Human Health Science

The University of Dubuque Human Health Science (HHS) major offers students the opportunity to prepare for future acceptance into a professional program of graduate study in the health and science field. Students majoring in HHS will be interested in applying to graduate programs in sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic studies, or other health-related careers. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, this program blends coursework from biology, chemistry, physics, wellness and exercise science, psychology, and sociology in order to best prepare students for admission into a professional health studies program. Although application for admission into these professional programs must be sought independently by the student, HWS’s human health science advisers will assist in mapping out a program of study to meet prerequisites for admission into professional programs hosted at other institutions

What You Will Learn

• Develop the tools necessary to become quality health professionals by acquiring knowledge pertaining to the general functioning of the human body and fitness assessment.
• Gain an appreciation of the role of multidimensional wellness in the balance of life through experiences that prepare you for various careers related to human health science, graduate or professional schools.
• Become a lifelong learner in your discipline, where you incorporate the values and ethics of your profession and in turn provide leadership and service to your community.

Program of Study

Students will begin with a general background in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology while being introduced to potential careers. As they move into the third year they will being to incorporate more specific discipline knowledge such as biomechanics and exercise physiology in addition to physics and chemistry.

What Our Students Do

Most students in Human Health Science (HHS) are preparing for careers which typically demand a higher level of competency than a BS will provide. Although application for admission into these professional programs must be sought independently by the student, HWS’s Human Health Science advisers will assist in mapping out a program of study to meet prerequisites for admission into professional programs hosted at other institutions. 

Where Our Graduates Go

Most students will go on to graduate school for physical therapy, athletic training, cardiac rehab, or other master degree fields. Some will pursue direct employment in exercise science related careers. 

News from the Department

Students are advised and taught by faculty with a degree in Biomechanics. Students have full access to the 1,200 sq/ft Knox-Coit Human Performance Lab. 

Careers in Human Health Science

The Human Health Science Program prepares students for future admission into a professional program of graduate study in the health science field. Students majoring in health, wellness, and sport often apply to graduate programs in sports medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic studies, or other health-related careers.

BS Opportunities

Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, this program blends coursework from biology, chemistry, physics, wellness and exercise science, psychology, and sociology in order to best prepare students for admission into a professional health studies program. Although application for admission into these professional programs must be sought independently by the student, advisers will assist in mapping out a program of study to meet prerequisites for admission into professional programs hosted at other institutions.

Post-graduate Opportunities

The emphasis of this program is to prepare the student for post-graduate education. Students that do not pursue admission to a graduate program will be prepared for other careers in the field of health, wellness, and sport.