Department of Biomedical Sciences

The bachelor of science program in health science studies is designed for students entering the School of Health Sciences who have interest in the basic sciences and health-related career paths at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Upon admission, students choosing this option are assigned to academic advisers who will assist them in designing a customized program to meet their career goals.

For many students, the BS in health science studies is a foundation degree, which prepares them for specific graduate programs offered by the University. For example, the 5 1/2 year BS/Masters in Occupational Therapy program, the six- or seven-year entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy program and the 6 year BS/Physician Assistant program will all complete their undergraduate BS in health science studies before entering the professional phase of their program.

Qualified students may complete the BS in health science studies and move directly into graduate programs in Cardiovascular Perfusion (total of six years), Medical Laboratory Sciences (total of five years), or Radiologist Assistant (total of six years); move into the MBA/Health Care Management track in the School of Business (total of five years) or even start classes in their junior year in the Master of Arts in Teaching program (total of five years).

First-year students in the School of Health Sciences who are undecided about professional career goals can use the health science studies major as preparation for entry-level jobs or to graduate study in a field not offered by Quinnipiac such as nutrition, optometry, chiropractic medicine or dentistry. Students will have careful advisement with considerations about personal interests, capabilities and available career opportunities.

Consistent with the four-year specific programs in the basic and health sciences, the School of Health Sciences provides a general first-year experience for the undeclared students. During this time, they pursue work in biology, chemistry, mathematics and the liberal arts while exploring potential areas of concentration. Students are also encouraged to enroll in a career exploration course to help them identify their interests. Given the broad applicability of course work in the first two years of study, it is often quite possible for a student to meet specific program requirements that will enable them to matriculate into a different major in the School of Health Sciences by the end of their sophomore year.

Premedical Studies Program
Students majoring in biomedical sciences may fully participate in the premedical studies program. The curriculum in this degree program can fulfill the science prerequisites for most professional schools. Students interested in the premedical studies program should contact the Health Professions Advisory Committee for further academic advising. 

A total of 122 credits is required for completion of the BS in health science studies.

*Chemistry courses depend in individual major and/or career plan
**Quantitative literacy (math) depends on intended major, career plan and placement

Subsequent Course and GPA Requirements
Following the first year of study, health science studies students meet with their academic advisers and develop a customized plan of study that incorporates their academic and career goals. To remain in good standing within the program, students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 and earn 122 credits for degree completion. Course selections must fulfill the following:

Course Categories:

Basic science core (biology, chemistry & physics) (20 credits)
Health/science electives (30 credits)
Open electives (33 credits)
University curriculum requirements (39 credits)
Total 122