Overview

Our department is based on the strong belief that an integrative approach to health research and health care holds the greatest potential for advancing health. Thus, we do not have separate ‘tracks’ in our department, which sets us apart from other programs and facilitates student learning towards an integrative understanding of health.

Training Overview

Biobehavioral Health students at Pennsylvania State University receive training in the following areas:

How biological and physiological processes (e.g., within behavioral neuroscience, neuropharmacology, psychoneuroimmunology, behavioral endocrinology, genetics) relate to health.
How psychological and behavioral processes relate to health (e.g., cognitions, emotions, individual differences, specific health behaviors).
Public health and policy consideration (e.g., global health, health promotion, and socio-cultural dynamics, environmental factors, health disparities, ethics).
Statistics and research methods.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Biobehavioral Systems in Health and Development: Theory and Processes
Health: Biobehavioral Perspectives
Biobehavioral Systems in Health and Development: Processes and Integration
Behavioral Health Intervention Strategies
Behavioral Health Research Strategies

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 96 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

27 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

University Park, United States

Disciplines

Psychology Biology Health Sciences View 357 other PhDs in Biology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are optional. Choosing not to submit scores will not affect admissions decisions. When GRE scores are submitted, scores are considered as part of a holistic review process.
Applicants should have a minimum grade-point average of 3.00 (A=4.00) and three supporting recommendations. At the discretion of the graduate program, exceptions may be made to these requirements for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests.
Entering students should have a basic background in biological sciences, the behavioral sciences, or a combination of the two. In addition, they should have a basic background in quantitative methods.
In exceptional cases, superior students who do not meet these requirements may be admitted provisionally, while correcting their deficiencies. This must occur during their first two semesters in the program.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Pennsylvania State University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

44996 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 44996 USD per year during 96 months.
National

44996 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 44996 USD per year during 96 months.
In-State

25456 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 25456 USD per year during 96 months.

Living costs for University Park

1000 - 1500 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Biobehavioral Health.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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