Program Overview

Interdisciplinary Health Studies (Bachelor of Science)

The Interdisciplinary Health Studies program at Creighton University is designed to provide students with a well-rounded academic foundation, preparing them for future study and career growth in the healthcare field. This innovative program, offered in collaboration with the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions and the College of Arts and Sciences, allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Health Studies while pursuing a doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, or Physical Therapy.

About Interdisciplinary Health Studies (Bachelor of Science)

Many students at Creighton University aim to become pharmacists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists. To provide a more comprehensive academic experience, the university offers the option to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Health Studies while completing a professional doctorate in one of these fields. With the guidance of an advisor, students can fulfill Creighton's core requirements and professional program prerequisites, graduating with both degrees and opening up more opportunities for future career or academic pursuits.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Studies, students must complete the curriculum requirements and meet the 128 credit hours, including:

• Creighton's undergraduate Magis Core Curriculum (36-38 hours)
• Specific courses taken while enrolled in the professional program
• Prerequisites for acceptance into the professional school, such as:
  • OTD prerequisites
  • PharmD prerequisites
  • DPT prerequisites (Omaha)
  • DPT prerequisites (Phoenix)
• All doctoral professional curriculum

Support for Pre-Professional Students

More than half of incoming freshmen at Creighton plan to pursue a professional degree. The university supports these students with a robust pre-professional advising system, offering specialized advising through the Success Center. Selected students can also participate in the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, which ensures that students who meet specific requirements will continue to one of Creighton's highly sought-after professional programs after undergrad.

Pre-Professional Programs

The university offers several pre-professional programs, including:

• Pre-Professional Physical Therapy Scholars
• Pre-Professional Occupational Therapy Scholars
• Pre-Professional Pharmacy Scholars

Interdisciplinary Health Studies Admission Requirements

Admission to the Interdisciplinary Health Studies program begins with admission to Creighton as an undergraduate. The undergraduate admissions are based on:

• High school GPA
• ACT or SAT scores
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal statement
• Recommendation from high school counselor
• Honors sections and advanced placement courses

Tuition and Financial Aid for Interdisciplinary Health Studies

Tuition rates are updated annually, and students can visit Creighton's financial aid page to learn more about the cost of attendance. To apply for financial assistance, students are encouraged to complete and submit the FAFSA. The university offers various scholarships and financial aid opportunities, administering over $200,000,000 in student aid each year from federal, state, institutional, and private sources.

Dates and Deadlines for Interdisciplinary Health Studies

Applications for the fall semester open on August 1 of the prior year. For scholarship consideration, students are recommended to complete their undergraduate application as early as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why pursue a bachelor's degree along with an OT, PT, or pharmacy degree? Earning a Bachelor of Science can widen career options and make it easier to pursue further education later. It builds a stronger foundation for future career goals by integrating liberal arts with professional studies.
• What's the timeline for earning this degree? The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Studies is awarded during the professional program, prior to completion of the professional doctorate. The timeline varies by program:
  • Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy: BS awarded after 2 years in the professional program
  • Pharmacy: BS awarded after 3 years in the professional program
• How will I navigate requirements for both degrees? Dedicated advisors will help students plan their course sequence efficiently, balance core requirements with prerequisites, stay on track for both degrees, and navigate academic challenges.