Health Sciences Major (B.S.)

The Health Sciences program is for those students who are concerned with the health and well-being of others, possess a strong science aptitude, and plan to pursue a career in healthcare.  As healthcare has evolved in the U.S., degree programs in the allied health professions (physical therapy, physician assistant, etc.) have moved to post-baccalaureate education. Individuals with career interests in allied health professions must first attain prerequisite knowledge to be prepared to study in these advanced degree programs. This rigorous academic program provides the foundational life science coursework and advanced elective course offerings to prepare students for graduate programs in the allied health sciences.

Admission to graduate study in medical or allied health professions is very competitive and requires applicants to demonstrate exemplary academic performance for admission.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

Students are required to have earned a minimum, cumulative, GPA of 2.85 by the end of their Sophomore/2nd Year in the Health Sciences Major. Students are also required to achieve a C or better in all required courses in the major. Students with a GPA below 2.85 will be excluded (removed) from the Health Sciences Major.

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Any UNH statistics course satisfies the requirement with advisor approval. 

Required University Courses

Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of the Health Sciences curriculum and any pre-requisite coursework needed to apply to the graduate programs they plan to pursue.

Recommended Electives

A student’s plan of elective courses should align with post-baccalaureate pursuits, and be approved by a Health Sciences advisor.

Recommended electives for future health professionals that are external to the Health Sciences courses may include course work in Communication Sciences & Disorders, Human Development & Family Studies, Health & Human Services, Health Management & Policy, Kinesiology, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Recreation Management & Policy, Social Work, and other coursework in the life sciences and health and human services. 

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of core principles of biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, psychology, and kinesiology.
• Demonstrate comprehension of musculoskeletal evaluation and assessment techniques.
• Demonstrate responsiveness to cultural considerations in healthcare. a.) Understand influence of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, spirituality, socioeconomic status, and other aspects of diversity on individual healthcare needs and health-related quality of life.
• Demonstrate an understanding of scientific research and writing. a.) Ability to identify and analyze scholarly literature. b.) Ability to synthesize and articulate research findings through writing.
• Demonstrate knowledge of behaviors, scopes of practice, and legal and ethical standards for health professions.
• Understand concepts of evidence-based practice and patient-centered care for health professions.