Overview
The Health Sciences major is designed to prepare students for a variety of health professional careers. The Health Sciences major focuses on an in depth understanding of the human body and health. All health sciences students take human anatomy & physiology along with additional foundational science courses as well as courses in nutrition and personal health. Students choose a specialization to tailor the program to fit their career goals. The major also includes a significant number of elective credits so students can choose a minor or additional courses to strengthen or broaden their experience.
The Health Sciences program seeks to promote an appreciation of the design of the human body and the value that God placed on humans through creating male and female in His image. Promoting human health and healing provides a platform for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
Nutrition and Wellness Specialization
In addition to nutrition and wellness courses, students in this program take several chemistry courses. The specialization includes common prerequisites for admission to nutrition graduate programs including Master of Science/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (MS/RDN), or Master of Public Health/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (MPH/RDN) or Master of Science in Nutrition. Other careers available for students with this degree include wellness coach or clinical research coordinator.
Pre-Physician Assistant Specialization
The Pre-Physician Assistant specialization provides students with the rigorous science foundation required for admission to master’s level Physician Assistant programs. Students complete advanced coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics, chemistry, and statistics while using elective hours to met additional prerequisites required by individual PA programs. This specialization is designed to strengthen students’ academic preparation and position them as competitive applicants for a Master of Physician Assistant Studies following completion of the bachelor’s degree.
Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization
The Pre-Physical Therapy Specialization includes all of the prerequisite courses that are common to physical therapy programs. Students who wish to become a physical therapist will need to attend a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) graduate program following completion of the bachelor’s degree. Students who are interested in becoming an athletic trainer should also select this specialization and pursue a Master of Athletic Training degree. Electives should be selected to meet any additional prerequisites that may be required for specific Masters in Athletic Training programs. Because of the large number of elective options, students can choose additional courses in nutrition, business or even youth ministry, family and culture to prepare them for their specific career goals including personal trainer or physical activities director.
Pre-Occupational Therapy Specialization
The Pre-Occupational Therapy specialization includes the prerequisites that are required for most graduate programs including MS and PhD programs in Occupational Therapy. The large number of electives will allow students to take any additional prerequisite courses for their graduate program of interest.
Career Options
Athletic Trainer*
Clinical Research Coordinator
Occupational Therapist*
Personal Trainer
Physician Assistant
Physical Therapist*
Public Health
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist*
Wellness Coach
*Requires postgraduate education
Graduation Requirements
- Minimum 120 semester hours of credit
- Complete 18 hours in Bible and Theology courses.
- 6 semester hours of Leadership Development courses.
- Minimum of 30 semester hours of General Education
- Satisfactory evidence of Christian character and doctrinal views
- Meets all ethical requirements and Student Life standards
- Minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA
See Undergraduate Core for graduation requirements.
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