Health Sciences: General Health Science Concentration, Bachelor of Science
Graduates of the General Health Science coursework are prepared for health science related professional positions. This concentration is an excellent selection for students preparing for work in careers in clinics, academic institutions, laboratories, government and community and private agencies as well as advanced study in fields such as nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, allied health, behavioral health and health navigation among others.
With a degree in Health Sciences, you have a wide range of career options in healthcare, wellness, administration, and research. Here are some of the most common paths:
1. Clinical and Patient Care Careers
Patient Care Technician: Provide direct care to patients in hospitals or clinics.
Medical Assistant: Assist physicians with clinical and administrative tasks.
Physical Therapy Assistant (with additional certification): Support physical therapists in treating patients.
Occupational Therapy Assistant (with further certification): Help patients recover and maintain daily living skills.
2. Health Administration and Management
Healthcare Administrator: Manage the operations of hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes (with additional education).
Medical Office Manager: Oversee administrative tasks in medical practices.
Health Services Manager: Coordinate services in community health organizations.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist: Handle billing processes for healthcare providers.
Health Information Manager: Maintain and secure patient health records.
3. Research and Laboratory Careers
Research Assistant: Work in labs studying disease, wellness, or public health.
Clinical Research Coordinator: Oversee clinical trials and data collection.
Health Data Analyst: Use data to identify health trends and improve care.
Biomedical Researcher (with further education): Conduct research on human health and diseases.
4. Allied Health Professions (With Further Education)
Physical Therapist (DPT): Help patients recover from injuries and maintain mobility.
Occupational Therapist (OT): Assist patients in regaining skills for daily living.
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP): Work with patients to improve communication and swallowing.
Respiratory Therapist: Assist patients with breathing disorders.
Radiologic Technologist: Perform diagnostic imaging tests.
5. Insurance and Health Policy
Health Insurance Specialist: Advise clients on health insurance options.
Claims Analyst: Review and process health insurance claims.
Health Policy Analyst (with additional education): Research and develop policies to improve healthcare.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Ensure compliance with healthcare laws.
6. Emergency Services and First Response
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with additional education: Provide first-response medical care.
Paramedic (with additional training): Offer advanced emergency medical care.
Disaster Management Specialist: Develop and implement emergency response plans.
7. Education and Training
Health Sciences Instructor (with additional education): Teach health sciences at high schools, colleges, or training centers.
CPR and First Aid Instructor: Teach life-saving skills to individuals and organizations.
8. Advanced Careers with Further Education
Physician Assistant (PA): Diagnose and treat patients under physician supervision.
Nurse (BSN, MSN, or DNP): Provide patient care and specialize in various areas.
Medical Doctor (MD or DO): Diagnose and treat patients as a licensed physician.
Pharmacist (PharmD): Dispense medications and advise patients on their use.
Laboratory Tech: Works in hospitals or research centers.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Summarize and synthesize information relevant to assessing and improving healthcare and population health.
- Exhibit the ability to read and interpret scientific research with application of the scientific methods, statistics, study design, and reporting in the health sciences.
- Evaluate and integrate critical concepts and skills acquired in the health sciences curriculum to common professional problems in the fields of interest.
- Exhibit effective oral and written communication as well as mass communication regarding subjects related to the health sciences in an individual and group setting.
- Apply and demonstrate knowledge, skills and critical problem solving in a field-based and/or clinical setting.
Specific Program Requirements
Program Overview
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 35 |
| Major Requirements | 24 |
| Concentration Requirements | 41 |
| Elective or Minor | 20 |
| Total Credits | 120 |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| HS 101 | Introduction to Health Professions | 2 |
| CIS 103 | Introduction to PowerPoint | 1 |
| CIS 104 | Introduction to Excel Spreadsheets | 1 |
| BIOL 220 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| CHEM 111 | Principles of Chemistry (GT-SC2) Students interested in PT, Pre-Med, Dental etc. should take CHEM 121 with lab | 3 |
| CHEM 111L | Principles of Chemistry Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| HS 230 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| HS 330 | Epidemiology & Disease Prevention | 3 |
| HS 493 | Seminar | 2 |
| HS 498 | Internship | 6 |
| Choose from the below: 26 credits must be upper division courses | 41 | |
| Cultural Anthropology (GT-SS3) | 3 | |
or SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology (GT-SS3) | |
| Nutrition | 3 | |
| General Chemistry II (GT-SC2) | 4 | |
| General Chemistry Lab II (GT-SC1) | 1 | |
| Personal Health | 3 | |
| Personal Health Lab | 1 | |
| College Biology I/Organismal Bio (GT-SC2) | 3 | |
| College Biology I/Organismal Bio Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 | |
| Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 | |
| Principles of Macroeconomics (GT-SS1) | 3 | |
| Drugs and Healthy Lifestyles | 3 | |
| Introduction to Microbiology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Microbiology Lab | 1 | |
| Nursing Pathophysiology | 3 | |
| Sports Nutrition | 3 | |
| Behavior Facilitation | 3 | |
| First Aid | 2 | |
| Emergency Care | 2 | |
| Injury/Illness Care and Prevention | 3 | |
| Physical Assessment | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry I | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry Lab I | 2 | |
| Organic Chemistry II | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry Lab II | 2 | |
| Nutrition & Food Systems in Public Health | 3 | |
| Health, Culture, and Society | 3 | |
| Evaluation of Health Issues | 3 | |
| Health Coaching Concepts | 3 | |
| Functional Exercise Training | 2 | |
| Health Communication | 3 | |
| Public Health and the Environment | 3 | |
| Community and Global Health | 3 | |
| Research and Statistics | 3 | |
| Exercise Physiology | 3 | |
| Exercise Physiology Lab | 1 | |
| Abnormal Psychology | 3 | |
| Kinesiology | 3 | |
| Grant Writing & Community Partnerships | 3 | |
| Applied Health Coaching | 3 | |
| Public Health Program Planning | 3 | |
| Applied Sport & Exercise Psychology | 3 | |
| Public Health Program Evaluation | 3 | |
| Exercise Assessment & Prescription | 3 | |
| Biomechanics | 3 | |
| Managing Events & Programs | 3 | |
| Special Topics | 1-6 | |
| Research | 1-6 | |
| Field Experience | 1-12 | |
| Independent Study | 1-6 | |
| Other Required Courses | ||
| BIOL 223 | Human Physiology and Anatomy I (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 223L | Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| BIOL 224 | Human Physiology and Anatomy II (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 224L | Human Physiology and Anatomy II Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| CID 103 | Speaking & Listening | 3 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| PSYC 151 | Human Development (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| General Education: English | 6 | |
| General Education: History | 3 | |
| General Education: Humanities | 6 | |
| General Education: Social Science | 3 | |
| Electives or Minor Students must have at least 40 upper-division credits. 37 credits in the major are upper-division | 20 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Specific Graduation Requirements
All HSHM Majors are required to:
- Complete a concentration of study with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher.
- Earn a 2.0 overall GPA to enroll in 300 or 400-level courses in the department;
- Earn a minimum grade of a “C” in all prerequisite and major courses;
- Repeat prerequisite and major courses with a grade of “D” or lower until a grade of “C” or higher is achieved; and
- Earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in required English and speech communication courses.
- Earn at least 120 credit hours with at least 40 upper-division credits.
- Successfully complete an internship course.
- Submit a graduation contract by the deadline the semester of graduation.
Planning Sheet
Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for students planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.
*Must be a required concentration course. In addition, 40 credits with a minimum of 28 upper division if HS 498 is taken or 46 credits from the following with a minimum of 34 upper division is HS 494 is taken.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CID 103 | Speaking & Listening | 3 |
| ENG 101 | Rhetoric & Writing I (GT-CO1) | 3 |
| HS 101 | Introduction to Health Professions | 2 |
| MATH 156 | Introduction to Statistics (GT-MA1) | 3 |
| Lower division major selection courses suggest EPER 162 & 162 | 4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 220 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| CIS 103 | Introduction to PowerPoint | 1 |
| CIS 104 | Introduction to Excel Spreadsheets | 1 |
| HS 230 | Foundations of Public Health | 3 |
| Lower division major selection courses Suggest AT 232 | 2 | |
| General Education English | 3 | |
| General Education course Humanities | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| BIOL 223 | Human Physiology and Anatomy I (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 223L | Human Physiology and Anatomy I Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| PSYC 151 | Human Development (GT-SS3) | 3 |
| Lower division major selection courses Suggest EPER 222 | 3 | |
| General Education course Humanities | 3 | |
| Elective or Minor | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| BIOL 224 | Human Physiology and Anatomy II (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| BIOL 224L | Human Physiology and Anatomy II Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| Lower Division Major Elective Courses | 3 | |
| General Education course Social Sciences and History | 6 | |
| Elective or Minor | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 111 | Principles of Chemistry (GT-SC2) | 3 |
| CHEM 111L | Principles of Chemistry Lab (GT-SC1) | 1 |
| Upper division major selection courses | 6 | |
| Elective or Minor | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| HS 330 | Epidemiology & Disease Prevention | 3 |
| Upper Division Major Elective Courses | 8 | |
| Elective or Minor | 4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| HS 493 | Seminar | 2 |
| Upper division major selection courses | 9 | |
| Elective or Minor | 4 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HS 498 | Internship | 6 |
| Upper division major selection courses | 6 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |