About the B.S. in Health Science (BSHS)

Hofstra University’s Department of Health Professions offers a program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Health Science.  The program is designed for students seeking preparation for graduate study in a broad range of clinical health care professions including:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Veterinary Sciences
• Nursing
• Nutrition
• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant Studies

This undergraduate program integrates these components:

• A comprehensive health core grounded in the concepts of wellness, health promotion and disease prevention.
• A science core designed to meet all the prerequisite course requirements for application to medical school or other clinical study programs.
• An underlying liberal arts core that encourages critical thinking and facilitates overall personal growth and development. 

An integral part of the program is the clinical internship, which enables students to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to practical real-life experiences.  Internships are chosen from a list of approved sited – in consultation with the student’s advisor – to ensure a challenging and rewarding experience. 

Admissions

Admissions
All students interested in majoring in Health Science should complete Hofstra University’s online application or Common Application. Students should declare their intent to major in Health Science so the Center for University Advisement can inform the major program coordinator. In addition to meeting with an Advisement Center counselor, it is recommended that students also make an appointment with the Health Science program director to verify course registration. Acceptance into the major is granted upon the recommendation of the major adviser and department Chairperson. Students must maintain a 2.75 GPA for in-major courses, science requirements, and overall.

For transfers it is important for to contact the Health Science program faculty to discuss potential transfer courses and credits in order to accurately and efficiently advise you regarding progression through the program.

For up to date information about the B.S. in Health Science degree requirements, please see the Hofstra Bulletin.

Career Preparation

Internships
An integral part of the program is the clinical internship, which enables students to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to practical real-life experiences.  Internships are chosen from a list of approved sited – in consultation with the student’s advisor – to ensure a challenging and rewarding experience. 

Related Areas of Study
The Department of Health Professions also offers a Bachelor of Science program in Community Health.  For more information, please visit the Hofstra Bulletin.
           
Health Science majors may elect to minor in Community Health.  Please visit the Hofstra Bulletin for more information. 

The department also offers three graduate programs that students with a B.S. in Health Science would be eligible for.

1. The M.S. in Community Health prepares students for careers in community settings with an emphasis on the skills for planning and implementing health, wellness and disease prevention programs. Graduates are able to plan and coordinate effective health education and health promotion programs and serve as a resource in community health initiatives.
2. The Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) prepares students to become competent and culturally sensitive healthcare administrators and managers. Students learn to analyze the range of factors involved in providing high quality, affordable care to patients. Graduates of the program manage a broad range of healthcare facilities across the continuum of care.
3. The Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) teaches students to apply theory and research to develop policy, promote wellness and improve the overall health of the community and population. Students are prepared for careers in public health practice and research in community, government and private sector settings. 

Learn more about Community Health students

Coming soon!

Student Organizations
Click the links for the following registered student groups to learn more about their goals, leadership, and how to get involved:

Hofstra Health and Wellness Club
This organization seeks to raise funds and spread awareness on campus for both local and global health issues. 

Hofstra Rotaract Club
Rotaract members raise money for local and global health-related charities and promote overall wellness to the surrounding community. Rotaract is a Rotary-Sponsored service club for young men and women.

Eta Sigma Gamma Honor Society
The mission of the honorary society is promotion of the discipline by elevating the standards, ideals, competence, and ethics of professionally prepared men and women in Health Education.

In the news
Congratulations to the Hofstra Health & Wellness Club for placing 1st the 2012 Issue Alley! 

This year’s event was held on the day of the presidential debate and provided a great opportunity for student clubs to educate others on the election-related issue that they are most passionate about. Each student organization was provided with a table to display their issues' significance to the Presidential election and the series of debates. Students presented interactive displays about the issues they care about most and promoted their causes.

Hofstra Health & Wellness club presented an interactive game called "Gamble on Your Health, Health Care 2012," which was based on the board game, LIFE. Students had the opportunity to pick a unique persona and try to collect as much money as they could to purchase health insurance and realize how difficult or easy it may be to acquire health insurance. There was an interactive roulette wheel to spin along with dice, which was part of the game. An informative Power Point Presentation provided definitions and "did you know..." facts, creatively inspired from the Books for DUMMIES. Flyers were also given out to each viewer and student that stopped by our table that laid out both Obama and Romney's health care plans. In addition, students had the chance to take a picture with Obama and Romney's head on a poster describing both of their health care plans. Also, individuals were able to express who they were voting for by our own custom sign. Pictures were instantly uploaded to Twitter (@HofForHealth) and drew in a large crowd.

You can learn more about health clubs’ current events by visiting Facebook or Twitter

Piece written by 2012-2013 Eta Sigma Gamma Vice President, Aaqil Ali.