Health Science (BSHS)
Your first step toward a career in health and medicine
As a UD Health Science major, you'll start on the path towards a career related to health and medicine. You'll pursue an in-depth study in your area of concentration, choosing from one of three options:
- Integrative Physiology: For individuals interested in professional schools, such as Physician Assistant, Medical or other graduate programs in Biosciences and Health Sciences.
- Exercise & Movement Science: For individuals interested in Physical Therapy, Orthotic and Prosthetic, Athletic Training programs, or other related fields of study.
- Occupational & Behavioral Studies: For individuals interested in Occupational Therapy, Behavior Therapy, or accelerated Nursing programs.
All three concentrations typically require additional schooling — either at the graduate or doctoral level — after earning a bachelor's degree. No matter which concentration you choose, you'll receive innovative, hands-on experience through community physical education programs, student-led organizations, and research with faculty & peers.
If you are interested in graduate school in physical therapy or physician assistant education, you may also be excited to hear about the Flyer Commitment Pathway for health professions. This pathway program gives high-achieving UD undergraduates the opportunity to apply to UD's physical therapy or physician assistant program a year early. You can learn more about the Flyer Commitment Pathway and its requirements here.
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human-focused health labs for learning & research
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84%
UD acceptance rate to Physical Therapy programs
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95%
UD acceptance rate to Occupational Therapy programs
A High-Quality Education
Students receive innovative, hands-on experience from year one through community physical education programs, student-led organizations and research with faculty & 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.
Explore Lab Spaces (video)
Service Opportunities With Fellow Health Science Students
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 Organizations
Where Will Our Programs Take You?
Graduates work in a variety of settings related to health and medicine. Many go on to earn advanced degrees at the graduate or doctoral level.
Explore Flyer First Destination Survey Results
Explore
Visit Campus
Interested in learning more about health science? We'd love to meet with you. Schedule an academic appointment by contacting sehs_assistant_dean@udayton.edu. You can also choose to schedule a general campus tour and admission presentation.
Unique Lab Spaces
Four human-focused health labs allow students the opportunity engage in hands-on learning and research experiences. Facilities include a fitness assessment lab, human anatomy lab, human performance lab, and an integrative human physiology lab.
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.
Study Abroad
Summer programs in locations such as Chile, Portugal and Spain offer opportunities to explore food & diet, sport and culture through the lens of health and sport science.
Student Organizations
Be a part of UD student organizations created especially for health science students. Opportunities include shadowing, leadership, service, and professional development.
The Department of Health & Sport Science is affiliated with the nationally-recognized NSCA Education Recognition Program. Our curriculum meets the standardized strength and conditioning or personal training requirements, preparing you for the for the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) or NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certifications. Plus, our partnership with Campus Recreation means you can work as a certified personal trainer or strength & conditioning specialist right here on campus.
Students in the Essentials of Youth Fitness class get a wonderful opportunity to work with the kids through the Fitness, Friendship and Fun program. Originating in 2004, the FFF program has since been a staple within the Department of Health and Sport Science, exhibiting service-oriented, high-impact learning experiences for students along with purposeful promotion of healthy active living for 3rd-5th grade children from Holy Angels Catholic school.
Experiential Learning
Real-World Experience
Through practical learning opportunities like internships and co-ops, you can build your resume, gain practical experience and prepare for a successful career.
Next Steps
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human-focused health labs for learning & research