Offered by: Department of Health Sciences
Program Director: Toby Spiegel, MA, PsyD
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) is a 60-credit degree completion program designed for students who have previously earned at least 60 undergraduate credit hours from another institution(s). Applicants who have fewer than 60 credits may be granted contingent admission into the program and may complete up to 12 credits through SCU to complete program admission requirements. The program prepares graduates for a variety of health careers or for graduate study in a health-related field.
Flexible concentrations: Students have a variety of concentrations to choose from. Concentrations can provide a foundation for entry-level jobs in healthcare, qualification for graduate study, eligibility to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist® examination, and/or pathways and advanced standing into SCU degree programs such as Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and Human Genetics and Genomics.
Flexible schedules: The BSHS program admits students 6 times per year; new students start about every 2 months and can enter the program in the first or second half of any term. Additionally, courses are scheduled and delivered to provide a high degree of flexibility for students:
Core courses (48 credits) are delivered online (asynchronously) in 7 modules within 7 ½-week blocks. Each module may include peer-to-peer discussion board posts and replies, self-directed exercises, written assignments, quizzes, case studies, mid-term and/or final exams. Supportive faculty are there all along the way. Full-time students take two core courses per 7 ½-week block.
Concentration courses (12 credits) are 5 weeks, 7 ½ weeks, or 15 weeks in length, and vary in delivery model (from fully online asynchronous, to online interactive, on-ground, and blended). Students choose the concentration that best aligns with their scheduling and academic needs and interests. Concentrations may be completed in one term, typically the final term of the program.
Contingent admission courses (when applicable) are delivered online (asynchronously) on 5-week block schedules.
The BSHS program typically takes five terms, or 20 months, to complete for students who choose to enroll full-time. The time it takes to complete the degree may vary based upon the number of transfer credits awarded, whether or not the student chooses to enroll full time, and other factors.
The BSHS program provides an effective, flexible, and efficient way for students to complete their degrees.
(updated 12/20/2023)
- Biological Science Knowledge: Graduates will apply knowledge of the principles and processes of the basic sciences and scientific methods.
- Integrative Health Knowledge: Graduates will analyze health issues and policies based on an integrated interdisciplinary approach.
- Information Literacy: Graduates will understand technology’s impact on information-gathering and fact-finding and be able to use technology to assess scientific and technical literature.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Graduates will apply basic logic, mathematical reasoning, and statistical analysis to problem solving.
- Critical Thinking: Graduates will engage in critical thinking, reflection, and problem solving through evidence-based practice.
- Communication Effectiveness: Graduates will professionally construct and express their ideas, thoughts, and concepts through written and verbal communication.
- Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate professional ethics, lifelong learning, self-awareness and academic integrity.
- Cultural and Social Understanding: Graduates will demonstrate cultural competence by recognizing the cultural beliefs, values, health equity, and health practices of diverse populations to improve health access and outcomes.
Applicants for the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences must submit the following documents to being considered for admission:
- Completed application.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- GPA: A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 grade scale from previous undergraduate coursework.
- Applicants with a GPA below 2.0 may be admitted with the approval of the Program Director.
- Credits: Successful completion of a minimum 60 semester credits (90 quarter credits) from an accredited institution (accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or an equivalent foreign agency).
- Applicants with a minimum of 48 credits from an accredited institution may be eligible for Contingent Admission, described below.
- General Education: Completion of a minimum 48 semester credits (72 quarter credits) of general education courses with a grade of C or better. These general education credits must include the following:
- Minimum of 6 semester credits of English Communication, Composition, or Critical Thinking
- Minimum of 3 semester credits of Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
- Minimum of 9 semester credits of Arts and Humanities
- Minimum of 9 semester credits of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Minimum of 7 semester credits of Physical and Biological Sciences
- Applicants who do not meet the General Education requirement may be eligible for Contingent Admission, as described below.
- Advanced Placement (AP) exams, ACE Credit Recommendations, and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) may be accepted for the General Education requirement in fulfillment of lower division general education courses:
- ACE Credit Recommendations may be accepted on a case-by-case review.
- Advanced Placement (AP) exams may be accepted on a case-by-case review. To meet the General Education requirement, the College Board Advanced Placement Tests (AP) course must fulfill the General Education course requirement and have a score of 3 or higher to be accepted for credit.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) may be accepted on a case-by-case review. To meet the General Education requirement, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examination must have a passing score of at least 50. Up to 30 credits may be accepted. Credit for Advanced Placement examinations is not included in this limit. CLEP exam scores cannot be older than 10 years.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Applicants who need up to 12 credits of General Education coursework or other coursework may be granted contingent admission into the program and may complete up to 12 credits through SCU. Accepted students work with the Program Director to create a schedule that supports success. Contingent admission to complete needed credits for admission must be fulfilled by the end of the second term.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences may be conferred upon those who have fulfilled the following requirements:
- Completed 120 credits with a minimum of 48 credits earned at SCU
- Completed a concentration (12 credits)
- Earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Completed all degree requirements within 7 years of matriculation
- Submitted a Petition to Graduate
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Concentrations
Students must select from one of the offered concentrations. Students are encouraged to declare their concentration at the time of admission and are required to do so through the Office of the Registrar no later than the end of their second term.
Health Education Concentration
Human Genetics and Genomics Concentration
Students admitted into the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics program who complete the Human Genetics and Genomics concentration with a grade of B or better in all courses qualify for Advanced Standing in the Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics program. Student will receive a Certificate in Human Genetics and Genomics.
Students work with the Program Director or Academic Advisor to identify 12 credits from Human Genetics and Genomics program courses to fulfill the concentration requirement.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Eastern Medicine Concentration
Students admitted into the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine OR Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine program who complete the Eastern Medicine concentration with a grade of B or better in all courses qualify for advanced standing in the respective Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine program.
Students work with the Program Director or Academic Advisor to identify 12 credits from Chinese Medicine courses to fulfill the concentration requirement.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Chiropractic Sciences Concentration
Students admitted into the Doctor of Chiropractic program who complete the Chiropractic Sciences concentration courses with a grade of B or better qualify for Advanced Standing in the Doctor of Chiropractic program.
Students work with the Program Director or Academic Advisor to identify 12 credits from Doctor of Chiropractic courses to fulfill the concentration requirement.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Ayurvedic Sciences Concentration
This concentration provides a basic understanding of the foundational principles of Ayurveda, the Ayurvedic approach to diet and lifestyle practices for health promotion and wellness care.
Students admitted into the Ayurvedic Wellness Educator program who complete the Ayurvedic Sciences concentration courses with a grade of C or better qualify for Advanced Standing in the Ayurvedic Wellness Educator program.
Students work with the Program Director or Academic Advisor to identify 12 credits from Ayurevedic Wellness Educator certificate program courses to fulfill the concentration requirement.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Pre-Professional Customized Concentration
Students work with the Program Director or Academic Advisor to identify 12 credits from a list of elective courses to create a customized concentration to fulfill the concentration requirement.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Integrative Nutrition and Wellness Concentration
Integrative nutrition is a blend of traditional nutrition therapy with other approaches, looking beyond symptoms to investigate the root cause, includes practices not traditionally part of conventional medicine.
Students work with the Program Director or Academic Advisor to identify 12 credits to fulfill the concentration requirement.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Health Promotion Concentration
This concentration will provide an introductory background to the concepts and evidence-base of integrative health concepts and therapies for improving personal and community wellness.
Students work with the Program Director or Academic Advisor to identify 12 credits to fulfill the concentration requirement.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Functional Anatomy Concentration
Functional Anatomy uses the basic structural knowledge provided in Human Anatomy to develop an understanding of the functional significance of the structures of the musculoskeletal system, within a movement setting (covering mechanical properties and functional characteristics).
Students work with the Program Director or Academic Advisor to identify 12 credits to fulfill the concentration requirement.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Psychology Concentration
This concentration emphasizes helping individuals cope with everyday life stressors and challenges. Students in the psychology concentration learn how to provide guidance and support to clients dealing with personal issues, relationship problems, and motivational interviewing skills.
Students work with the Program Director or Academic Advisor to identify 12 credits to fulfill the concentration requirement.
Updated 12/20/2023)
In addition to meeting the University’s policies related to transfer credit, the BSHS program accepts ACE Credit Recommendation courses and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations in fulfillment of lower division general education courses. The program requires a passing score of at least 50 on the CLEP exam and accepts up to 30 credits. Credit for Advanced Placement examinations is not included in this limit. CLEP exam scores cannot be older than 10 years.
Applicants may be eligible to transfer up to 72 credits (up to 60 credits required for admission requirements, and up to 12 credits of upper division course work as Advanced Standing).
(Updated 12/20/2023)
The following residency requirements apply to students in the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program:
- All students must complete at least 48 credits at SCU to qualify for degree completion.
(Updated 12/20/2023)
Bachelor of Science in Health Science students are expected to follow the attendance requirements for asynchronous learning. Attendance is based upon timely submission of discussion board posts and responses to peers. Students are expected to be in the discussion boards at a minimum of three days per week (original post and two responses to peers should be submitted on three separate days of the module week).
Courses identified as *IPE are either taken with students from other programs, cover topics relevant to integrative healthcare, or are clinical courses offered in integrative healthcare settings.
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