Program Overview

Health Science, B.S.

Whitworth's health science major is an interdisciplinary program that offers versatility in careers related to health and well-being. Each of our four majors (health science, B.S.; exercise science, B.S.; rehabilitation science, B.S.; and health & well-being, B.A.) begin with the same core courses that introduce you to principles of health and healthcare careers as well as a foundation in human anatomy and physiology. From there, you can choose from an extensive list of courses that support your vocational goals. Our minors also offer clear pathways to students pursuing a variety of allied health professions.

Why Major in Health Science at Whitworth?

• Gain valuable hands-on experience in our human performance lab and in our anatomy and physiology lab, which provides learning opportunities with human cadavers.
• Build strong relationships with professors.
• Connect your faith or worldview to your studies and career goals.
• Draw inspiration from the state-of-the-art Robinson Science Hall, which houses the health sciences, chemistry, and biology departments, and the new Dornsife Health Sciences Building that houses the human performance lab.
• Conduct original research and present your findings at academic conferences.
• Apply your learning to your personal health through courses such as Exercise Physiology and Nutrition.
• Network with alumni and regional health providers to develop mentorship relationships to help you discern your vocational calling and connect you with hands-on experience.
• Develop a holistic understanding of health.
• Discover what interests you through internships and electives that allow you to explore areas of personal interest in science and human behavior.

Faculty Expertise

• Professor Elizabeth Abbey's areas of expertise include sports nutrition; exercise and personal health; food security and food systems.
• Professor Matt Silvers' area of expertise is exercise physiology.
• Professor Cynthia Wright's areas of expertise are orthopedic injury assessment and treatment, athletic training and clinical research.
• Instructor Justin Ulbright's areas of expertise are human anatomy and physiology.

Career Outcomes

Health science majors are prepared for professional schools, graduate programs, and careers in the health and wellness field. Our graduates have an excellent acceptance rate for graduate programs in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic medicine, public health, health care administration, nutrition, clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and personal training, among other areas. Recent job placements include:

• Capt. Jacob Kriegbaum, physical therapist, United States Air Force, Las Vegas
• J. Keith Parker, dermatologist, Advanced Dermatology and Skin Surgery, Spokane
• Faith Lopez-Flores, internal medicine PA-C, Mountain Park Health Center, Phoenix, Ariz.
• Gretchen Peterson, epidemiologist, Pima County Health Department, Tucson, Ariz.
• Emily (Travis) Shull, clinical research coordinator, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Greenville, S.C.

Graduate School Acceptances

Our recent health science grads are accepted into Whitworth University's professional programs, as well as graduate programs at institutions including:

• University of Washington School of Medicine
• Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
• University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
• Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University
• University of Southern California
• Mayo School of Health Sciences
• University of Colorado
• Oregon State University
• Emory University
• Washington University (St. Louis)
• Yale University
• University of Florida

Opportunities Outside the Classroom

We encourage students to work or volunteer in the community alongside professors. Opportunities are available at many organizations, including ParaSport Spokane, Habitat for Humanity, Growing Neighbors, and Second Harvest Food Bank. Study abroad programs are also available, such as learning about community and strong social bonds in Greece, immersing yourself in Japanese culture while studying Eastern medicine, or participating in a healthcare internship as part of Whitworth's semester-long Central America Study & Service Program (CASP).

Related Majors

• Chemistry
• Pre-Professional Health Studies
• Biology
• Neuroscience