Health Sciences Major
The Health Sciences program provides students with the foundation to pursue either direct entry careers in healthcare or further training in the health professions. Basic coursework balances the natural and social sciences with the goal of developing a strong, holistic knowledge of human health, disease, lifestyle behaviors, and healthcare systems. Students are encouraged to tailor electives toward their desired career pathway. Many students use their electives to complete prerequisite courses for admission into programs in physical therapy, physician assistant, nursing, occupational therapy or other health-related disciplines. Popular electives offered by the department include medical terminology, nutrition, healthcare law and ethics, health policy, animal therapy, hospice care, kinesiology, and HIV/AIDS. Other learning opportunities include internships, study abroad, study tours, or independent research. Graduates opting for direct entry into the workforce find careers as administrative staff in hospitals, health clinics, medical offices, health maintenance organizations, health insurance companies, community health programs, or clinical researchers. On completion of the program, students are able to:
- Describe the normal structure and function of the major body systems and related diseases
- Use appropriate medical terminology
- Communicate in a professional manner, using written, oral, and electronic methods
- Display professional behavior
- Identify components of wellness, disease prevention, and health promotion
- Demonstrate awareness and appreciation of the humanistic and ethical aspects of health service delivery
- Identify, use and critique scholarly resources
- Critically analyze research design and methodology and to apply research findings to professional practice
- Discuss the current societal, governmental, and business issues concerning their selected area of study in health science.
- Provide services as a health educator, health administration manager, researcher or other health-related career.
There are many, many opportunities and needs to health care. Student are encouraged to follow their passion and to tailor the course offerings in a way that creates a unique personal and professional identity.
The traditional undergraduate programs include 40 courses distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas:
- Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
- Ethics Intensive, and
- Writing Intensive. Overlay requirements are part of the forty-course requirement.
General Education Signature Courses
See this page about Signature courses. Six courses
General Education Variable Courses
See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses
General Education Overlays
General Education Integrative Learning Component
See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Chemistry | ||
CHM 120 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM 120L | General Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
Biology | ||
BIO 101 | Bio I: Cells | 4 |
BIO 101L | Bio I: Cells Lab | 0 |
Mathematics | ||
MAT 118 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
Major Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
IHS Core Requirements | 19 | |
HSC 110 | Intro Health Prof Practice | 3 |
HSC 211 | Health Care Systems | 3 |
HSC 323 | Health and Society | 3 |
HSC 331 | Health Sciences Research | 3 |
HSC 495 | Seminar in Health Sciences | 3 |
BIO 102/102L | Bio II: Genetics | 4 |
Area Studies Courses | ||
Select five courses. At least two courses must be from Health Sciences. | ||
HSC 190 | CPR & First Aid Certification | 3 |
HSC 216 | Alcohol, Drugs and Society | 3 |
HSC 217 | Soc Determinants Mental Health | 3 |
HSC 244 | Health Information Technology | 3 |
HSC 248 | Health of School Aged Children | 3 |
HSC 251 | Healthcare Law and Ethics | 3 |
HSC 252 | Health Policy | 3 |
HSC 253 | Nutrition: Health & Disease | 3 |
HSC 256 | HIV/AIDS | 3 |
HSC 276 | Health of the Aging Adult | 3 |
HSC 285 | Med Terminology & Health Comm | 3 |
HSC 300 | 4 | |
HSC 302 | 3 | |
HSC 310 | Ethics in Sports | 3 |
HSC 345 | DyingWell:The Hospice Movement | 3 |
HSC 348 | Foundations of Kinesiology | 3 |
HSC 354 | Diversity Ldrship in Hlth Care | 3 |
HSC 359 | Health Program Planning | 3 |
HSC 360 | Animal Therapy | 3 |
HSC 368 | Just Hlth Care Dev Nations | 3 |
HSC 370 | Special Topics Health Sciences | 3 |
HSC 411 | 3 | |
HSC 441 | Complementary & Alt Med | 3 |
HSC 458 | Public Health & Epidemiology | 3 |
HSC 490 | Internship in Health Sciences | 3 |
HSC 493 | Independent Study | 3 |
HSC 494 | Independent Study | 3 |
Other area studies courses | ||
BIO 201 | Bio III: Organismic Biology | 4 |
BIO 260 | Anat&Physiol Nurs/Al Hlth I | 4 |
BIO 261 | Anat&Physiol Nurs/Al Hlth II | 4 |
BIO 270 | Microbio Nurse/Allied Health | 4 |
BIO 404 | Biochemistry | 3 |
BIO 406 | Comparative Anatomy | 4 |
BIO 416 | Microbiology | 4 |
BIO 417 | Systemic Physiology | 4 |
CHM 210 | Organic Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM 210L | Organic Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
CHM 215 | Organic Chemistry II | 3 |
CHM 215L | Organic Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
COM 460 | Health Communication Advocacy | 3 |
ECN 390 | The Economics of Healthcare | 3 |
ENG 450 | Hospital Stories | 3 |
LIN 270 | Topics in Linguistics | 3 |
LIN 320 | Phonetics | 3 |
PSY 122 | Psychological Disorders | 3 |
PSY 222 | Neuropsychology | 3 |
PSY 223 | Health Psychology | 3 |
PSY 224 | Drugs, the Brain, & Behavior | 3 |
SOC 217 | Mental Health & Society | 3 |
THE 349 | Theology of Disability | 3 |
Learning Goals and Outcomes
Goal 1: Graduates of the Health Studies Program will know and understand the biological, psychological, and social determinants of health and well-being.
Objective 1.1: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of how race, social class, gender, culture, geographic location, and disability influence physical and mental health.
Objective 1.2: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of the primary health issues at each stage of life and how healthcare needs change across the lifespan.
Goal 2: Graduates will apply health theories to health practice and research.
Objective 2.1: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of health promotion planning, needs assessment, program development, and evaluation by developing and implementing a health promotion project.
Objective 2.2: Graduates will be able to foster health behavioral change by applying systematic, measurable, and supportive (empathic) approaches.
Goal 3: Graduates will demonstrate literacy in the language of health professions.
Objective 3.1: Graduates will effectively use the terminology and language of the health professions.
Objective 3.2: Graduates will be able to analyze regional, national and global health data and to draw logical conclusions based on health data.
Objective 3.3: Graduates will be able to critically evaluate and apply current research in the health professions to health promotion and disease prevention practice.
Goal 4: Graduates will collaborate with others in order to promote health and well-being of people in need.
Objective 4.1: Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of healthcare systems and effective healthcare systems management.
Objective 4.2: Graduates will be able to educate, delegate, and coordinate with others to promote health and well-being of a population.
Goal 5: Graduates will follow ethical codes of conduct of the health professions.
Objective 5.1: Graduates will follow and promote ethical conduct reflecting Jesuit values, specifically the values of honesty, respect for persons, and justice.
Objective 5.2: Graduates will demonstrate the maturity to make decisions and to take professional responsibility for those decisions.
Objective 5.3: Graduates will act as global citizens, holding personal and career objectives that honor and serve the beneficence of people in need.
Saint Joseph’s BS in Health Science to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) prepares you to develop as a skilled practitioner with a fast path to graduation, a full-time clinical education and a wealth of clinical experiences, including pro-bono and collaborative clinics. Earn two degrees — a BS in exercise physiology or health science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy — in under six years without having to re-apply by meeting all academic criteria and program requirements.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
CHM 120 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM 120L | General Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
ENG 101 | Craft of Language | 3 |
MAT 120 | The Mathematics of Modeling | 3 |
SOC 101 | Intro to Sociology | 3 |
HSC 110 | Intro Health Prof Practice | 3 |
Hours | 17 | |
Spring | ||
CHM 125 | General Chemistry II | 3 |
CHM 125L | General Chemistry Lab II | 2 |
ENG 102 | Texts & Contexts | 3 |
MAT 122 | Trigonometry | 3 |
PED 102 | Physical Education | 1 |
HSC 111 | Health Sci Orientation II | 1 |
Humanities | 3 | |
Hours | 16 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
BIO 109 | General Biology I | 3 |
General Education | 3 | |
Humanities | 3 | |
PSY 100 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
Hours | 12 | |
Spring | ||
BIO 119 | General Biology II | 3 |
BIO 119L | General Biology II Laboratory | 1 |
General Education | 3 | |
COM 100 | Introduction to Communication | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 | |
Hours | 13 | |
Third Year | ||
Fall | ||
BIO 310 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
BIO 202 | Human Structure and Function I | 3 |
BIO 202L | Human Structure&Function I Lab | 1 |
PHY 201 | Introductory Physics I | 3 |
PHY 201L | Intro. Physics I Laboratory | 1 |
PSY 120 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
ENG 264 | Scientific Writing | 3 |
MAT 128 | Applied Statistics | 3 |
HSC 390 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
Hours | 22 | |
Spring | ||
BIO 311 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
BIO 203 | Human Structure & Function II | 3 |
BIO 203L | Hum Structure& Function II Lab | 1 |
PHY 202 | Introductory Physics II | 3 |
PHY 202L | Intro. Physics II Laboratory | 1 |
PSY 227 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
HSC 253 | Nutrition: Health & Disease | 3 |
Hours | 17 | |
Summer | ||
DPT 501 | Anatomy I | 3 |
DPT 511 | Biomechanics/Kinesiology I | 2 |
DPT 521 | PT Exam/Interventions I | 2 |
DPT 541 | Exercise Physiology | 3 |
DPT 531 | Clinical practice I | 2 |
Hours | 12 | |
Fourth Year | ||
Fall | ||
DPT 502 | Anatomy II | 3 |
DPT 512 | Biomechanics/Kinesiology II | 2 |
DPT 522 | PT Exam/Interventions II | 2 |
DPT 542 | Functional Neuroscience | 3 |
DPT 550 | Research I | 2 |
DPT 560 | Psychosoc Issues Health/Well | 3 |
DPT 532 | Clinical practice II | 2 |
Hours | 17 | |
Spring | ||
DPT 571 | Mvmnt Science Across Lifespan | 2 |
DPT 601 | Musculoskeletal Rehab I | 5 |
DPT 601L | Musculoskeletal Rehab I Lab | 0 |
DPT 611 | Cardiovascular Rehabilitation | 2 |
DPT 611L | Cardiovascular Rehab Lab | 0 |
DPT 551 | Research II | 2 |
DPT 561 | Ethics in Healthcare | 2 |
DPT 581 | Medical Management I | 3 |
DPT 533 | Clinical Practice III | 2 |
Hours | 18 | |
Summer | ||
DPT 612 | Pulmonary Rehabilitation | 2 |
DPT 602 | Musculoskeletal Rehab II | 4 |
DPT 621 | Neurorehabilitation I | 4 |
DPT 650 | Research III | 1 |
DPT 631 | Clinical Practice IV | 1 |
Hours | 12 | |
Fifth Year | ||
Fall | ||
DPT 622 | Neurorehabilitation II | 5 |
DPT 641 | Integumentary PT | 3 |
DPT 661 | Acute Care PT | 2 |
DPT 671 | Rehab across the lifespan | 2 |
DPT 681 | Medical Management II | 2 |
DPT 651 | Research IV | 1 |
DPT 632 | Clinical Practice V | 2 |
Hours | 17 | |
Spring | ||
DPT 690 | Clinical Educa. Experience I | 12 |
DPT 652 | Research V | 1 |
DPT 672 | Integrative Management I | 2 |
DPT 633 | Clinical Practice VI | 1 |
Hours | 16 | |
Summer | ||
DPT 673 | Integrative Management II | 3 |
DPT 634 | Clinical Practice VII | 1 |
DPT 691 | Clinical Educ. Experience II | 12 |
Hours | 16 | |
Sixth Year | ||
Fall | ||
DPT 692 | Clinical Educ. Experience III | 12 |
DPT 620 | Leadership | 2 |
Hours | 14 | |
Total Hours | 219 |
Saint Joseph’s BS in Exercise Physiology to Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) prepares you to develop as a skilled practitioner with a fast path to graduation, a full-time clinical education and a wealth of clinical experiences, including pro-bono and collaborative clinics. Earn two degrees — a BS in exercise physiology or health science and a Doctor of Physical Therapy — in under six years without having to re-apply by meeting all academic criteria and program requirements.
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
BIO 109 | General Biology I | 3 |
ENG 101 | Craft of Language | 3 |
HSC 110 | Intro Health Prof Practice | 3 |
MAT 120 | The Mathematics of Modeling | 3 |
PSY 100 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
BIO 119 | General Biology II | 3 |
BIO 119L | General Biology II Laboratory | 1 |
ENG 102 | Texts & Contexts | 3 |
HSC 111 | Health Sci Orientation II | 1 |
Humanities or Free Elective | 3 | |
PED 102 | Physical Education | 1 |
SOC 101 | Intro to Sociology | 3 |
Hours | 15 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
PSY 120 | Lifespan Development | 3 |
CHM 120 | General Chemistry I | 3 |
CHM 120L | General Chemistry Lab I | 2 |
General Education | 3 | |
MAT 128 | Applied Statistics | 3 |
Humanities or Free Elective | 3 | |
Hours | 17 | |
Spring | ||
COM 100 | Introduction to Communication | 3 |
PHY 200 | Survey of Physics | 3 |
PHY 200L | Survey of Physics Laboratory | 1 |
PSY 122 | Psychological Disorders | 3 |
General Education | 3 | |
Free Elective | 3 | |
Hours | 16 | |
Third Year | ||
Fall | ||
OTH 112 | Overview of OT Practice I | 1 |
BIO 202 | Human Structure and Function I | 3 |
BIO 202L | Human Structure&Function I Lab | 1 |
ENG 264 | Scientific Writing | 3 |
Free Elective | 3 | |
Hours | 11 | |
Spring | ||
OTH 115 | Overview of OT Practice II | 1 |
BIO 203 | Human Structure & Function II | 3 |
BIO 203L | Hum Structure& Function II Lab | 1 |
HSC 390 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
Free Electives | 9 | |
Hours | 16 | |
Summer | ||
OTH 405 | Overview of O.T. Practice | 2 |
OTH 510 | Neuroscience | 4 |
OTH 510L | Neuroscience Lab | 0 |
Hours | 6 | |
Fourth Year | ||
Fall | ||
OTH 500 | Level I Experiences Sem | 1 |
OTH 502 | Human Development & Perform | 3 |
OTH 502L | Human Dev & Perform Lab | 0 |
OTH 508 | Movement Analysis | 3 |
OTH 508L | Movement Analysis Lab | 0 |
OTH 519 | Intro to Clinical Skills | 3 |
OTH 519L | Intro to Clinical Skills Lab | 0 |
OTH 562 | Theories of OT | 3 |
Hours | 13 | |
Spring | ||
OTH 501 | Doctoral Seminar I | 1 |
OTH 650 | Applied Research Methods | 3 |
OTH 531 | Clinical Medicine | 3 |
OTH 555 | Evaluation & Assessment: OT | 3 |
OTH 555L | Evaluation & Assessment: OTLab | 0 |
OTH 590 | Fieldwork Level I:Clinical Exp | 1 |
OTH 615 | Therapeutic Groups | 3 |
OTH 615L | Therapeutic Groups Lab | 0 |
OTH 636 | Clin Ldrshp, Mgmt,&Supervision | 3 |
OTH 681 | OT: Past, Present, & Future | 2 |
Hours | 19 | |
Summer | ||
OTH 602 | Doctoral Seminar II | 1 |
OTH 624 | Interventions I: Contextual Ap | 4 |
OTH 624L | Interventions I: Cntxtl Ap Lab | 0 |
OTH 660 | Applied Research II | 3 |
OTH 682 | Fieldwork I: Community Client | 1 |
Hours | 9 | |
Fifth Year | ||
Fall | ||
OTH 623 | FWK1:Comm Service Learning | 1 |
OTH 634 | Interventions II: Developmenta | 4 |
OTH 634L | Interventions II: Develop Lab | 0 |
OTH 644 | Interventions III: Psychosocia | 4 |
OTH 644L | Interventions III: Psychosoc L | 0 |
OTH 665 | Applied Research III | 3 |
Hours | 12 | |
Spring | ||
OTH 620 | Fieldwork Level I: Clinical | 1 |
OTH 652 | OT Interventions IV: Cognitive | 3 |
OTH 664 | Interventions V: Rehab Approac | 4 |
OTH 664L | Interventions V: Rehab App Lab | 0 |
OTH 668 | Evidence-Based Practice | 3 |
OTH 672 | OT Interventions VI:Technology | 3 |
OTH 672L | OT Interventions V: Tech Lab | 0 |
OTH 687 | FW II: Program Development | 2 |
Hours | 16 | |
Summer | ||
OTH 694 | Fieldwork Level IIa | 9 |
Hours | 9 | |
Sixth Year | ||
Fall | ||
OTH 675 | Research Independent Study | 6 |
OTH 698 | Fieldwork Level IIb | 9 |
Hours | 15 | |
Spring | ||
OTH 711 | Doctoral Capstone Project | 3 |
OTH 697 | Doctoral Experience Component | 12 |
Hours | 15 | |
Total Hours | 204 |