Health Science Major

HEALTH SCIENCE

The Health Science major leading to a Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) is based on healthcare education designed to foster development of human values, effective interpersonal skills, quality of care, and a scientific foundation. The Health Science curriculum includes inter-professional education and provides the student with a sound base for graduate education and career advancement in various health related fields. The program fosters the student’s ability to think critically, analyze information and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. The program prepares students to solve the myriad challenges faced daily in health related environments in an ever changing world.

Coursework is offered in a flexible plan allowing students the time to experience real-world practice through internships and study abroad. The Health Science major consists of three distinct concentrations and one track:

Healthcare Administration
Public Health
Global Health
Radiologic Science Track

The Healthcare Administration curriculum provides insight into administrative practices including supervision, strategic planning, change management, policy and fiscal responsibility. Healthcare ethics, patient rights and safety and regulatory compliance are addressed within the curriculum. The Public Health curriculum includes coursework surrounding health education and promotion, health communication, and community health planning. Healthcare ethics, principles of equity and behavioral aspects of health are also covered. The Global Health curriculum offers an understanding of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and their impact on global disease burden, multidisciplinary healthcare programs in action and healthcare systems around the globe. Concepts of social justice, cultural competence, and social issues are addressed. The Radiologic Science track is for students holding an associate’s degree in radiography who are interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree and advancing their education in radiological services. Graduates of the Health Science Radiologic Science Track will be positioned to continue their careers in diagnostic services.

FACULTY

Clotilde Dudley-Smith, EdD, MPA
Clinical Assistant Professor

Christina Gunther, MA, EdD Candidate
Interim Program Director

Molly Higbie, MA
Adjunct Instructor

Patricia W. Walker, Ed.D., FASAHP
Professor

STAFF

Carolyn Guarino
Program Assistant

Matthew Wingert, MA
Academic Advisor

Requirements

The Health Science (HS) major consists of 22 credits of required major core courses and 30 concentration core and elective courses.

Prerequisite courses and GPA requirements vary greatly for the graduate professional programs; therefore, students wishing to pursue graduate work in a professional program are strongly advised to discuss plans of study with the Health Science academic advisor to prepare for the specific program of interest. Students are required to maintain a 2.7 cumulative GPA in Health Science requirements to remain in the major with no individual required course or required supporting course grade below a C. Students falling below a Health Science 2.7 GPA will receive academic disciplinary action including probation or dismissal.

Radiologic Science Track majors must take 15 credits of HS required major core courses and 34 credits of HS elective and sciences courses. Upper level radiologic science options range between 18 and 19 credits. A minimum GPA of 3.0 must be maintained.

3 + 2 Health Science/Occupational Therapy Option The College of Health Professions offers qualified University undergraduates the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree in Health Science and a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy in 5 years (3 years of undergraduate course work and 2 years of graduate course work). Students choosing the 3 + 2 option must work carefully with their undergraduate advisor to follow a specific sequence of study. All summer courses must be taken at Sacred Heart University. A specific plan of study can be found on our website.

3 + 2 Health Science/Public Health Option The College of Health Professions offers qualified undergraduates the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree and a Master of Public Health degree within five years. The ability to take advantage of the 3+2 option (3 years of undergraduate course work and 2 years of graduate course work) is available to students who choose an undergraduate major in Health Science with the Public Health concentration. Students choosing a 3+2 option must work carefully with their undergraduate advisor to follow a specific sequence of study. Please note that some summer and winter course work is required for this 3+2 option. All summer courses must be taken at Sacred Heart University. A specific plan of study can be found on our website.

Required Health Science Coursework

Healthcare Administration:

22 Credits of Health Science Major Core Coursework
21 Credits of Concentration Core Coursework
9 Credits of Concentration Electives

Public Health:

22 Credits of Health Science Major Core Coursework
18 Credits of Concentration Core Coursework
12 Credits of Concentration Electives

Global Health:

22 Credits of Health Science Major Core Coursework
21 Credits of Concentration Core Coursework
9 Credits of Concentration Electives

Radiologic Science Track:

49 credits of Health Science coursework and science courses are required. Courses transferred in from the associates in radiography may partially fulfill these requirements. Between 18 and 19 upper level radiologic science credits must be completed in either advanced imaging, diagnostic medical sonography, women’s imaging or management.

Transfer of Credits:

A maximum of sixty (60) credits may be applied to a baccalaureate degree from a two-year college and a maximum of ninety (90) credits may be applied from a four-year college or university. Sacred Heart University accepts a maximum of 15 credits as “free electives” for transfer and a maximum of 50% of the major’s course credits for transfer.