The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (564) is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a health and human sciences related career. The program is an interdisciplinary program with three primary purposes: 1) allowing students with a general interest in health sciences to pursue a B.S. degree while obtaining a concentration in a specific area of study, 2) providing an option for students with a health related Associate’s Degree who wish to continue their education, and 3) permitting students to prepare for post-graduate or professional health sciences programs. The major will require 65-67 core Health Science credit hours, including a required concentration ranging from 21-22 credit hours. Students pursuing the major are required to select one of the following concentrations: Environmental Health Sciences, General Wellness Studies, Gerontology, Health Promotions, Health Services, Social Services, or an Associate’s Degree in a health field (approved by the Health Sciences Advisor). Please keep in mind that students must maintain a “C” or better in each course in the major. Additionally in accordance with university policy, an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better must be attained upon completion of required curriculum.
Career Opportunities in Health Sciences:
Associate’s Degree in a Health related field: Students who enter this program with an Associate’s Degree in a health related field, and complete the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences will position themselves for professional advancements in their respective fields(s).
Environmental Health Science: Students completing this concentration will gain an awareness of environmental hazards and risks, and will be prepared for an entry level position directed by an environmental professional.
General Wellness Studies: Students completing this concentration will be prepared to develop, implement, and coordinate exercise and health promotion programs for persons of all ages and in a variety of private or public settings. Certification may be necessary for entry level employment.
Gerontology: Students completing this concentration will be prepared for employment opportunities in caring for the fastest growing age group in America and Kentucky. The American population will increase by almost 50 percent between 1990 and 2050, while the 65+ age group will increase by 135 percent. Career opportunities in this field will continue to grow as the population continues to grow.
Health Promotions: Students completing this concentration will have an awareness of issues and methods in health education (NOT TEACHER EDUCATION).
Health Services: Students completing this concentration will have an awareness of management issues in health care facilities.
Social Services: Students completing this concentration will be able to obtain entry level positions in the health sciences field that emphasize the social services, including, but not limited to, medical and home health services, aging services, disability services, and mental health services. The Health Sciences major and social services concentration would be an excellent combination as preparation for obtaining a Social Work Masters (The social services concentration does not qualify the student as a professional social worker, as a member of the professional organization, for licensure by the state of Kentucky, for advanced standing in a graduate school of social work, nor for social work practice in an employment situation).
Required courses for the Health Sciences cores are: FACS 111, PSY 199, BIOL 120/121, BIOL 131, CHEM 304, AH 190, AH 290, PHYS 231/232, PE 311, PH 381 OR SOCL 300, PH 447 OR PHIL 322, HCA 340, and HCA 446/447 OR CIS 243.
Any substitutions for these classes must be approved through the Health Sciences Advisor.
