BS-HEALTH - Bachelor of Science with a Major in Health Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences is an interdisciplinary program for new students and current healthcare professionals. The program emphasizes the differences between health and illness and addresses healthcare needs across the lifespan. Coursework focuses on both the basic sciences and health sciences. Students also engage in real-world field experiences to prepare them to excel in a variety of professional healthcare settings. Students in the Health Sciences program have the option of pursuing concentrations in Health Promotion or Exercise Science.

Exercise Science Concentration
Students will gain a broad understanding of human performance as it relates to physical activity, exercise, and sport performance. This concentration offers extensive hands-on training in anatomy and physiology; biomechanics of movement; strength and conditioning; and clinical exercise testing and prescription in a laboratory setting. The knowledge base will integrate biomechanical, physiological, and psychological principles for the purposes of enhancing human performance, preventing disease, and improving the process of recovery and rehabilitation following illness or injury. Students will develop an understanding of the ways in which exercise is linked to the dimensions of health and athletic performance. Program graduates will be prepared and qualified to sit for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) and the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT) certifications. Upon graduation from the Exercise Science program, students will be prepared for careers or graduate programs that include:

• Athletic Trainer

• Personal Trainer

• Health Fitness Instructor

• Health and Wellness Coordinator

• Group Fitness Instructor

• Recreation Therapist

• Exercise Physiologist

• Sport Physiologist

• Human Performance Specialist

• Strength and Conditioning Specialist

• Physical Therapist

• Occupational Therapist

• Club Fitness Program Director

• Corporate Wellness Program Director

• Health and/or Physical Education Teacher K-12

Health Promotion Concentration
Students will gain a broad understanding of the means to help improve the health of individuals and communities through teaching behavior change and promoting healthy behaviors. This concentration is designed to provide students with academic and practical training in planning, implementing, and evaluating health promotion programs; educating target populations; applying environmental strategies; developing strategic partnerships; and assessing health outcomes. Students will study human wellness as it relates to the dimensions of health; legal, ethical, and cultural issues as they apply to health and health promotion; and health behavior change for the purposes of enhancing wellness, preventing disease, and treating acute illness. Program graduates will be prepared and qualified to sit for the NCHEC Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification. Upon graduation from the Health Promotion program, students will be prepared for careers or graduate programs that include:

• Community Health Consultant

• Corporate Wellness Program Director

• Health Benefit Navigator

• Health Educator

• Health Promotion Specialist

• Health Program Manager

• Health and Wellness Coach

• Health Services Coordinator

• Health Care Administrator

• Medical Marketing Representative

• Patient Advocate

• Patient Educator

• Public Health Advisor

• Public Health Advocate

• Wellness Coordinator

• Health and/or Physical Education Teacher K-12