Program

Health Science (BS)

YOU ARE BOUVÉ

Explore healthcare through the lens of public health

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.

The Health Science major is for students seeking a strong foundation for a career in medicine, clinical health professions, health administration, or community-based health promotion and public health.

We prepare students for careers including:

  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Research
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Physical Therapy
  • Pharmacy
  • Public Health
  • Public Policy
  • Physician Assistant Studies
  • Social Work
  • Education
  • Speech-Language Pathology

Our Boston campus is at the center of today’s latest technology and cutting-edge research by neighboring some of the country’s finest teaching hospitals, where students have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning through research, co-op or volunteering.

Students benefit from creating their own relationships with Mass General Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Medical Center, Mass Eye and Ear and many more. 

In Oakland, our newest campus neighbors the high-tech Bay Area corridor, where innovation in health science is bolstered by the developing future of technology. 

Your opportunity to make an impact in national and global public health starts here.


Accredited by:

Council on Education for Public Health logo

The Council on Education in Public Health

Video: What is health science?

I think Bouvé’s really unique in that there’s so much flexibility in the program. You have students that want to go the business route, the policy route, the clinical route. And students have the opportunity to do that.

— JULIA DENLINGER

BS/MPH ‘22 PRE-DENTAL TRACK

student spotlight

Sample Curriculum


The Health Science degree gives students the opportunity to master the basic sciences, fulfill graduate entry prerequisites, and gain a deep understanding of the intersection of healthcare and public health and the impact of health and illness on society. This major is also flexible enough to allow room for minors, combined majors and global opportunities.

Natural sciences and quantitative reasoning

  • Calculus
  • General Biology
  • General Chemistry
  • Foundations of Biostatistics
  • Principles of Epidemiology in Medicine and Public Health

Social and behavioral sciences

  • Global Perspectives on Discrimination & Health
  • Moral and Social Problems in Healthcare
  • Foundations of Psychology

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

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.

Northeastern’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program offers guaranteed acceptance to Northeastern undergraduate students who meet the established criteria.

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

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 at Northeastern, such as those that focus on law, criminal justice, or environmental science, 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

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. Capstones can take the form of service projects, research projects, seminars, or honors projects.

In conjunction with their capstone projects, students have partnered with institutions both on campus and within the greater Boston area, including:

  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Boston Health Care for the Homeless
  • Northeastern University’s Institute for Health Equity, and Social Justice Research
  • Harvard Medical School

*Curriculum subject to change. See the course catalog for most up-to-date information.

Leo Beletsky, JD, MPH

Professor Beletsky’s expertise is in the public health impact of laws and their enforcement, with a specific focus on drug overdose, infectious disease transmissions, and criminal justice reform through a public health lens.

faculty spotlight

Co-op and
Experiential Learning

Students in our Health Science major learn the value of working as members of a healthcare 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. Other opportunities for study away or abroad and Dialogue of Civilizations are also available.

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

Program Faculty

Samantha Garbers

PhD, MPA

Teaching Professor, Undergraduate Program Director Public Health and Health Sciences

Annemarie Sullivan

MS

Associate Director, Health Sciences Program; Senior Lecturer Public Health and Health Sciences