Health Sciences Major

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:

1. Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
2. Ethics Intensive, and
3. 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

See this page about Overlays.

General Education Integrative Learning Component

See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:

 Major Requirements

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.

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.