Health Sciences Major

A health science major is a bachelor's degree program that provides students with a strong foundation in the biological and social sciences needed to pursue careers in health care. The health science degree prepares students for graduate or professional programs in fields like nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. This degree program combines general education courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences with rigorous health science courses in areas like cell biology, human anatomy, and lifespan psychology.

At Colorado Christian University, the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences is offered through the School of Science and Engineering and requires 120 credits, including a 48-credit health sciences core. The health science major prepares students for further professional study while integrating faith and learning throughout the curriculum. Students interested in the healthcare field will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that health professionals need to serve patients effectively.

Health sciences graduates pursue diverse careers across the healthcare field, often after completing additional graduate or professional programs. Common paths include nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. Students also pursue roles in health care management, health informatics, public health, and health education.

The health science major opens doors to clinical profession paths as well as positions in health services administration, health promotion, and wellness programs. Some graduates work in medical administration, health systems management, or as claims reviewers in healthcare delivery organizations. Your career goals and interests will determine which professional schools or graduate programs you pursue after earning your bachelor's degree. CCU staff and faculty help students identify the prerequisite courses and experiential learning opportunities needed for their chosen healthcare field.

The health sciences curriculum includes foundational courses in the biological sciences, chemistry, and social sciences that prepare students for graduate education and clinical profession training. Core health science courses cover cell biology, human anatomy, physiology, and lifespan psychology. Students also complete general education requirements in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, as advised by the American Medical Association, to become well-rounded health professionals.

CCU's health science program requires 120 credits, including a 45-credit general education core and 48 credits of health sciences coursework. Students take general chemistry and other prerequisite courses needed for professional programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, and other health professions. The curriculum develops medical terminology knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and understanding of human behavior that health care providers need. Your academic advisor will help you sequence courses to stay on track for graduation in four years.

Yes, the health science major provides excellent preparation for graduate programs and professional schools in the health professions. The program builds the scientific foundation and critical-thinking skills required for graduate education in medicine, physical or occupational therapy, pharmacy, and other clinical fields. Health sciences graduates are well-positioned for admission to advanced degree programs because they complete rigorous coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology.

Most students pursuing a health science major plan to attend professional schools after completing their bachelor's degree. The program is explicitly designed to provide students with prerequisite courses and academic preparation for graduate or professional study. At CCU, faculty understand the admissions requirements for various health professions programs and guide students in building competitive applications. Keep in mind that the health science degree provides a foundation for these careers but is not a substitute for the graduate or professional training required for licensure.

CCU's health science program integrates faith and learning throughout the curriculum, encouraging students to explore their role as healthcare providers in light of their relationship with Jesus Christ. The program prepares students not only for clinical careers but for service to those who are hurting and in need. Faculty in the School of Science and Engineering focus on developing Christ-like character alongside scientific knowledge, equipping graduates to be ethical leaders in health care.

Small class sizes and hands-on laboratory experiences allow health science students to learn directly from professors who know them personally. The university emphasizes a holistic view of health that considers the whole person, including body, soul, and mind, when discussing patient care and healthcare delivery. Students gain an understanding of bioethics from a Christian perspective while developing the clinical and critical-thinking skills that health professionals need. This combination of scientific excellence and spiritual formation makes CCU graduates distinctive in the healthcare field.

A health science major is ideal if you are interested in serving others through health care and want to pursue graduate or professional training in a clinical profession. Students who thrive in this program enjoy science courses, are motivated by the goal of promoting wellness and addressing health concerns, and feel called to work in the healthcare system. If you are interested in careers such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, or other health professions, this major aligns with those plans.

Consider whether you are prepared for the academic rigor of science coursework and the commitment to further education that most health science careers require. The program suits students interested in both the scientific and human dimensions of health care, including understanding human behavior and the social sciences that shape healthcare delivery. If you want to combine career advancement in high-demand health professions with a faith-centered education that prepares you to serve patients holistically, CCU's health science major offers that meaningful combination.

Health science and pre-medicine are both biological science majors at CCU, but they prepare students for different graduate or professional pathways. The pre-medical profession major is designed for students planning to take the MCAT and apply to medical school, osteopathic medicine, or related programs such as dentistry and optometry. The health science major provides broader preparation for health professions, including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and health services management.

Both programs share foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, but differ in their specialized requirements and career focus. Students cannot double major in health sciences, biology, and the pre-medical profession at CCU because of significant curriculum overlap. Your choice between these majors should reflect your career goals and the specific professional programs you plan to pursue. Academic advisors can help you determine which program best aligns with your interests in the healthcare field and your plans for graduate education.