Bachelor of Science
Health Science
Creating Healthier Communities
JWU Providence students experience a truly interdisciplinary Health Science program, bringing together all of JWU’s curriculum resources while giving you flexibility to explore approaches to health and the healthcare industry.
Build a solid foundation for an entry-level position in healthcare or for further education in disciplines such as medicine, physical therapy, public health and occupational therapy. You’ll gain hands-on experience with basic lab techniques and learn to evaluate, present and analyze data. This training will teach you to assess populations, identify issues and devise effective solutions, all centered around compassionate care in diverse medical fields.
Our small class sizes and personalized instruction mean that you will work closely with supportive, industry-knowledgeable faculty who take a personal interest in helping you prepare for wherever your future takes you. Faculty members have also cultivated strong partnerships with local organizations like Brown University Health, Care New England and the Rhode Island Department of Health & Human Services, giving you access to valuable networking opportunities. They can also help you enhance your research skills through guided learning, including the possibility of publishing your research in scientific journals.
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Get Your Master's Faster
Students can earn a combined Health Science B.S./Public Health M.P.H. in as little as five years or a combined Health Science B.S./Occupational Therapy O.T.D. in as little as six years at JWU.
Qualified students can complete five core M.P.H. graduate courses or nine Occupational Therapy doctoral courses that will count toward their undergraduate Health Science degree.
Putting Health Science Skills to Work
Our students are encouraged to become health scientists under the mentorship of research-focused and industry-experience faculty. This means having an opportunity to influence health at every level, whether helping to develop a brief for a local Department of Children, Youth and Families or publishing scientific literature concerning a finding from your project research. Students are encouraged to pursue their research interests, which might look like examining the intersection between traumatic brain injuries and substance abuse or studying the consequences of losing a loved one to COVID-19.
In this program, you will:
- Become prepared for a career in healthcare or for advanced studies in fields such as medicine, occupational therapy, clinical nutrition and dietetics, nursing, mental health counseling, addiction counseling or physical therapy
- Learn how to evaluate, present and analyze data
- Obtain the intervention skills set to examine populations, identify problems and develop solutions
- Identify and complete a full-year research project, presenting your findings to fellow researchers and to the public
- Apply free elective credit to options ranging from Directed Experiential Education (DEE) to internships to study abroad
- Be eligible for an accelerated pathway to JWU’s Master of Public Health program, including a 25% discount for Wildcat alumni
Research in Health Science
Student-Teacher Collaboration
Associate Professor Samantha Rosenthal, Ph.D., MPH, collaborated with three JWU Health Science student interns on starting a pilot study after winning a $311,000 National Institute of Mental Health grant.
Helping Marginalized Populations
While studying Health Science at JWU, Sarah Miller ’24 stepped outside of what she was familiar with, setting out to identify factors associated with avoiding healthcare due to fear of discrimination among sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. Her project won the President’s Award at JWU’s 2024 Student Research, Design & Innovation Symposium.
Sample Courses
- Introduction to Health Professions
- Introduction to Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Research Methods for Health Science
- Determinants of Health
- Data and Evidence in Health: Research Capstone
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Career Possibilities
- Physician Assistant
- Occupational Therapist
- Nurse Practitioner
- Pharmacist
- Medical Laboratory Technician
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
Featured Faculty
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Professor + Department Chair
Cara Sammartino, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., is a health services investigator with experience in developing/analyzing program evaluation data, building analytical models, analyzing state legislation and research effective policy solutions.
Professor
Samantha Rosenthal, Ph.D., M.P.H., worked on pharmaceutical and vaccine development as a chemical engineer and developed novel medical devices and prostheses as a biomedical engineer.
Professor
Jennifer Swanberg, Ph.D. MMHS, OTR/L, is an internationally known scholar dedicated to improving the quality of work life and well-being of vulnerable working populations through research and policy interventions.
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