Health Science General Information

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. 

Patterns in the Health Science major include:

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.

Major Requirements

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

Graduation Requirements:

• An overall cumulative 2.0 GPA
• A 2.0 GPA in all courses completed at Truman
• A 2.5 GPA in select major, required support, and B.S. requirements (major GPA calculation)
• 40 hours of 300+ undergraduate level courses
• 63 hours of liberal arts and sciences coursework
• Minimum 124 total hours of undergraduate coursework
• Assessment, residency, and all other requirements as outlined in the General Catalog
• Grade of "D" or higher must be achieved in all Required Support, B.S. requirements, major and pattern requirements

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.

Outcome Statements of the Health Science Major

1.  Based on a Liberal Arts and Science background, demonstrate proficiency in the responsibilities and competencies of the Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES)

1. Assess individual and community needs for health education

2. Plan health education strategies, interventions, and programs

3. Implement health education strategies, interventions, and programs

4. Conduct evaluation and research related to health education

5. Administer health education strategies, interventions, and programs

6. Serve as a health education resource person

7. Communicate and advocate for health and health education

2.  Utilize CHES competencies in the performance of the Core Public Health functions    

1. Assessment

2. Community mobilization

3. Policy development and action plan

4. 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

Health Studies Minor

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.

 

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