A Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program can prepare you for any number of healthcare careers. With an extensive yet flexible curriculum, students gain foundational knowledge in necessary sciences and the fields they’re passionate about. Within this robust, 120-credit hour degree, you can choose a Health Sciences concentration to further specialize your knowledge, making you even more hirable after graduation.
Let’s unpack the types of Health Sciences concentrations and see which might fit you best!
Choosing the best concentration
Choosing the right Health Sciences concentration within a Bachelor of Science program is a personal step for each student. Concentrations should align with individual interests and career goals, which are unique to every student. Regardless of which track you are interested in–community health, fitness, nutrition, or clinical care– selecting an exciting and motivating concentration can lead to a more fulfilling educational experience and career path.
Concentrations in Community Health Education or Exercise and Fitness could lead to job opportunities just after graduation, whereas students planning to pursue advanced degrees may find the Pre-Professional, Pre-PA, or Pre-OT better for their aspirations.
Evaluate your interests, strengths, and career goals to choose the right Health Sciences concentration. Is hands-on patient care important to you? Or would you rather dedicate time to educating the community on health? Or perhaps research and scientific discovery are most intriguing to you. There is a career path that aligns with your aspirations.
You’ll want to research further into job demand, salary expectations, and opportunities such as clinical hours or internships along the way. An accelerated track, for example, can streamline your future if you are interested in an advanced degree.
Guidance from university advisors, professors, and industry professionals can help make this process easier, and gaining real-world exposure through shadowing or volunteering can help confirm your choice. By aligning your studies with your passions and professional ambitions, you can set yourself up for long-term success in the healthcare field.
Degree concentrations
University of Bridgeport, like other excellent Bachelor of Health Sciences programs, provides a comprehensive Health Sciences curriculum to prepare students for outstanding contributions to healthcare. Within the program, students can select a concentration that appeals to them to specialize in coursework to further follow their curiosity.
Community Health Education track
A Community Health concentration includes focused coursework on protecting and promoting health programs within diverse communities, including designing, implementing, and evaluating community health programs, enabling individuals to take greater responsibility for their well-being.
Hands-on experience helps students provide direct care to communities and lead health and disease prevention educational initiatives. University of Bridgeport’s program offers an accelerated option, allowing students who maintain a 3.0 GPA to complete both a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Master of Public Health (MPH) within five years.
Exercise and Fitness track
An Exercise and Fitness track would focus more intimately on human performance and wellness science by delving deep into exercise physiology, kinesiology, and the interplay between various bodily systems. By combining foundational sciences with practical applications, students are prepared for careers in physical therapy, athletic training, and exercise physiology.
Graduates of the program can design personalized fitness programs that promote long-term health and wellness. Graduates often pursue careers in strength and conditioning, sports performance, wellness centers, rehabilitation facilities, and sports medicine.
Nutrition track
Students who pursue a Nutrition concentration are eager to gain an in-depth understanding of nutrition science, focusing on the biochemical functions of nutrients, their role in gene expression, and their impact on health and disease prevention. Students utilize their scientific education and research skills to further understand human nutrition and its connection to health, wellness, and disease management. With this knowledge, students educate diverse populations on the importance of nutrition as it relates to overall well-being. Graduates pursue rewarding careers as nutritionists or dietitians in healthcare settings.
Pre-Occupational Therapy track
A Pre-Occupational Therapy track prepares students for advanced degrees in occupational therapy, offering the in-depth knowledge students need in human anatomy, psychology, and rehabilitation principles. The curriculum prepares students for OT certifications and provides students the option to take a for-credit Pre-Professional Clinical Internship. With a 15 to 1 ratio, University of Bridgeport fosters the development of compassionate and effective practitioners.
Pre-Physician Assistant track
A Pre-Physician Assistant concentration offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on healthcare, anatomy, and medical sciences, which works well alongside specific prerequisites required for most physician assistant programs. With over 1,000 hours of direct patient contact in the curriculum, students receive the hands-on experience needed to strengthen applications to PA schools.
Pre-Professional Track
Health Sciences graduates participate in custom pathways to transition into various graduate programs within the College of Health Sciences. Courses are organized based on specific graduate program requirements and can lead to rewarding public health careers or becoming a Doctor of Health Sciences. This track offers diverse health science courses and prepares students for their next professional step.
Be career-ready!
UB’s personalized academic programs create an environment where students can grow in a supportive community. Taylor A. Hall, a proud graduate, shared her experience:
“One thing that made UB stand out to me was its affordability. I knew coming in that I wanted to continue my education past my bachelor’s degree. So, it was important to me that I didn’t graduate with an enormous amount of student debt. By choosing UB, I was able to be financially responsible and be part of an amazing college experience.” Taylor A. Hall, Class of 2021
With University of Bridgeport, take the first step toward a meaningful health science career. Pursue studies at a place where you can shape your own future and make a difference in other people’s lives. Explore the programs that inspire you, and take the next step toward a healthier, brighter future.