Bachelor of Science
Health Science
Creating Healthier Communities
JWU Charlotte 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. Gain knowledge that will help prepare you for an entry-level career in healthcare or for graduate studies in fields such as medicine, physical therapy, public health, occupational therapy or other healthcare-related studies.
Along with basic lab techniques, you will learn how to evaluate, present and analyze data while gaining the intervention skills set to examine populations, evaluate data, identify problems and develop solutions — all with a focus on taking care of people in a range of medical specialties. You are invited to present your findings to the public at the annual Student Research, Design and Innovation Symposium.
JWU’s personalized instruction and small class sizes 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. Having developed close relationships with local organizations such as Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, our faculty have the connections to introduce you to the field and can help you develop your research skills through directed learning — or even the experience of publishing your findings in scientific literature.
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Continuing Your Education at JWU
Students can earn a combined Health Science B.S./Public Health M.P.H. in as little as five years at Johnson & Wales University. where you can complete your degree online and through virtual classes.
Qualified students can complete five core M.P.H. graduate courses that will count toward their undergraduate Health Science degree.
How JWU Prepares You for the Health Sciences
JWU 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 working on health science projects at JWU or for local departments of health or medical centers. Students are encouraged to pursue their research interests, which might look like conducting lycopene research or working with an anesthesiologist to gain hands-on experience. In this program, you will also:
- Become prepared for a career in healthcare or for graduate studies in fields such as medicine, occupational therapy, public health, physical therapy, clinical nutrition and dietetics, and nursing
- 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 to internships to study abroad
- Be eligible for an accelerated pathway into JWU’s Master of Public Health program, which includes a Wildcat discount on tuition
Student Research in Health Science
Cancer Awareness & Detection
Health Science students Gabby Tully ’26 and Payton Abrams ’26 researched the advantages associated with early detection methods for colon cancer. Gabby and Payton note, “Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing epidemiological data, sociocultural factors, and healthcare policies, this project endeavors to contribute vital insights toward optimizing colon cancer prevention and management strategies. Ultimately, our findings aspire to empower individuals and healthcare professionals in implementing effective interventions that foster early detection, thereby mitigating the burden of colon cancer on individuals and society as a whole.”
Undergraduate Research
“I chose to do research because of the high-level equipment we have in the labs. I have been working on isolating lycopene from tomatoes, and as I continue, I will work onto more complex compounds! I am very lucky to be able to have these opportunities in the College of Health & Wellness here at JWU, and I have loved every minute of it!”
- Trinity Knauf ’25, Health Science major
Sample Courses
- Introduction to Health Professions
- Epidemiology
- Research Methods for Health Science
- Determinants of Health
- Data and Evidence in Health: Research Capstone
In addition to classes, free elective credits 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. View the JWU Catalog for a full course listing:
Career Possibilities
- Anesthesia Technician
- Cytotechnician
- Clinical Nutritionist/Dietician
- Health Education Specialist
- Microbiologist
- Physician Assistant
- Public Health Specialist
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.
Associate Professor, Department Chair
Roy enjoys teaching chemistry courses at JWU. He held positions in teaching and research, including examining the isolation of anti-cancer compounds from marine organisms, at Duke University for 20 years.
Assistant Professor
Audrey’s graduate research was in both microbiology and molecular biology, focusing on breast cancer research. She spent 16 years working and consulting in the fields of clinical molecular genetics, cytogenetics and molecular cytogenetics.
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