Health and Human Development

About the College

Craig J. Newschaffer, Raymond E. and Erin Stuart Schultz Dean, College of Health and Human Development

The College of Health and Human Development (HHD) prepares students to succeed in careers in clinical healthcare professions, public health, human services, education, law and in the business of hospitality, recreation, tourism, healthcare and related services. Students explore the integration of the life and health sciences, the social and behavioral sciences, and organizational management and leadership skills in our academic programs. Experiential education through internships and project-based courses connects students with businesses, organizations and Penn State alumni in the field. Students have direct contact with patients, clients, families and consumers through global and cultural learning opportunities and service-learning programs. Innovative courses and undergraduate research opportunities with outstanding faculty who are respected scholars and leaders in their fields create a stimulating intellectual environment for students. An education in HHD is dedicated to all aspects of human health and wellness, improving the quality of human life, and addressing the challenges and opportunities the future presents. Our students and alumni are truly committed to helping people live their best lives.

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Mission and Goals

The College of Health and Human Development is a collaborative community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni that seeks to improve human health, development, and the quality of life for all people through innovative education, interdisciplinary research, and effective outreach with a scope that encompasses cells to society and conception through the end of life.

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Departments and Schools

Department of Biobehavioral Health

Biobehavioral Health is an innovative department that explores health in an integrated way by considering how behavioral, biological, social, cultural and environmental factors may influence health. Biobehavioral Health students develop a strong foundation for future work or study in a range of fields, such as public health, health care, epidemiology, psychology, genetics, neuroscience, health promotion, biomedical research, and medicine.

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Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Communication Sciences and Disorders is a leader in preparing professionals who address prevention and rehabilitation of speech, language and hearing problems. The major incorporates linguistics, acoustics, psychology, anatomy, and neurobiology. Students typically pursue graduate study and professional certification and licensure and hold positions in hospitals, clinics, schools, research centers, and other settings.

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Department of Health Policy and Administration

The nationally recognized program in Health Policy and Administration (HPA) prepares students to understand the problems of health care access, cost, and quality. HPA prepares students to work in health care management, policy analysis, or to pursue graduate study in business, law, medicine, health administration, health services research, or public health.

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School of Hospitality Management

The School of Hospitality Management (SHM) prepares graduates to make a significant impact in the global hospitality industry by combining emotional intelligence with analytical prowess to develop their management and problem-solving skills. Our graduates learn in state-of-the-art facilities and research labs, working with novel technologies. They also gain valuable experience through domestic and international travel, solving real-world problems and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. Learning and engagement at SHM reflect today’s dynamic hospitality industry. Students gain academic and professional experiences that prepare them for a wide range of global career opportunities. The curricular and co-curricular programming in SHM empowers their success in any complex, people-centric enterprise. Penn State's Hospitality Management program is among the first in the nation and is one of the most prestigious of its kind in the world.

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Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Penn State's Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) programs train scholars, professionals, and leaders to promote positive change. At the undergraduate level, graduates are prepared for careers across a wide range of human service, health care, and helping professions. HDFS prepares students with knowledge and skills for helping by focusing on (1) the psychological, biological, social, cultural, and economic influences that impact the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, (2) evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies, and (3) applied skills for impact. The Human Development and Family Science option prepares students to pursue a wide range of positions in non-profit organizations, businesses, government agencies, and advocacy and human service organizations. Graduates from this option also pursue graduate study or training in social work, counseling, clinical psychology, applied behavior analysis, public policy, program administration and management, law, child life, or research. The Developmental Science for Health Professions option prepares students for graduate or post-baccalaureate study in medicine, psychiatry, occupational therapy, accelerated nursing and physician assistant and other health-related fields. The HDFS Department also administers a Master of Social Work program offered through World Campus.

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Department of Kinesiology

Kinesiology offers an interdisciplinary program focused on human movement related to health, wellness, and performance. Students apply skills and knowledge in biomechanics, exercise physiology, motor-control, psychology, philosophy/history, and athletic training to real-life problems, preparing them for graduate study in allied health/medical professions and careers in fitness, wellness, teaching, and coaching.

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Department of Nutritional Sciences

Nutritional science is a dynamic discipline that applies biology and biochemistry concepts through understanding how the body utilizes nutrients and related substances to optimize health throughout the life span. Students gain an understanding of the interplay of nutrition and lifestyle, food and food systems, food security and access to food, and how these areas relate to current public health issues, as well as to the development and dietary management of diseases. Students in Nutritional Sciences are prepared for careers in a variety of health/medical professions, behavioral nutrition, public health nutrition, industry, food systems management, and dietetics-related careers.

Students may select one or more Options: Behavioral Nutrition and Public Health, Nutritional Physiology and Biochemistry, and Nutrition and Dietetics. The Nutrition and Dietetics Option is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

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Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management

Our goal is to educate and inspire students to facilitate recreation, park and tourism activities to transform health and human well-being for individuals and for communities. We integrate topics such as environmental sustainability, human development, health and well-being, social innovation and entrepreneurship, community and economic development, and leadership with an eye toward diversity and inclusion. RPTM students are prepared for graduate study as well as careers in natural resource and park management, sports, tourism (including ecotourism), event planning, resorts, live entertainment events, environmental education and interpretation, community recreation and non-profit management, professional golf management and related fields.

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College Procedures

Change of Campus

Students may begin their studies in the College of Health and Human Development at any of the Penn State campuses and are expected to remain at the campus of admission until achieving fifth semester standing (59.1 or greater total credits earned). Students initiate a request for Change of Campus using the Update Campus application in LionPATH.

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Concurrent Majors

A Concurrent Majors Program is one in which students take courses to concurrently meet the requirements of at least two majors, with graduation for all majors in the program occurring during the same semester. To add a concurrent major in the College of Health and Human Development, students must initiate the Add Major function in LionPATH located in Update Academics and complete the steps required for gaining approval for a concurrent major. Students should work with academic advisers in both majors before initiating the LionPATH Update Academics request.

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READ SENATE POLICY 60-00: COMPLETING MORE THAN ONE UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR PROGRAM

Academic Warning

A student who fails to earn a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average will be placed on academic warning. A student placed on academic warning will have a hold placed on registration and will be required to meet with an academic adviser in order for this registration hold to be removed. Notifications concerning the hold will be sent to a student’s campus email address. To remove academic warning, the cumulative grade-point average must be 2.00 or higher. 

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READ SENATE POLICY 54-20: ACADEMIC WARNING

Academic Suspension

A student in academic warning who fails to maintain a semester grade-point average of 2.00 or higher will be academically suspended. A student who has been academically suspended may not schedule courses at the University for two consecutive semesters. (Note: Summer session is equal to one semester.) If suspended, a student should meet with their adviser to discuss re-enrollment.

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READ SENATE POLICY 54-40: ACADEMIC SUSPENSION

Resources

Advising

The Center for Student Advising and Engagement serves as a central location to support College of Health and Human Development students and their families. The Center assists undergraduate students to explore educational opportunities and develop decision-making skills that will contribute to their academic, career, and life goals.

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Office for Diversity and Inclusion

The mission of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion is to create and sustain an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces diversity in all its forms, fosters mutual respect, and provides opportunities for everyone to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Furthermore, we provide direction, resources, and training to advance individual understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion that affirms the collective responsibility of creating belonging.

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Research Opportunities

Faculty in the College of Health and Human Development are world renowned for multidisciplinary research on all aspects of human health, developmental sciences, and management in hospitality, healthcare, human services, recreation and other service organizations. Undergraduates have opportunities to work with and be mentored by some of the most accomplished researchers in their fields.

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Study Abroad

Global engagement provides an excellent way for students to learn from diverse cultures, practices, and ways of life in health, hospitality and recreation. From education abroad programs led by HHD faculty to Penn State-approved global programs, HHD resources help students select the best global experiences for their academic, professional, and personal goals. A specialized global experience, the Global Health Minor, is available through HHD's Department of Biobehavioral Health.

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Internship and Career Opportunities

Graduates from the College of Health and Human Development work in nearly every segment of the services economy—healthcare, hospitality, tourism, recreation, parks, sports, education, and all human service fields. The rapidly growing career paths offer meaningful and purposeful work improving the quality of life for people.

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College of Health and Human Development Mentoring Program

The College of Health and Human Development Mentoring Program connects HHD students and alumni by matching students who are juniors in their academic department with professionals in their field(s) of interest who can offer advice and information about career options or other issues relevant to particular fields.

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College Scholarships

The College of Health and Human Development (HHD) awards scholarships on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, school/community activities, leadership positions, and work experience. Students must be enrolled in the College of Health and Human Development or its majors to receive scholarship support . For questions or additional information regarding college scholarships please contact HHDScholarships@psu.edu.

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Honors Programs

Schreyer Honors College

The Schreyer Honors College, regarded as one of the nation’s top programs of its kind, promotes achieving academic excellence with integrity, building a global perspective, and creating opportunities for leadership and civic engagement. Schreyer Scholars, including those admitted after their first or second year of enrollment, are a diverse and motivated group of approximately 2,000 students at University Park and 20 Commonwealth campuses. The College strives to educate students who will have an important and ethical influence in the world, to improve educational practice, and to continue to be recognized as a leading force in honors education nationwide.

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Honors in the College of Health and Human Development

The College of Health and Human Development has a vibrant community of more than 100 Schreyer Honors College students. Department faculty advisers work closely with students to connect them with research opportunities, fellowships and scholarships, and internships and clinical experiences.

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Contact

COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Office of Undergraduate and Outreach Programs
104 Henderson Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1428
healthhd@psu.edu

https://hhd.psu.edu/