Academic Policies
- The Health Sciences degree consists of 120 college credit hours including the university core requirements, 34 required courses, 37 hours of restricted electives and 15 hours of upper division credit.
- Electives must be approved by the academic advisor. Pre approved electives are provided on the restricted electives list. Note: A maximum of 27 hours of College of Business courses.
- Students must meet with their advisor each semester prior to registration.
- A minimum 2.0 grade point average overall and at Marshall is required.
- A maximium of 3 grades of “D” in electives will be applied toward the degree.
Click here for a sample four-year plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose this degree?
Healthcare jobs are projected to be in demand for the next 50 years because of the aging baby boomer population making this the perfect time to begin this type of study. It takes a variety of individuals to assure people get access to the healthcare services they need. Health Sciences graduates with this degree will be in demand for hire because graduates will have the educational background and the ability to contribute the moment they start their position.
How will the BS in Health Sciences degree prepare me for graduate school or a job?
The best thing about this degree is its flexibility. It lends itself to many areas and types of jobs. A Health Sciences degree opens up possibilities limited only by your own ability to show potential employers how you benefit their workplace. The degree provides you with the opportunity to focus your elective credit to areas of study of interest to you. Your advisor will work with you to determine which classes will best serve your needs. The HP 490 Senior Capstone in Health Sciences course also provides you with an opportunity for undergraduate internship experience.
What about preparing for medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant or other post undergraduate healthcare degrees?
The Health Sciences degree is perfect for students planning careers in medicine, physical therapy or other advanced practice degree. The flexibility of the health sciences degree makes it possible for students to take the courses they need to meet the admission standards of the advanced degree program they desire (medical school, physical therapy school, occupational therapy school) and to focus on their ultimate goal.
Graduate School is in my future but I don’t want to follow a direct patient care path. What would be my options with this degree?
There are a number of graduate programs open to Health Sciences alumni including Health Informatics and the Masters-Public Health in the College of Health Professions. Health Informatics is the science that defines how health information is captured, transmitted and utilized. Public Health is the most widely recognized professional credential for leadership in public health. Graduates are prepared to address health problems through multidisciplinary approaches.>
Where would I find a job with a BS in Health Sciences?
You could work in hospitals, health clinics, surgery centers, insurance companies, dental offices, pharmaceutical sales and medical equipment business/sales just to name a few places. Basically, any non-clinical administrative support position in the healthcare industry could potentially be a place for you to work.
What type of positions would be available?
Administrative support positions can be found in the accounting/finance office/medical billing departments. Medical staff coordinator, health information management, home health coordinator, human resources, information technology and tumor registrar are other examples of possible positions for graduates of the BS-Health Sciences program.
I’m not sure what I want to do. Is there a way to explore my options?
Yes, the Health Sciences degree program offers two courses that explore opportunities for graduates of this program. HP 110 Introduction to Health Professions and HP 210 Health Sciences Seminar expose students to the wide variety of opportunities available to graduates of this major.