meeting with child

Bachelor of Science in
Biobehavioral Health

Program summary

Study the science behind health as you learn how biology, behavior, social-cultural influences, and environmental factors influence health throughout life. This program includes courses in biology, epidemiology, physiology, nutrition, genetics, and statistics.

Application deadline

Apply by June 30 to start August 21

Credits and costs

120 Credits $620/$664 per credit

Online Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health

As attention increasingly turns toward the quality of human health across the globe, the demand will grow for health science professionals trained to influence this discipline. Designed to integrate biological, behavioral, psychological, socio-cultural, and environmental approaches to the study of the science behind health, a bachelor's degree in biobehavioral health (BBH) can help prepare you to address and solve the problems of human health and illness.

Distinction of an Online Degree in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State

With the innovative nature of Penn State's online Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health degree program that focuses on the complex factors influencing health across the lifespan, you will have the opportunity to learn from an interdisciplinary team of world-class scientists who contribute to making this a unique health science degree that you can't earn just anywhere.

As a complement to the challenging, but rewarding, health studies curriculum, the online courses in our program provide you with the flexibility and convenience to study around your schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education — and prepare yourself for more challenging career opportunities without leaving the comfort of your home.

Your Online Health Science Courses in the BBH Degree

The courses in the online degree in biobehavioral health, taught by engaged, global faculty that range from geneticists to community health professionals, will cover topics in biobehavioral health, biology, epidemiology, physiology, nutrition, genetics, and statistics.

The breadth of your health studies in the BBH degree program can help to prepare you for a multitude of health science careers, including roles as health promotion professionals, research assistants, laboratory managers, and biomedical product representatives and in technical support positions in biomedical and health-related fields. This major can also 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.

Important note: The online Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health is not meant to provide adequate preparation for postgraduate medical training (for example: medical school, physician assistant programs, etc.) and likely will not satisfy the admission requirements for such programs. If you plan to pursue postgraduate work in one of these fields, please consult with your adviser as to how you might best prepare to meet the necessary requirements.

Courses

The Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health (BBH) is a 120-credit program that offers a solid foundation in the science behind health and wellness through course work in biobehavioral health, biology, epidemiology, physiology, nutrition, genetics, and statistics.

Prescribed Courses (38 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to an interdisciplinary study of health, examining the interaction of biological processes and behavior on health.

    • GHW

      This course may be used to satisfy the Health and Wellness (GHW) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines the relationship diverse personal and sociocultural factors (e.g., socioeconomic class, race-ethnicity, gender, age, and sexual orientation) have with health.

    • Prerequisite

      PSYCH 100 or SOC 1

  • 3
    credits

    Surveys the various research methodologies used in biomedical research, including case, epidemiological, quasiexperimental and experimental approaches.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 101 and STAT 200

  • 3
    credits

    A review of literature relevant to the concepts and findings of different scientific domains as they apply to biobehavioral health.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 101 and BIOL 110 and PSYCH 100

  • 3
    credits

    Basic exposure and skills development in theory and practice in health promotion.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 101

  • 3
    credits

    Research methods, multi-level analyses, and applications in biobehavioral health.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 101 and BBH 310 and STAT 200

  • 3
    credits

    Theory of epidemiology and significant case studies; potential applications to health care.

    • Prerequisite

      (BBH 101 or BIOL 110 or HPA 310) and (STAT 200 or STAT 250)

  • 4
    credits

    A study of the fundamental concepts of biology, including the evolution of the major groups of organisms. This is the first biology course taken by students who intend to major in biology. It provides a foundation in the basic concepts that govern life, including the evolutionary processes that have led to the biodiversity seen today.

    • GN

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Human Anatomy and Physiology I - Lecture

  • 3
    credits

    Students will build a strong foundation in the form and function of the human body from the cellular to the gross anatomical level.

    • Prerequisite

      BIOL 161

  • 3
    credits

    The nutrients: food sources and physiological functions as related to human growth and well-being throughout life; current nutrition issues.

    • GHW

      This course can be used to satisfy the Health and Wellness (GHW) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to general psychology; principles of human behavior and their applications.

    • GS

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

Additional Courses

Life Sciences Courses (select 3 credits)

Courses taken to fulfill this requirement may not be double counted toward the 12 credits of Basic Sciences.

    • 3
      credits

      First semester of a two-semester, comprehensive general chemistry course that introduces students to the basic principles of chemistry with an emphasis on the relationships between the microscopic structure and the macroscopic properties of matter.

      • Prerequisite

        Completion of or placement beyond MATH 22

    • or:
      3
      credits

      This course is a one-semester rigorous college-level introductory Chemistry course covering the fundamental principles of general, organic, and biochemistry. One year of high school chemistry is strongly recommended.

      • Prerequisite

        Completion or placement beyond MATH 21

    • or:
      3
      credits

      A survey course in microbiology for non-majors, this course focuses on the roles of microbes in human health and disease, agriculture, biotechnology, and other areas of societal impact.

      • GN

        This course can be used to satisfy the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.

Basic Sciences Courses (select 12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    The role of human biology and evolution in culture, society, and behavior.

    • GN

      This course can be used to satisfy the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    The biological basis of human behavior within the context of primate biology, behavior, and evolution.

    • GN

      This course can be used to satisfy the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Examination of human aging from a biological perspective. Population demographics, physiological and pathological changes, and healthy lifestyles are discussed. Students who have passed BIOL 409 may not schedule this course.

    • GN

      This course course may be used to satisfy the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to organic chemistry, with emphasis on the properties of organic compounds of biochemical importance.

    • Prerequisite

      CHEM 101 or CHEM 106 or CHEM 110

  • 3
    credits

    Climate predictions for the coming century are utilized to examine potential impacts on regions, sectors of society, and natural ecosystems.

    • GN

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Energy utilization and technological development, energy resources, conversion and consequences on the local and global environment, and future energy alternatives.

    • GN

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Exposure to energy efficiency in day-to-day life to save money and energy, and thereby protect the environment.

    • GN

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    A survey course in microbiology for non-majors, this course focuses on the roles of microbes in human health and disease, agriculture, biotechnology, and other areas of societal impact.

    • GN

      This course can be used to satisfy the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.

  • 1
    credit

    Selected techniques used to observe, identify, and count bacteria; effects of chemical and physical agents on microorganisms. The combination of MICRB 106 GN and 107 GN must be taken to receive General Education credit in biology.

    • Prerequisite

      MICRB 106

    • GN

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Natural Sciences (GN) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    An introduction to biopsychology, emphasizing the structure and function of the human brain.

  • 3
    credits

    Causes, dynamics, symptoms, and treatment of neuroses, psychoses, personality disorders, and other psychological disorders of adulthood.

    • Prerequisite

      PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 270)

Additional BBH Courses (select 15 credits; 6 must be at the 400 level)

BBH courses chosen from a predetermined list in consultation with program. Additional course details and program requirements can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin. Please consult with your adviser.

  • 3
    credits

    Course will develop awareness of contemporary issues in global health.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 101

  • 3
    credits

    Interdisciplinary study of gender, examining the interaction of biological, behavioral, and sociocultural factors on health differentials throughout the lifespan.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 101

  • 3
    credits

    Planning, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion, prevention, and intervention programs; emphasizing evaluation.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 310 and BBH 316

  • 3
    credits

    This course will cover the way stress response occurs in humans and how those responses can affect other aspects of physical, psychological, behavioral, and cognitive functioning.

    • Prerequisite

      (BBH 101 or BBH 101H) and (BIOL 141 or BIOL 161)

  • 3
    credits

    Biological and behavioral aspects of therapeutic and recreational drug use and misuse, and their relationships to health.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 101 and PSYCH 100 and (BIOL 141 or BIOL 161)

  • 3
    credits

    An introduction to biopsychology, emphasizing the structure and function of the human brain.

    • Prerequisite

      PSYCH 100

Health and Developmental Science Courses (select 9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Principles of the voice mechanisms, preventing vocal abuse, and promoting vocal health across the lifespan.

    • GHW

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Health and Wellness (GHW) requirement.

    • US

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the United States Cultures (US) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores the economic, social, psychological, and political aspects of the deaf culture and its interaction with the majority hearing culture.

    • GS

      The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Examination of the social, political, historic, and scientific factors in the development and organization of health services.

  • 3
    credits

    Theory, research, and methods of social/behavioral/biological sciences related to developmental processes and intervention during infancy and childhood.

    • GS

      This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Social, behavioral, and biological development and intervention throughout adolescence.

    • GS

      This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Physiological, psychological, and social development and intervention from young adulthood through old age.

    • GS

      This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

  • 3
    credits

    Concepts of affectional and sexual orientation over life span, with emphasis on lesbian and gay male personal, family, and community adaptation.

  • 3
    credits

    Survey of individual and family formal and informal intervention efforts; historical and current perspectives and approaches.

    • Prerequisite

      HDFS 129

  • 3
    credits

    Family functions over the life course; family from a multidisciplinary perspective, emphasizing adaptation and change.

    • Prerequisite

      HDFS 129 or 3 credits in social, behavioral, or human biological sciences

  • 3
    credits

    Dynamics of family interaction; effects of parenthood, sibling and intergeneration relationships on family solidarity.

    • Prerequisite

      HDFS 312W and (HDFS 315Y or HDFS 315W)

  • 3
    credits

    Conceptual analysis, assessment, and empirical investigation of normal and deviant development, prenatal through first two years of life.

    • Prerequisite

      (HDFS 229 or PSYCH 212) and HDFS 312W

  • 3
    credits

    Processes of development during childhood from birth to adolescence. Emphasis on theory, method, and empirical research.

    • Prerequisite

      (HDFS 229 or PSYCH 212) and HDFS 312W

  • 3
    credits

    Conceptual analysis and empirical investigation of interrelationships between developmental processes during the period of pubertal growth.

    • Prerequisite

      HDFS 239 and HDFS 312W

  • 3
    credits

    Processes of development and change of behavior from early adulthood through old age, emphasizing theory, method, and empirical research.

    • Prerequisite

      HDFS 249 and (HDFS 312W or PSYCH 301W) and (PSYCH 200 or STAT 200 or 3 credits of statistics) and (6 credits in HDFS or PSYCH or SOC)

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to consumers' role in health care decisions, including health benefits, physician and hospital choice, and end-of-life choices.

  • 3
    credits

    Health care from an individual, family, and community standpoint illustrated with specific diseases and health problems.

    • Prerequisite

      (BBH 101 or BISC 004 or BIOL 141) and HPA 101

  • 3
    credits

    Comprehensive review of terms related to functions, disorders, diagnosis, and treatment of body systems related to physical activity and movement.

  • 3
    credits

    Developmental principles; physical growth; linguistic, intellectual, emotional, and social development from infancy to maturity.

    • Prerequisite

      PSYCH 100

  • 3
    credits

    Applying psychological knowledge to develop and maintain effective personal adjustment and well-being and positive social relations.

    • Prerequisite

      PSYCH 100

  • 3
    credits

    This course focuses on some of the topics and questions people most commonly ask about psychology: What are the different psychological disorders, and what are they like? How do clinicians diagnose someone with a disorder? What do therapists actuallydoin therapy?

    • Prerequisite

      PSYCH 100

  • 3
    credits

    Overview of the field with an emphasis on how psychological research contributes to an understanding of health and behavior.

    • Prerequisite

      PSYCH 100 and 6 additional credits of PSYCH

  • 3
    credits

    Leisure from historical and contemporary perspectives, including forces shaping leisure behavior, and relationships among leisure, the environment, and social institutions.

Human Development and Family Studies Courses (select 3 credits)

    • 3
      credits

      Introduction to psychosocial and family development at all stages of the individual and family life cycle.

      • GS

        This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Theory, research, and methods of social/behavioral/biological sciences related to developmental processes and intervention during infancy and childhood.

      • GS

        This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Social, behavioral, and biological development and intervention throughout adolescence.

      • GS

        This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

    • or:
      3
      credits

      Physiological, psychological, and social development and intervention from young adulthood through old age.

      • GS

        This course can be used to satisfy the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.

Ethics Course (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Examines bases for choices among values in personal and professional relations in human development processes and supporting services.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 101

Health Promotion (select 3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Planning, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion, prevention, and intervention programs; emphasizing evaluation.

    • Prerequisite

      BBH 310 and BBH 316

  • 3
    credits

    Strategies for, and roles of professional specialists in, the solution of problems in human development and family functioning.

    • Prerequisite

      HDFS 312W and 6 credits in human development and family studies or psychology

  • 3
    credits

    Fundamentals of program development and administration of human service programs in community settings; emphasis given to program content, strategies, and the overall planning process.

    • Prerequisite

      HDFS 311

  • 3
    credits

    Overview of the field with an emphasis on how psychological research contributes to an understanding of health and behavior.

    • Prerequisite

      PSYCH 100 and 6 additional credits of PSYCH

Supporting Courses and Related Areas (15 credits)

  • 3 credits of 400-level health promotion from approved list, in consultation with adviser.
  • 12 credits of University-wide offerings from approved list, in consultation with adviser.

General Education Requirements

Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.

  • Arts (GA): 6 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 6 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
    A student must receive a grade of C or better in GWS courses.
  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
    A student must receive a grade of C or better in GQ courses.
  • Integrative Studies: 6 credits
    This requirement only applies to students starting in summer 2018 or later. Learn more about the Integrative Studies options and consult your academic adviser when choosing courses to fulfill these requirements. Integrative Studies credits may be completed within the thirty Knowledge Domain credits and must be completed with either Inter-domain or Linked courses, not a combination of both.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Tuition

Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2022–23 Academic Year Rates

How many credits do you plan to take per semester? If you have 59 or fewer credits If you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer $620 per credit $664 per credit
12 or more $7,527 per semester $8,125 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall DeadlineApply by June 30 to start August 21
  • Spring DeadlineApply by October 31 to start January 8
  • Summer DeadlineApply by March 15, 2024, to start May 13, 2024

New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.

Admissions Help

Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.

Admission Requirements

To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED. 

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items to complete your application:

High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR). Official high school transcripts will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.

Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution, and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.

Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Please send your transcripts by mail or electronically through Parchment, eScrip-Safe, or the National Student Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.

Submit official documents by mail to:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Start Your Application

Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions. 

If this is your first time applying to Penn State, you'll need to complete the following steps:

  1. Review the application instructions before beginning.
  2. Complete the online application and submit all official documents.
  3. Pay the application fee.

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing "MyPennState — Check Application Status." Your decision letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed four to six weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this degree program.

Ready to Learn More?

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?

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Start or Advance Your Career

A family (two parents and two children) smiling as they meet with a health care professional

The breadth of your health studies in the BBH degree program and the support of Penn State career resources can help prepare you for a range of health science careers.


Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Biomedical Research Assistant
  • Community Health Consultant
  • Community Health Program Coordinator
  • Health Advocate
  • Health Education Coordinator
  • Health Education Specialist

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Community Health Workers

15.9%
employment growth (10 years)
61,010
total employment

Health Education Specialists

7.6%
employment growth (10 years)
55,830
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Contact Us

To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Health and Human Development, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

Faculty

  • Marie Cross

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Health Psychology, University of California, Irvine
    • Degree
      M.A., Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine
    • Degree
      B.A., Psychology, UCLA

    Dr. Marie Cross is an assistant teaching professor in biobehavioral health. Her teaching interests include biobehavioral aspects of stress, research methods, and ethics within the health sciences. Her research focuses on how positive psychological factors, including positive emotion and different types of smiles, are associated with health and health-relevant outcomes.

  • Jennifer DiNallo

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Exercise Psychology, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.S., Exercise Physiology, East Carolina University

    Dr. Jennifer DiNallo is an assistant teaching professor of biobehavioral health. She has worked as a researcher for the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness and the Department of Defense. Her research interests include the impact of health-promoting behaviors (i.e., diet, physical activity, and screen time) on chronic diseases, primarily within the family framework (parent-child).

  • Marc Dingman

    Degree
    Ph.D., Neuroscience, Penn State

    Dr. Marc Dingman's teaching interests are diverse and include epidemiology, pharmacology, neurobiology, and many other aspects of biobehavioral health.

  • Beth Edwards

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Biobehavioral Health, Penn State
    • Degree
      B.S., Health Policy and Administration, Penn State

    Dr. Beth Edwards' teaching and research interests include health promotion and health behavior, especially harm reduction approaches to tobacco use and sexual health.

  • William Horton

    Degree
    Ph.D., Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado – Boulder

    Dr. William Horton’s primary research interest is understanding the intersection between circadian rhythms and drug abuse, especially nicotine. He is particularly interested in how molecular/genetic changes lead to differences in behavior and vice versa.

  • Elizabeth Lasher

    Degree
    Ph.D., Counselor Education, Penn State

    Dr. Elizabeth Lasher's teaching interests include the biobehavioral effects of psychoactive drugs and the widespread effects that drugs have on modern society.

News


Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?

Apply by June 30 to start August 21. How to Apply