How to Declare the HSOC Major
1. Please read the requirements for the HSOC major carefully. We encourage you to explore the website thoroughly before contacting faculty. The College's Major Advising Program (MAP) is also a great resource.
2. Make sure you are enrolled in or have taken the prerequisite course: HSOC 0480 (Health & Society) or HSOC 0490 (Comparative Medicine)
3. Submit the HSOC program's application and schedule an advising meeting with the Associate Director or Undergraduate Chair to discuss the major and your plans.
4. Submit the major declaration form on Path@Penn under "Declare/Update field of study."
5. (Optional) Fill out and submit the HSOC Mentor-Mentee interest form.
Please Note:
- There is no exception to the rule that to declare the HSOC major, the student must be taking or have taken HSOC 0480 or HSOC 0490. (LPS students and transfer students shold contact the Director or Associate Director for further information.)
- For all HSOC majors, the Associate Director is their major advisor to handle anything concerning the major. The HSOC Program Chair is also available to advise and support students in the major.
- If a student who is planning a possible HSOC major cannot get into a course (especially a core course) during the Course Selection Period but still wishes to take it, the
- All HSOC majors are responsible for knowing the requirements of the major, and for knowing and taking the courses necessary to fulfill those requirements.
What can I do with an HSOC major?
What can’t you do? What do you want to do?
Our majors say HSOC "allows you to study the big picture” and "understand real issues for a real world.” HSOC majors go on to every kind of professional school, and jobs in business, public and international health, and government. For more information, contact the HSOC Undergraduate Chair or Associate Director, read the Alumni page, or contact or a member of the HSOC Student Advisory Board (SAB).
What courses are recommended for exploring the HSOC Major?
Many of our introductory level courses will help you explore the major.
Freshmen are urged to consider one of several freshman seminars offered by the department. Other courses that are excellent ways to explore the major include Medicine in History (HSOC 0400), Comparative Medicine (HSOC 0490), and American Health Policy (HSOC 1411). See all courses at the "Courses" link on the left side of this website.
What if I am not ready to declare a major but have questions about HSOC?
Reach out to the HSOC Undergraduate Chair or to the Associate Director.
Can I minor in HSOC?
We do not offer a minor in Health and Societies, but you can choose to minor in Bioethics or Science, Technology, Society.
Can I double-major in HSOC and something else?
Yes. Please be aware that the College requires double majors to complete a minimum of 18 separate courses between the two majors.
It is important to remember that it is not necessary to double major, and there is little evidence that it "matters" much outside Penn when you are job-hunting or applying for graduate school. What is most important is that you get the most out of your primary major and out of your undergraduate education, and that you do not sacrifice your educational journey to the challenges of fulfilling two sets of major requirements. Once you have graduated, double-majoring will matter little, but the quality, coherence, and depth of your major will matter a lot.
Do courses double-count within the major?
No. For example, if you take HSOC 0490 as the prerequisite course, you may not use it to fulfill any other requirement within the major. If you take a 4000-level course for your capstone requirement, it cannot count for a department course or in your concentration.
Can I double-concentrate within the HSOC Major?
No.
Can I double-count a College Sector with the major?
No. By default, the STSC major triggers the fulfillment of College Sector 4: Humanities and Social Sciences. Otherwise, the College prohibits a specific STSC course double-counting for both major and College Sector requirements.
Can AP credits count toward the HSOC major?
No.
What if I am a transfer student? How do I get credit for courses taken at another school?
Go to the section on transfer students on the College website for information. Transfer courses must be submitted via the XCAT system. Credits from other institutions may be counted toward the STSC major based on the evaluation of the Undergraduate Chair and Associate Director.
Can I get transfer credit for a summer course at another university?
Sometimes. Read the section about "credit away" on the College website. 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.
Do LPS courses (courses offered through the College of Liberal and Professional Studies) count toward the HSOC major?
Yes--if the course would count toward the major if offered in the College, then it counts if offered in LPS.
What does it mean to be on registration hold?
Any sophomore who has not declared a major by the time of Advanced Registration in the spring is put on registration hold until they do declare a major. This means that they cannot register for courses. As soon as sophomores declare a major, they are removed from registration hold (unless they are on registration hold for other reasons, in which case they need to talk with an advisor in the College office).
Can I take more HSOC courses than the major requires?
Yes. You may take as many HSOC courses as you wish.