Health Science Major
The Health Science curriculum emphasizes foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and the social sciences, coursework in the applied health sciences, and course content that introduces students to specialty topics such as health care ethics, politics, and management.
The Health Science major is designed to be interdisciplinary, with coursework coming from areas outside the natural sciences, such as psychology and sociology. There is opportunity to tailor the program using the approved list of electives to achieve the desired post-bachelor's goal that could include graduate school in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, nursing, optometry, and pharmacy, among other areas. It also prepares students for entry-level career opportunities in a variety of health and medical settings including hospitals, community agencies, social services, and the medical insurance industry.
The major includes a senior capstone experience and a health professions internship. Requirements, procedures, and other details pertaining to these experiences will be provided to declared majors.
Degree Requirements
Quantitative Literacy (0-12): MAT 117—Algebra and Trigonometry or higher and MAT 118—Statistics (Students with developmental math skills may require completion of MAT 098/099 and/or 107)
Science Literacy courses: BIO 101—Biological Science I and BIO 102—Biological Science II
Individual and society exploration—PSY 101
Values exploration—PHI 208
Students in the Health Science major may not double major with any other program in the Department due to the overlapping nature of this program’s curriculum. Students may earn minors in other programs in the Department if at least 3 courses (9+ credits) they take to complete the minor are unique from their major course requirements.
| Course | Credits |
| HSC 101, 201, 301—Health Professions Seminar | 3 |
| BIO 230 & BIO 231—Anatomy and Physiology I & II | 8 |
| CHE 111 & 112—General Chemistry I & II | 8 |
| HSC 220—Communication for Health Care Professionals | 3 |
| HSC 230—Medical Terminology | 3 |
| HSC 320—Health Systems Organizations | 3 |
| HSC 330—Pathophysiology and Treatment of Disease | 4 |
| HSC 400—Health Professions Capstone | 3 |
| HSC 488—Health Professions Internship | 3 |
| PED 111—First Aid and CPR | 1 |
| ESH 220—Health Promotion and Disease Prevention | 3 |
| HSC Electives | 9–12 |
Health Science Major List of Approved Electives (9 - 15 credits)
Electives must be selected from at least two disciplines.
BIO 173—Genetics and Heredity or BIO 263—Genetics
BIO 308—General Microbiology
BIO 318—Virology
BIO 331—Neuroscience
BIO 350—Topics in Biology: Environmental Health
BIO 351—Biochemistry of Cancer
BIO 420—Immunology
BIO 430—Developmental Biology
BIO/CHE 440—Biochemistry I & BIO/CHE 441—Biochemistry II
CHE 211—Organic Chemistry I & CHE 212—Organic Chemistry II
NTR 250—Introduction to Nutrition
PBH 270—Epidemiology
PHY 101—General Physics I & PHY 102—General Physics II
PSY 203—Developmental Psychology I & PSY 204—Developmental Psychology II
PSY 316—Health Psychology
SOC 215—Introduction to Sociology: Race, Class and Gender