Why major in health science?
Our Health Science program is driven by collaborative and applied learning practices that focus on healthcare through a public health lens, preparing students for graduate and professional school training in:
Health Science (BS) Program
Curriculum
The Health Science major is modeled on an integrated curriculum that includes foundational courses in the natural sciences, social sciences, and the liberal arts, as well as application-based coursework on public health and healthcare.
Courses
Natural sciences and quantitative reasoning
- Calculus
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Foundations of Biostatistics
- Healthcare Research
Social and behavioral sciences
- Global Perspectives on Discrimination & Health
- Moral and Social Problems in Healthcare
- Foundations of Psychology
Healthcare Core
Students will take courses that introduce them to the United States healthcare system and beyond so they can develop a deep understanding of health policy and administration, quality-of-care improvement, and evidence-based healthcare.
- The American Healthcare System
- Community and Public Health
- Communication Skills for the Health Professions
- Health Education and Program Planning
- Healthcare Policy and Administration
PreHealth Core
Students will take courses that provide them with a strong foundation in research methods and prehealth preparation.
Students interested in graduate school in medicine, dentistry, podiatry, veterinary medicine, and physician assistant studies may opt to follow a prehealth focus, which includes courses required for medical school. Please visit the PreHealth Advising website for course requirements.
Pre Physical Therapy
Students interested in becoming a Physical Therapist can apply through an Early Assurance Pathway into the Northeastern DPT program. Students who meet the required criteria apply directly to the Physical Therapy Department instead of the Physical Therapy Common Application System (PTCAS).
In addition to the prerequisites courses listed below, students must complete 40 hours of Physical Therapy observation time or work in a health or medical related environment, which can be complete through co-op. Northeastern students that are admitted would also be eligible for the Double Husky Discount.
| Courses to Complete for DPT Programs | Are these in the Health Science, BS curriculum? |
|---|---|
| Chemistry with Lab (2 semesters) | Yes – 1 semester, need one more semester as an elective |
| General Psychology (1 semester) | Yes |
| Anatomy & Physiology with Lab (2 semesters) | No – Complete courses as electives |
| Exercise Physiology (1 semester) | Yes – Selective |
| Statistics (1 semester) | Yes |
| Physics with Lab (2 semesters) | No – Complete courses as electives |
| Developmental Psychology (1 semester) | No – Complete course as elective |
Selectives
Complete at least three courses from the groups listed below. At least two must be in one category and at least at the 2000 level or higher.
- Society and Health
- Policy and Administration
- Physical Activity and Nutrition
- Digital Health
- Research
Co-op
Students in our Health Science major learn the value of working as members of a health care team in the class setting as well as on Co-op. Our Co-op positions allow students to learn and recognize the importance of professional behaviors both in the classroom and in the workplace.
Students have the option to complete the program in four or five years, with or without a Co-op experience. Sample curricular plans can be found on the Student Services Curricula page.
Capstone
During their senior year, students participate in a Capstone Project intended to broaden and integrate the knowledge, skills, and experience gained from their particular program of study. Students have partnered with institutions both on campus and within the greater Boston area for their Capstone Projects including:
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Boston Health Care for the Homeless
- Northeastern University’s Institute on Urban Health Research
- Harvard Medical School
Electives
The major also includes a significant number of electives that enable students to pursue their particular interests or a minor. Through our interdisciplinary partnerships with other colleges of the university, students may also choose to supplement their health sciences foundation with courses in:
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Clinical Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
- Engineering
- Human Services
- Psychology
- Business
- International Affairs
*Curriculum subject to change.
Dialogue of Civilizations
Comparative Healthcare Systems and Communications in London
Learn more about Dialogue of Civilizations.
Emphasis on experiential and contextual learning
Designed to provide pre-health preparation
Focus on healthcare through a public health lens
Accredited by the Council on Education
in Public Health.
Curriculum is subject to change. See descriptions of the courses included in the Health Science major.
Student Groups
Health Science students are actively involved on campus and in the community. Our student groups provide the opportunity to build upon your education, enhance your experience, and get to know other students both within and outside the Health Science major.
- American Cancer Society at NU
- Global Health Forum
- Global Medical Brigades
- Minority Association of Pre-health Students
- NU American Medical Women’s Association
- NU Emergency Medical Services (Interest Group)
- NU Physical Therapy Club
- NU Pre-Dental Association
- NU Speech Language and Hearing Association
- NU Undergraduate Speech and Hearing Club
- Pre Physician Assistant Society
Alumni Spotlight
