The Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science is enhanced by a broad liberal arts and sciences background in English, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, together with the specialized courses that comprise the depth of the Health Science major. The Health Science curriculum is designed to prepare students as health promoters in educational or clinical settings in school, community, or public health environments. Students majoring in Health Science at Truman have complete access to the equipment necessary for lab activities and research pursuits. Visit our HES Lab Facilities page for more information! The undergraduate degree provides the curricular background necessary for graduate work in public health, health administration, occupational therapy, medicine, or physician assistant (PA) programs.
Community, Worksite and Public Health (18 hours)
Health Administration (18 hours)
Pre-Medical Sciences (17-18 hours)
Pre-Occupational Therapy (17-18 hours)
Individualized (18 hours)
Individualized patterns may also be designed to meet personal goals. A description of all patterns is available for download in Adobe PDF format.
The Health Science Major consists of the Liberal Studies Program (LSP) Requirements, discipline-related Required Support courses, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Requirements, Major Requirements, and Pattern Courses. The total number of semester hours for a B.S. Health Science degree is 124-140, depending on the LSP courses and pattern chosen. Below you will find the Health Science Required Support, B.S., and Major course requirements.
Download degree worksheets from the Registrar's website located at: http://registrar.truman.edu/catalog/worksheets.asp
Download a general 4-year sequence for Health Science majors
| Required Support |
Semester Hours 10* |
| BIOL 100 Biology with Lab OR BIOL 107 Intro Biology I* | 4 |
| *BIOL 107 is required for Pre-Medical Sciences pattern | |
| PSYC 166 General Psychology* | 3 |
| STAT 190 Basic Statistics OR STAT 290 Statistics* | 3 |
|
*May be used to fulfill Liberal Studies Program Requirements |
|
| BS Requirements |
Semester Hours 8 |
| BIOL 325 Human Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 365 Human Anatomy | 3 |
| BIOL 365 Human Anatomy Lab | 1 |
| Core Curriculum |
Semester Hours 22 |
| HLTH 255 Introduction to Community & Public Health | 3 |
| HLTH 290 Principles of Health Education & Health Science | 3 |
| HLTH 349 Research Methods in Health Science | 3 |
| HLTH 366 Program Assessment & Planning | 3 |
| HLTH 370 Field Experience in Health Science | 4 |
| HLTH 410 Health Communication Methods | 3 |
| HLTH 440 Program Implementation & Evaluation | 3 |
| Selectives |
Semester Hours 6 |
| *Select two courses from the following: | |
| HLTH 245 Substance Abuse Prevention | 3 |
| HLTH 260 Human Sexuality | 3 |
| HLTH 270 Consumer Health | 3 |
| HLTH 330 Patient Education & Clinical Health Promotion | 3 |
| HLTH 361 Mental Health | 3 |
| HLTH 362 Environmental Health | 3 |
| Capstone Experience |
Semester Hours 1 |
| HLTH 440 Program Planning and Evaluation (credit shown above in Core Curriculum) | 0 |
| HLTH 450 Professional Issues in Health Science | 1 |
| Pattern Courses |
Semester Hours 17-18 |
The program culminates in a four-credit, 200-hour required summer field experience. Depending on the student's specialized interest, the field experience provides opportunities to design and implement programs in an organizational setting under the supervision of highly qualified professionals in the field, working in cooperation with a faculty mentor. The experience allows for the application of theory and knowledge in a practical setting.
One of the most unique features of the Truman Health Science undergraduate experience is the opportunity to actively engage in research. A significant number of Health Science majors present their findings at international, national, state or local professional conferences, or publish their work nationally.
A distinguishable feature of the Health Science program is its focus on accountability. In addition to the comprehensive testing program of the University, all required Health Science courses incorporate pre/post testing to determine achievement of educational objectives. The Health Science graduate will also demonstrate a high level of health knowledge as well as skills based on the Seven Responsibilities of a Health Educator, as assessed by a senior exit examination. Health Science faculty and the University have selected and approved the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination as the measure of this competency. This feature affords our students to obtain validation of their education through a nationally recognized examination in their specialized field of study. Truman is amongst the handful of institutions in the country to provide this opportunity for their Health Science graduates.
1. Based on a Liberal Arts and Science background, demonstrate proficiency in the responsibilities and competencies of the Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES)
Assess individual and community needs for health education
Plan health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Implement health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Conduct evaluation and research related to health education
Administer health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Serve as a health education resource person
Communicate and advocate for health and health education
2. Utilize CHES competencies in the performance of the Core Public Health functions
Assessment
Community mobilization
Policy development and action plan
Assurance
3. Apply appropriate research principles and methods in Health Science
4. Apply CHES competencies through field experiences and community involvement
5. Articulate the historical and philosophical basis of Health Science
The Health and Exercise Sciences Program offers a limited number of students the opportunity to earn a Health Studies Minor. The intent of the Health Studies minor is to allow additional exploration in topics related to human health and well-being. This minor may enhance personal growth and/or be related to interest areas after graduation. To learn more about the minor, please visit the Health Studies Minor informational page.