August graduate aims to advance healthy aging by addressing social and structural factors
Ph.D. in HPEB graduate Anna Chupak plans to research cognitive aging, dementia, and health disparities by understanding broader social and structural factors.
HPEB conducts innovative research and prepares future leaders to improve public health locally, nationally, and globally. Our faculty and students address how interventions, social context, health care systems, and physical environments influence health behaviors and health status, with an emphasis on disadvantaged populations.
Departmental strengths include:
- community-engaged interventions
- economics of behavior
- global health
- health communication and use of digital technology
- healthy aging
- HIV/AIDS
- nutrition and food security
- physical activity
- prevention of cancer and other non-communicable diseases
- public policy and advocacy
- research methods, program evaluation, and implementation science
- sexual and reproductive health
- social determinants of health and health inequities
- tobacco use and vaping
Degrees Offered
In addition to an undergraduate minor, we offer four advanced degrees related to health promotion, education and behavior as well as three graduate certificate programs. Each graduate degree and certificate has specific application deadlines and requirements.
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Aging
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Global Health
- Certificate of Graduate Study in Health Communication
- Master of Public Health in Health Promotion, Education and Behavior (MPH)
- Online Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior Program
- Master of Social Work / Master of Public Health in Health Promotion, Education and Behavior (dual degree)
- Ph.D. in Health Promotion, Education and Behavior
Are you an undergraduate student interested in doing research with an HPEB faculty member? Fill out this contact form for more information.
HPEB Graduate Student Welcome Guide
Curious about what it’s like to be a graduate student in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior (HPEB)? Our Welcome Guide offers an inside look at life in the program, what to expect, how to prepare, and where to find support. Whether you’ve just been accepted or are considering applying, this guide is a great starting point to understand our community, values, and resources that will shape your academic and professional experience.
Health Promotion, Education & Behavior News
Arnold School launches new leadership program, announces inaugural faculty cohort
When long-time health promotion, education, and behavior professor Daniela Friedman officially took on the Arnold School's Associate Dean for Research position in 2025, the role came with an extended title and a pioneering charge rarely seen in academic units.
Doctoral graduate poised to use nutrition to fight chronic diseases
Enid Keseko already knew she was passionate about improving health through food and nutrition when she discovered she could use the public health field to extend her impact even further.
Lee Pearson receives James A. Hayne Award from SC Public Health Association
The South Carolina Public Health Association (SCPHA) has selected Executive Director for Operations and Accreditation Joseph "Lee" Pearson as the 2026 recipient of the James A. Hayne Award.
Four Arnold School alumni included in 2026 Gamecock35 cohort
Alyssa Blickensderfer Paley (Master of Health Administration '22), Graham Caulk (B.S. in Public Health '22; Master of Public Health '23), Aaron Guest (Master of Public Health '12), and Ross Lordo (B.S. in Public Health '18) have all been selected as part of the 2026 Gameock35 cohort.
2025-2026 SPARC Graduate Research Grants awarded to 10 Arnold School graduate students
Ten of the 41 2025-2026 Support to Promote Advancement of Research and Creativity (SPARC) Graduate Research Grants from the USC Office of the Vice President for Research have been awarded to Arnold School graduate students.
HPEB announces 2026 Student Award winners
Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior is proud to announce the 2026 winners of the department’s student awards program: Bria Singleton, Anna Chupak, and Amber Buckingham.