May 03, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Health Science, B.S.


Minimum number of credits required to graduate:  126

Minimum cumulative GPA required to graduate:  2.0

Minimum number of credits to complete the major:  80

 

School: School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Department: Nutrition and Public Health

Learn more about the program

 

The B.S. in Health Science focuses on health promotion and behavior and prepares students for careers in diverse areas of the health industry. Our students develop an understanding of health and disease, consider the methodologies used to obtain this knowledge, and acquire the skills to communicate this information within the health care fields. Our program emphasizes public health and nutrition, stressing science and offering senior internships and practical experience in their area of interest.

Major Requirements


A B.S. degree in Health Science is awarded to students who complete four years of academic study on campus (minimum of 126 school credits; minimum of 80 major credits).

Biology


Complete the following required course:

Chemistry


Complete the following required course:

Mathematics


Complete the following required course:

Required Elective Courses


Complete the elective requirements as specified below.

Required Chemistry Elective


Choose one course from the following:

Notes


Students who major in Health Science will explore various aspects of human biomedical science, and may choose major courses and electives that suit their interests, aptitude, and career goals. Health Science graduates of the Merrimack program have entered diverse fields within the health care system, including professional medical practices, positions in biomedical research and industry, public health, hospital administration, education, and medical technology.

Students in the Health Science major are advised on an individual basis to include certain courses into their program depending on the particular career path they have chosen. For example, someone interested in a career in health care administration may elect related courses from the Girard School of Business. Most Health Science majors participate in the Internship program designed to explore career potential. Together with the Internship Coordinator, students plan their placement according to interest and career goals in clinical, academic, community, or industrial health care, laboratory or research settings. Each internship experience is equivalent to a four-credit course. This program has been very successful in helping students to confirm their career choices by offering hands-on experience in the workplace, as well as in allowing students to accumulate the prerequisite clinical experience required by certain professional graduate programs. A Co-op program is also available which places Health Science majors in positions related to their field of interest. 

Students choosing any of the majors in the department who are interested in professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, nursing, physician assistant, etc., should be consulting with their advisor to be sure that they are meeting all necessary prerequisites. Students choosing this concentration who are interested in professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, etc., may be required to take CHM 2220 Organic Chemistry II /L and two semesters of physics with lab to fulfill program pre-requisites.