The Bachelor of Science in Health Studies Program is designed to prepare graduates with an understanding of a wide range of health-related concepts with a strong emphasis on problem-solving skills and critical thinking. The comprehensive curriculum provides a solid foundation of general education, health-related science and in-depth perspectives in health and healthcare delivery.

The program offers four concentrations – Science, General, Exercise Science, and Global Health – which are differentiated by several curricular elements. The “major” courses are identical across the concentrations, as are the Admission Requirements.  (Please note that not all program concentrations appear on the Common App. Please inquire at myapp@fdu.edu on enrolling in a major/concentration if you do not see it listed on your application.)

Curriculum Comparison

Concentration Brief Description

Typical Student…

Curriculum (after 43 cr. GenEd requirements)
SCIENCE
 Health Studies SCIENCE Concentration includes more intensive science prerequisites, for students who plan to go on for graduate studies in Medicine, Dentistry, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, Health Administration, or other graduate programs in FDU Health fields. …is seeking graduate degree in a medical/healthcare profession.

31+44 major credits 

0 major elective credits

2 free elective credits
GENERAL
 The Health Studies GENERAL Concentration is for students who plan to work in a healthcare field and has additional free electives that make it possible to add Study Abroad or to have a minor. Students who have completed requirements and meet admission criteria may be eligible to transfer to the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in their sophomore year. Graduates are also well-positioned to apply for the Accelerated BSN or MSN Entry-to-Practice nursing programs.

…is pre-nursing or may still be deciding between nursing and allied health; or considering a graduate degree in health-related field.

31+22 major credits 

15 major elective credits

9 free elective credits
EXERCISE SCIENCE
 The Health Studies EXERCISE SCIENCE Concentration is for students who may have an athletic/sports orientation and who plan to work in a health-related (but not healthcare) field.  Additional free electives provide scheduling flexibility to support co-curricular interests, such as sports, clubs, or study abroad. …is considering a career in health (but not caring for patients); or considering a graduate program in nutrition or exercise-related field. 

31+15 major credits 

15 major elective credits

16 free elective credits
GLOBAL HEALTH
 The Health Studies GLOBAL HEALTH SCIENCE Concentration is for students who want more of an “independent studies” feel. This concentration lines up very well for Associate degree-prepared students who seek a Bachelor degree. Graduates are well-positioned to apply for the FDU Master of Public Health program. …has AS degree and seeking BS degree; or change of major within FDU to a health-related concentration.

31+15 major credits 

15 major elective credits

16 free elective credits

Admission

  • Applicants who are graduates from an accredited secondary school with a record indicating potential to succeed in college will be considered for admission.
  • Students with an associate degree can transfer up to 60 credits per the criteria stated in the Admissions section of the Undergraduate Studies Bulletin.
  • A minimum of 30 credits will be awarded to students holding hospital-based credit and a license/credential in an allied health profession but who do not possess an associate degree.

Curriculum

Health Studies General Education Requirements (43 credits)

(UPDATED 2024 TO REFLECT NEW GEN-ED CURRICULUM)
  • Written & Oral Communication (9 credits) 
    • WRIT1002 Composition I: Rhetoric and Inquiry
    • WRIT1003 Composition II: Research and Argument
    • Oral Communication: Select from GenEd options
  • Information and Technological Literacy (3 credits) 
    • Select from GenEd options
  • Ethical Reasoning (3 credits) 
  • Global and Cultural Understanding (6 credits) 
  • Scientific and Quantitative Analysis (8 credits)
  • Social and Behavioral Analysis (6 credits)
    • Social Science: Select from GenEd options (PSYC1201 General Psychology may be prerequisite to some graduate schools)
    • Behavioral Science: Select from GenEd options (SOCI1201 may be prerequisite to some graduate schools)
  • Inquiry in the Arts & Humanities (6 credits)
    • Creative & Expressive Arts: Select from GenEd options
    • Humanities: Select from GenEd options
  • University Core (2 credits)

Health Studies Major Requirements (31 credits)

(updated 2024 with new Gen-Ed curriculum)

Additional Requirements – SCIENCE CONCENTRATION 

Additional Requirements – GENERAL CONCENTRATION 

Additional Requirements – EXERCISE SCIENCE CONCENTRATION 

  • SPAD3002 Human Kinesiology
  • SPAD2021 Strength and Conditioning
  • MEDT3353 Introduction to Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition
  • MEDT4308 Management Principles for Healthcare
  • MEDT4307 Health Studies Practicum
  • Electives in the major (15 credits – select from NURS or MEDT courses)
  • Free electives (16 credits)

Additional Requirements – GLOBAL HEALTH CONCENTRATION 

  • MEDT4303 Introduction to Global Health
  • MEDT4301 American Healthcare
  • MEDT4308 Management Principles for Healthcare
  • MEDT3353 Introduction to Normal and Therapeutic Nutrition
  • MEDT4307 Health Studies Practicum
  • Electives in the major (15 credits – select from NURS or MEDT courses)
  • Free electives (16 credits)
Contact Information
Undergraduate Admissions and FDU Application Assistance
admissions@fdu.edu
800-338-8803
myapp@fdu.edu