The Department of Health Sciences is a dynamic and growing academic unit that offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused on health, wellness, disease prevention, and public health. From preparing future healthcare professionals to educating the next generation of public health and nutrition leaders, our programs provide students with the knowledge, practical experience, and critical thinking skills needed to address today’s most pressing health challenges.

At the undergraduate level, we offer two tracks: a Pre-Clinical Track for students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, nutrition and dietetics, and other clinical professions; and a Health Promotion Track for students interested in rehabilitation sciences like physical and occupational therapy, public health, health education, wellness, and other health-related fields. Students develop a strong foundation in the biological, behavioral, and social sciences that influence human health, while exploring the pathophysiological causes of disease, disease prevention, evidence-based approaches to health promotion, and strategies for improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

In addition to our undergraduate programs, we are expanding opportunities for graduate education. Our Master of Science in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science is transitioning to a Master of Public Health (MPH) program beginning in Fall 2027. The MPH will offer concentrations in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science and Health Policy, Planning, and Leadership, preparing graduates to address complex public health challenges through evidence-based practice, policy development, leadership, program planning, and community engagement. The Health Promotion and Behavioral Science concentration is also designed to partially meet eligibility requirements for several nationally recognized certifications, including the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®), National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), and Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (DipACLM).

We are also excited to launch the Master of Science in Nutrition Science and Dietetics, an innovative graduate program designed to prepare future nutrition professionals through integrated academic and supervised practice experiences. Graduates of the program will be eligible to take the national credentialing examination to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Through coursework, research, internships, service-learning experiences, and mentorship from expert faculty, students gain the knowledge, practical experience, and critical thinking skills needed for success in a wide range of careers and advanced study. Our graduates pursue professional and graduate education in fields such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, nutrition and dietetics, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and physician assistant studies, while others enter careers in health education, health promotion, wellness coaching, healthcare administration, community health, research, and public health practice.