Why Choose Health Behavior & Health Equity
Health behavior is the cornerstone of health and well-being. Considering population shifts across the globe and a rapidly aging population in countries like the US, health behavior is more important now than ever. Health behavior contributes to a wide range of health outcomes such as chronic disease prevention and maintenance of mental health. Nonetheless, influencing health behavior is incredibly difficult and complex.
We know that opportunities to engage in health promoting behaviors are not equitably distributed. Equity is the key, overarching connective tissue of the Department of Health Behavior & Health Equity, and our faculty, students, and practitioners are committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their highest potential for health.
At the University of Michigan Department of Health Behavior & Health Equity, we put our values into action. We offer a unique and flexible curriculum that provides students the foundation to apply what they have learned to address today’s most complex health problems. In addition to our top-ranked MPH program, students have access to more than 100 top-ranked degree programs across the University of Michigan where they can take classes and even pursue a dual degree. Our large global alumni network opens the door to internship and career opportunities in a range of industries, from government and non-profit to healthcare and technology.
Who We Are
Pioneers in Health Equity
Our faculty lead groundbreaking research addressing the structural and social determinants of health, contributing to policies and practices that can reduce health inequities and mitigate health disparities at local, national, and global levels. While others are shying away from it, we are boldly declaring our commitment to equity.
Leaders in Integrated Health Approaches
The department emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating behavioral, social, and medical sciences to develop holistic solutions for complex health challenges.
Experts in Culturally and Contextually Tailored Interventions
We are at the forefront of designing, testing, and implementing interventions that respect and harness cultural strengths, ensuring that health programs are effective and inclusive.
Global Health Visionaries
With a strong focus on global health, our faculty and students contribute to international efforts to improve health outcomes, practice community based participatory intervention design and implementation, particularly in underserved and marginalized populations worldwide.
What We Do
Advance Social Justice
Grounded in principles of social justice, the department’s work transcends traditional public health approaches, aiming to dismantle systemic inequities and build a more just and equitable society for all.
Advocate for Violence Prevention
The department is committed to addressing violence as a public health issue, with faculty leading groundbreaking research and initiatives aimed at preventing violence and promoting safety, with a focus on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of violence in diverse communities.
Promote Housing Security
Our faculty are at the forefront of research and advocacy efforts to secure safe, stable, and affordable housing as a fundamental determinant of health, recognizing its critical role in promoting health equity.
Innovate Health Communication
Faculty and students collaborate to develop cutting-edge health communication strategies that empower communities, disseminate critical health information, and drive behavior change.
Champion Community-Engaged Research
Effective community engagement is critical to meaningful, sustainable improvements in health and addressing health inequities. Our faculty and students partner with diverse communities, co-creating research that is culturally relevant, ethically sound, and responsive to community needs, values, and priorities.
What Students Gain
Mentorship in Professional Development
Our department fosters a collaborative learning environment where faculty, staff, and students engage in mentoring relationships that nurture professional growth and leadership in health equity. Our faculty are dedicated to students and make themselves accessible to students outside of the classroom.
Transformative Student Experiences
Our students are engaged in hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to be change agents in the field of health equity, from local community-based research to global health initiatives.
Supportive and Collaborative Environment
We foster a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, where faculty, students, and staff work together to advance health equity, share knowledge, and support each other in their professional and personal growth.
Access to an Expansive, Global Alumni Network
Our more than 2,600 alumni work in government, NGOs, foundations and associations, universities and healthcare systems, consulting, pharmaceutical and technology companies around the world. Our engaged alumni mentor students, provide job and internship opportunities, and more.
Ready to join our pursuit?
If you’re ready to join our community in Health Behavior & Health Equity, we invite you to start your application today. If you’re not ready to apply yet, but would like to receive more information about Michigan Public Health and Health Behavior & Health Equity, join our prospective student interest list.