There are roughly 14.7 million Americans working in a health-related occupation today, but even more jobs are expected to become available. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare is among the fastest-growing industries in the U.S., with about 1.9 million job openings projected annually. To put it simply: Health-related professions are in high demand, and there are no signs of slowing down. Now is the time to break into this field.

If you are looking to make an impact in a health and wellness setting, you might consider becoming a Health Science major. Health Science is a broad field of study that prepares students for a range of important health professions, including those in medical laboratories, hospitals, pharmacies, non-profits, and more.

Choosing a Health Science major is an excellent choice that allows you to break away from the mold and launch a healthcare career fast. It does not require a residency or many years in medical school. And, it equips you with many practical skills, experiences, and courses that can be applied to whichever career path you choose.

Let’s learn more about becoming a Health Science major, its benefits, and the various courses involved.

What is a Health Science major?

A Health Science major is an academic program that prepares students for careers in various healthcare settings. It is a broad and interdisciplinary field that studies biology, chemistry, medicine, public health, and social sciences, with the goal of helping students understand health conditions and deliver healthcare services. Health Science major courses typically cover subjects like anatomy and physiology, microbiology, medical terminology, research methods, epidemiology, and ethics.

Because of the multifaceted nature of its curriculum, a Health Science major offers students a range of skills and experiences that are not available in other, career-specific majors. At Goodwin University, our Health Science degree programs give students the opportunity to customize a course of study that meets their own, personal career goals. You can choose to pursue this major at the associate or bachelor’s degree level.

The courses you will take as a Health Science major

As a Health Science major, you can expect varied coursework that includes a mix of foundational science courses, specialized health-related classes, and interdisciplinary studies. Below are some examples of Health Science major courses you can expect to take in your program:

Foundational Courses:

Depending on your program, you may be required to take multiple classes in the basic sciences or choose the ones that are most aligned with your interests and career goals. You also can expect to take a few general education classes, such as those in mathematics and humanities. Examples of foundational courses for Health Science majors include:

• Biology: Courses like General Biology, Human Biology, or Microbiology provide a foundation in the life sciences.
• Chemistry: General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry are common, often with a focus on how these principles apply to health.
• English Composition: English Comp, as well as an English elective, are often required.
• Humanities: Course options often include History, Philosophy, Spanish, or Humanities 101.
• Mathematics: At Goodwin, students can complete Mathematical Applications for the Health Sciences to support their future careers.
• Social Science: Specific course subjects might include Psychology or Sociology.
• Statistics: This course will likely touch on topics related to health data analysis.

Health Science Major Courses:

After setting the foundation for your major, you will then dive into industry-specific coursework—topics that apply directly to the Health Science field. For example, Health Science major courses will often include:

• Exploration of Careers in Healthcare: Explores the characteristics, qualifications, and competencies needed in a variety of healthcare professions, as well as prepares students with skills in professional communication and care delivery.
• Health and Wellness: Reviews healthy lifestyle goals, including nutrition and exercise, as well as risk factors for poor health, such as substance use and mental illness. This course also covers patient education techniques.
• Healthcare Delivery System: Review the state of healthcare delivery in the U.S., its impact on patients, and opportunities for future change.
• Introduction to Healthcare: Overview of the healthcare field, career options, and current issues affecting the healthcare system.
• Medical Law and Ethics: Addresses the legal and ethical responsibilities, as well as the civic duties, of a healthcare professional.
• Medical Terminology: Teaches the language used by healthcare professionals.
• Public Health: Get an Introduction to Public Health, or explore specific topics such as Health Promotion, Public Health Informatics, and Ethics in Public Health.
• Research Methods: Learn how research is conducted and how to apply that knowledge to practice in a health setting.
• Senior Capstone or Internship: At the culmination of a Health Science degree program, seniors have the opportunity to complete a capstone or internship. An internship typically takes place in a real career environment, where you are supervised by a health professional but can put your learned knowledge to practice. A capstone course, meanwhile, allows you to integrate your knowledge to apply theory and principles learned to a practical situation: Students identify a current issue in healthcare and use their knowledge to create a comprehensive examination and solution.

While courses may vary by program, depending on whether you’re pursuing an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, you can expect an education that prepares you for various roles in the healthcare industry (or, alternatively, for further study in graduate school).

Learn more about a Health Science degree here!

The benefits of a Health Science major

Versatility

As you can gather, a Health Science major is versatile and all-encompassing, teaching a variety of sub-disciplines that all involve the application of science to health. In a Health Science major, you can explore various aspects of the healthcare field and take courses that best meet your educational and professional goals.

Practical Experience

You can also look forward to hands-on, practical experience in health science if that aligns with your career interests. As noted above, Health Science majors have the opportunity to complete an internship experience. At Goodwin, this 150-hour internship is designed to give students hands-on experience at a health service organization in Connecticut and encourages them to demonstrate competencies in a real-world, health science setting.

Flexibility

Unlike many other medical fields, Health Science programs are usually flexible. Goodwin’s Health Science curriculum, for example, is full of options for aspiring health professionals and can be completed in a variety of different ways. If you choose a Health Science major here, you will have the flexibility to complete classes on days, evenings, and weekends, as well as on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format.

Different Degree Options

There are multiple degree options you can pursue in Health Science, each preparing you to fulfill different roles in the industry. At Goodwin University, you can choose between an associate or bachelor’s degree program. Our associate degree in Health Science is a great choice for those who already hold a license or certificate in a related field, or who want to qualify for an entry-level position in healthcare. Our bachelor’s degree in Health Science, meanwhile, is an interdisciplinary major designed for those looking for advancement opportunities as well as for students just beginning their careers in healthcare.

What can you do as a Health Science major?

Often, those who choose a Health Science major know they want to make an impact in the lives of others, but do not always know exactly what the career outcome will be. If you do not have eyes on a specific profession just yet, rest assured this major will qualify you for many different roles and occupations. Common career options for Health Science majors include, but are not limited to:

• Biostatistician
• Community health specialist
• Cytotechnologist
• Epidemiologist
• Healthcare administrator
• Health educator
• Health science writer
• Mental health counselor
• Patient care advocate
• Research associate
• Substance abuse counselor
• And more!

Is a Health Science major right for you?

With a Health Science major, you will be well-prepared to apply scientific learnings to clinical and practical settings in the healthcare industry. You will leave ready to help improve the health and well-being of others—a core reason why so many enter the profession (and love what they do!). The skills and knowledge gained in a Health Science degree program are universal, and as the demand for health services increases, this career path is one of the greatest you can take.

If you feel ready to start your journey, or wish to learn more about the Health Science major at Goodwin University, do not hesitate to reach out. Request more information online today!