UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is offering a new degree online aimed at preparing students to solve problems of human health and illness by understanding health science.
The 120-credit bachelor of science in biobehavioral health will help prepare students to work in health and science-related fields. Applications are being accepted for admission in Penn State’s fall 2016 semester, which starts in August.
The degree is offered fully online through Penn State World Campus. It is identical to the degree that is offered through the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State’s University Park campus. Faculty from the college’s Department of Biobehavioral Health will teach the courses for the new program.
“Today, perhaps more than ever before, there is a continually increasing focus on human health and wellness on a global level,” said Marc Dingman, director of the online biobehavioral health program. “This has created a growing need for professionals who have a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of health and disease.”
All World Campus undergraduate students will have access to a variety of admissions and academic support services, such as advising, tutoring, career counseling and financial aid counseling.
Students in the program can take classes in biobehavioral health, biology, physiology, genetics, nutrition, statistics and more, with the goal of studying how complex factors interact and influence health.
“The breadth of study in this program can help prepare graduates for health science careers in a variety of areas, including public health, employee or corporate health, community health promotion, biomedical sales or work in clinical settings,” Dingman said.
The program can also prepare graduates for advanced study in natural and social science disciplines, such as epidemiology, public health, environmental health and safety and human services.
“The online format of this degree expands access to anyone in the world who wants a high-quality Penn State degree and does not live near a campus,” said Karen Pollack, assistant vice provost for undergraduate online and blended programs. “Our degrees are designed with the adult learner’s busy schedule in mind. Students can complete their weekly assignments when it is convenient for them so they take care of their responsibilities at work and at home.”
Penn State World Campus has been offering degree programs online since 1998. U.S. News ranked World Campus No. 1 for the best online undergraduate programs in the country in 2015 and 2016.
For more information about the biobehavioral health program, visit the Penn State World Campus website.