This program is for individuals with an earned Associate of Arts, Allied Arts, Science or Allied Science degree who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science with a health studies major. Courses are offered over 3 semesters in 8-week online sessions that cater to the demanding schedules of working professionals. The option to enroll full-time or part-time lets a student progress through the program at the pace that fits their individual needs. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months, or four semesters, or can take as long as necessary to fit into one’s schedule. The average program completion rate is two to three years. The program integrates knowledge from the liberal arts and sciences with core courses in research, quality improvement and leadership and management.
Conditional Acceptance Policy for the B.S. Health Studies program:
- The admissions counselor verifies the student is in the final semester of a program, or within 18 credits of graduating from an associate degree program.
- Student holds a cumulative GPA above a 2.5 from college/university
- Student will need to submit the online application. The application contains no disciplinary issues or criminal record that would need to be reviewed by Admissions.
- Student provides transcripts showing completion of the associate degree program before enrolling at Colby-Sawyer. Students could start with a course as a non-degree student until their official transcript has been received.
- If official transcripts are not received, the admissions counselor will follow up with the incoming student 2 weeks before courses start to verify.
If the student does not meet these conditions by the end of the add/drop date for the session to which they are applying, their conditional acceptance will be rescinded, and they will be withdrawn from courses. The student may be considered for future entry points if they fulfill the admission requirements.
Academic Policies Specific to B.S. in Health Studies Program
- B.S. Health Studies students must complete all liberal education requirements and HEA coursework prior to taking HEA 486 (Capstone).
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in the major is required for graduation.
Upon completion of degree requirements, students are able to:
- Identify common terminology, tools and practices used in health and wellness systems.
- Synthesize various theories of human behavior among societal cohorts.
- Describe potential risks to wellness stemming from behavioral, environmental and societal factors.
- Practice appropriate scientific inquiry, mathematical fluency and research techniques for problem solving.
- Assess internal and external issues regarding technology, demographics, regulatory and other influences as they impact health and wellness systems and activities.
- Communicate effectively in writing, orally and electronically with all members of the interdisciplinary health and wellness team, including clients, families, communities and their support systems.
- Demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors that incorporate clients’ rights and professional codes and standards.
- Use critical inquiry and information technology to participate in quality improvement processes.
B.S. Health Studies Program Progress to Completion Requirements:
The following free elective courses can be used to follow pathways related to the major:
Pre-nursing pathway:
Administrative pathway:
Please contact the director of professional learning, School of Nursing & Health Sciences for individual advising.