Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Academics

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Start the next chapter of your career by studying Behavioral and Social Sciences at Brown University.

Academics

Graduate educational programs in the Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSS) train the next generation of public health scholars and practitioners.

Students engage in scientific research and programmatic activities to understand the behavioral and social determinants of public health problems and to develop interventions to change behaviors and improve social contexts related to public health. 

Students learn to identify the social, psychological, and behavioral risk factors for disease and illness; to understand the psychosocial determinants of health care; to understand health protective behaviors, relationships, and institutions; and to develop and evaluate health-promoting interventions grounded in behavioral and social science theory.

Doctoral Program

Our Ph.D. students learn to employ behavioral and social science theory and methods to understand and address contemporary health problems.
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MPH Concentration

Explore a rigorous, research-intensive behavioral health concentration for MPH candidates at the School of Public Health.
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News from SPH

The Great Upside-Down Food Pyramid

Meat is on the top, grains are at the bottom, scientists are concerned. Nutrition expert Professor Jennifer Sacheck helps to deconstruct the controversial new food pyramid and what it means for your health. She breaks down the new dietary guidelines, how much protein Americans actually need and how the beef lobby may be influencing everything from SNAP benefits to cafeteria trays.

Apply to Our Program

Start the next chapter of your career by studying Behavioral and Social Sciences at Brown University.