Health Sciences (B.S.) Overview

Why a Health Science (B.S.) Degree is Right for You

The Health Sciences (B.S.)  degree program, housed in the School of Health Sciences and grounded in the university’s Liberal Arts Core, provides students resources for developing professional skills in:

• exercise testing
• physical activity leadership
• health and fitness assessment
• exercise programming
• wellness coaching
• public health.

Graduates are prepared for positions in community health and athletic clubs and corporate fitness and wellness program in the following areas:

• beginning administrative
• supervision
• leadership

The program also prepares graduates for undertaking graduate study in:

• health education
• exercise science
• occupational therapy
• athletic training
• chiropractic medicine
• physical therapy
• public health
• Qualified students may apply for an accelerated (5 year) B.S. to M.S. program in Public Health Education and Promotion.

Students will choose from four emphasis areas in the Health Sciences major:

• EXERCISE SCIENCE/STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING TRACK
  For those interested in careers as:
  • exercise specialists for youth, adult, geriatric, and special populations, including those with medically controlled diseases
  • personal trainers
  • exercise physiologists
  • Students taking this emphasis are strongly encouraged to consider the accelerated B.S. to M.S. program in Public Health Education and Promotion

• PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY TRACK
  For those interested in careers in:
  • Physical Therapy
  • Qualified incoming students may be eligible for the PT Scholars Program which guarantees admission to Marymount’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.
• PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRACK
  For those interested in pursuing careers in:
  • Athletic Training
  • Chiropractic
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Other health science careers
• PUBLIC HEALTH TRACK
  • students in this emphasis area are strongly encouraged to apply for the combined BS to MS in Public Health Education and Promotion Program.
  • See details in the current catalog.

MINORS

Health Science (B.S) students may also obtain minors in two areas:

• Public Health
• Strength and Conditioning

CERTIFICATION PREPARATION

Upon completion of the program, students will be qualified to sit for the following certifications:

• • Exercise Physiologist or Personal Trainer certifications by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
  • Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing

STUDENT OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Health Sciences program, students will be able to:

• demonstrate the knowledge required to function as competent entry-level professionals in the health/fitness industry;
• demonstrate competence in using equipment, industry tools/inventories, and/or other practical “hands-on” applications typically used in health and wellness settings and/or clinical settings;
• demonstrate the ability to effectively educate and/or counsel individuals regarding behavior modification for the promotion of health and wellness;
• apply ethical standards to the conduct of health and wellness programs; and
• evaluate information to address the health needs/concerns of individuals or groups.

For questions, please contact the Health and Human Performance Program at:

• hhp@marymount.edu
• 703-908-7862