Health Science (BS)

Affiliation: School of Health Sciences & Education
Degree Offered: Bachelor of Science
Minor Offered: Health Studies 

MISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT

The mission of the Health and Exercise Sciences Department is to prepare students of strong academic ability and character to become agents of change for the health and well-being of all people. 

PHILOSOPHY OF THE DEPARTMENT

The Health and Exercise Sciences faculty and staff are dedicated to providing students with a world-class education in a stimulating and supportive environment. This student-centered philosophy is expressed through an emphasis on problem-based learning, practical experience, and scholarly research that promote a rich learning environment greatly enhancing student development.

THE MAJOR

The Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science is enhanced by a broad liberal arts and sciences background in English, mathematics, biological and physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, together with the specialized courses that comprise the depth of the Health Science major.

The Health Science curriculum is designed to prepare students to promote health in educational or clinical settings in school, community, or public health environments. The undergraduate degree provides training for entry-level positions in municipal, county, state and national health departments, voluntary health agencies and HMOs (health maintenance organizations) as well as the curricular background necessary for graduate work in public health, health administration, occupational therapy, medicine, or physician assistant (PA) programs. The major requires a Public Health Practicum or field experience in which students gain important practical experience directly related to their career interests.

One of the unique features of the Truman Health Science undergraduate experience is the opportunity to actively engage in research. A significant number of Health Science majors present their findings at international, national, state or local professional conferences, or publish their work nationally.

Another unique feature of the Health Science program is its focus on accountability. In addition to the comprehensive testing program of the University, all required Health Science courses incorporate pre/post testing to determine achievement of educational objectives. The Health Science graduate will also demonstrate a high level of health knowledge as well as skills based on the seven Areas of Responsibility of a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), as assessed by a senior exit examination. Health Science faculty and the University have selected and approved the CHES examination as the measure of this competency. This feature affords our students the opportunity to obtain validation of their education through a nationally recognized examination in their specialized field of study. Truman is among only a handful of institutions in the country to provide this opportunity for their Health Science graduates. Additionally, the Health Science Program capstone experience is obtained through the required course of HLTH 440. The Health Science Program is approved by the Society for Public Health Education-American Association of Health Education Baccalaureate Program Approval Committee. 

Outcome Statements for the Health Science Major:

1. Based on a Liberal Arts and Sciences background, demonstrate proficiency in the responsibilities and competencies of the Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES).

1. Assessing individual and community needs for health education
2. Planning effective health education programs
3. Implementing health education programs
4. Conducting evaluation and research related to health
5. Administering health education
6. Serving as a health education resource person
7. Communicating and advocating for health and health education

2. Utilize CHES competencies in the performance of the Core Public Health functions

1. Assessment
2. Community mobilization
3. Policy development and action plan
4. Assurance

3. Apply appropriate research principles and methods in Health Science.
4. Apply CHES competencies through field experiences and community involvement.
5. Articulate the historical and philosophical basis of Health Science. 

Graduation Requirements

1. An overall cumulative 2.0 GPA
2. A 2.0 GPA in all courses completed at Truman
3. A 2.5 GPA in select major, required support, and BS requirements (see major GPA calculation)
4. 40 hours of 300- or higher-level courses
5. 63 hours of liberal arts and sciences coursework
6. Minimum 124 total hours of undergraduate coursework
7. Assessment, residency, and all other requirements as outlined in this catalog
8. Grade of “D” or higher must be achieved in all required support, BS requirements, major and pattern requirements 

HEALTH SCIENCE PATTERN DESCRIPTIONS

To provide the opportunity for students to explore and develop more specialized interests, the Health Science curriculum allows the selection of one career pattern ranging from 22-26 hours. Courses comprising the program patterns are based upon the recommendations of faculty members whose expertise is identified with these specialties. Individualized patterns may also be designed to meet personal goals. The specific courses required for each pattern are listed after the major requirements below.

Community, Worksite, and Public Health (25 Hours): The Community Health Educator may be employed as a disease prevention/health promotion specialist in voluntary agencies (Red Cross, American Lung Association, Women’s Health Clinics, etc.), local agencies (private companies, HMOs, PPOs, hospitals, etc.), county or state agencies (health departments), or federal agencies (CDC, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, etc.). The specific job may be a one-on-one approach (HIV/AIDS Educator) or it may involve an entire state, as in the case of coalition building. Leadership, ability to work independently, health knowledge, and a vast resource library are the principal ingredients that make up the Community Health Educator. It is not unlikely that a person in this position would be responsible for grant proposals or alternative sources of funding, especially when employed with voluntary agencies. In addition, the health educator may have some research and writing responsibilities. Therefore, this individual should have excellent writing and oral communication skills. The expectation of most employers is to minimize or eliminate illness and injury through the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of quality health education/health promotion programs.

Health Administration (25-26 Hours): The individual interested in Health Administration must be able to effectively serve as a supervisor or leader while at the same time answering to the organization or governing body of the particular health facility or voluntary health agency. Managers and supervisors in health administration positions may be called upon any time of the day or week to solve problems; therefore, the individual must be willing to be responsible for a facility that remains open 24 hours per day/7 days per week. This graduate will be prepared to manage a facility/organization/agency that employs a number of the community members from the higher socioeconomic groups (physicians, nurse managers, pharmacists, etc.). These are autonomous people working as a team to provide care for the sick, injured, and debilitated. Considering these facts, the legal concerns that come with the management of such facilities rival any other form of management with regard to liability. The individual should be a highly motivated self-starter to resolve the daily management concerns associated with the health care industry. Additional qualities include a self-paced individual who stays in control under stress, one who possesses excellent communication skills, and has a good general knowledge of health facilities. Some of these qualities can be developed with time and education. Employment opportunities are found in voluntary agencies, health departments, hospitals, state agencies, and federal agencies. Refer to the descriptions above for specific employment opportunities. Entry-level positions may be found in some aspect of personnel management or as an assistant administrator. To be successful, the graduate must have a solid background in human resources, legal aspects of health care, marketing, and health services. Expectations of the employer are to hire an individual who can lead a health care organization in a competent and professional manner. Students must be accepted into the Business Administration Minor before enrolling in any BSAD or ACCT course. A minor in Business Administration will be awarded to students who complete this pattern and satisfy all other requirements for the minor. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to remain in the pattern.

Pre-Medical Sciences (23-24 Hours): The pre-medical sciences is designed to prepare a student to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is required for admission to medical school. Students are required to take course work in biology, chemistry, and physics in addition to the program focus required of a health science major. To be a viable candidate for admission to a graduate program in medicine, a student should maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. (Students must also complete CHEM 120 Chemical Principles I to fulfill the Physical Science Mode of Inquiry requirement. MATH 198 Analytic Geometry & Calculus I is recommended to fulfill the Mathematical Mode of Inquiry/Required Support.)

Pre-Occupational Therapy (22-23 Hours): This pattern is designed to prepare a student for admission into a graduate program in Occupational Therapy. Coursework includes human anatomy and courses in exercise science and psychology. To be a viable candidate for admission to a graduate program in occupational therapy a student should maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher. More information can be obtained online at http://hes.truman.edu/articulation.asp. (SOAN 190 Sociological Inquiry is recommended to fulfill Intercultural Perspective/Required Support.)

Individualized (22 Hours Minimum): The individualized pattern is designed to support the development of special support areas not available from the normal selection. This pattern must be relevant to the career goals of the student and must be one that would logically follow from the courses included with the major. This pattern is not a “catch-all” for courses taken that do not fit the published degree requirements. Individualized patterns must be submitted to the Department Chair by the academic advisor for approval. The individualized pattern should be agreed upon early to facilitate course sequence planning and must be equal or greater in credit hours than the Health Science pattern above with the lowest number of credits listed.  

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS PROGRAM

PURPOSE

To recognize outstanding students in the major.

ELIGIBILITY

Any Health Science major who attains the following will receive Departmental Honors. Students must apply through the Health and Exercise Sciences Department Office during the graduating semester. Applications will be mailed out each semester to degree candidates who qualify for the overall GPA requirement.

1. Major GPA of 3.5 or higher
2. Overall GPA of 3.5 or higher
3. Complete a research project and present at Truman’s Student Research Conference, a professional conference, or publish a paper (a paper that has been submitted or accepted for publication will qualify)*
4. Obtain a passing score on the CHES.
5. Receive concurrence from majority of Health Science, Exercise Science or Athletic Training faculty.

*Present means the individual was a major contributor to the research project (assisted in data collection, assisted in data reduction and analysis, and assisted in preparation of the manuscript, poster or oral presentation). A major contributor is one who participates substantively in all parts of the project, not a person who simply assisted with data collection. The faculty mentor is responsible for verifying level of participation. 

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: