What Are the Health Sciences—and Is It Right for You?

If you’re interested in health care and love science, health sciences might be your perfect fit. Health Sciences covers a wide range of majors that prepare you for meaningful careers—from patient care and lab work to public health and the judicial system.

Start by asking yourself whether you want to work directly with patients, behind the scenes or somewhere in between.

If your goal is to become a doctor or researcher, majors like Biomedical Sciences or Microbiology provide a strong foundation for medical school or scientific careers. Drawn to teamwork and patient care? Health Sciences, Public Health or Nursing are great options to prepare for roles like physician assistant, physical therapist, optometrist, dentist or veterinarian.

Prefer to work behind the scenes? Clinical Laboratory Science focuses on diagnosing disease through lab testing—an essential part of health care. If you love solving problems and understanding how diseases work, majors in Microbiology and Biotechnology can lead to careers in drug development and disease prevention.

Fascinated by people and behavior? Psychology and Public Health explore how individuals and communities impact health and well-being. And if you’re interested in science and the justice system, Forensic Science and Forensic Psychology combine scientific knowledge with legal investigation and advocacy—making a difference in both health care and criminal justice.

No matter what your interests are, the health sciences give you a chance to make a difference—whether it’s through direct patient care, scientific discovery or community impact. At ACPHS, we’ll help you find your path and prepare for the career that’s right for you.

Welcome to the School of Health Sciences at ACPHS

At the School of Health Sciences at ACPHS, you’ll be part of a supportive community entirely focused on preparing the next generation of professionals in health care and related fields. Whether you’re interested in forensic science, public health, psychology, biomedical technology or another health-related area, this is where your journey begins.

Our programs blend rigorous science with real-world application. You’ll take courses that connect directly to careers in health and medicine, work closely with faculty who are active in their fields and gain hands-on experience through labs, research and clinical opportunities. Small class sizes mean your professors will know your name and be invested in your success from day one.

With clear pathways to graduate and professional programs—including pre-med, pre-PA and other pre-health tracks—you’ll be prepared for what comes next. And with plenty of opportunities to get involved through clubs, organizations and leadership experiences, you’ll grow both academically and personally.

What Makes Health Sciences at ACPHS Unique?

If you’re passionate about helping others and want to study alongside like-minded, motivated students, you’re in the right place. As a school dedicated to health sciences, we offer an environment where everyone shares your drive—and where expert faculty are deeply engaged in the fields they teach.

Here, education goes beyond the classroom. You’ll gain experience through clinical rotations and community-based learning, contribute to meaningful research and build your resume through leadership roles in student-run organizations.

Whether your goal is to enter the workforce or continue on to medical, PA or graduate school, the School of Health Sciences provides the guidance and support to help you get there.

The School of Health Sciences at ACPHS is your launchpad to a meaningful career in health care.

Questions?

Meenakshi Malik

Meenakshi Malik

Dean of Health Sciences

Explore ACPHS’s Biomedical, Clinical, Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences Programs

Biomedical Sciences

Programs in biomedical sciences, biomedical technology, health data science, microbiology and biomedical technology.

Biomedical Sciences

Prepare for a variety of science careers by studying core biological disciplines including cell biology, genetics and biochemistry. Discover how the fundamental processes of life connect to health and disease, giving you a strong foundation for your future in health care or research.

Biotechnology

Dive into the science that drives medical breakthroughs. You'll work on the front lines of research, using advanced lab techniques to develop new treatments, fight disease and improve lives through innovation and discovery.

Health Data Science

Gain hands-on industry experience and a strong foundation in data analytics as it applies across health-care settings. This program prepares you to use data to improve health outcomes, enhance patient care and drive better business decisions in the health sector.

Microbiology

Explore the world of microscopic organisms to understand how they impact human health and safety. Prepare for diverse careers in health care, medicine, industrial and biomedical research, or academia.

Molecular Biosciences

Tackle some of the biggest challenges in medicine by exploring disease at the cellular and molecular level. This program deepens your knowledge in core scientific areas like microbiology, immunology and infectious diseases—preparing you for impactful careers in research, biotechnology and beyond.

Clinical and Health Sciences

Programs in clinical laboratory science, cytotechnology and molecular cytology, forensic science, health sciences and nursing.

Clinical Laboratory Science

Play a vital role in patient care by identifying critical lab values, performing complex diagnostic procedures and solving problems that lead to accurate diagnoses—work that directly saves lives in hospitals, clinics and research settings.

Cytotechnology & Molecular Cytology

Great patient care starts with the right diagnosis. This program trains you to detect disease at the cellular and molecular level and play a key role in shaping effective treatment plans and improving patient outcomes.

Forensic Science

Combine your interests in science, problem solving and justice by studying chemistry, biology, criminal justice and forensic science—preparing for a career where you can use critical thinking to make meaningful contributions to the legal system.

Health Sciences

Gain a solid foundation in health care to springboard to allied health professions programs such as PA, PT, OT, nursing, athletic training, optometry, dentistry and cardiovascular perfusion.

Nursing

Study how the body works while learning key nursing interventions and collaborating with healthcare professionals like physicians, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, social workers and nursing aides to provide the best possible care to patients.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Programs in forensic psychology, psychology and public health.

Forensic Psychology

Bridge the fields of psychology and criminal justice as you prepare for careers in law enforcement, legal practice, victim advocacy, research or the psychological treatment of offenders.

Psychology

Take a holistic approach to studying psychology and prepare for careers in clinical psychology, counseling, health psychology, research and neuroscience.

Public Health

Become a community changemaker by exploring the factors that impact health and health care and gain the skills needed to address health problems.

Minors, Pre-Health Pathways and Combined Degree Programs

ACPHS gives you the flexibility to shape your future. Choose from a range of minors to expand your skills, take advantage of pre-health pathways or earn a BS and MS in five years through our combined degree programs.
  • Health Sciences Minors

    Stand out by adding a minor—just 18 credit hours—that broadens your perspective and strengthens your resume. Whether you’re adding depth to your major or branching into something completely new, a minor empowers you to think bigger and open doors to exciting career opportunities.

    Health Sciences Minors
  • Pre-Health Pathways

    No matter which professional health career you’re aiming for, ACPHS offers a clear pathway to help you get there. With expert advising and a strong track record of graduate-school placement, you’ll be prepared to take the next step with confidence. Pre-health pathways included Pre-Med, Pre-PA, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-PT, Pre-Dental, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Nursing, Pre-OT, Pre-Law and Pre-Vet.

    Pre-Health Pathways
  • Combined Degree Programs

    Earn two degrees faster and more affordably through one of ACPHS’ combined undergraduate and graduate programs. These streamlined options allow you to complete both degrees in just five years.

    Combined Degree Programs

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