Duquesne's Health Sciences major is a four-year (120 credits) program resulting in students earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. The Health Sciences major will provide students with an interdisciplinary experience where they are prepared to pursue career opportunities in health & exercise science, medical sciences, and global healthcare. Our graduates will be positioned to pursue health science industry certifications and credentials, seek gainful employment in the health sciences, and/or pursue professional graduate education programs in health science-related disciplines.

The overarching objective of the Health Sciences major is to prepare evidence-based, patient-centered healthcare professionals who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to shape and actively contribute to the dynamic healthcare system. The program offers both traditional freshmen admissions, as well as a secondary admissions process, to capture students that are considering careers in the health professions.

The Health Sciences program will offer students a curricular framework that will enable them to complete University general education requirements, basic science coursework and foundational health science coursework, while customizing their educational plan in preparation for a health-related career or healthcare professional degree pursuit. Further, students will have opportunities to complete coursework that will equip them with marketable skill sets, making them employable both while in school (i.e. EMT certification) and following degree completion.

Duquesne University admits students directly into the Health Sciences major as freshmen. Admitted students must meet all Rangos School of Health Sciences (RSHS) admissions requirements, have evidence of extracurricular and/or work experiences during high school, and have the ability to meet all the programmatic, medical and performance/technical standards of the program. Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA and must maintain a 2.0 major GPA. Additionally, students must achieve a ‘C' grade or better in all courses required for the major. Students may transfer into the program based upon their academic standing, ability to meet the programmatic, medical and technical standards of the program, and appropriate past course work. Transfer and second degree students must have a minimum QPA of 2.75 and have demonstrated "B" grades or better in their science courses.

Health Sciences Program Outcomes

  1. Develop competent healthcare professionals prepared to conduct comprehensive health, wellness and fitness assessments, develop and implement programming to address client and/or population needs, and assess client and/or population outcomes.
  2. Foster the development of critical thinking when making decisions related to all aspects of healthcare.
  3. Promote the value, importance and synthesis of research and evidence when developing client/population-based intervention strategies. 
  4. Instill an understanding and appreciation of interdisciplinary/interprofessional practice across healthcare.
  5. Prepare students for professional certifications and entry-level professional careers, health science-related professions, allied health fields, and/or graduate education.
  6. Impart an awareness of global healthcare with an emphasis on inclusion, equity, ethics and multicultural sensitivity. 

Health Sciences Curriculum

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences - 120 Credits

Bridges Common Learning Experience - 30 Credits

  • Writing & Analysis (BRDG 101) 3 cr.
  • Writing & Literature (BRDG 102) 3 cr.
  • Essential Questions (EQ XXX) 3 cr.
  • Intro to Ethical Reasoning (BRDG 105) 3 cr.
  • Cultural Fluency & Responsiveness 3 cr.
  • Communication & Creative Expression 3 cr.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving 3 cr.
  • Ethical Reasoning & Moral Responsibility 3 cr.
  • Theology Requirement 3 cr.
  • Philosophy Requirement 3 cr.

Science, Math & Humanities Courses- 38 Credits

  • Biology I: Cells, Genetics, Development/Lab (BIOL 111/111L) 4 cr.
  • Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, Evolution/Lab (BIOL 112/112L) 4 cr.
  • Anatomy & Physiology I/Lab BIOL 207/208 (BIOL 207/208) 4 cr.
  • Anatomy & Physiology II/Lab BIOL 209/210 (BIOL 209/210) 4 cr.
  • Fundamentals of Chemistry I/Lab (CHEM 131/131L) 5 cr. AND Fundamentals of
  • Chemistry II/Lab (CHEM 132/132L) 5 cr. OR
  • General Chemistry I/Lab (CHEM 121/121L/121R) 5 cr. AND General Chemistry II/Lab (CHEM 122/122L/122R) 5 cr.
  • Physics for Life Sciences I (PHYS 201/201L) 4 cr.
  • Introduction to Biostatistics (MATH 225) 3 cr.
  • Introduction to Psychology (PSYC 101) 3 cr.
  • Principles of Research (HLTS 430) 3 cr.

RSHS Courses - 28 Credits

  • Introduction to Health & Exercise Science (HLTS 115) 1 cr.
  • Elements of HS, Info Literacy & Scientific Terminology (HLTS 120) 3 cr.
  • Current Concepts in Sports Medicine/Lab (HLTS 225/225L) 3 cr.
  • Tests & Measures/Lab (HLTS 311/311L) 3 cr.
  • Strength & Conditioning/Lab (HLTS 312/312L) 3 cr.
  • Kinesiology & Functional Biomechanics/Lab (HLTS 437/437L) 3 cr.
  • Nutrition & Weight Management with Lab (ATHT 402W/402L) 3 cr.
  • Physiology of Exercise/Lab (ATHT 407W/407L) 3 cr.
  • Introduction to Epidemiology (PBHL 301) 3 cr.
  • Healthcare Delivery and Organization (PBHL 318) 3 cr.

Health Sciences Electives - 12 Credits

  • BLS - Emergency Medical Technician (ATHT 400L) 3 cr.
  • Integrated Training & Performance (ATHT 420) 3 cr.
  • Functional Anatomy (HLTS 240) 3 cr.
  • Physics for Life Sciences II/Lab (PHYS 202/L) 4 cr.
  • Biological Science Courses (BIOL) 3-4 cr.
  • Chemistry Courses (CHEM) 3-4 cr.
  • Global Health Courses (GLBH) 3 cr.
  • Health Administration Courses (HADM) 3 cr.
  • Healthcare Ethics Courses (HCE) 3 cr.
  • Public Health Courses (PBHL) 3 cr.
  • Psychology Courses (PSYC) 3 cr.

Open Electives - 15 Credits

Health Sciences Graduation Requirements

A student who has completed all requirements with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA will receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree.