Build the conceptual frameworks, knowledge, and technical skills necessary to understand how mental illness and substance-use disorders develop, are manifested, and are treated.
For admission eligibility, degree requirements, deadlines, and application information, contact the Admissions Office at asksph@bu.edu.
Develop a population-based understanding of mental health and unhealthy substance use, using the life course perspective and multi-level framework that emphasize behavioral, social, and structural antecedents and consequences of mental health and substance use.
Evaluate empirical evidence to describe the burden of mental illness and substance use on individuals, families, communities, and society.
Apply theories and evaluate empirical evidence on the social determinants of mental health and illness.
Develop skills in the design, implementation, and evaluation of prevention and harm reduction strategies that address mental health and substance use.
Propose strategies for promoting mental wellness, building resilience, and supporting substance use recovery in medical and community settings.
Sample Course Titles
Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Use: People, Populations, and Policies
Mental Health Advocacy
Cross-cultural Approaches to Mental Health in Low & Middle Income Countries
Mental Health Epidemiology
Women and Substance Use
Sample Practicum
Institute for Community Health — student was part of the epidemiology team for the trauma informed mental health project
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership — student project involved implementation of the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), which is designed to help parents handle challenging behaviors
Harvard University Student Health — student examined short-term risk factors for suicidal and self-injurious behavior among Harvard College students
Boston Medical Center’s SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) Program, Project ASSERT — student assisted in providing comprehensive care and prevention by putting substance abuse in the context of other health and safety needs
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts’ Education Department — intern addressed the issue of workplace discrimination against LGBTQ employees by creating a cultural competency educational program aimed at creating a more affirming and supportive environment for LGBTQ employees
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) — student assisted in preparatory research and implementation of the Youth Access to Support and Services (YASS) whose goal is to better support young survivors’ mental health and prevent the sequela of adverse outcomes stemming from sexual trauma
Boston Medical Center — student assisted with subject recruitment, screening, assessment, and data collection, as well as subject tracking procedures and various administrative and quality control responsibilities
Boston Public Health Commission Early Childhood Mental Health Toolkit — student developed a Community Integration section of this Toolkit explaining that fostering relationships with community agencies is a critical component needed to ensure that individualized, comprehensive, and coordinated treatment regimens are in place
Boston Medical Center Department of Family Medicine, Program for Integrative Medicine & Health Disparities — analyzing the relationship between Immigration status and mental health