Health Science, Bachelor of Science
A health science degree focuses on health prevention, health promotion, population health or health behavior change. This degree meets a growing demand for professionals in areas such as personal health and wellness, occupational health and safety, community health and environmental health. Career options are available in the government setting, nonprofit organizations, community health centers, wellness companies and health promotion organizations. Because of an aging population, healthcare is recognized as one of the largest and fastest-growing industries within the U.S., with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 20-28% job growth over the next 10 years. Over the next five years, 28% of all new jobs are anticipated to be in the healthcare industry.
A health science degree can also be used for those students who would like to enter a graduate program, such as physical therapy, athletic training, public health, social work or healthcare administration. The health science program is designed to take advantage of Wilson’s strong offerings in liberal studies and sciences. A block of five course credits is used to create a concentration, satisfies requirements for a minor and allows the student to meet career or graduate study requirements.
A degree in health science:
- Prepares students to effectively communicate within a legal, ethical and political framework to become active participants in the delivery of healthcare.
- Empowers graduates to assume a leadership role that uses critical thinking and problem-solving in planning, managing and evaluating healthcare to improve patient and community outcomes.
- Prepares students to evaluate care from an evidence-based approach that encompasses research and theory to promote improved patient outcomes through an understanding of healthcare diversity and critical inquiry.
- Assists students in creating a healthcare framework that is ethical and holistic, placing emphasis on the biological, psychological, social and spiritual elements of human development.
- Provides students with the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for health promotion among diverse populations and to assume a leadership role in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
- Prepares students with the knowledge and values to function within a collaborative environment that facilitates patient safety, innovation and accountability.
- Allows students the opportunity to engage in broad learning environments that foster growth and understanding of an interdisciplinary practice and the need for lifelong learning.
Degree Requirements
Required courses
MAT 115: May need additional MAT course based on placement test
NUR 280: Meets foundation CS requirements
In addition, students must complete a required minor from the following:
Biology*
Business
Communications
Exercise Science
Psychology
Religion
Pre- Physical Therapy Concentration Requirements
*For a Pre-Physical Therapy concentration, the students would need to complete following additional courses (It is recommended that students must meet with their advisor prior to beginning the program as not all graduate programs require the same prerequisite courses.):