence of technology on the public's health and well-being. Emphasizes the application of various technologies and computer/internet applications to support public health research and practice, including strategies to address new and emerging threats.
HLTH471
Women's Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in a program in the Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; or must be in a major within SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health department.
Cross-listed with: WGSS471.
Credit only granted for: HLTH471, WMST471, or WGSS471.
Formerly: WMST471.
Women's health issues and the barriers faced by women striving to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Emphasis is placed on socio-cultural, historical, political, economic, and behavioral factors. Students will examine topics including access to healthcare, women in the workforce, women's sexual and reproductive health, preventive health, screenings and wellness, and the interpersonal and social aspects of women's health. This course is designed to support students in their personal exploration of attitudes, knowledge, and values related to women's health and to assist them as they analyze their individual behaviors.
Cross-listed with WMST471. Credit granted for HLTH471 or WMST471.
HLTH471H
Women's Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Must be in a program in the Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; or must be in a major within SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health department.
Cross-listed with: WGSS471.
Credit only granted for: HLTH471, WMST471, or WGSS471.
Formerly: WMST471.
Women's health issues and the barriers faced by women striving to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Emphasis is placed on socio-cultural, historical, political, economic, and behavioral factors. Students will examine topics including access to healthcare, women in the workforce, women's sexual and reproductive health, preventive health, screenings and wellness, and the interpersonal and social aspects of women's health. This course is designed to support students in their personal exploration of attitudes, knowledge, and values related to women's health and to assist them as they analyze their individual behaviors.
HLTH489
Field Laboratory Projects
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
HLTH490
Professional Preparation in Community Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EPIB301, EPIB315, SPHL100, HLTH124, HLTH140, HLTH200, HLTH230, HLTH302, BSCI170, and BSCI201; and BSCI171 or BSCI180; and students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in HLTH364.
Corequisite: HLTH391.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the Behavioral and Community Health department.
The development of skills necessary for joining the public health work force post-graduation, as well as assistance in obtaining an appropriate internship that will serve as a final semester capstone experience. Students will also work in teams to identify a public health issue within a community, and will produce a grant proposal to implement a hypothetical program or intervention.
HLTH490H
Professional Preparation in Community Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in EPIB301, EPIB315, SPHL100, HLTH124, HLTH140, HLTH200, HLTH230, HLTH302, BSCI170, and BSCI201; and BSCI171 or BSCI180; and students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in HLTH364.
Corequisite: HLTH391.
Restriction: Must be in a major within the Behavioral and Community Health department.
The development of skills necessary for joining the public health work force post-graduation, as well as assistance in obtaining an appropriate internship that will serve as a final semester capstone experience. Students will also work in teams to identify a public health issue within a community, and will produce a grant proposal to implement a hypothetical program or intervention.
HLTH491
Community Health Internship
Credits:
12
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in HLTH 391 and HLTH490; all other program requirements must be completed.
Restriction: Must have completed all program requirements and be in the last semester of the Public Health Practice degree program.
Integrating theory with practice in a community health setting.
HLTH492
BS/MPH Community Health Internship
Credits:
9
Grad Meth:
Reg
Prerequisite: Minimum grade of C- in HLTH490.
Restriction: Must be a Public Health Practice major who has been admitted to the combined BS/MPH degree program.
Integrating theory with practice in a community health setting.
HLTH609
Public Health Journal Club
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
HLTH625
Community Assessment through Qualitative Methods
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Course will be restricted to Behavioral and Community Health graduate students.
A discussion of major paradigms in qualitative inquiry, an overview of the process of qualitative research, and an introduction to several qualitative research methods, including grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology, and content analysis. Students will collect, transcribe, analyze, and present qualitative data using introductory interview and analytic techniques.
HLTH652
Quantitative Research Methods I in Public health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Must be in PhD program in Behavioral and Community Health.
Intermediate statistics and procedures in public health-related research for doctoral students. Focuses on applied statistics rather than theoretical, with emphasis on 1) how to apply statistical models, 2) how to perform the analysis with available software, and 3) how to interpret findings.
HLTH665
Health Behavior I: Theoretical Foundations of Health Behavior
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an understanding of how the social and behavioral sciences are applied to health. We will address behavioral, social and cultural factors that influence health and health disparities over the life course. Public health issues related to individuals and populations will be examined in terms of social and behavioral theories, empirical research findings, and methodologies.
HLTH666
Health Behavior II: Applying Health Behavior Theory
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: HLTH665.
Develops students' expertise in applying health behavior theory, with an emphasis on cultural appropriateness and through a social justice lens. This course will build on material learned in HLTH 665, and will involve a particular emphasis on application of health behavior theory. The course will be taught using a "hands-on" approach, giving students a skill foundation in applying health behavior theories throughout the life course of an intervention from the research question and hypothesis, to intervention development, and evaluation.
HLTH671
Public Health Communication
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Non-SPH students must obtain permission from the instructor prior to registering.
This introductory graduate course in public health communication will examine basic concepts, theoretical foundations and behavioral and social scientific research and practice in the field of public health communication to gain an understanding of how health communication interventions, messaging, programs, etc. can contribute to improving health outcomes, eliminating health disparities, and achieving health equity. We will examine these concepts through the application and review of cultured-centered health communication approach and other health communication approaches and theories that can be applied to address specific health communication challenges (i.e. ineffective patient-provider communication, algorithm bias, etc.).
HLTH672
Public Health Informatics
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Restriction: Instructor permission is required for students not enrolled in a degree seeking program in the School of Public Health.
Cross-listed with: EPIB672.
Credit only granted for: HLTH670 or HLTH672 or EPIB672.
Formerly: HLTH670.
A basic overview of Informatics and its application in a public health setting. The major goal is for students to understand the basic tools and building blocks needed to utilize this technology in order to improve their professional productivity
HLTH688
Special Problems in Health Education
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
HLTH712
Applied Research Methods in Behavioral and Community Health
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: HLTH710.
Designed to build on the research skills obtained in HLTH710 and other fundamental research methods and statistics courses. Methods and problems that are commonly encountered in health education research will be discussed including examination of actual research studies. Complex behavioral research issues will be addressed with existing research data sets. With these data sets, students will develop an analytic plan and conduct data analysis.
HLTH776
Community Health Program Evaluation
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud, S-F
Prerequisite: HLTH710.
Restriction: Must be in the Behavioral and Community Health (BCHL) doctoral program; and permission of Behavioral and Community Health department; or permission of instructor.
Credit only granted for: HLTH775 or HLTH774 and HLTH776.
Formerly: HLTH775.
An application of basic research methods, and the evaluation of community health programs. Students will evaluate the effectiveness of a community health intervention.
HLTH778
Practical Experience in Public Health
Credits:
1 - 4
Grad Meth:
Reg
HLTH781
Implementing Equitable Community Engagement for Sustainable Health Outcomes
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: HLTH780; or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Must be in the Master of Public Health Behavioral and Community Health Concentration; or permission of instructor.
Students will be prepared to lead effective community engagement initiatives. The curriculum covers various methods, culminating in the ability to develop comprehensive engagement plans for intervention design, implementation, and evaluation. Key components include designing a community organizing campaign and critically analyzing the role of positionality in successful engagement.
HLTH784
Guided Capstone Preparation Seminar
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have attended a capstone project orientation session; and must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in HLTH625, HLTH665, and HLTH710.
The purpose of this seminar is to guide students through the major steps and deadlines associated with developing their capstone project, which is the MPH degree culminating experience. The capstone project requires that students apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their MPH program to meet the needs of a stakeholder group or person. Some examples of needs (deliverables) include: an infographic, a website, a curriculum, a lesson plan, an app, an evaluation plan, a policy brief, etc. Some examples of stakeholders: include legislators, non-profit organizations, a faculty researcher, a government (county, state or federal) agency, etc. The project is very applied in nature and the result is a deliverable that can be used immediately by the stakeholder.
HLTH786
Capstone Project in Public Health
Credits:
2 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: Must have completed all required coursework; and permission of SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health department.
Restriction: Must be in a major within SPHL-Behavioral & Community Health department.
Capstone experience providing opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to a specific public health problem or issue. Completion of project relevant to public health under the direction of an advisor.
HLTH898
Pre-Candidacy Research
Credits:
1 - 8
Grad Meth:
Reg
HLTH899
Doctoral Dissertation Research
Credits:
6
Grad Meth:
S-F
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University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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