This course will provide an overview of many of the basic behavioral and social science theories used in public health programs and interventions. We will explore the foundations of theories, the adaptations in theory that has occurred over time, and examine how they are used to support the public health. The goal of many public health interventions is to change the health behavior of a population or community; as such, understanding the processes that lead to behavior change is critical to designing effective programs. Understanding the needs of varied populations and disparities they face can be achieved through the application of theory; relevant examples will be discussed. In addition to theories that address individual motivations and obstacles to behavior change, public health practitioners must also draw upon constructs and concepts that explain how health behavior is shaped by intrapersonal factors, interpersonal relationships, structure, cultural and community factors, and to society as a whole.