Health Science
Health Science
Christina B. Gunther, EdD
Department Chair, Undergraduate Program Director and Assistant Professor
Phone: (203)371-7948
Email: guntherc@sacredheart.edu
Faculty
Bronwyn Cross-Denny, Ph.D., LCSW
Associate Professor
Patricia Grace-Farfaglia, MS, MBA, Ph.D, RDN, FAND
Nutrition & Dietetics Track Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor
Patricia Lewis, Ph.D, MPH, MSW
Clinical Assistant Professor
Rui Liu, Ph.D, MPH
Assistant Professor
Tina Miller, MS, RDN, CDE
Clinical Instructor
Guljana Torikai
Academic Department Assistant
Omid Farahani, MS
Academic Advisor
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
- Completion Option Track
- Nutrition & Dietetics 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.
The Completion Option track is for students who hold an associate's degree and are interested in completing a Bachelor of Science degree. The BSHS major will prepare students with a solid foundation in core content germane to health professions. Individualized advisement will assist students with developing a plan of study that meets pre-requisite requirements for specific graduate programs and advisement regarding GPA requirements for admission to particular programs, if desired.
The Nutrition & Dietetics track is for students interested in learning more about nutrition or becoming Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) or Clinical Nutritionists. These professions work collaboratively as part of the health care team. They are food and nutrition experts and practice in a variety of settings including hospitals, ambulatory and long-term care, private practice, community agencies, and foodservice corporations.