Health Sciences students can pursue the following concentrations
The 120-credit hour BS in Health Sciences program prepares students for application to professional programs in the health sciences. Such programs range from medical school and physician assistant programs, to programs in chiropractic, public health, athletic training, nutrition, acupuncture, and pharmacy. Many of these career options can be pursued in the University’s professional programs.
The program offers concentrations in Community Health Education , Exercise and Fitness , and Nutrition for students who desire to enter these professions at the entry level. Additional tracks in Pre-Occupational Therapy and Pre-Physician Assistant provide excellent preparation for Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant programs, while Pre-Professional course options prepare students for studies in pre-physical therapy and pre-occupational therapy.
The program affords this range of options primarily through a liberal arts orientation toward these professions. Thus, all students take a foundation of common courses in English, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, as well as special general education courses such as physics (for pre-med students), psychology, healthcare ethics, and statistics.
A primary conviction of the program is that one of the twenty-first century’s most pressing challenges is providing adequate healthcare to the growing and aging population. Whether students prepare for professional school application, admission, or entry-level opportunities, all are encouraged to develop a philosophy of care consistent with the University’s mission.
HSCI learning outcomes
As a result of completing the BS in Health Sciences, graduates will be able to apply principles of health and wellness as a lifelong process of learning grounded in the study of basic sciences and the behavioral arts. The students will:
- Understand fundamental biological, chemical, and physical properties underlying life systems;
- Be able to gather and analyze research data and make inferences based on the data;
- Be aware of professional, ethical, and privacy issues that are pertinent to careers in the health sciences;
- Exercise and Fitness students will understand the relationship between exercise and wellness maintenance and be skilled at developing appropriate fitness programs for diverse populations;
- Nutrition students will understand principles of human nutrition and the relationship to health and wellness using evidence based strategies;
- Community Health Education students will understand principles to help people assume more responsibility for their health and well being through educational development, implementation, and evaluation of community health programs;
- Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physician Assistant, and Pre-Professional students will be broadly prepared to enter professional schools and to successfully meet school admissions criteria.
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