Health Sciences, BS
Partnership with East Stroudsburg University
Partnership with Commonwealth University
Partnership with Logan University or Northeast College of Health Sciences
Allow completion of certification/licensure in Medical Laboratory Science and Histotechnology
The B.S. in Health Sciences is a versatile major designed to prepare students for admission to a variety of post-baccalaureate programs, which lead to a range of healthcare careers. Students will have the ability to customize their coursework via a selection of health science elective courses intended to fulfill the specific needs associated with their planned career path. Students with health career interests, whether clearly defined or still in the exploratory phase, will be able to develop a personalized health career plan. In addition to preparing students for post-baccalaureate programs in healthcare careers, the flexibility of the BS in Health Sciences readily allows pursuit of accelerated pathways for selected healthcare careers.
Strong foundational skills will be developed through completion of general education coursework. Additional required coursework includes:
- General biology
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Introductory chemistry
- Math
- Psychology
- Sociology
A BS in Health Sciences creates the potential to move on to a specialization in many different careers including:
- Medical laboratory science
- Histotechnology
- Occupational therapy
- Chiropractic medicine
- Physical therapy
- Clinical exercise physiology/kinesiology
- Audiology
- Public health
- Accelerated second degree BS in Nursing
This degree can also prepare you for entry-level laboratory positions in a variety of industries as well as administrative positions that require a healthcare-related background.
Small classes and labs at Ship provide you with personalized attention from faculty and allow you to build meaningful connections with classmates. Further opportunities include participation in faculty-directed research to refine problem-solving abilities, perfect aptitude for data collection/analysis, and benefit from the experience of presenting the results of your own work at scientific meetings.
The health sciences advisors will work closely with you to select appropriate coursework and prepare for application to post-baccalaureate programs.
Looking for additional ways to get involved? We've got you covered! The student-run health sciences and biology clubs provide opportunities for fun, educational, and community service activities.
For students interested in medical laboratory science or histotechnology, the clinical year may be taken at any of the institutions affiliated with Shippensburg University or any other hospital program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science. Although hospitals give preference to their affiliates, admission is on a competitive basis and Shippensburg University cannot guarantee admission to a hospital program for the clinical year. The following is a list of current hospital affiliations for Shippensburg University (or non-affiliated but approved sites):
Medical Technology (Medical Laboratory Science)
- Altoona Hospital (Altoona, PA)
- Augusta Medical Center (Fishersville, VA)
- Conemaugh Medical Center (Johnstown, PA)
- Lancaster College of Nursing and Health Science (Lancaster, PA)
- PennState Health – Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (Hershey, PA)
- Reading Medical Center (Reading, PA)
- Sentara RMH Medical Center (Harrisonburg, VA)
- St. Vincent Medical Center (Erie, PA)
- Williamsport Hospital (Williamsport, PA)
- York Hospital (York, PA)
Histotechnology
- Conemaugh Medical Center (Johnstown, PA)
- Sentara RMH Medical Center (Harrisonburg, VA)
- Magee Women's Hospital (Pittsburgh, PA - non-affiliate program)
Course Work for Health Sciences, BS
There are numerous options for biology and health science elective courses, including advanced upper-division biology coursework such as pathogenic microbiology, cell biology, virology, and immunology as well as allied coursework in chemistry, physics, psychology, and other social sciences.
All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate. For full course descriptions, please visit the undergraduate catalog.
4+1 Program Available
With careful planning, you may be able to complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Organizational Development and Leadership with only one additional year of study through a 4+1 program. For more information, contact the Political and Social Inquiry Department.