Health Sciences Major

The Health Sciences Major is a broad-based program of study that prepares students for careers or graduate study in the health care industry and related areas. This major provides excellent preparation for students entering Allied Health professions such as physical therapy, physician's assistant, and pharmacy. Requirements for each professional program vary, thus early consultation with an advisor is encouraged. At the center of the major is the Health Sciences Core, a group of courses that provides a foundation in the natural and social sciences in a manner consistent with the liberal arts tradition. In addition to completing the Health Sciences Core, each student majoring in Health Sciences must also develop a concentration of study in an approved area. For example, those interested in clinical laboratory work may elect to concentrate in biochemical sciences. Each concentration (~20 units) builds on the foundation of the Health Sciences Core and develops expertise in a particular academic discipline. Because the foci overlap significantly with the requirements for some other majors, certain "double majors" are not permitted with Health Science. Although an internship is not required, the college offers a wide range of internship opportunities in health care and related fields.

The Health Sciences Core

The core includes 16 courses. Many of these (*) overlap with the nursing requirements.

In addition to the Core, students majoring in Health Sciences must choose a focus. Each focus (~20 units) develops depth in a particular discipline. The foci are described below.

Biochemistry focus (22-24 credits)

The following focus in biochemistry prepares students for employment, research, and further study in biomedical research, clinical biochemistry, pharmacology, and biophysical research. Possibilities also exist for careers in food science and industrial sales. Students are required to take the following courses:

Business Focus (21 credits)

The following focus in business prepares students for work and further study in public and private health administration, and for careers in businesses related to the health care industry. Students are required to take the following courses:

NOTE: MAT-123.1 (or MAT-151) is a prerequisite for courses in this focus. Students should take the mathematics course no later than the sophomore year.

Human Biology Focus (18 credits)

The following focus in human biology prepares students for graduate programs such as physical therapy, physician's assistant, nursing, and biomedical science and for employment in the biomedical or health care industries. Students are required to take 18 credits chosen from the following list of courses:

*These courses cannot count toward both the Core and the Human Biology Focus.

Political Economy Focus (19 credits)

The following focus in political economy prepares students for work and further study in areas such as government service, public health, non-profit service, and health administration. Students are required to take the following courses

Psychology Focus (20-21 credits)

The following focus in psychology prepares students for work and further study in areas emphasizing scientifically-oriented psychological research and analysis. Students are required to take the following course:

(PSY-406 History & Systems of Psychology is also recommended for students pursuing graduate training in Clinical Psychology [PhD or PsyD], Neuropsychology, Medical Psychology and related programs)