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  • B.S. in Health Science

    Build a strong foundation in the sciences
    Master the concepts and information you will need to pursue a career as a health care professional.
    Degree:
    B.S.
    School:
    School of Health and Natural Sciences
    Location:
    Dobbs Ferry & Bronx
    Credits:
    120
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  • Health Science B.S.

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Health Science B.S. Curriculum

General Liberal Arts and Sciences
General Education Requirements 60 Credits
Major Concentration: Health Sciences 33 Credits
Open Electives 27 Credits
Total 120 Credits

Students who choose the major concentration in Health Science must complete the following. Students who select specific career paths to PT, PA and OT must meet with their mentor. Students that do not gain acceptance into one of Mercy College's graduate health professions programs should complete the Health Science Capstone.

General Education Chemistry/Physics Courses

One course selected from the following (3-4 credits)*:

  • CHEM 160 General Chemistry I Lecture
  • CHEM 160A General Chemistry I Lab
  • PHYS 120 Physics of the Human Body
  • PHYS 160 General Physics I

Health Science Major Concentration Biology

Two courses selected from the following (6-8 credits):

  • HLSC 102 Intro to Health Professions
  • BIOL 117 Nutrition
  • BIOL 160 General Biology I Lecture
  • BIOL 160A General Biology I Lab
  • BIOL 161 General Biology II Lecture
  • BIOL 161A General Biology II Lab
  • HLSC 215 Cultural Comp in Hlthcare
  • BIOL 222 Pathophysiology
  • BIOL 226 Elements of Biochemistry
  • BIOL 265 Microbiology Lecture
  • BIOL 265A Microbiology Lab
  • HLSC 302 Pathology for Rehabilitation
  • HLSC 314 Clinical Kines/Applied Physics
  • BIOL 317 Clinical Neuroscience

Anatomy and Physiology

Two courses selected from the following (7-8 credits):

  • BIOL 130 Hum Anatomy & Physio I Lecture
  • BIOL 130A Hum Anatomy & Physio I Lab
  • and
  • BIOL 131 Hum Anatomy &Physio II Lecture
  • BIOL 131A Hum Anatomy & Physio II Lab
  • or
  • BIOL 303 Hum Anatomy w/Cadaver Lecture
  • BIOL 303A Hum Anatomy w/Cadaver Lab
  • and
  • HLSC 302 Pathology for Rehabilitation
  • or
  • BIOL 309 Human Physiology/Bio Med Scinc

Psychology/Sociology

One course selected from the following (three credits):

  • PSYN 233 Dvlpmntl Psych Across Lifespan
  • SOCL 271 Med Sociology: Hlth Care Modrn
  • BHSC 308 Hlth Care Organizat/Management
  • BHSC 366 Medical Ethics

Statistics/Research Methods

One course selected from the following (three credits):

  • BHSC 348 Methodology Soc/Beh Sciences
  • BHSC 276 Advncd Comptrs Soc/Beh Science
  • BHSC 370 Stats Socl/Behv Sciences

Major Electives

Nine additional credits selected from the following:

  • Any Biology, Chemistry or Physics course numbered 160 or above.
  • Any Health Science course numbered 200 or above.
  • BHSC/HLSC 366**, BHSC/HLSC 271**, BHSC 280**, BHSC 426**, PSYN 210**, PSYN 315, PHIL 317**, PSYN 213, PSYN 312, PSYN 232, PSYN 311, PSYN 239, EXSC 110, EXSC 230, EXSC 360, EXSC 460, EXSC 490

Concentration

Six credits selected in consultation with program director or advisor. 

There is an 18-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of health sciences. 

*These courses fulfill General Education requirements.
** Recommended for the General Health Sciences Major.

**Recommended for the General Health Sciences Major

To complete major concentration, corequisite lab courses must be taken.

Academic Program Sequence Map

Download of copy of the sequence map for:

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What is the first step in the admissions process?
Click on "Apply Now" on the Mercy homepage or call 1.877.MERCY.GO to apply for admission to Mercy College and arrange for an appointment with an Admissions Counselor. Bring your completed application form and copies of your high school and/or college transcripts with you at the time of your appointment.
How long does earning a degree take?
Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.
What are the job opportunities for a BS in HS?
A wide-range of areas such as licensed rehabilitation professions, environmental and occupational health, public health or health promotion. Graduates may also pursue careers related to health care and health promotion in various public and private, clinical and non-clinical settings.
Is the schedule flexible?
Very. You can take classes as a part-time or full-time student, at various times including evenings and weekends.
Are department faculty available for academic advising?
Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and cooperative education.
I've taken classes at another college. Can I transfer credit to complete the BS?
Yes. Acceptance of transfer credits is determined by Admissions. They consult with any graduate program to which you intend to apply. To be eligible for a BS in Health Sciences, which is a 120-credit degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits at Mercy College. Mercy may transfer up to 90 undergraduate credits from a 4-year college and up to 75 credits from a 2-year community college.
Is Mercy College a nonsectarian institution?
Yes. Qualified applicants are admitted without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or physical disability.
How many credits can be transferred from another institution?
Up to 75 credits from a two-year institution. Up to 90 from a four-year institution. Up to 90 credits combined however the credits may not exceed 75 credits from any combination of two-year institutions as they apply to your chosen degree. In addition you may only transfer in two courses of upper-level business credit (six credits) to apply to the major / specialization.
What are the benefits of obtaining a BS in Health Sciences?
If an employer requires a college degree with a health care focus, a BS in Health Sciences is usually preferred. A BS in Health Sciences is the most effective route to completing a Bachelor's degree that includes all the graduate program prerequisite courses for programs such as the Occupational Therapy Program.
Irina Ellison Associate Professor, Chair Natural Sciences
Kathleen Golisz Assoc. Dean, SHNS / Professor, Occupational Therapy
James Gurley Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy
Sonia Moorehead Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
Susan Gaskin-Noel Assistant Professor, Library
Ferdinand Esser Assistant Professor, Health Sciences

Health Science Overview

The baccalaureate degree in health science provides a foundation in liberal arts and sciences required for professional practice and graduate study. Students will acquire knowledge of the current health care system as well as challenges and changes in the delivery and funding of health care regionally and globally.

Pre-Professional Concentrations

The BS in Health Sciences does not provide eligibility for licensure to practice as an occupational therapist, physician assistant, or physical therapist. The health science degree is awarded after completion of the 120-credits of coursework detailed in each concentration. 

Completing the health science program does not guarantee admission to a Mercy College graduate program in occupational therapy, physician assistant studies, or physical therapy. Graduates of the BS in Health Science must apply to those programs, meet specific requirements, and compete with all other applicants. Mercy College BS in Health Science graduates are offered an admission interview for the respective graduate program provided they meet the minimum criteria as outlined by the program. 

  • The BS in Health Sciences pre-professional concentrations satisfy the course requirements for admission to the respective Mercy College Graduate Program. 
  • The BS in Health Sciences pre-professional concentrations may or may not satisfy the course requirements for admission to other graduate programs within the specific professional. Courses can vary based on the college/university. 
  • Students have the responsibility to check entrance requirements for college/university to which they intend to apply. 

Health Science FAQS

Is Mercy College a nonsectarian institution?
Yes. Qualified applicants are admitted without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or physical disability.
Are department faculty available for academic advising?
Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and cooperative education.
Fancybox
Meet Irina Ellison, Program Head, Health Science

Learn more about her story and explore Health Science at Mercy College.

Health Science Fast Facts

  • Online course options
  • Helpful advisors to coordinate Health Professional graduate programs

Degree Requirements

Major Requirements

  1.  Students that have selected a pre-professional advising pathway (pre-OT, PT, PA) must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 to maintain matriculation within the major. If a student's cumulative GPA falls below a 2.75, they will be placed on probation and will have one semester to restore their matriculating major status by raising their cumulative GPA above 2.75.
  2. Pre-professional students must achieve a grade of B or better in ENGL 112 or equivalent and MATH 116 or equivalent.
  3. Any student who receives a grade below a C in a major course will be required to retake the course. Major courses may be retaken once. Any exceptions to program guidelines require approval by the Program Head.

Program Outcomes

By the end of this program, students should be able to: 

  • Synthesize and apply knowledge from biological, physical, health, and behavioral sciences as a foundation for practice as a health care professional
  • Explain the importance of cultural competency and appreciation for diversity in the community and healthcare environments
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sound ethical practice found in healthcare settings
  • Identify and use professional/scientific literature and materials to support professional decision making related to clinical practice and healthcare issues
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the current healthcare system, as well as challenges and changes in the delivery and funding of healthcare
  • Exhibit interpersonal skills required for client practitioner and professional interaction, as well as peer clinician communication

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