Accelerated B.S. in Biobehavioral Health and Master of Public Health (MPH)
Earn two degrees in five years – and enjoy a smart savings on tuition! Our new, accelerated undergraduate/graduate program allows you to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health and Master of Public Health in less time to fast-track your career in public health – an industry that’s expected to face a workforce shortage of nearly 50% within the next 5 years.
Whether you want to go immediately into the workforce in professions ranging from community health, epidemiology and biostatistics, global health, research, health systems organization, or continue to medical school, become a physician assistant – you’ll be well-prepared and positioned to compete. (Degrees are awarded from globally respected Penn State)!
This comprehensive program provides plenty of personal attention and is taught by highly experienced faculty through a partnership with the highly-respected Hershey College of Medicine.*
- Years 1-3: Offered in-person at Penn State Lehigh Valley
- Year 4: Offered in-person at Penn State Lehigh Valley with additional classes provided virtually by the Hershey College of Medicine
- Year 5: Offered virtually or in-person at the Hershey College of Medicine*
Internship and job placement available.
*If choosing the Global Health Track, you may also complete year five through PSU World Campus.
Overview
Biobehavioral Health (BBH) is a highly versatile program that combines biological, behavioral, psychological, socio-cultural and environmental approaches to healthcare. You’ll learn how to tackle the challenging issues that affect communities, work with people across all sectors, and educate the public about health care best practices.
In the Master of Public Health program (MPH) you’ll be prepared to protect and improve the health of entire populations by learning how to analyze data, influence public policy, study and monitor threats to public health, and conduct health research.
Sample classes include Principles of Epidemiology, Principles of Biostatistics, Principles of Public Health, Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies, and Health Services Organization and Delivery.
After graduation, you can pursue careers in industries ranging from healthcare and pharmaceutical to nonprofits, research institutes and state and federal agencies, pursuing roles such as:
- Public Health professional
- Epidemiologist
- Environmental and Health Safety
- Health Promotion professional
- Health Systems and Policy professional
- Human Services
- Laboratory professional
- Research
Or continue onto medical school, a physician assistant program, or other advanced degrees.
- Healthcare systems
- Non-profit organizations
- Research institutions
- State and federal agencies
- Pharmaceutical companies
Program Requirements:
Penn State BBH students interested in the accelerated program must have a GPA of 3.25 or above. The MPH degree requires 42 credits, of which 12 can be double counted. As a BBH student in the program, you’ll take 12 credits of graduate-level courses during your senior year of your undergraduate degree.
Choose Your Path
BBH Students pursuing their MPH can specialize in one of these fields of interest:
- Community and Behavioral Health
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Global Health
- Health Systems Organization and Policy
Application Deadline for current BBH students: Third year students, contact Professor Samantha Beebe (information below) to apply no later than January 15th.
Program Contact
Samantha Beebe
Coordinator of Biobehavioral Health
610-285-5000 | [email protected]
“The healthcare sector is the largest employer in the Lehigh Valley. Penn State Lehigh Valley is to be commended for developing the biobehavioral health program,” said Dr. Joel C. Rosenfeld, chief academic officer at St. Luke’s University Health Network. “This program will prepare students for multiple healthcare related professions ensuring that our hospitals, physician offices, clinics and laboratories will have well-trained employees.”
