Penn State Harrisburg announces new major in biobehavioral health

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Penn State Harrisburg is now offering a new bachelor of science degree in biobehavioral health in the college’s School of Behavioral Sciences and Education.

The bachelor of science in biobehavioral health (BBH) prepares students to look at health issues in an integrated way, by taking into account the many different factors — biological, behavioral, social, cultural and environmental — that influence health throughout the life span.

The program helps students become familiar with the multiple perspectives, approaches and methods needed to address and solve problems of human health and illness and prepares graduates for entry-level jobs in a range of biomedical and health-related areas, including as research assistants, laboratory managers, biomedical product representatives, and in technical support positions in biomedical and health-related fields. The major also provides 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 service.

“A growing number of public health organizations and service agencies seek employees who can bring a multidisciplinary perspective on health issues,” said Mark Kiselica, director of the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education. “We are very proud of the addition of this program at Penn State Harrisburg, which will foster this valuable point of view in students and make them very attractive candidates for employment or advanced study in health-related fields.”