Inequality and discrimination related to gender and sexuality are major barriers to the attainment of health. Using behavioral and social science theory and methods as well as human rights and social justice frameworks, students will gain analytical, program, and policy skills to understand and address the behavioral, structural, and social determinants of gender inequality and their impacts on individual, community, and population health.
For admission eligibility, degree requirements, deadlines, and application information, contact the Admissions Office at asksph@bu.edu.
Identify the determinants of health and disease related to gender, gender identity, and sexuality.
Apply conceptual frameworks related to gender inequality, sexuality, and gender identity in order to address health challenges and support the health and social well-being of women, men and youth, including those who are marginalized and disadvantaged.
Demonstrate the ability to access and use data to estimate the burden and patterns of disease and solve public health problems related to sex, sexuality, and gender.
Use systematic approaches to develop, implement, evaluate, and advocate for gender and sexual and reproductive health policies, programs, or services.
Make programmatic and policy decisions that reflect ethical frameworks and respect for the values, beliefs, and practices regarding sexual health and rights within diverse communities and cultures.
Sample Course Titles
Gender, Sexuality, Power, and Inequity in Global Health
Sexual and Reproductive Advocacy: Practice in Global and Local Context
Sexual & Reproductive Health in Disaster Settings
Global AIDS Epidemic: Social and Economic Determinants, Impact, and Responses
Safer Sex in the City
Health of LGBT Populations
Sample Practicum
Obstetric and perinatal outcomes in US-born and foreign-born women, Boston Medical Center
Analyzing childhood malnutrition, sexual education, and contraceptive availability in Nicaragua, Brookline Sister City Project (Quezelquague, Nicaragua)
Embedding psychiatric services within OBGYN at Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine
Conducting a needs assessment that provided the non-profit with a better understanding of the magnitude and types of gender-based violence, Institut Mere-Enfant de Kaolack (Senegal)
Testing through qualitative and quantitative research methods the impact of interventions to address gender-based violence, World Education (Tanzania)
Conducting root cause analysis for home deliveries in Lesotho, Lesotho-Boston Health Alliance (LeBoHA)
Educating Tanzanian girls on menstrual hygiene management, United African Community Center (Tanzania)
Developing a module to improve provision of reproductive education and clinical services, Roots of Health (Philippines)
OB/GYN immunization and postpartum depression support, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA)
Developing a violence prevention curriculum framework, Boston Public Health Commission
Testing a technology-based intervention to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy in pregnant and postpartum women, WiseMama Uganda