Whether health education, research, fitness, or even healthcare management are of interest to you, all these careers have one thing in common: a degree in Health Science can position you for success. A bachelor’s degree in Health Science provides students with a strong basis in science, human health and biology, and research. It can prepare you for a wide variety of health and wellness professions after graduation–and it does not require the same investment (mentally, and financially) that you might find in medical school.
So, what does it take to get a Health Science degree? What can you expect, from application to graduation, in terms of requirements?
This guide will help you understand all the Health Science degree requirements, including how to apply for admissions and what you’ll need to graduate. If you are considering transferring into a Health Science program, you will also find specific requirements below.
General Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for a Health Science program will vary from school to school. At University of Bridgeport, first year applicants for undergraduate study are required to submit an application for admission, an official copy of all high school transcripts, and an application fee. First year applicants are required to have completed the following courses during high school:
- Four units in English
- Three units in Math
- Two units in Laboratory Science
- Two units in Social Sciences
- Five electives
Additionally, students can choose to submit SAT scores, a personal statement, a resume, and letters of recommendation. Though these items are not required, they may serve to support a student’s application. Please note that admission requirements do change slightly if students are applying to transfer.
Requirements For Transfer Students
Admissions requirements differ for transfer students. Transfer students are required to submit an online application along with any official college transcripts from previous institutions of higher education. Transfer students must also submit proof of high school graduation. An applicant who has attempted 12 or more semester hours of post-secondary education is considered a transfer student. All courses completed at previous institutions must be level 100 or higher, with a grade of C or better, in order to be eligible for transfer. Lastly, applicants to UB should know that a maximum of 66 credits may be awarded from two-year colleges and at most 90 credits can be awarded from four-year institutions.
Health Science Course Requirements
Once you’ve been accepted into the University or specifically the Health Sciences program, you will be expected to complete a variety of courses before graduation. At University of Bridgeport, students are able to select a certain area of focus which will dictate which Health Science courses they complete. These four areas include:
- Community Health Education
- Exercise and Fitness
- Nutrition
- Pre-Professional
Regardless of which focus area is chosen, Health Science majors are required to complete between 52 and 63 general education credits. These courses may include:
- English Composition
- Biology Study Skills
- Algebra
- Social Science
- Humanities
- Fine Arts
- Chemistry
- Research
- Physics
- Microbiology
Each area of concentration requires highly specific coursework from students, which prepares them for work in a particular area of Health Science. The specific Health Science class requirements, by concentration, are detailed below.
Nutrition Requirements
Students in this track are trained to understand and communicate evidence based principles of nutrition science. Coursework in this area includes, but is not limited to:
- Medical Terminology
- Comparative Diet Strategy
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Food Service Management
- Food Safety and Sanitation
- Community Nutrition
Exercise and Fitness Requirements
Students who take this course of study are prepared to understand principles involved in exercise science and general fitness. Graduates may choose to work in physical rehabilitation, personal training, or wellness management. Courses can include:
- Exercise Physiology
- Kinesiology
- Strength and Conditioning
- Exercise Nutrition
- Health Sciences Research
- Sport Psychology
Community Health Education Requirements
Students who wish to work improving the health of individuals and community members should consider pursuing the Community Health Education concentration. Students in this area are eligible to earn a Community Health Education Specialist certification from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing upon graduating. Courses in this area include:
- Theory of Community Health Education
- Community Health Promotion
- Health Care Administration
- Health Policy and Management
- Health Sciences Information Literature
- Exercise Science
Pre-Professional Requirements
The Pre-Professional track is ideal for students who wish to pursue graduate study following their baccalaureate degree. Students in this area must complete general education credits, in addition to a variety of Health Science courses that are common to all Health Science students. These classes can include Physics, Organic Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Microbiology, for example.
What Careers Can a Health Science Degree Prepare You For?
A degree in Health Science is highly versatile and can lead to a wide variety of career outcomes. From community health education to research and laboratory work, the foundational knowledge that this degree provides makes it possible for graduates to explore all their options. Here are just a few careers students may consider if they’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Science.
Unlike many other science-focused degrees, a bachelor’s degree in Health Science features interdisciplinary coursework that trains students for an array of jobs in health science, education, research, and more. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree in Health Science can set a strong foundation for students who are interested in one day pursuing a master’s degree in a health related field. For example, many students go onto complete their graduate degrees in health science related programs, such as:
If versatility and flexibility appeal to you, then pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Science may be right for you.
Is a degree in Health Science right for you? Learn more about University of Bridgeport’s Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science, here.