Health Science

Healthcare is easily one of the fast-growing fields in the United States. Rapid changes in demographics, advances in medical technology and medical science have increased the need for more educated, committed and compassionate people to enter this field.

The health science major and minor at Saint Joseph’s University provides a comprehensive foundation in natural sciences, public health, the healthcare system and social sciences. You will be introduced to a broad range of health issues and concepts, including healthcare management, legal and ethical concerns and environmental influences on health, nutrition, life cycle health, alternative medicine, diseases and complementary medicine.

Of the rising healthcare issues, chronic illnesses remain the largest concern for the industry. Saint Joseph University’s health science degree is unique in that it helps students advise patients on how to live and cope with a particular disease, in contrast to traditional medical practices that simply focus on fixing or curing the disease.

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What Can I Do With a Health Science Degree?

Students who graduate with a degree in health science from Saint Joseph’s University have gone on to become:

  • Medical practitioners
  • Mental health counselors
  • Patient care advocates
  • Leaders in healthcare

After graduating, you will be equipped with the skills, insights and experiences necessary to understand the biological, psychological and social aspects of health and well-being. You will understand the primary health issues at each stage of life and how healthcare needs change across an individual’s lifespan.

What Sets Our Program Apart

  • Saint Joseph’s University partners with other universities in Philadelphia to fast-track careers in nursing, medicine and other health professions. 

  • Our Health Professions Advising program offers guidance when the time comes to begin applying to graduate school.

  • You’ll engage in health science-related research under the guidance of our diverse faculty and gain hands-on industry experience with off-campus internships.

  • Saint Joseph’s University faculty in the health science program are engaged in active consulting and have former industry experience. Faculty will provide you with the resources necessary to understand the scientific, political and technological changes affecting the evolving health science industry.

  • You’ll have the opportunity to connect with our strong network of alumni who are well-respected leaders in the health science industry.

Why Study Health Science in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is in the heart of the health science industry and is surrounded by more than 250 medical facilities that provide opportunities for hands-on learning. The city’s diverse population and rich healthcare employment opportunities offer a unique environment to gain experience in health science research.

Program Details

  • The tuition for a health science major or minor entering fall 2022 is $49,410/year*. *Pricing does not include room and board, health insurance or any professional, clinical or transportation fees. Visit our Tuition & Fees page for a detailed breakdown.

    Financial aid in the form of scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and discount eligibility may be available to you to help offset the cost of your degree. Explore your options on our Financial Aid page.

  • View required courses for the health science major and health science minor in the academic catalog. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Double Majors and Minors

    Saint Joseph’s University’s health science degree offers the flexibility to design an individual program based on your interests and career goals. You have the option to complete prerequisites needed for graduate programs in health-related fields and can minor in any of the following:

Health Science Admissions Information

To apply for the Health Science BS program, complete an application online. SAT and/or ACT scores are optional but you can submit them if you think they’ll strengthen your application.

Learn more about admissions requirements and how to apply as a first-year student, transfer student or international student. You can also get a feel for life as a Hawk with our in-person and virtual visit opportunities.

Related Programs

Biology

A biology degree from Saint Joseph’s University exposes you to all levels of biological organization, from the sub-cellular to the broad ecosystem. Our program is built with core courses covering the fundamentals of biology, a distribution of upper-level course across the major areas of biology and free electives.

Psychology

The Department of Psychology offers courses in all of the major subfields of psychology, as well as a clinical concentration of courses in support of those who are interested in pursuing careers in clinical psychology, counseling psychology and related mental health fields.

Autism Behavioral Studies

The autism behavioral studies program at Saint Joseph's University has a strong focus in behavioral analysis, health policy and more. Many students choose to learn from experts at the University's Kinney Center of Autism Education.

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