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Health Science (BSHS)

Choose Your Path to Health Science Excellence

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) in Health Science program in the Department of Health and Sport Science at the University of Dayton provides three distinct concentrations to align with your career goals: exercise and movement science, integrative physiology and occupational and behavioral studies. Whichever path you choose, you'll gain hands-on experience through community physical education programs, student-led organizations and research with faculty and peers.

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Fast Facts

95%

acceptance rate to occupational therapy programs

84%

acceptance rate to physical therapy programs

About the Health Science (BSHS) Program

Why study health science at UD?

Experiential Learning

Students receive innovative, hands-on experience from year one through community education programs, clinical experiences through UD's Pre-Health Resource Center (PHRC), student-led organizations and research with faculty and peers.

A majority of the core classes (anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, kinesiology, etc.) incorporate hands-on laboratories, which allow students to apply their learning and build valuable skills. Students are exposed to a variety of health professions and also shadow professionals in the field to assist with career exploration and to meet requirements for graduate programs.

Students also work in groups to complete a capstone research project, allowing for original scholarly work.

Accelerated Nursing Pathway

Both BSHS majors offered at UD — dietetics or health science — can support the accelerated nursing pathway.

Take the Next Step

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about health science at UD.

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How do I apply to the health science program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

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What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.

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Undergraduate Tuition
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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Health Science (BSHS) Degree Requirements, Information and Concentrations
Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Health Science, Health Science degree includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

Health science majors can choose a concentration in integrative physiology, exercise and movement science or occupational and behavioral studies.

All three concentrations prepare you for additional schooling — either at the graduate or doctoral level — after earning a bachelor's degree.

Exercise and Movement Science

The exercise and movement science concentration is for individuals interested in physical therapy, orthotic and prosthetic, athletic training programs or other related fields of study.

With this concentration, you'll be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of physical and biological sciences.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and applied physiology.
  • Understand and utilize techniques related to movement sciences such as kinesiology and biomechanics.
  • Apply collective knowledge to human populations with a variety of physical abilities.

View the exercise and movement science sample plan of study.

Integrative physiology

The integrative physiology concentration is for individuals interested in professional schools, such as physician assistant, medical or other graduate programs in biosciences and health sciences.

With this concentration, you'll be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of physical, chemical and biological sciences, including subdisciplines.
  • Identify core concepts in physiology and describe how they relate to human health and disease.
  • Demonstrate extensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and applied physiology.
  • Understand and utilize research design and techniques with specific attention to implications on human health and disease.

View the integrative physiology sample plan of study.

Occupational and Behavioral Studies

The occupational and behavioral studies concentration is for individuals interested in occupational therapy, behavior therapy and counseling mental health graduate programs.

With this concentration, you'll be able to:

  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in biological sciences.
  • Apply understanding of applied human studies in exercise physiology, nutrition, kinesiology, and health and wellness to daily life.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in behavioral and social sciences including special needs populations.

View the occupational and behavioral studies sample plan of study.

Accelerated Nursing Pathway

Both BSHS majors offered at UD — dietetics or health science — can support the accelerated nursing pathway.

Admission Information
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study: Exercise and Movement Science

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • HSS 101 – Introduction to Learning & Living in the UD Community
    1
  • HSS 102 – Introduction to Health & Sport Science
    2
  • BIO 151 – Concepts of Biology I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    3
  • BIO 151L – Concepts of Biology Laboratory I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    1
  • CHM 123 – General Chemistry I
    3
  • CHM 123L – General Chemistry Laboratory
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 2
  • HSS 201 – Medical Terminology
    2
  • BIO 152 – Concepts of Biology II
    3
  • BIO 152L – Concepts of Biology Laboratory II: Evolution & Ecology
    1
  • CHM 124 – General Chemistry II
    3
  • CHM 124L – General Chemistry II Laboratory
    1
  • MTH 148 – Introductory Calculus I
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • HSS 200 OR 220 – 200: Motor Control and Learning; 220: Adapted Physical Activity
    3
  • HSS 305 – Human Anatomy
    3
  • HSS 305L – Human Anatomy Laboratory
    1
  • PHY 201 – College Physics I
    3
  • PHY 201L – College Physics Laboratory I
    1
  • PSY 101 – Introductory Psychology
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 4
  • HSS 295 – Nutrition & Health
    3
  • PHY 202 – College Physics II
    3
  • PHY 202L – General Physics Laboratory
    1
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • PSY 251 – Human Growth & Development
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 5
  • HSS 307 – Human Physiology
    3
  • HSS 307L – Physiology Laboratory
    1
  • MTH 207 – Introduction to Statistics
    3
  • PHL 315 OR REL 367 – 315: Medical Ethics; 367: Christian Ethics & Health Care Issues
    3
  • HSS Elective
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 6
  • HSS 408 – Physiology of Exercise
    3
  • HSS 408L – Physiology of Exercise Laboratory
    1
  • HSS 465 – Health Science Seminar
    1
  • HSS Elective
    3
  • ENG 373 OR 366 – 373: Writing in the Health Professions; 366: Health Literacy and Social Justice
    3
  • PSY 3xx or 4xx
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 7
  • HSS 409 – Kinesiology
    3
  • HSS 409L – Kinesiology Laboratory
    1
  • HSS 422 – Exercise for Special Populations
    3
  • CAP Advanced History
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 8
  • HSS 428 – Research in Sport and Health Sciences
    3
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 15
* Replace with PSY 351/353 for Psychology Minor

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Academic Admission FAQ
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study: Integrative Physiology

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • HSS 101 – Introduction to Learning & Living in the UD Community
    1
  • HSS 102 – Introduction to Health & Sport Science
    2
  • BIO 151 – Concepts of Biology I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    3
  • BIO 151L – Concepts of Biology Laboratory I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    1
  • CHM 123 – General Chemistry I
    3
  • CHM 123L – General Chemistry Laboratory
    1
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 2
  • HSS 201 – Medical Terminology
    2
  • BIO 152 – Concepts of Biology II: Evolution & Ecology
    3
  • BIO 152L – Concepts of Biology Laboratory II: Evolution & Ecology
    1
  • CHM 124 – General Chemistry II
    3
  • CHM 124L – General Chemistry II Laboratory
    1
  • MTH 148 – Introductory Calculus I
    3
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • HSS 295 – Nutrition & Health
    3
  • CHM 313 – Organic Chemistry
    3
  • CHM 313L – Organic Chemistry Laboratory
    1
  • PSY 101 – Introductory Psychology
    3
  • MTH 207 – Introduction to Statistics
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • CHM 314 – Organic Chemistry
    3
  • CHM 314L – Organic Chemistry Laboratory
    1
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • HSS 305 – Human Anatomy
    3
  • HSS 305L – Human Anatomy Laboratory
    1
  • PSY 251 – Human Growth & Development
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 14
Semester 5
  • HSS 307 – Human Physiology
    3
  • HSS 307L – Physiology Laboratory
    1
  • PHY 201 – College Physics I
    3
  • PHY 201L – College Physics Laboratory I
    1
  • PHL 315 OR REL 367 – 315: Medical Ethics; 367: Christian Ethics & Health Care Issues
    3
  • CHM 420 – Biochemistry
    3
  • PSY 3xx or 4xx
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 17
Semester 6
  • ENG 373 OR 366 – 373: Writing in the Health Professions; 366: Health Literacy and Social Justice
    3
  • BIO 312 – General Genetics
    3
  • BIO 411 – General Microbiology
    3
  • PHY 202 – College Physics II
    3
  • PHY 202L – General Physics Laboratory
    1
  • HSS 465 – Health Science Seminar
    1
  • Additional BIO or CHM Lab
    1
  • Total Credit Hours 15
Semester 7
  • CAP Advanced History
    3
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • HSS 408 – Physiology of Exercise
    3
  • HSS 408L – Physiology of Exercise Laboratory
    1
  • HSS 428 – Research in Sport and Health Sciences
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 8
  • CAP Arts
    3
  • CAP Diversity and Social Justice
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 12

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Academic Admission FAQ
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Sample Plan of Study: Occupational and Behavioral Studies

This is a sample plan of study for students starting at UD in the 2026-27 academic year. This is a recommended course sequence, but your schedule may vary depending on previously earned college credits, course availability, advisor recommendations and your personal goals and interests. Please contact the recruitment and admission team (prospective students) or your holistic advisor (current students) with questions.

Semester 1
  • HSS 101 – Introduction to Learning & Living in the UD Community
    1
  • HSS 102 – Introduction to Health & Sport Science
    2
  • BIO 151 – Concepts of Biology I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    3
  • BIO 151L – Concepts of Biology Laboratory I: Cellular & Molecular Biology
    1
  • MTH 207 – Introduction to Statistics
    3
  • PSY 101 – Introductory Psychology
    3
  • HUM 101 – Chaminade Seminar: Reading and Responding to the Signs of the Times
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 2
  • HSS 201 – Medical Terminology
    2
  • HSS 295 – Nutrition & Health
    3
  • BIO 152 – Concepts of Biology II: Evolution & Ecology
    3
  • BIO 152L – Concepts of Biology Laboratory II: Evolution & Ecology
    1
  • CHM 123 – General Chemistry I
    3
  • CHM 123L – General Chemistry Laboratory
    1
  • HUM 102 – Marie Thérèse Seminar: Human Dignity and the Common Good
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 3
  • HSS 200 OR 220 – 200: Motor Control and Learning; 220: Adapted Physical Activity
    3
  • CHM 124 – General Chemistry II
    3
  • CHM 124L – General Chemistry II Laboratory
    1
  • SOC 101 – Principles of Sociology
    3
  • PSY 251 – Human Growth & Development
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 4
  • HSS 220 – Adapted Physical Activity
    3
  • HSS 305 – Human Anatomy
    3
  • HSS 305L – Human Anatomy Laboratory
    1
  • HSS Elective
    3
  • ENG 200 – Writing Seminar II
    3
  • PSY Minor Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 5
  • HSS 307 – Human Physiology
    3
  • HSS 307L – Physiology Laboratory
    1
  • HSS Elective
    3
  • PHL 315 OR REL 367 – 315: Medical Ethics; 367: Christian Ethics & Health Care Issues
    3
  • PSY 341 OR 351 – 341: Social Psychology; 351: Child Psychology
    3
  • ENG/CMM 3xx or 4xx
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 16
Semester 6
  • HSS 465 – Health Science Seminar
    1
  • CAP Faith Traditions
    3
  • PSY Minor Elective
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 7
  • HSS 408 – Physiology of Exercise
    3
  • HSS 408L – Physiology of Exercise Laboratory
    1
  • HSS 428 – Research in Sport and Health Sciences
    3
  • CAP Advanced History
    3
  • PSY Minor Elective
    3
  • Total Credit Hours 13
Semester 8
  • HSS 409 – Kinesiology
    3
  • HSS 409L – Kinesiology Laboratory
    1
  • HSS Elective
    3
  • CAP Art
    3
  • Advisor-Approved Electives
    6
  • Total Credit Hours 16

At the University of Dayton, our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP), encourages you to integrate knowledge — and put it to use.

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Visit the Academic Catalog for official major requirements, prerequisite(s), course descriptions and more.

Transfer and Exam Credits
Academic Admission FAQ
Learning Resources
Honors Program

Accelerated Degree Programs

Accelerate your studies and earn your bachelor's degree plus an advanced degree through a streamlined program. UD offers a Bachelor's Plus Master's Program, with a variety of available degrees.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our School of Education and Health Sciences, you’ll have the opportunity to combine classroom and practical learning opportunities in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It's a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.

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Fast Facts

100% success rate

after graduation for School of Education and Health Sciences

Beyond the Classroom: The UD Health Science Experience

Student Research

Students work alongside faculty from multiple UD departments to conduct and publish research in respected journals. Students also present their work nationally and at UD's annual Stander Symposium, a campus-wide event that allows students from all disciplines to showcase their intellectual accomplishments.

Explore the Stander Symposium

Study Abroad

Summer programs in locations such as Chile, Portugal and Spain offer opportunities to explore food and diet, sport and culture through the lens of health and sport science.

Explore Study Abroad

Student Opportunities

Be a part of UD student organizations created especially for health science majors. Opportunities include leadership, service, shadowing professionals in the field, and participating in professional development programs.

Explore Student Opportunities

Apply to Graduate School a Year Early

UD students who want to pursue physician assistant or physical therapy graduate programs can join the competitive Flyer Commitment Pathway for Health Professions to get a head start on graduate school.

Learn About the Pathway
Walk. Run. Fly. Soar.

Success is a Journey

At the University of Dayton, you'll have a supportive community dedicated to fueling your success. Through guaranteed, real-world experience, you'll build the skills and confidence needed to be workforce ready.

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