Biobehavioral Health, B.S. (Capital)

Program Code: BBHCA_BS

Program Description

This major provides interdisciplinary training designed to integrate biological, behavioral, and social science approaches to the study of human health and illness. Emphasis is placed on the study of physical health. The goal of this major is to help students gain working familiarity with multiple perspectives, approaches, and methods needed to address and solve problems of human health and illness. Students may select courses in the supporting courses category that will fulfill requirements for admission to graduate and professional programs. This major helps prepare graduates for entry-level jobs in a range of biomedical and health-related areas, including roles as research assistants, laboratory managers, biomedical product representatives, technical support positions in biomedical and health-related fields. This major also will provide excellent preparation for advanced study in natural and social science disciplines and related professional areas such as epidemiology, public health, environmental health and safety, and human services.

What is Biobehavioral Health?

Biobehavioral Health is the integrative scientific study of the many different factors (e.g., biology, psychology, environment) that affect health. The discipline focuses on how these different factors influence health and the development of interventions to improve health outcomes.

You Might Like This Program If...

  • You are curious about all aspects of health.
  • You want to understand the multiple and layered factors that influence health.
  • You like to answer important questions by considering different perspectives, and you like to study information from many disciplines (e.g., biology, psychology, neuroscience, sociology, anthropology).
  • You want to pursue a health-related career, whether it be in a laboratory, clinical practice, or consulting capacity.

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

  1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
  2. have at least third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Science degree in Biobehavioral Health, a minimum of 121 credits is required:

Requirement Credits
General Education 45
Requirements for the Major 97-99

21-22 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes: 3-4 credits of GQ courses; 9 credits of GN courses; 6 credits of GS courses; 3 credits of GHW courses.

Per Senate Policy 83.80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. BBH requires students to complete 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park, Greater Allegheny, New Kensington and through World Campus. For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for this major.

Requirements for the Major

To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn a grade of C or better in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Prescribed Courses
NUTR 251Introductory Principles of Nutrition Keystone/General Education Course3
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
BBH 101Introduction to Biobehavioral Health Keystone/General Education Course3
BBH/AFAM 302Diversity and Health3
BBH 310Research Strategies for Studying Biobehavioral Health3
BBH 311Interdisciplinary Integration in Biobehavioral Health3
BBH 316Foundations and Principles of Health Promotion3
BBH 411WResearch and Applications in Biobehavioral Health3
BBH/HPA 440Principles of Epidemiology3
BIOL 110Biology: Basic Concepts and Biodiversity Keystone/General Education Course4
BIOL 161Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture Keystone/General Education Course3
BIOL 163Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Lecture Keystone/General Education Course3
PSYCH 100Introductory Psychology Keystone/General Education Course3
Additional Courses
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Biobehavioral Aspects of Genetics
Genetics and Evolution of the Human Species Keystone/General Education Course
Genetics
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Values and Ethics in Biobehavioral Health Research and Practice
Philosophy of Science Keystone/General Education Course
Bioethics Keystone/General Education Course
Select 9 credits from the following:9
Introductory Biological Anthropology Keystone/General Education Course
Humans as Primates Keystone/General Education Course
Sex and Evolution Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to the Biology of Aging Keystone/General Education Course
Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Laboratory Keystone/General Education Course
Human Anatomy and Physiology II - Laboratory Keystone/General Education Course
Biology: Populations and Communities
Biology: Molecules and Cells
Biology: Function and Development of Organisms
Biology of Aging
Advanced Genetics
Elementary Biochemistry
Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course
Experimental Chemistry I Keystone/General Education Course
Chemical Principles II Keystone/General Education Course
Experimental Chemistry II Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry Keystone/General Education Course
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry I
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry II
Laboratory in Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry II
Environment Earth Keystone/General Education Course
Environment Earth: Environment and Energy
Earth in the Future: Predicting Climate Change and Its Impacts Over the Next Century Keystone/General Education Course
Energy and the Environment Keystone/General Education Course
Energy and the Environment Keystone/General Education Course
Energy Conservation for Environmental Protection Keystone/General Education Course
Energy Conservation for Environmental Protection
EMSC 101
Sensory Evaluation of Foods
Food Engineering Principles
Physiology of Nutrition
Food Toxins
Food Microbiology
GEOG 110
GEOG 110H
Biogeography and Global Ecology
Elementary Microbiology Keystone/General Education Course
Elementary Microbiology Laboratory Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Microbiology
Introductory Microbiology Laboratory
Introductory Physics I Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Physics II Keystone/General Education Course
Neurological Bases of Human Behavior
Comparative Psychology
Advanced Conditioning and Learning
Physiological Psychology
Behavior Genetics
Abnormal Psychology
Behavior Modification
The Immune System and Disease
The Science of Poisons
VBSC 231
Select 9 credits from the following:9
Vocal Health for Life Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders
American Sign Language I
Introduction to Audiology
Deaf Culture Keystone/General Education Course
Infant and Child Development Keystone/General Education Course
Adolescent Development Keystone/General Education Course
Adult Development and Aging Keystone/General Education Course
Sexual and Gender Identity Over the Lifespan
Leadership and Technology Skills for Human Services Professionals A
Human Development and Family Studies Interventions
Family Development
Gender and Social Development
Racial and Ethnic Diversity and the American Family
Family Relationships
Infant Development
Advanced Child Development
Family Disorganization: Stress Points in the Contemporary Family
Developmental Transition to Adulthood
Development Throughout Adulthood
Consumer Choices in Health Care Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Health Services Organization
Health Care and Medical Needs
The Cultural and Behavioral Foundations of Kinesiology
The Biophysical Foundations of Kinesiology
Medical Terminology for Allied Health Professionals
Activity and Disease
Ergogenic Aids
Concepts of Health
Women's Health Issues Keystone/General Education Course
Assessment of Nutritional Status
Nutrition Education and Behavior Change Theory
Introduction to Developmental Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Well-being and Positive Psychology Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
Select 3 credits from the following:3
Introduction to Human Development and Family Studies Keystone/General Education Course
Infant and Child Development Keystone/General Education Course
Adolescent Development Keystone/General Education Course
Adult Development and Aging Keystone/General Education Course
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
STAT 200Elementary Statistics Keystone/General Education Course3-4
or STAT 250 Introduction to Biostatistics Keystone/General Education Course
Select 3-4 credits from the following:3-4
Biology: Molecules and Cells
Introductory Chemistry Keystone/General Education Course
Chemical Principles I Keystone/General Education Course
Chemical Principles I - Honors Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry Keystone/General Education Course
Elementary Microbiology Keystone/General Education Course
Select 12 credits from the following (at least 6 credits must be at the 400 level):12
Neurological Bases of Human Behavior
Straight Talks I: Advanced Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity Peer Education
Introduction to Global Health Issues
Gender and Biobehavioral Health
HealthWorks Peer Education Training
Health Promotion Services Training
Neuroanatomy, Behavior, and Health
Environmental Health and Sustainability
Preparation for Global Health Field Experience
African Health & Development
Global Health Equity
Developmental and Health Genetics
Health Promotion II: Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
Advanced Applications in Health Promotion
Biobehavioral Aspects of Stress
Human Sexuality as a Health Concern
Pharmacological Influences on Health
Women's Health Issues Keystone/General Education Course
Critical Feminist Issues in Reproduction Keystone/General Education Course
Neuroanatomical Bases for Disorders of Behavior and Health
Neurobiology
Functional and Integrative Neuroscience
Introduction to Internship Experience
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Select 3 credits in health promotion from approved list, in consultation with adviser3
Select 12 credits in University-wide offerings from approved list, in consultation with adviser (Students may apply 6 credits of ROTC.)12

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol Keystone/General Education Course appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

  • United States Cultures: 3 credits
  • International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Integrated B.S. in Biobehavioral Health and M.P.H. in Public Health

Requirements for the Integrated B.S. in Biobehavioral Health and M.P.H. in Public Health can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Learning Objectives

  • Health Factors: Describe and understand the fundamental biological, behavioral, social, cultural and environmental processes that influence health and disease.
  • Disparity Mechanisms: Explain how the fundamental processes underlying health and disease can interact to produce individual differences in health, and health disparities among groups.
  • Critical Evaluation of Research: Critically evaluate current empirical research on health and disease, explaining implications and limitations to the lay public.
  • Application of Ethics: Understand and apply ethical principles in the conduct of research and professional practice and in the analyses in implementations of health-related policies and programs.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

Harrisburg

Weston Kensinger, Ph.D., CHES
Program Coordinator of Biobehavioral Health
Olmsted Building, W319
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6515
wsk120@psu.edu

Greater Allegheny

Advising Office
Academic Affairs

101 Frable Building
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.psu.edu

Lehigh Valley

Samantha Beebe
Coordinator of Biobehavioral Health
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5123
sab705@psu.edu

New Kensington

Penelope Morrison
Assistant Professor
3550 Seventh Street Rd.
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6719
pkm20@psu.edu

University Park

BBH Academic Advising
219 Biobehavioral Health Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-7256
BBHAdvising@psu.edu

World Campus

Undergraduate Academic Advising
301 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3283
advising@outreach.psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

Biobehavioral Health, B.S. at Harrisburg Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBH 101*3BIOL 161*†3
BIOL 110*†4BIOL 162 (Recommended Basic Science)41
ENGL 15, 15S, 30T, or ESL 153HDFS 129, 229, 239, or 249N3
PSYCH 100*3Health and Developmental Science13
General Education Course (GH)3General Education Course (GA)3
PSU First Year Seminar1General Education Course (GQ)3
 17 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBH 311 or 316*3BBH 301W, PHIL 110, or PHIL 132 (Ethics)3
BIOL 163*#3BBH 316 or 311*3
BIOL 164 (Recommended Basic Science)41NUTR 2513
STAT 200 or 250*‡†3-4CAS 100A or 100S3
Health and Developmental Science13CHEM 101, 110, MICRB 106, or BIOL 230W*23-4
University-Wide Offerings33 
 16-17 15-16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (202A recommended)3BBH 310*3
Basic Science43BIOL 133, 222, or BBH 2103
BBH Elective*53General Education Course (GH)3
BBH Elective*53BBH Elective*53
Health and Developmental Science13University-Wide Offerings33
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
BBH 440*3BBH 411W*3
BBH Elective *53General Education Course (GA)3
Basic Science 43Basic Science43
Health Promotion63BBH Elective*53
University-Wide Offerings33University-Wide Offerings33
 15 15
Total Credits 124-126
*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

1

Health and Developmental Science: CMAS 258, CMAS 466, CSD 100, CSD 146, CSD 218, CSD 230, CSD 269, HPA 57, HPA 101, HPA 310, HPA 410, HDFS 229, HDFS 239, HDFS 249, HDFS 250, HDFS 258, HDFS 302A, HDFS 311, HDFS 315, HDFS 405, HDFS 416, HDFS 418, HDFS 428, HDFS 429, HDFS 431, HDFS 433, HDFS 445, HDFS 468, KINES 100, KINES 101, KINES 141, KINES 180, KINES 203, KINES 233, KINES 321, KINES 356, KINES 358, KINES 426, KINES 428, NURS 203, NURS 251, NURS 225, NUTR 111, NUTR 358, NUTR 360, NUTR 425, NUTR 453, NUTR 456, NUTR 495, PSYCH 212, PSYCH 243, PSYCH 270, RPTM 100.

2

CHEM 101 will no longer be offered at University Park. Students may take CHEM 130 instead of CHEM 101.

3

University-Wide Offerings: AIR 151, 152, 251, 252, 351, ARMY 101, 102, 203, 204, 301, 302, BBH 48, 148S, 390B, 494, 494H, 496, BIOL 162, 164, 400, 411, 496, BISC 2, 3, 4, BMB 211, 401 CHEM 111, 113, 202, 203, 210, 212, 213, CMAS 258, 465, 466, 493, CAS 203, 250, 253, 271, CED 152, 155 ECON 102, ECON 104 HDFS 465, 496, HHD 397, MICRB 107, 201, 202 NAVSC 101, 102, 204, 205, 311 PHYS 211, 212, 250, 251, PSYCH 221, 231, 238, 256, 494, 496 RHS 300, RHS 301, RHS 303, SOC 1, 3, 5, 30, 119, SPAN 1, 2, 3, 100B, (additional courses can be considered in consultation with a BBH adviser).

4

Basic Science: ANTH 21, ANTH 22, ANTH 216, ANTH 411, BMB 211, BIOL 155, BIOL 129, BIOL 162, BIOL 164, BIOL 220W, BIOL 230W, BIOL 240W, BIOL 422, BIOL 409, BIOL 475N, BIOL 479, CHEM 110, CHEM 111, CHEM 112, CHEM 113, CHEM 202 or CHEM 210, CHEM 203 or CHEM 213, CHEM 212, EARTH 100, EARTH 103N, EGEE 101, EGEE 102, EMSC 101, FDSC 404, FDSC 405, FDSC 406, FDSC 407, FDSC 408, GEOG 110, GEOG 314, GEOSC 10, KINES 202, MICRB 106, MICRB 107, MICRB 201, MICRB 202, PHYS 250, PHYS 251, PSYCH 260, PSYCH 460, PSYCH 461, PSYCH 462, PSYCH 464, PSYCH 470, PSYCH 473, VBSC 211, VBSC 230, VBSC 231.

5

BBH Elective: BBH 203, BBH 251, BBH 302, BBH 305, BBH 315, BBH 324, BBH 325 (only 3 credits of BBH 324 or 325 can be taken), BBH 368, BBH 390A, BBH 402, BBH 407, BBH 410, BBH 416, BBH 417, BBH 432, BBH 446, BBH 451, BBH 452, BBH 458, BBH 468, BBH 469, BBH 470, BBH 490.

6

Health Promotion: BBH 416, 417, 495, 497S, CAS 453, HDFS 401, 410, 414, 415, 440, 446, 450, 452, 453, 454, 455, HPA 401, 433, 450, KINES 403, 445, NURS 401, 464, PSYCH 441, 474.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Advising Notes

LIMITATIONS ON SOURCE AND TIME FOR CREDIT ACQUISITION: Per Senate policy 83-80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Most majors in Health and Human Development require students to complete up to 24 credits for the major through courses taken at University Park. Courses taken at other Penn State campuses may not be counted toward this 24 credit minimum.

Within the 30 credits of required General Education Domain courses, students must take 6 credits of Integrative Studies courses (Inter-domain or Linked courses). If you need additional clarification, consult with your academic adviser.

Career Paths

Students with a B.S. in Biobehavioral Health have been successful in establishing careers in a variety of fields. Four example areas of employment include: clinical professions in health care, biomedical and pharmaceutical research support, health advocacy and consulting, and public health. Advanced career tracks may require a graduate or professional degree. Students are encouraged to engage in practical learning experiences that complement formal classroom learning. These can include training at the University Health Services or a hospital, working in a research laboratory, and/or a health-related internship or travel experience. Several engaged learning experience programs available include: BBH Internship program, Global Health minor, BBH research laboratory assistant, Clinical Volunteer Training, and HealthWorks.

Careers

Examples of careers that BBH graduates might pursue include:

  • Clinic Professions in Health care: physician assistant, physician, pharmacist, nurse, health care support staff
  • Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Support: laboratory manager, study coordinator, research assistant
  • Health Advocacy and Consulting: health education specialist, social worker, genetic counselor
  • Public Health: public and community health worker, epidemiologist, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE BIOBEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Depending on your career goals, BBH students might consider completing a graduate degree in biomedical, pharmaceutical or related health services research (e.g., M.S., Ph.D.), a clinical graduate program (e.g., M.D., D.O., P.A., Pharm. D.) or a professional degree in public health, health administration, social work, public policy or administration or law (e.g., M.P.H., M.H.A., M.S.W., M.P.A., M.P.P., J.D.)

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Professional Resources

Contact

Harrisburg

SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES AND EDUCATION
Olmsted Building W314
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6742
rlp26@psu.edu

https://harrisburg.psu.edu/behavioral-sciences-education/biobehavioral-health-bs

Greater Allegheny

4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
412-675-9140
GA-Academics@lists.psu.edu

https://greaterallegheny.psu.edu/academics/biobehavioral-health

Lehigh Valley

2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
610-285-5123
sab705@psu.edu

https://lehighvalley.psu.edu/academics/degrees/biobehavioral-health

New Kensington

3550 Seventh Street Rd.
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-334-6719
pkm20@psu.edu

https://newkensington.psu.edu/academics/4-year-biobehavioral-health

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF BIOBEHAVIORAL HEALTH
219 Biobehavioral Health Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-7256
pennstatebbh@psu.edu

https://hhd.psu.edu/bbh

World Campus

DEPARTMENT OF BIOBEHAVIORAL HEALTH
219 Biobehavioral Health Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-5949
mad193@psu.edu

https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-biobehavioral-health-bachelor-of-science-degree