Science
The Health Sciences major combines biology, chemistry, human health, behavioral science, and clinical preparation to help students explore careers across the allied health professions. Students can tailor their coursework and internships to their intended career or graduate program.
Students develop a strong foundation in the biological, chemical, and physiological principles that underlie human health and disease. Coursework in microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry prepares students to understand the scientific foundations of health and healthcare.
Students explore health systems, disease processes, pharmacology, public health, epidemiology, nutrition, and bioethics. This interdisciplinary preparation helps students understand both individual health and the broader factors that influence populations and healthcare systems.
Students develop critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning skills through statistics, research, and health-related coursework. They learn to evaluate information, interpret data, and apply evidence when considering health-related problems and potential solutions.
Students also develop an understanding of psychological, developmental, and behavioral factors that influence health throughout the lifespan. Internships provide opportunities to connect this knowledge to professional settings and build clinical awareness and workplace skills.
The Health Sciences major provides a flexible foundation for students interested in allied health careers such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy, genetic counseling, speech-language pathology, optometry, podiatry, and other health professions.
A significant portion of the major consists of designated electives, allowing students to select coursework based on their career goals and the prerequisites of their intended graduate or professional programs. Options include advanced biology and chemistry, physics, exercise science, psychology, healthcare Spanish, business, and leadership.
Students complete two Health Sciences internships as part of the major. These experiences help students explore professional environments, develop practical skills, and connect classroom learning to their future career or graduate program.
Health Sciences is designed for students who want to pursue healthcare careers beyond traditional medicine and nursing. Graduates can use their scientific foundation, health knowledge, and professional experiences to enter allied health fields or continue into graduate and professional programs.
Because prerequisites vary significantly between professional programs, students are encouraged to identify their intended career pathway early and work with advisors to select electives that meet the requirements of their target programs.
Potential career and graduate pathways include:
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Students complete two Health Sciences internships, providing opportunities to gain practical experience and develop professional competencies in health-related environments.
The major’s applied coursework also provides opportunities to connect science with healthcare through subjects such as pharmacology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, public health, nutrition, bioethics, and clinical and behavioral sciences.
Health Sciences can provide a strong foundation for students preparing for graduate and professional programs in allied health. Students can select designated electives based on the prerequisites of their intended program, including advanced courses in biology, chemistry, physics, exercise science, and psychology.
Because professional programs have different admission requirements, students should consult their intended programs early and work with their academic advisor to ensure they complete the appropriate prerequisite coursework.
The Biomedical Science minor can complement students pursuing doctoral-level professional programs in human and veterinary health fields. Students should work with advisors and their intended professional programs to determine whether the minor and additional coursework fit their pathway.
