Health Sciences
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus, Lima
School: Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Ohio State's health sciences program is a foundational undergraduate degree that introduces students to the health care field and provides in-depth science learning. Graduates go on to work in health care positions or pursue professional and graduate programs such as medicine, dentistry, occupational therapy, athletic training, physical therapy and dietetics.
Students in the health sciences program know their professors and advisors. They ensure that students make the most of the rich resources the university and our medical center have to offer.
Admitted first-year students begin in pre-health sciences. There they complete the prerequisite course work necessary to apply to the health sciences major.
Admission to the health sciences program is based on academic achievement, including prerequisite courses and the student’s overall cumulative grade-point average. Students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline to the health sciences program. Applications are accepted for each term.
Applicants who wish to apply must complete all prerequisite courses with a C- or higher prior to beginning program course work. Specific prerequisite courses are located on the website.
Prospective students interested in meeting with an HRS pre-major advisor may call 614-292-1706 to arrange an appointment.
Before being admitted to the health sciences major, students complete general education course work and prerequisite requirements that include: math, anatomy, physiology and natural sciences. Once admitted, students complete core health sciences courses (such as epidemiology, research, statistics and ethics), major electives and minor course work. They can also complete graduate school prerequisite course work, if applicable.
The health sciences curriculum includes a broad spectrum of courses, including pathophysiology, health care systems, public policy, management principles and health care law.
Students are required to select and complete a minor in order to be eligible for graduation. Students may choose any minor offered at the university or may elect to use a previously earned associate degree in its place.
Students in the health sciences major are encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs to find study abroad experiences related to health care that can strengthen their applications to majors and graduate study programs.
Health sciences students have the option to complete course work that includes an internship. The course would include field experience in a health care system, highlighting health management, health and wellness, or other health sciences. Students may also participate in non-credit experiences.
The Honors Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences enhances the student experience in many ways, all of which further prepare students for the next step in their academic or professional careers. Activities eligible for Honors designation include service projects, study abroad, leadership in student organizations and research. For additional information regarding eligibility and requirements, please visit our website.
The Health Sciences Scholars Program and the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars Program may be of particular interest to students interested in the major because they bring together students with interests in the many health programs offered at Ohio State.
Learn more about the Honors and Scholars Programs at honors-scholars.osu.edu.
Students are encouraged to investigate research opportunities. Interested students can graduate with research distinction by completing an undergraduate research thesis. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements can be found on our website.
Students in the health sciences program can live in the Future Health Professionals Learning Community. Students may also apply to participate in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Ambassadors program.
Health sciences graduates will find many opportunities to serve as managers, directors, administrative coordinators and even consultants in managed care organizations, home health care agencies and physician group practices. Graduates will also find employment as health educators, volunteer managers, grant writers and coordinators in community agencies, nonprofit organizations, wellness programs, public health departments, and corporate wellness centers.
Additionally, a major in health sciences also provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, medicine and similar fields.
The median annual wage for health care practitioners and technical occupations (such as registered nurses, physicians, surgeons and dental hygienists) is $77,760. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of health care occupations will grow 13% from 2021 to 2031 and add approximately 1.9 million jobs, a much faster rate of increase than the average for all occupations. Health care occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups.
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Future students
Academic info
Health sciences students are eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist examination, a national credential that may give them a competitive advantage when applying for jobs, if they complete specific courses during their degree program.
A comprehensive academic visit for prospective students can include receiving information about the program, student financial aid, honors and scholars, and campus involvement opportunities. As you plan your visit, you may have the opportunity to attend an academic overview. Interested students should visit campusvisit.osu.edu for more information.
If a session is not available during the visit, please call 614-292-1706 to arrange an appointment with an HRS advisor. To guarantee an appointment, please call at least a week ahead of time.
Interested in a career in health care?
Check out the Health Care Pathway to discover the many majors Ohio State offers that can lead to a health care career.