School of Health Sciences - General Health Sciences Undergraduate Major
The following plans of study are the eight concentration areas currently available under the General Health Sciences (GHS) major.
- Public Health plan of study
- Pre-Chiropractic plan of study
- Pre-Dentistry plan of study
- Pre-Medicine plan of study
- Pre-Occupational Therapy plan of study
- Pre-Optometry plan of study
- Pre-Physical Therapy plan of study
- Pre-Physician's Assistant plan of study
General Health Sciences Curriculum
The most outstanding feature of the general health sciences curriculum is its interdisciplinary nature. It is flexible and allows students to prepare for many kinds of careers related to human health.
The core curriculum provides a sound academic base in biology, chemistry, liberal arts, mathematics, and physics. The requirements for the major include a combination of advanced-level science courses with laboratories, foundation courses offered by the school, and courses specifically related to the postgraduate employment area.
Why is there a General Health Sciences Undergraduate Major?
The school recognizes that the plans of study suggested for students majoring in medical technology, industrial hygiene, health physics, environmental health science, or preallied health may not meet the academic and career goals of some students. Additionally, entering freshmen may be undecided about career choices. To satisfy the individual requirements of these students, the school offers a general health sciences major. Counselors and faculty work closely with every student to design the major requirements for each career path.
Which Students should major in General Health Sciences?
For distinguished students in health sciences, the major provides excellent preparation for entry into professional schools of dentistry, medicine, or optometry. It is the major of choice for students planning to enter graduate programs in such allied health areas as occupational therapy and physical therapy. Students also may choose the general health sciences as preparation for entry into graduate programs in areas such as health care management and public health.All students preparing for medical school must complete a minimum of one year of biology, two years of chemistry (through organic chemistry), and one year of physics. At Purdue University one of the following biology sequences is recommended: BIOL 131-132 and BIOL 231-232; or BIOL 225 and 226. The suggested chemistry courses are CHM 115 and 116, and 255-255L and 256-256L.
Students already in one of the other health sciences major must complete the degree requirements of 128 credit hours presented in the general health sciences plan of study. Students must take 15 hours of technical electives. These technical electives cannot be taken under the pass/not-pass grading option.
Is there academic counseling available?
Yes, for those general health sciences majors planning graduate education, the counseling staff provides extensive assistance and information pertaining to programs, prerequisites, application procedures, and preprofessional counseling.
Health Sciences students accepted into professional schools: