Update: Penn State New Kensington is not currently enrolling new students. Current students can access academic advising and degree planning through campus services.
Earn two degrees in five years–and enjoy a smart savings on tuition! Our 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 percent 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 policy, 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 New Kensington
- Year 4: Offered in-person at Penn State New Kensington 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 Penn State 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, and Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies.
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 15 can be double counted. As a BBH student in the program, you’ll take 15 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
Apply Online
Application deadline for current BBH students: third year students can apply for the Accelerated Master's in Public Health Program. Applications must be submitted by February 15.
Contact Penelope Morrison, program coordinator and associate professor of biobehavioral health at pkm20@psu.edu or 724-334-6719. More information can also be found on the College of Health and Human Development's program site.
