Health Sciences

Major: Health Sciences
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Total Credit Hours: 181.0
Co-op Options: One Co-op (Four years); No Co-op (Four years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 51.1199
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9111

About the Program

The Bachelor’s degree program in Health Sciences at Drexel University exposes students to a wide variety of careers in health care and related professions. Our emphasis on interdisciplinary study, coupled with expert faculty, gives students the opportunity to explore different facets of health-related professions before matriculating to specialized graduate programs or entering the workplace. Whether you are on the fast track to a career in health professions or still finding your path, our Health Sciences Program offers a multitude of options for completing your degree.

What you will learn

The Health Sciences Program offers a rigorous four-year curriculum for students interested in pursuing careers in health-related professions. Courses in health and clinical sciences, research methods, statistics, and healthcare ethics are combined with a core curriculum of mathematics, humanities, and social sciences to provide a fully integrated and comprehensive curriculum.

Career Opportunities

Health care professions are one of the fastest growing job sectors in the United States. There is tremendous demand for trained health care providers at all levels. In the Health Sciences Program, our multidisciplinary approach, flexible curriculum, and co-op experience provide students with a highly competitive edge in the market place and in the pursuit of graduate program admission. Some of the fields Health Sciences graduates can expect to pursue post-graduation include:

• Rehabilitation Professions
  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech and language pathology
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
• Physician Assistant Studies
• Medicine and Dentistry
• Optometry
• Audiology
• Clinical Research
• Public Health and Health Advocacy
• Nursing
• Exercise Physiology
• Nutrition Sciences
• Bioethics
• Health Psychology

Co-op Experience

Drexel University has long been known for its cooperative education programs. As part of the Health Sciences curriculum, students incorporate a six-month co-op experience into their plan of study. This allows students to learn from healthcare leaders at renowned facilities nationwide. By building career-related employment into undergraduate study, students gain work experience, network with healthcare professionals, and hone their clinical and research skills. Some local co-op employers of Health Sciences students include Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Hospital, Hahnemann University Hospital, Good Shepherd Penn Partners, NovaCare, and many other health care facilities in the region.

Accelerated Options

The Health Sciences program offers accelerated academic tracks for high achieving students to pursue degrees in the Physician Assistant Studies program and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program within the College of Nursing and Health Professions. 

Articulation Agreement Options

Drexel’s Health Sciences Department and Salus University’s Occupational Therapy Department have partnered to offer a BS/MSOT sequential degree program. In the BS/MSOT Option, students first complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Health Sciences at Drexel University, then enroll into the 2-year Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program at Salus University.

Drexel Graduate Options in Biomedical Sciences

Graduates of the Health Sciences program may also continue their education in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies which offers over 40 doctoral, master's and professional development programs. These academic programs emphasize real-world experience and help guide students to make career decisions that best fit their abilities and evolving needs.

For more information, visit the Health Sciences Program page at the College of Nursing and Health Professions web site.

Degree Requirements

Optional Concentration in Exercise Science

The concentration in Exercise Science helps prepare students for graduate studies in Exercise Physiology. In addition, the concentration provides foundational knowledge and skills for a variety of fitness certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and others. These certifications are often required of graduates interested in seeking employment in the fitness industry.

Students wishing to complete the concentration in Exercise Science must complete the courses listed below as 17.0 of their elective credits.

Sample Plans of Study

For accelerated clinical track sample plans, students should visit the Health Sciences Professions Program page.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH SCIENCES - 12 TERMS

2 terms of COOP  occur after Term 7.

Accelerated BS in Health Sciences - 10 terms

Accelerated BS in Health Sciences - 10 terms

Accelerated BS/DPT: Physical Therapy Option

About the Accelerated BS/DPT Option

Drexel’s undergraduate Health Sciences Program and graduate Physical Therapy (PT) Program have partnered to offer an Accelerated dual-degree BS/DPT option available to high-achieving students enrolled in the Health Sciences Program. The Accelerated BS/DPT Option is an accelerated academic track that enables students to complete their Bachelor of Sciences and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees in 5.5 years as opposed to the traditional 6.5 years. Students pursue a BS degree in Health Sciences during their first three years of study, and a DPT degree during their final 2.5 years of study.  The bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences is awarded following completion of year four (first year of graduate study), and the doctoral degree is awarded following completion of the Physical Therapy program.

For additional information visit the Accelerated BS/DPT Option on Health Sciences page.

Accelerated BS/MHS: Physician Assistant Option

About the Accelerated BS/MHS Option

Drexel’s undergraduate Health Sciences Program and graduate Physician Assistant (PA) Program have partnered to offer an accelerated dual-degree BS/MHS option available to high achieving students enrolled in the Health Sciences Program. The Accelerated BS/MHS PA Option is an accelerated academic track that enables students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Health Sciences, including sitting for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE), in 5.25 years as opposed to the traditional 6.25 years. Students pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences during their first three years of study, and a Master of Health Science degree during the final 2.25 years of study. The bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences is awarded following completion of year four (first year of graduate study), and the master’s degree is awarded following completion of the Physician Assistant Program.

For additional information visit the Accelerated BS/MHS Option on Health Sciences page.

Facilities

The College of Nursing and Health Professions is located on Drexel University’s Center City Campus, adjacent to Hahnemann University Hospital. The proximity of this major medical center provides a rich environment for students to study and experience the health sciences.  Students have access to the Center for Interdisciplinary Clinical Simulation and Practice (CICSP) which utilizes patient actors and automated simulation manikins to mimic real-life human physiology. The CICSP provides undergraduate Health Sciences students the opportunity to learn assessment and communication skills in a controlled setting. The College of Nursing and Health Professions also maintains the Stephen and Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services of Drexel University, a comprehensive, community-based health center, where students have unique opportunities to observe and participate in health care delivery.

Health Sciences Faculty