FAQs about Health & Societies

What are the requirements for the HSOC major?
HSOC is a fourteen credit major. Students in the HSOC program take four core courses, three in-department electives, six interdisciplinary courses in a field of concentration, and a research seminar. HSOC majors must have 34 total credits for graduation.

What is a field of concentration?

It is necessary to have a concentration with the major. There are eight HSOC concentrations:
Bioethics and Society
Disease and Society
Environment and Health
Gender and Health
Health Policy and Law
Health Care Markets and Finance
International Health
Public Health


HSOC is a flexible major. You can always petition for additions to the list of approved courses, or changes to your list of six courses, as long as the courses are focused on the concentration. So, take advantage of the petitioning process and don't feel stuck.

How do I become a Health & Societies (HSOC) major?

What if I am not ready to declare a major but have questions about HSOC?
Dr. Barnes, the program director (e-mail) or Dr. Greene, the undergraduate coordinator (e-mail) will be happy to meet with you. You may also contact members of the HSOC Student Advisory Board.

What if I am on registration hold and what does it mean?
Any sophomores who have not declared a major by the time of Advanced Registration in the spring are put on registration hold until they do declare a major. To get off of registration hold, follow the instructions on the application form.

Can I double -major in HSOC and something else?
Yes. Many HSOC majors successfully double major in another program as well, but you have to plan carefully. The ability to double major depends on how many credits you need to complete both majors, how many semesters you have before graduation, and how many courses will double count between the two majors. The College requires double majors complete at least 18 separate courses between the two majors.

Its important to decide early to double major so that you can plan ahead, and to choose your in-major concentration carefully, as some overlap better than others with the requirements of other departments.

It is important to remember that its not necessary to double major! It is more important that you get the most out of your major.

What are some common majors that overlap with Health and Societies?

Common double majors are Sociology, Anthropology, Urban Studies, Economics, Gender Studies, Environmental Studies, Political Science and International Relations. There is not a great deal of overlap with majors in science.

Can I minor in HSOC?
No, we do not offer a minor in Health and Societies.

Can I study abroad if I am an HSOC major?
Yes. We encourage HSOC majors to plan a semester abroad, and many do. Some (but not all) select programs with courses similar to the Health and Societies program. Since studying abroad takes some careful planning be sure to discuss it with Dr. Barnes or Dr. Greene. Check the Penn Abroad website for more information.

Do my pre-med courses count toward the HSOC major?
Sometimes. Many HSOC majors are pre-med. Some pre-med courses may count toward the in-major concentration. Approval is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Go to the Pre-Med website in Career Services for information about pre-med requirements and advising.

Can I get transfer credit for a summer course at another university?
Sometimes. If you wish to take a course at another university, you must petition the department at Penn that has a course most closely matching the course you are planning to take. If the course is similar to an HSOC course, bring the course information to Dr. Greene to see if you qualify for approval. Read about "credit away" on the College website.

Do CGS courses count toward the HSOC major?
Yes. Appropriate courses in CGS may be used to fulfill HSOC requirements.

Can I take more HSOC courses than the major requires?
Yes. You may take as many HSOC courses as you wish.

Can I do independent study projects as part of the HSOC major?
Yes. Download the Independent Study Permission Form for further information.

Is research an important part of the HSOC major?
Yes. All HSOC majors take a research seminar in the spring of junior year or fall of senior year to fulfill their Capstone Research Requirement. Some may wish to continue and write a senior thesis for honors during the first half of the senior year. STSC majors are encouraged to explore other opportunities for research, such as internships and publication.

What is the Capstone Research Requirement?

This is a requirement that you take a 400-level HSOC or STSC course during spring of junior year or fall of senior year. The only courses that count for the capstone requirement are 400-level courses taken during one of these two semesters. Courses taken before or after these two semesters do not count fulfill the requirement.
Visit the Capstone page for more information.

I want to do a research project by taking an internship. Can I get credit for this as part of my major?
Yes. You can do it as an independent study, in which case you must fill out an independent study form and submit it to Dr. Greene. Or, if you do the project after the middle of junior year, you may use the research from the internship to fulfill your Capstone research requirement if you meet the conditions listed on the Capstone page.

What are the requirements to graduate with honors in HSOC?
To graduate with honors, an HSOC major must complete 15 total credit units. This requires enrolling in HSOC 420 during spring of junior year, and completing a senior thesis during the fall of senior year. See Senior Thesis for department requirements. The senior thesis process must start in fall of your junior year with curriculum planning and formulating an idea for the thesis.

How do I participate in HSOC events, meet other HSOC majors, and get advice on internships, summer jobs, and careers?
Become involved with the HSOC SAB. The HSOC Student Advisory Board sponsors programs on topics of interest to HSOC majors, and is a source of information for majors on courses, careers and internships.

What courses should I take next semester?
Check to see what core requirements you still need to fulfill, and whether those courses are being offered next semester: HSOC 010, HSOC 100 or 111, HSOC 002, HSOC 275, HSOC 238. Check to see how many courses you need to complete your concentration, and look over the list of approved courses for it and see which courses are being offered. Then review the list of department offerings and courses in other departments to see what new courses might apply towards your concentration.

What if there are courses I want to take that are not on the approved list for the concentration?
Submit a petition to have a course count toward your concentration. If the course fits in with the other courses you are taking for your concentration, then it most likely will be approved. Students should petition courses the semester they are taking the course. Download the petition form and submit it to Dr. Greene or Dr. Barnes.

What if I want to do an independent study?
In order to do an independent study, download the Independent Study Permission Form and get if filled out.

What about internships related to HSOC?
Check the website and Career Services. The HSOC SAB is putting together a database of internships that should be ready by the end of the year.