Program Overview
Health Sciences Program
The Health Sciences program at Ohio State is a foundational undergraduate degree that introduces students to the health care field and provides in-depth science learning. Graduates go on to work in health care positions or pursue professional and graduate programs such as medicine, dentistry, occupational therapy, athletic training, physical therapy, and dietetics.
Admission Criteria
Admission to the health sciences program is based on academic achievement, including prerequisite courses and the student's overall cumulative grade-point average. Students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline to the health sciences program. Applications are accepted for each term.
- Prerequisite courses must be completed with a C- or higher prior to beginning program course work.
- Specific prerequisite courses are required for the program.
Curriculum
Before being admitted to the health sciences major, students complete general education course work and prerequisite requirements that include:
- Math
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Natural sciences Once admitted, students complete core health sciences courses, such as:
- Epidemiology
- Research
- Statistics
- Ethics
- Major electives
- Minor course work They can also complete graduate school prerequisite course work, if applicable. The health sciences curriculum includes a broad spectrum of courses, including:
- Pathophysiology
- Health care systems
- Public policy
- Management principles
- Health care law Students are required to select and complete a minor in order to be eligible for graduation.
Study Abroad
Students in the health sciences major are encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs to find study abroad experiences related to health care that can strengthen their applications to majors and graduate study programs.
Internship
Health sciences students have the option to complete course work that includes an internship. The course would include field experience in a health care system, highlighting health management, health and wellness, or other health sciences.
- Students may also participate in non-credit experiences.
Honors and Scholars
The Honors Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences enhances the student experience in many ways, all of which further prepare students for the next step in their academic or professional careers.
- Activities eligible for Honors designation include:
- Service projects
- Study abroad
- Leadership in student organizations
- Research The Health Sciences Scholars Program and the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars Program may be of particular interest to students interested in the major because they bring together students with interests in the many health programs offered at Ohio State.
Research
Students are encouraged to investigate research opportunities. Interested students can graduate with research distinction by completing an undergraduate research thesis.
Student Organizations
Students in the health sciences program can live in the Future Health Professionals Learning Community.
- Students may also apply to participate in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Ambassadors program.
Possible Careers
Health sciences graduates will find many opportunities to serve as managers, directors, administrative coordinators, and even consultants in:
- Managed care organizations
- Home health care agencies
- Physician group practices Graduates will also find employment as:
- Health educators
- Volunteer managers
- Grant writers
- Coordinators in community agencies, nonprofit organizations, wellness programs, public health departments, and corporate wellness centers. Additionally, a major in health sciences also provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, medicine, and similar fields.
Salary Estimates
The median annual wage for health care practitioners and technical occupations is $77,760.
- The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of health care occupations will grow 13% from 2021 to 2031 and add approximately 1.9 million jobs, a much faster rate of increase than the average for all occupations.
- Health care occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups.