Health Science (B.S.)
Health science encompasses a field of study and a varied group of professions centered around helping others get well and stay well.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BHS) is for students interested in a health career in individual care or population health. Because BHS programs tend to combine scientific coursework in the natural and social sciences alongside hands-on training, you can prepare for an array of career options with this degree. Health science explores the human body through its functions, diseases, health conditions and physical structures. It involves everything from anatomy to physiology to data collection and behavioral health.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science is designed as a fundamental health-related degree that will enable students to pursue a variety of careers related to the health status of local and global communities. Graduates will have the skills and knowledge needed to become an asset to the health care community and will serve as professionals in a variety of health care settings. For students interested in epidemiology. environmental health, health communication, community health, health education etc., are encouraged to become nationally recognized certified health education specialists (CHES) through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (www.nchec.org). Additionally, students wanting to enter specific clinical fields such as medicine and clinical therapies are provided with an excellent foundation by completing a variety of courses coupled with experiential learning opportunities to continue their health career path and move forward to an allied health graduate school of their choosing. Additionally, it is recommended that students become members of the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) and the American Public Health Association (APHA).
Health Science students are encouraged to enroll in Eta Sigma Gamma, the Health Science honors program as well as apply for the two scholarships available to Health Science students.
- Norman Illges
- GA Lung
There are a variety of opportunities for students majoring in Health Science. Possible career paths include:
- Medicine (Physician or Physician's Assistant)
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Environmental health
- Behavioral Sciences
- Epidemiology
- Health Service Administration
- Maternal and Child Health
- Nutrition
- Global health
- Community Outreach
- Program Planning
- Research
- Counseling
- Public Health
- Social Work
Students must understand that some allied health professions require additional certification or other designated criteria along with their educational degree in health science.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where are you located?
The health science team is located in both the Lumpkin Center in suite 250 and the Health and Wellness Center.
What can I do with this degree?
There are a variety of opportunities for students majoring in Health Science. Possible career paths include:
- Environmental Health
- Behavioral Sciences
- Health Education
- Maternal and Child Health
- International-Global Health
- Community Outreach
- Research
- Health Communication & Marketing
- Pharmaceutical Sales
* Note: The Bachelor of Science in Health Science also provides students with the prerequisite courses, skills, and knowledge required to gain admission into graduate programs that focus on the following areas:
- Physician Assistant
- Physician
- Physical or Occupational Therapy
- Counseling
- Dietetics
- Health Service Administration
- Epidemiology
- and much more
Can I take any health science courses online?
Some online courses are available in order to accommodate students that may work or have other obligations that prevent them from attending a class in the more traditional method.
Are internships and volunteer opportunities available in order to gain experience in the field of health science?
Faculty members are always working with community partners to establish volunteer and intern relationships for students. Several opportunities to gain experience are offered throughout the year. In addition, students are able to take an internship course during their matriculation through the program if they maintain a grade point average of at least 2.8 or higher and maintain scholarly and professional character in order to represent the university in an excellent manner throughout the community.
