Academics
Behavioral Health Concentration
The USF College of Public Health and the Departments of Child & Family Studies and Mental Health Law & Policy in the USF College of Behavioral & Community Sciences jointly offer graduate level courses in both the master’s and doctoral degree programs with a Concentration in Behavioral Health.
The program examines community and family issues in policy, evaluation, systems performance, and outcomes of alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services. Students with psychology, education, counseling, social work, nursing, medicine, and public health backgrounds analyze current trends and research in behavioral health services. Graduates are prepared to work in mental health, alcohol, drug abuse, and public health organizations, as well as in research and consulting firms. Examples of sub-specialization areas include children, mental health, policy and behavioral health services delivery; the behavioral health needs of at-risk populations, and mental health planning, evaluation, & accountability.
Available Course Offerings
Five graduate degree options are offered:
The Master of Public Health (MPH) Concentration in Behavioral Health:
A non-thesis degree program that prepares students for a professional career in behavioral
health services. Requirements include completing five COPH core courses, behavioral
health courses, a field experience, a comprehensive exam, and a special master’s project.
The Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) Focus in Behavioral Health:
A thesis degree program that prepares students for careers in applied behavioral health
research and outcomes evaluation. Requirements include completing a set of COPH core
courses, coursework in behavioral health, courses in research methods, a comprehensive
exam, and a thesis.
The Masters of Social Work/Masters of Public Health Concurrent-Degree Program (MSW/MPH)
(Behavioral Health Concentration):
An advanced dual degree program for students interested in combining clinical social
work with public health and a concentration in behavioral health (including mental
health and substance abuse services). The combination of degrees in public health
and social work ideally equips graduate students to prepare for careers in social
work, public health, and behavioral health settings with the ability to fill clinical,
administrative, and evaluative roles which positively affect the lives of women, children,
and various populations-at-risk in a changing society. Requirements for the Dual Degree
Program include both core and elective courses in social work, public health, and
behavioral health; a combined clinical/public health field placement in the community;
a special master’s project; and a comprehensive exam in public health/behavioral health.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Focus in Behavioral Health:
An advanced research degree program for students intending to pursue academic, research,
or high-level administrative careers in behavioral health services. The curriculum
at the doctoral level is individualized based upon the student’s career goals and
previous experiences. Requirements include COPH prerequisites (for individuals without
an MPH or MSPH), departmental foundation courses, behavioral health courses, research
methods, qualifying exams, and a dissertation. Interested students should consult
the DCFH Doctoral Program Guidelines & Manual for the complete degree requirements.
The Doctor of Public Health (DRPH):
The Doctor of Public Health (DRPH) emphasizes advanced public health education and
training designed to prepare individuals for leadership roles in practice-based settings
such as health departments, non-profit organizations, health service, international
agencies, and community-based organizations. Accordingly, the emphasis of the DRPH
is placed on fostering advanced expertise in developing, implementing, and evaluating
evidence-informed public health practice as compared to the Ph.D. whereby the emphasis
is on research.
Behavioral Health Student Organization:
The Behavioral Health Student Organization (BHSO) serves as a forum for those with
an interest in Behavioral Health. The BHSO mission is to educate and increase awareness
of Behavioral Health issues and projects within the United States and abroad. The
BHSO provides ample service and learning opportunities to network with students, faculty
and the greater Behavioral Health community.
Additional Information
Bruce Lubotsky Levin, DrPH, MPH
Associate Professor
Colleges of Behavioral & Community Sciences and Public Health
University of South Florida
13301 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33612-3807
813-974-6400
levin@usf.edu