Health Sciences Major
Table of Contents
What is a health sciences degree?
Health sciences is a broad discipline dedicated to the application of science to health and the diverse factors that affect health.
A major in health sciences helps students prepare for health-related careers and gives them the foundation to enter directly into health-related employment or start graduate and professional schools in medicine, nursing, physician’s assistant, physical therapy, public health, exercise science, and many more.
A bachelor’s degree in health sciences is the culmination of a multiyear interdisciplinary program of undergraduate study that includes subjects ranging from such anatomy and physiology to public health.
Why pursue a health sciences degree at Furman?
The Department of Health Sciences seeks to provide a rigorous, evidence-based and integrated curriculum that challenges students to think critically and provides multiple avenues to generate enthusiasm and lead to fulfilling and purposeful lives and careers. Small classes, enthusiastic professors, well-equipped research facilities and Furman’s commitment to the liberal arts and sciences are the linchpins for the program.
Students engage in high-impact learning opportunities such as research with faculty or internships with local health care providers or health organizations to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles. These experiences help translate learning in the classroom to applied and real-life health issues. Plan a visit to Furman’s beautiful campus or start your application today.
How will you learn?
The health sciences department cultivates comprehensive inquiry for improving and promoting all dimensions of wellness, health and lifelong physical activity. Furman’s health sciences degree program focuses on enabling you to apply everything you learn in the classroom to real-world examples. At the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (FIRST), you can help faculty researchers make new discoveries to help runners and other athletes improve their performances. Undergraduates do the kind of research typically available to graduate students at larger universities. Students can take advantage of internships or travel abroad for hands-on opportunities to learn about health challenges around the world and discover strategies for addressing them.
What can you do with a health sciences degree?
You’ll gain a wealth of skills and specialties in our multidisciplinary program.
Most of our graduates go on to graduate or professional programs in health-related areas, with another 10% of our students going into volunteer work, such as AmeriCorps or Peace Corps, and then 20% beginning occupations such as:
- Health care worker
- Physician assistant or associate
- Nurse
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Public health professional
- Dentist
- Exercise scientists
- Human performance analyst
- Dietitian
- Medical sales representative
Courses you may take as a health sciences major
Health Sciences Major FAQ
A Furman health sciences degree can prepare you for a broad array of health-related careers or graduate studies. Furman’s liberal arts and sciences approach to education will make you a well-rounded student who can thrive in the competitive world of health-related studies. Students have gone on to careers in fields such as nursing, physical or occupational therapy, coaching, diet or nutrition counseling, medical assistance, public health management, and medical sales.
Graduates can earn an estimated wage of $43,800 a year or more, with higher earners making more than $77,700, according to an Emsi report.
The health sciences program at Furman is typically a four-year program.
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94.6%full-time Furman faculty with the highest degrees in their fields
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92%Furman students who participate in at least one high-impact educational practice
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94%placement rate six months after graduation (employed or in graduate school)
What our students say
Our faculty
Your academic advisor will help you explore your passions, define your interests and achieve your goals. You’ll tap into a widespread network of community and alumni mentors to help you on your individual educational path – and to the opportunities at the end of it. Furman’s health sciences faculty represent decades of study and practical expertise. Take your first steps by contacting admissions or reading more about how to apply.
Anna Cass
Anthony Caterisano
Shaniece Criss
Matt Feigenbaum
Kelly Frazier
Elizabeth Holt
Chris Hopkins
Randy Hutchison
Scott Murr
Tim Patrick
Julian Reed
Meghan Slining
Ben Snyder
Natalie The
