In addition to fulfilling the general course requirements of the university and the college, B.S. in Health Sciences majors are required to complete the health sciences core and 51 credits specific to an area of emphasis within one of four tracks: Associate Degree/Bachelor of Science Completion, General Interest, Health Promotion, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy or Pre-PA.

Areas of Emphasis

Students in all tracks are required to establish an Area of Emphasis. The number of credits in the Area of Emphasis must be at least 51. Students in the Associate Degree/Bachelor of Science Completion and General Interest Tracks work with an adviser to design an area of emphasis reflecting their particular interests and the skills required for the kinds of positions they wish to pursue. The Health Promotion, Pre-Therapy and Pre-Physician Assisting Tracks have specific courses students must complete. However, students may need to select additional electives. Students are encouraged to explore with their HSC adviser minors and certificate programs that may be applied toward their area of emphasis. Highly recommended certificate programs are the Gerontology Studies Certificate; the Certificate in Culture, Communication and Health; and the Bioethics Certificate. The concentrations in Urban Health, Health and Wellness, Community Health, and Human Factors are also recommended. The program has identified pre-approved electives and a listing of these is available on the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences website or from the School. Students are required to update their program of study at least annually in collaboration with their adviser. Advising will be provided by the academic adviser or by faculty in the School of Health Sciences or by an adviser in the College of Sciences and Health Professions Dean’s Office. Every student must have an approved program of study by the end of his or her first semester in the major.

Students should choose from the courses below. Courses of interest outside of this list must be approved by the program director to count towards the major.

Designed for students interested in health-related careers but who are uncertain which profession they prefer at this time. Students must complete a minimum of 51 credits in an area of emphasis in addition to the health sciences core. Students are encouraged to explore with their HSC adviser minors and certificate programs which may be applied toward their area of emphasis. Highly recommended certificate programs are the Gerontology Studies Certificate; the Certificate in Culture, Communication and Health; and the Bioethics Certificate. Concentrations in Urban Health, Health and Wellness, Community Health, and Human Factors are also recommended. The program has identified recommended electives. A listing of these is available on the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences website or from the School. Students are encouraged to visit the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences website.

Post-baccalaureate students who are seeking to enter the NEOMED Program may pursue this track. They must only complete 30 credits at Cleveland State University, including the health sciences core except HSC 200 - Introduction to Health Sciences, the Urban Health Concentration, 11 credits of pre-approved electives, and HSC 499 - Exit Evaluation. They do not need to complete general education requirements.

All students completing a BSHS major must complete a capstone experience and the exit evaluation.

Students interested in applying to the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program must also complete the following, which are applied to the area of emphasis:

*Slight course requirement variations may occur for pre-physical therapy students enrolled in the Honors Program. Consult an HSC adviser for more information.

For additional information regarding the Doctor of Physical Therapy, consult the Graduate Catalog or contact the School of Health Sciences.

Students interested in the Master of Occupational Therapy Program must also complete the following, plus 15 credits of electives in an area of emphasis:

A student choosing the Pre-Physician Assistant Science Track must complete the 51 credits of programmatic prerequisites common for admission to accredited Physician Assistant Graduate Programs. Students interested in applying to must complete the following:

The program has identified recommended electives. A listing of these is available on the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences website or from the advising office.

This track is designed for the student already holding an associate degree in a health-related field who wishes to complete a baccalaureate degree. In addition to the health sciences core, students interested in this track must complete a minimum of 51 credits in an area of emphasis. Students are encouraged to explore with their HSC adviser minors and certificate programs that may be applied toward their area of emphasis. Highly recommended certificate programs are the Gerontology Studies Certificate; the Certificate in Culture, Communication and Health; and the Bioethics Certificate. The concentrations in Urban Health, Health and Wellness, Community Health, and Human Factors are also recommend.  The program has identified recommended electives. A listing of these is available on the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences website or from the School.

A special articulation agreement is applied to students who have completed an Associate’s Degree in Allied Health from Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) or an Associate’s Degree in Health Technologies from Lakeland Community College. The 2+2 Agreement streamlines the process for students who have completed any one of the allied health majors at Cuyahoga Community College or health technology majors at Lakeland Community College by predetermining coursework that may be applied toward the area of emphasis in the Health Sciences major. Depending on the allied health program completed at Tri-C or health technology program completed at Lakeland CC, students will need to complete anywhere between 18 - 24 additional credits toward their major, General Education Requirements, a minimum of 42 upper division credit hours (300-400 level courses), and a minimum of 120 credits for a degree. It is recommended that students select from an array of courses offered through the School of Health Sciences or minor and/or certificate programs offered at CSU to apply toward their Health Sciences major and upper division course work. HSC 200 - Introduction to Health Sciences is waived for all students entering the Health Sciences major through the 2+2 Agreements.

The 5-Year BS + MS in Health Sciences is an accelerated degree completion program designed for high-performing undergraduates in the General Interest or Associate Degree Completion (2+2) Tracks of the Health Sciences Major.  This program is designed to respond to the growing job opportunities in health-related settings by shortening the time for completion of a Masters degree.  Students can jump-start their careers as professionals in health sciences by accelerating the completion of the two degrees.  For more information, refer to the Graduate Catalog or contact the School of Health Sciences.