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Master of Behavioral Science in Rural Community Health

Master of Behavioral Science in Rural Community Health

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The Rural Community Health MBS develops expertise in behavioral science for topics as diverse as positive youth development, trauma, mental health, suicide, violence, isolation, food insecurity, addictions and the geographic patterning of health inequalities.

Areas of Study

Master of Behavioral Science in Rural Community Health

Master of Behavioral Science in Rural Community Health 3+2

B.A. in Sociology + MBS in Rural Health

Master of Behavioral Science in Rural Community Health 3+2
NEW
A student walks with an elderly community member on Western's indoor track

Rural Community Health

Master of Behavioral Science (MBS)

Rural Community Health

Scholarships

Alumni Association Future Alumni Scholarship

The Alumni Association Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $1,000 and is applicable for the student’s junior or senior year at Western.

Any child or grandchild of an alumni is eligible to receive the Future Alumni Scholarship.

  • This is a one-time non-renewable scholarship of $1,000.
  • Only one Future Alumni Scholarship will be awarded per academic year.
  • GPA must be 3.2 or above (college).

Due date has been extended to April 30 for 2024. An Alumni selection committee, appointed by the Alumni Advisory Council, will review applicants and select awardee by June 1.

Apply

Alumni Legacy Scholarship

The Alumni Legacy Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western (incoming freshman or new transfer students are eligible).

Do you have a son or daughter looking at college? Have they considered attending Western? As an alumni, your son, daughter and/or grandchildren are eligible for certain benefits distributed through this scholarship, as follows:

  • This is a one-time scholarship of $1,000.
  • Nominee must be an incoming first-year student or new transfer.
  • The cost of orientation is reduced by half (a $45 value).
  • The admission application fee is waived (a $30 value).
  • GPA must be 2.5 or above (high school or college of transfer).

The applicant must fill out the application form found below. Application forms are accepted year-round. If the applicant meets the GPA guidelines, the scholarship will be awarded.

Apply

Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship

The Mountaineer Alumni Recommendation Scholarship is a one-time non-renewable scholarship and is only applicable for the student’s first year at Western. This scholarship is not available to midyear transfers or students beginning in the spring semester.

Are you an alumni or employee of Western and know a prospective (or incoming) student who would be a great fit at Western? A recommendation from alumni and employees can support any new student and provide them a $500 scholarship their first year. (Western employees may not recommend a spouse or dependent receiving tuition benefits).

  • Any Western alumni/employee may nominate only one student per academic year to receive the $500 scholarship (distributed $250 per semester).
  • The scholarship is good for the first year only and is non-renewable.
  • The recommended student must be a full-time undergraduate student, attending Western for the first time.

The applicant must fill out the application form found here. The nominating alumni/employee must fill out the application form and submit the required documents by June 1. The recommended student must meet university admissions acceptance standards and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Presidential Promise is guaranteed to students who have received a scholarship through the Denver Scholarship Foundation (DSF) and/or GearUp—and are eligible for a Pell Grant.

For students who meet these criteria, Western will cover the cost of tuition and fees through the combination of federal, state and institutional aid. For more information on the Presidential Promise, visit our scholarships page.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) tuition represents a substantial savings relative to normal, out-of-state tuition. Students eligible for the WUE or CP program will be charged 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2018-19, total in-state tuition was $8,934. WUE/CP tuition was $13,401. The WUE/CP discount is valued at $4,695.

For more information about the WUE and CP geography-based programs, visit Western’s Tuition Discount Programs Page.

Immediately upon acceptance at Western, every student is considered for a merit scholarship worth between $2,500-$4,500 per year for in-state students and $8,000-$10,000 for out-of-state students. The amount is based on the student’s GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Visit our Net Price Calculator at western.edu/cost to determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship.

For more information about merit scholarships at Western, visit our scholarships page.

News & Research

Headshot of Cole Cooper, Master of Behavioral Science in Rural Community Health student

Western’s Newest Graduate Program is Already Making a Difference in Rural Communities

Read More about Western’s Newest Graduate Program is Already Making a Difference in Rural Communities
masters program connects with community

MBS Program Connects with Community to Teach Rural Behavioral Health

Read More about MBS Program Connects with Community to Teach Rural Behavioral Health

Spotlight

Headshot of Cole Cooper

Cole Cooper

Student

"I am currently leading a community research project in partnership with our local hospital, Gunnison Valley Health. Through GVH’s supportive funding, we have been able to do a collaborative exploration of the health beliefs and needs of our Indigenous Hispanic community, the Cora. Our approach involved active dialogue with diverse stakeholders, including Cora community members, traditional healers known as Curanderos, and hospital staff (including Indigenous Medicine Practitioners in Nayarit, Mexico). Our primary objective is twofold: firstly, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare disparities faced by the Cora; and secondly, to honor their needs by exploring ways to integrate their cultural beliefs into culturally-tailored interventions. Our ultimate goal is to develop healthcare solutions that are accessible, culturally relevant, and of high quality, benefiting all members of our Gunnison community."

Headshot of Spencer Smith, MBS alumnus

Spencer Smith ’23

Alumni

My last year of graduate school led me to some incredible opportunities. I wrote and received my very first grant from the Colorado School of Public Health and the University of Colorado School of Medicine's Injury and Violence Prevention Center. This funding went directly towards my Master's practicum and thesis on Suicide Prevention. I flew to Seattle to become a certified trainer in SafeTALK, which is a four hour training on Suicide Prevention. With this certification I was able to train 46 students, staff, and faculty on WCU's campus as part of my practicum. Lastly, I successfully defended my thesis, graduated with my Masters in Behavioral Science (MBS), and received the "Impact Award" from Western's Graduate Studies. I am beyond grateful for these past 6 years at Western, and am excited to see where my education takes me!

Department Information

Master of Behavioral Science in Rural Community Health

Director

Matt Aronson, Ph.D.

Professor of Sociology

Administrative Assistant

Deanna Banker, B.S.

Graduate Database Administrator & Analyst

Campus Location

Western Colorado University
Kelley Hall 220
Gunnison, CO 81231

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