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Bachelor of Science inBiobehavioral Health

Program summary

Study the science behind health as you learn how the interaction among biological, behavioral, psychological, sociocultural, and environmental factors influence human health and illness. Interdisciplinary course work will help you focus on the development of interventions to improve health outcomes.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Application deadline

Apply by October 31 to start January 13

Credits and costs

120 Credits$632/$678 per credit

Nationally Recognized

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Our bachelor's degrees are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Tackle Modern-Day Health Issues from All Angles

  • Understand the fundamental biological, behavioral, social, cultural, and environmental processes that influence health and disease.

  • Explain how the fundamental processes underlying health and disease can interact to produce individual differences in health and health disparities among groups.

  • Critically evaluate empirical research on health and disease, explaining implications and limitations to the lay public.

  • Understand and apply ethical principles in the conduct of research and professional practice and in the analyses and implementations of health-related policies and programs.

  • Plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion/disease prevention programs for diverse populations.

Study in a Variety of Online Health Science Courses

Your biobehavioral health degree courses will cover topics in biobehavioral health, biology, epidemiology, physiology, nutrition, genetics, and statistics.

This integrated study of the science behind health connects the following approaches:

  • biological 
  • behavioral 
  • psychological 
  • socio-cultural 
  • environmental

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 9 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

    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

  • 1
    credit

    Introduction to quantitative experimentation in chemistry.

    • Prerequisite or Concurrent

      CHEM 110 or CHEM 106

  • 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 12 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 (12 credits)

  • 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.

  • Foundations: 15 credits  
    All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundations requirements. 
    • Writing/Speaking: 9 credits 
    • Quantification: 6 credits 
      3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic. 
  • Knowledge Domains: 15 credits  
    Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domain requirements.
    • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits 
    • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits 
    • Arts (GA): 3 credits 
    • Humanities (GH): 3 credits 
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits  
  • Integrative Studies: 6 credits
    • Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits  
  • Exploration: 9 credits 
    • Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
    • GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits  
      May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.

These General Education Requirements are for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of the general education requirements

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.

Start or Advance Your Career

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You can use the knowledge you gain and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.


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

14.1%
employment growth (10 years)
61,300
total employment

Health Education Specialists

7.2%
employment growth (10 years)
56,190
total employment

Range of Health Science Career Fields

The breadth of your health studies in the BBH degree program can help prepare you for entry-level positions in a range of health-related areas or place you on the path to advanced studies in fields such as:

  • health advocacy and promotion
  • public and global health
  • epidemiology
  • environmental health and safety
  • human services
  • research
  • laboratory management
  • biomedical

The online Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health program is not meant to provide adequate preparation for post-graduate 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 post-graduate work in one of these fields, please consult with your adviser as to how you might best prepare to meet the requirements.


Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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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 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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

Apply by October 31 to start January 13. How to Apply 

Costs and Financial Aid

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

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.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$632 per credit$678 per credit
12–19$7,678 per semester$8,288 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?If you have 59 or fewer creditsIf you have 60 or more credits
11 or fewer$638 per credit$685 per credit
12–19$7,755 per semester$8,371 per semester

Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19. 

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.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Biobehavioral Health at Penn State

The interdisciplinary online biobehavioral health program is made for students who are adult learners, have already started their careers, or who may be working overseas or in the military.

Integrated Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health Degrees

Earn both the Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health and the Master of Public Health in this accelerated program.

The integrated undergraduate/graduate (IUG) program is designed for academically talented Penn State students to obtain both degrees in less time than it would traditionally take to earn them both independently. Penn State students enrolled in the integrated undergraduate/graduate degree typically complete their undergraduate requirements in four years and complete their MPH degree in their fifth year. During their fourth year, students will take 12 to 15 graduate credits that may be applied to both undergraduate and graduate program requirements.

Prerequisites

The IUG program is limited to exceptionally motivated Penn State undergraduate students. If you are interested in applying to the IUG program, you must:

  1. be enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health degree program
  2. have completed entrance to the undergraduate major and have completed no less than 60 credits. Transfer students must have completed at least 15 credits at Penn State to enroll in an IUG. Students can be admitted no later than the end of the second week of the semester preceding the semester of expected conferral of the undergraduate degree.
  3. have an overall GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) in undergraduate course work and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in BBH major courses.

Application Materials

Admissions decisions for this program will be based on the quality of your credentials and will be made after review of your complete application portfolio. Your completed application portfolio must include:

  1. the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School application and nonrefundable application fee
  2. résumé or curriculum vitae
  3. statement of purpose
  4. two (2) letters of recommendation, including one from the student’s undergraduate academic adviser that proves the academic adviser has worked with the student to develop a draft IUG plan of study
  5. official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended 
  6. preliminary draft plan of study — the plan should cover the entire time period of the integrated program, and it should be reviewed periodically with an adviser as the student advances through the program

If you need clarification on any of the above questions, please review the MPH IUG website and email [email protected] for more details.

Set Your Own Pace

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years

  • Take 6 courses each semester

To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years

  • Take 4–5 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Degree in Five or More Years

  • Take 2–3 courses each semester

Timelines may vary for students transferring credits from another school or based on course availability.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

How to Apply to Penn State

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Apply by October 31 to start January 13

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by October 31 to start January 13
  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by March 15 to start May 19
  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by June 30, 2025, to start August 25, 2025

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.

Steps to Apply

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

  2. 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) when applying. Official high school transcripts for first-year applicants will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.

    Transfer international students will need to submit their high school transcript before their application can be reviewed.

    Official college or university transcripts 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.

    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.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. Accessing MyPennState

    The MyPennState Portal provides access to our online admissions services. Before accessing MyPennState, you must have a Penn State account that will be used to access all Penn State systems. After creating an account, you will receive a unique Penn State User ID. You will need to enter your User ID followed by @psu.edu when signing in to MyPennState and other Penn State sites. For example, you should be entering something like '[email protected]' in the Sign In field.

    The application consists of six sections:

    1. Application Setup
    2. Program of Study
    3. Citizenship and Residency
    4. Academics and Experience
    5. Miscellaneous
    6. Review and Submit
    Application Setup
    • Be sure to select "Online" for the "How would you like to complete your degree" question if you plan to attend Penn State World Campus.

    • The rest of this section will ask some basic questions about your education experience and military affiliation.

    Program of Study
    • You will choose the degree type and then the starting semester.

    • Your starting campus will be selected as Penn State World Campus by default as long as you picked "Online" in your Application Setup. Click Continue.

    • On the Choose a Program page, select your intended major from the list.

    • Review your selection on the summary screen and click Continue to move on to the Citizenship and Residency section.

    Citizenship and Residency
    • Complete the series of questions about your citizenship status, demographic information, Pennsylvania residency status, and family history.

    Academics and Experience
    • You will need to enter academic experience information about your high school and any attempted courses at a college or university after high school.

    • The Education Gap Statement offers a place to explain any time that has elapsed between your high school graduation and your anticipated enrollment at Penn State. Please provide a summary of why that gap occurred. Some examples that would explain a gap in your education include work, family, attending another college or university, etc.

    Miscellaneous
    • In the Miscellaneous section, you will provide any program-specific requirements (e.g., a personal statement), information about activities, and financial aid information.

    Review and Submit

    Review your information, digitally sign your application, and provide payment for the application fee ($65 domestic or $75 international).

    High School Transcripts and Academic Record
    • After your application is completed, you will also need to self-report your high school course work before the application deadline. You will be directed to fill out the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). It is helpful to have a high school transcript available when completing this section. In the third section, you'll select your program of study and campus.

    • Official high school transcripts or GED transcript, along with records from high school, are required, regardless of the length of time that has passed.

    • Include any college/university transcripts (required), military transcripts, and Proof of English Language proficiency (if applicable). SAT/ACT scores are not required if you are identified as an adult learner or transfer student.

    All official documents should be sent to: 

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

    You can also have your transcripts sent electronically through Parchment, eScript-Safe, or the National Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.

    Acceptance

    After receiving your application, application fee, and all required materials, your application will be evaluated for admission. You can check your application status online. This will provide the most up‐to‐date information about the status of your application and is updated once daily, before 8:00 a.m. (ET). Once a decision has been made regarding your application, it will be available to you through the MyPennState portal.

    For information on when you can expect an admissions decision, visit the Dates and Deadlines page of the Undergraduate Admissions website. Make sure you click the "+" sign to see these dates for World Campus Applicants (First-Year and Transfer).

  5. 5. Complete the application.

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

Contact Us

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health, please contact:

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

Learn from the Best

The Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health is offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Health and Human Development. You will have the opportunity to learn from a team of world-class scientists who contribute to making this a unique health science degree — one you can't earn just anywhere.

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 October 31 to start January 13. How to Apply