Health Science

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) provides students with an interdisciplinary foundation that prepares them for a career in a health profession, or the pursuit of further graduate study or a professional degree. The BSHS degree serves as the prerequisite coursework for students admitted to the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program (3+2) at Valparaiso University as well as avenue for the Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program (3+3). In the BSHS program, students will follow a curriculum comprised of general education, health science, and interprofessional requirements, in addition to courses that will provide a strong science background.

Purpose

The purpose of the BSHS degree is to prepare graduates to pursue positions within varied healthcare environments.

Objectives

The B.S. in Health Science graduate will:

Demonstrate proficiency in foundational knowledge and skills required for healthcare providers.
Engage in critical thinking, communication, change, and lifelong learning.
Integrate professional healthcare ethics, values, service, and leadership skills.
Evaluate the influences of culture, economics, ethics, law, policy, and technology on the health of persons.
Through experiential learning, promote the health of persons in dynamic healthcare environments.

Requirements for Admission to the Health Science Program

All students applying for the Health Science (HS) degree must meet the required admissions standards. Freshman students who have been admitted to the Health Science program and declare the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) program as their goal, may be eligible for direct admission. This assumes that they meet the progression requirements, meet the criteria for the graduate program, and seats are available. If seats in the MSPA program are not available, students can still be admitted into the HS standalone degree. The HS degree can be a precursor to the following graduate programs at Valparaiso University, Master of Healthcare Administration (MHCA), Master of Public Health (MPH), or Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (ODT).

First-year admission into HS
- Biology, Chemistry, and science with a lab senior year
- Math senior year
- 3.000 GPA and above
- No grades below C-
First-year admission into 3+2 (Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies)
- See Physician Assistant Program - Undergraduate Admission webpage
Internal Transfer to HS
- Minimum criteria for internal transfer admission is a cumulative 3.000 GPA, lab science 3.000 GPA, and grade requirements as noted in Progression Standards below.

Lab Science Transfer Credit

The BSHS degree allows transfer credit or dual-credit for Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II (BIO 151 and BIO 152 ) only. Students meeting this criteria must receive a minimum GPA of 3.000 (B) average or higher in these courses. Students who do not come in with transfer credit or dual-credit for Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II prior to starting the Health Science program are required to register for BIO 151 and BIO 152 through Valparaiso University. All other lab sciences must be taken at Valparaiso University. For AP and transfer credit other than the lab sciences, please refer to the University policy.

Progression

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.000 and a minimum of 3.000 GPA in all required Health Science (HS) and Interprofessional Education (IPE) courses. Students must also earn a 3.000 GPA average between BIO 151 and BIO 152 , then maintain a minimum of a 3.000 GPA in all required lab science courses and earn a grade of no less than C (2.000) in all required HS, IPE, PHS, XS, and science courses (including PSY 110 , PSY 201 , and PSY 215 ) to remain in the program. HS and IPE courses may not be repeated more than once.

Dismissal from the BSHS program will occur when a student earns two infractions. Infractions include: a grade of less than C (2.000) in any required HS and IPE courses, BIO 151 , BIO 152 , BIO 210 , BIO 270 , CHEM 121 , CHEM 122 , CHEM 221 , PHS 101 , PSY 110 , PSY 201 , PSY 215 , and XS 250 ; a cumulative GPA less than 3.000; a cumulative GPA less than 3.000 in all required lab science courses; or a cumulative GPA less than 3.000 in HS and IPE courses. Students who are dismissed from the program do have an opportunity to appeal the decision with the College of Nursing and Health Professions Academic Standards Committee.

Over the course of the program, students are required to present evidence of specific requirements (i.e., criminal background check and a negative drug screen). Students should refer to the most recent COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC GUIDE for complete requirements.

Course Intensification

A health science student may propose a special project for earning one extra credit in one health science course in which they are enrolled in a given semester. The following regulations pertain to this option for a student:

Student must have a health science GPA of 3.000 or above.
The course must be offered in the College of Nursing and Health Professions for 3 or more credits.
Student must meet with the academic advisor to determine if course intensification is appropriate. The initiative and responsibility for developing a satisfactory proposal lies with the student.
Student must submit a one-page proposal for the intensification project and the petition online. It will be forwarded to the advisor, the instructor of the course, and the dean for approval.

Minor

A health science student may declare a minor provided that no more than six credit hours of courses required for the Health Science major are used in fulfilling the requirements of the minor. The minor is noted on the student’s academic record.

Transportation

Students are responsible for transportation to and from all field experiences. Students will be required to participate in a wide range of experiences; consequently, access to a car is necessary in most field experience courses.

Association of Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

All HS students are invited to join this interprofessional association in the College of Nursing and Health Professions.