B.S. in Health Science (General)
University of Saint Joseph
Key Information
Campus location
West Hartford, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 21,025 / per semester **
Application deadline
Request info *
Earliest start date
Request info
* admission to USJ is made on a rolling basis; therefore, you can apply at any time and expect a decision approximately two weeks after the application is complete
** full-time
Scholarships
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Introduction
From rigorous coursework to valuable internships, a degree in Health Science prepares students for success in elite graduate schools and a competitive job market
Our interdisciplinary health science program ensures graduates gain the skills necessary to enter a variety of allied health fields upon graduation or apply to master's and doctoral degree programs.
The Health Science major offers students the option to study the science of health from an interdisciplinary perspective that prepares them for non-clinical entry-level positions in various aspects of health care and the insurance industry.
Why Pursue a B.S. in Health Science?
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Science is the right program for you if you’re seeking a science-focused major that allows you to explore your curiosity in multiple fields of study. Those with a passion for human health and well-being will find room to grow and explore as a health sciences major. Our program develops a strong foundational knowledge of the core concepts required in most medical-related jobs, and students finish the program fully prepared for fulfilling careers in healthcare or further graduate study.
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Curriculum
General Track
The Health Science major offers students the option to study the science of health from an interdisciplinary perspective that prepares them for non-clinical entry-level positions in various aspects of health care and the insurance industry. A Health Science major provides a strong foundation for admission to many health and science-related graduate programs (OT, PT, PA).
Required Courses (42 Credits General Track, 49 credits Pre-PA Track)
These courses are required for both the General and Pre-PA track
- BIOL 241 - Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology I 4 Credits
- BIOL 242 - Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology II 4 Credits
- BIOL 301 - Microbiology 4 Credits
- BIOL 325 - Genetics 4 Credits
- HESC 201 - Medical Terminology 1 Credit
- HESC 265 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Professions 3 Credits
- HESC 365 - Survey of Chronic Diseases and Disabilities 3 Credits
- HESC 465 - Leadership 3 Credits
- HESC 499 - Coordination 3 Credits
- INTD 135 - Explorations of Careers in Medicine and the Biomedical Sciences 1 Credit
- NUTR 220 - Fundamentals of Nutrition 3 Credits
- PUBH 101 - Introduction to Public Health 3 Credits
- PUBH 202 - Epidemiology 3 Credits
- PUBH 220 - Introduction to the U.S. Health Care System 3 Credits
Required Supporting Courses General Track and Pre-PA Track (32 Credits)
These courses are required for the general track, the Pre-PA track.
- BIOL 114 - Introduction to Cellular Biology 4 Credits
- CHEM 171 - Introduction to Organic Chemistry 2 Credits
- CHEM 175 - Fundamental Chemical Principles I 4 Credits
- CHEM 176 - Fundamental Chemical Principles II 4 Credits
- CHEM 240 - Biochemistry of the Human Body 3 Credits
- MATH 110 - Elementary Statistics 3 Credits
- NUTR 305 - Health Coaching 3 Credits
- POLS 125 - American Government 3 Credits
- PSYC 100 - Introductory Psychology 3 Credits or PSYC 190 - Introduction to Psychological Research
- RELS 301 - Moral Issues in Health Care: A Christ Perspective 3 Credits
Suggested Courses
The following courses are suggested for Health Science Majors
- NUTR 245 - Health Promotion Strategies 3 Credits
- PHIL 110 - Thinking Nimbly: Logic and Creative Problem-Solving 3 Credits or PHIL 120 - Discovering Philosophy
- PSYC 238 - Human Development Through the Lifespan 3 Credits
- PUBH 201 - Introduction to Global and Multicultural Health 3 Credits
- PUBH 301 - Social and Behavioral Health 3 Credits
- PUBH 325 - Epidemics in World History 3 Credits or HIST 325 - Epidemics in World History
- SPAN 154 - Spanish for Health Professionals 3 Credits
Advantages
USJ’s innovative Health Science program offers several tracks for students pursuing a career in the healthcare field: General, Direct-Entry Physician Assistant (PA), and Direct-Entry Pharmacy (Pharm.D). The 3+3 graduate PA and Pharm. D programs prepare students for success while those interested in non-clinical, health-related professions select the general track to gain the background they need to thrive in their field.
Program Outcome
The Health Science Program prepares all students to be able to:
- Identify health determinants in order to improve equity and access across all populations;
- Analyze the impact that genetics, epidemiology, and nutrition have on individuals across the lifespan;
- Integrate the scientific foundations of disease and disability with clinical reasoning skills in order to enter a health-related career;
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate with interdisciplinary professionals;
- Apply knowledge from the natural, behavioral, social, and health sciences to be able to form preventative and wellness initiatives;
- Develop an understanding of professional ethics that can be applied in all healthcare professions.
Career Opportunities
Undergraduate research and internship opportunities: Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, United Healthcare, Travelers, The Hartford, and more. Graduates of USJ’s Health Science program have the knowledge necessary to serve in numerous facets of the healthcare field, including healthcare education, healthcare coordination, healthcare communication, and marketing assistance in insurance companies, non-profit organizations, and hospitals.