Bachelor of Science (BS)

Health Sciences

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Program
Health Sciences

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent in which a diploma was earned, with a minimum CGPA of 1.5 on a 4.0 scale within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). Students providing a GED must meet the minimum required test score deemed as passing in each section as required at the time of testing.

The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests within the first quarter of attendance. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service. Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 1.49 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the SAT requiring an essay portion, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with a CGPA between 1.49 to 1.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students with less than a 1.0 on a 4.0 scale do not meet the admissions requirements for South University.

Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a high school transcript (official or unofficial), or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC). In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.

Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores.

Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information

Conditional Acceptance

Students may be conditionally accepted by submitting unofficial copies of documentation required for the admission requirements. Conditional acceptance is allowed for 5 weeks beyond the start of the student’s first session. Failure to provide acceptable, official documentation, as stated in the admissions requirements, within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:

  • Removal from class
  • Cancelation of enrollment
  • No final course grades
  • No transcript

Students who do not provide acceptable documents for full, unconditional acceptance within the 5 week period will not be responsible for tuition and related fees. South University may grant exceptions to the 5 week period for unusual situations or circumstances. All exceptions must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar for approval.

Admission of Transfer Students

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission.
  2. Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
  3. Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.

For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) must be received within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance), and who are not required to take ENG0099 and/or MAT0099, will be exempt from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success. Students will select another 4 credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.

Students with 24 or more quarter credits with a CGPA of between 1.49 to 1.0 may be admitted provisionally for two quarters.  Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal.  Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.

Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here. 

Offered at Columbia, Richmond and Virginia Beach.

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree program is designed to provide a firm foundation for competency development in health sciences or in public health that prepares graduates to seek entry-level employment in a range of positions in the healthcare industry. Such employment occurs at facilities including health practitioners' offices, hospitals, home healthcare services, outpatient care services, nursing care facilities, health insurance companies, and state and government healthcare programs. The program is designed to prepare students for graduate study and the recognition of the need and ability to engage in continued personal and professional growth in the healthcare field. 

The Core Curriculum of the University which is completed in the first two years of the program is designed to provide students with a foundation in the humanities, mathematics and science. During the second two years, the curriculum provides for a broad focus on essential business knowledge, the evolving healthcare delivery system in the United States, and knowledge development and utilization in the health sciences.

After successful completion of the Health Sciences program, students receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree. Completion of the first two years of the BS in Health Sciences degree program may provide students with the required prerequisite courses to apply for professional programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. However, admission to these programs is competitive at most institutions (including South University) and is not guaranteed. Students interested in transferring credit must consult with the institution that they wish to attend in order to determine if and under what circumstances courses will transfer. This consultation should occur before taking the courses. Please be aware that some institutions will not accept online science and laboratory courses for transfer credit.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates should be able to: 

  1. Utilize the principles and theories of the natural, social, behavioral, and health sciences to serve as competent and considerate healthcare professionals.
  2. Demonstrate effective and culturally sensitive written, oral and interpersonal communication skills with individuals, groups and peers in a variety of healthcare settings.
  3. Identify and apply exemplary ethical and professional behaviors in various healthcare positions and organizations.
  4. Apply creative and critical thinking skills to identify, explore, and develop alternative solutions for a range of healthcare delivery system issues and challenges.
  5. Effectively search, analyze and report on healthcare related data through the application of information technology and health management information systems.
  6. Effectively apply organizational and management skills that incorporate knowledge of the political, financial, economic, and public health issues which impact the healthcare delivery system.

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, graduates should be able to: 

  1. Describe the interaction between resource management, organizational theory, marketing and public policy to safeguard and sustain the public health of individuals and populations.
  2. Apply principles of public health planning collaboratively with health service providers, policy makers, and healthcare consumers in the implementation and evaluation of health promotion programs.
  3. Identify and analyze current and emerging issues facing the health of diverse communities and populations.
  4. Describe and critically evaluate public health research questions to proactively develop and design innovative healthcare programs.
  5. Prepare for continued studies in advanced Public Health degree programs.

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: 182 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 68 Credits

Professional Development

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and Internet usage concepts will be covered.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course equips students with the essential tools for success in both academic and professional environments. Through the identification of academic resources and the development of resiliency skills, students will gain strategies to overcome challenges and achieve long-term goals. The course also highlights the role of critical thinking as a cornerstone for decision-making and goal attainment, preparing students to navigate complex academic and professional landscapes with confidence and integrity.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8.00

Basic Communications

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, particularly planning, writing, and revising essays. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, exploring types of essays, developing effective writing styles, voices, and procedures, and gaining insight on personal growth as a writer. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Focusing on the construction of effective researched written argument, this course refines composition techniques, develops abstract thinking processes, and promotes critical thinking. By locating and evaluating sources and incorporating appropriately vetted academic sources into their work, students will create well-supported arguments within appropriately documented academic essays. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8.00

Choose one additional course from the list below: 

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
This course examines the fundamental role of communication in establishing and maintaining relationships. By surveying leading research and theories in interpersonal communication, students explore scholarly perspectives on how individuals enter into, maintain, and terminate relationships. Conceptual perspectives examined will include communicative competence, relational development, interaction process, codes, and context. This course has a prescriptive orientation, meaning that it is geared toward learning how to be a more competent communicator by being oriented towards others.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course is designed to prepare the student to develop and improve the ability to communicate. Self-expression, preparation of effective speeches, and development of speaking and listening skills will be the focus.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
4.00

Mathematics and Statistics

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

The course is designed to develop the concepts needed for College Algebra II using graphs and applications to motivate students and provide real-world examples. The course covers the solution of systems of linear equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, and quadratic equations.

Quarter Credits : 4

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College Algebra provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts required as background for Pre-Calculus and Calculus. The course emphasizes the graphs and properties of functions in general, with emphasis on linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Statistics provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics. The course emphasizes practical calculation and application. It begins with sample statistics and population parameters, proceeds to measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position, introduces the least-squares best-fit line and several key probability distributions, and concludes with the sampling distribution of sampling means, and hypothesis testing. MyStatLab or a comparable resource may be required in the course.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
12.00

Natural Sciences

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
6
6
Sub-Total Quarter Credits
12.00

Arts and Humanities

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

This interdisciplinary course explores the relationship between social identity, individual perception, and social institutions in shaping the self and influencing how we engage with others. Students will define key concepts related to social identity and social responsibility, analyze how social institutions affect individual and collective perceptions, and develop strategies for promoting cultural humility and social responsibility. Through critical reflection and discussion, students will gain a deeper understanding of how social structures and personal experiences intersect to influence ways of seeing the world.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
4.00

Choose two additional courses from the list below:

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

Organized by period, genre and theme, this course explores global viewpoints as expressed in novels, poems, plays, short fiction, and philosophical and theological works from the period of the late 17th century to the present day. Parallels and contrasts will be drawn between cultures and across time.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course covers main themes of American history from the country's beginnings until the end of the reconstruction period following the Civil War. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course covers main themes of American history from reconstruction to the present day. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course is a history of art from the prehistoric/tribal period through the Middle Ages. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the historical, social, and cultural influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course is a history of art from the Renaissance to present day. The concepts, historical themes, and social/cultural influences on the art and architecture of the periods will be studied. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course covers the major themes and events in world history from prehistoric times to 1500. The course will focus on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course covers the major themes and events in world history from 1500 to the present. The course focuses on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course introduces students to philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their personal and professional lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course surveys historical and contemporary world religions and religious movements from ancient to modern times. It will present the basic tenets of the belief systems of major religions and religious movements. The course will further ground the study of world religions in a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that influenced religious thought. This course retains a commitment to teaching religious studies as the secular study of beliefs, behaviors, and institutions in a manner that emphasizes systematic inquiry and cross-cultural perspectives.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8.00

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
Microeconomics is the study of how individuals, households and firms make decisions about consumption and production which affect the supply and demand of goods and services. Other topics include the costs of production, behavior of firms, organization of industries, economics of labor markets, and theories of consumer choice.

Quarter Credits : 4

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An introduction and overview of the major principles in the field of Psychology including: mental disorders, personality, social understanding, stress and coping, learning, memory, neuroscience, and consciousness. Students will also gain a broad understanding of how these areas are interconnected from a theoretical and practical worldview in addition to scientific modes of thought about behavior. This course contains a component of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) initiative, "Keeping it Real: Classroom to Career," whose overarching goals are student success and early career engagement.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course introduces the study of human social development and social organizations and social institutions. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine topics such as the development of self-concept, group dynamics, social deviance, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
12.00

Area II Major Foundation Requirements: 16 Credits

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
This course is an introduction to medical terminology and the language of health care. Students will be able to read and comprehend terminology used in a variety of medical records and reports by focusing on the definition, spelling and pronunciation of medical terms relating to the human body with an emphasis on understanding the root words, prefixes and suffixes used in health care settings.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to fundamental chemistry concepts and their applications.  Students will explore essential terminology, the scientific method, atomic structure, chemical kinetics, and radioactivity, while learning  how to classify matter, understand ideal gas law relationships, and identify acids, bases, and salts. Students will gain a solid foundation in chemistry, preparing them for further scientific studies.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course surveys the principles necessary to promote optimum nutrition throughout the life cycle. Consideration is given to informed evaluation of areas of controversy, as well as influence of socioeconomic and culture on nutritional practices.

Quarter Credits : 4

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In Human Growth and Development, students will learn the normal developmental stages of the human life cycle. The stages of human development will be examined within the context of the biological, psychological, sociological, intellectual and emotional processes. Relevant cross-cultural comparisons are used to illustrate the unity and diversity of human life.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
16.00

Area III Major Requirements: 98 Credits

Core

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
Human Pathophysiology is an introductory study of disease processes in humans. Etiology, clinical manifestations, complications, common treatments, and diagnostic findings are examined based on a body systems approach. This course emphasizes physiological alterations resulting in disease and illness.

Quarter Credits : 4

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6
This course is an introduction to the healthcare delivery system. It provides an overview of the various forces and elements that shape the way healthcare is delivered and received in the United States. It covers the structure and function of the health organizations, professions, and delivery systems across the continuum of care.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course includes a historical, philosophical and managerial overview of long-term care from senior housing, congregate living, assisted living to skilled nursing care. The course will analyze the underpinnings of the profession, including the demographics of aging, the role of financing and the evolving marketplace. The course will include a focus on the role of health care delivery within long-term care settings, with attention devoted to quality of care, various models of care, and the future of long-term care in an aging society.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course reviews the major issues and trends impacting the managed care industry and provides an overview of different types of managed care organizations, considering both provider and payer sponsored systems. The business and financial relationship between managed care organizations and providers is explored. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is embedded in this course for a clear understanding of its impact on consumer healthcare insurance and benefits.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course reviews the organization and delivery of federal and state healthcare programs and the impact these programs have on the financing, regulation, and quality of the overall healthcare delivery system. Special focus is provided on the mechanisms and impact of federal and state reimbursement of healthcare services.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course explores the societal context of health, illness, and the health care system in American Society. Determinants and measurement of health and disease are examined and the study of epidemiology and public health is evaluated.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course explores the relationship and impact of the environment to health and illness in human populations. An exploration of man-made and natural environmental hazards will be discussed. Environmental health and risk assessment will be discussed as well as interventions. Environmental policy and practices will be viewed from the public health perspective and include the study of energy, waste, environmental justice and regulation.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course reviews and compares traditional medicine to complementary or alternative health measures. Examination of current trends will focus on the business practices and practitioners involved in these alternative healing therapies. Various types of Alternative and Complementary medicine will be evaluated based on scientific research, including Systematized Practices, such as traditional Chinese and Ayurveda medicine; Botanical Healing, such as herbs, nutritional supplements and homeopathy; Manual Healing Methods, including chiropractic, massage, and pressure point therapies; and Mind-Body Techniques, such as yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, and biofeedback.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course reviews the major issues and trends impacting the behavioral health industry and discusses the business and clinical environment of various types of behavioral health organizations including accreditation standards, reimbursement and patient care issues.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course reviews current issues facing the elderly as they relate to physical changes, health concerns, social adjustments, economic pressures and public policy for this growing segment of the US population. Discussion will also include comparison of these issues within the international community and research in the field of gerontology.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course introduces the history and development of epidemiology in healthcare with a focus on disease identification and control. A special section is devoted to the detection and response to bioterrorism and pandemics.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course introduces basic concepts, strategies and methods of health promotion and disease prevention. It reviews the major issues and trends impacting the field of health promotion and wellness within the context of public health, and provides a broad overview of policy formation planning, implementation and evaluation.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course is designed to introduce the basic tenets, applications, and focus of public health. It will provide an introduction to public health terminology, history, core disciplines, professional roles and services, current public health challenges and the impact of public health efforts on population health.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course provides students with an overview and practical knowledge of public health law and ethics. Students will gain an understanding of the responsibility of government to protect the public health in the context of upholding individual rights. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply this knowledge to real-world applications of ethical decision making and gain a critical understanding of their own ethical opinions.

Quarter Credits : 4

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In today's information driven age, access to healthcare information is vital. In both healthcare and public health, there are numerous systems that track disease outbreaks, environmental risks, and vital statistics. This course seeks to train students in the use of traditional health information systems and electronic health records. This course will describe health information systems, management of these systems, data integrity and standards, functionality, privacy, security, and decision-making. Additionally, the course will discuss the use of these systems as it relates to population health.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course will examine the ways in which diverse personal, socio-cultural and institutional factors impact health, including race/ethnicity/culture, socioeconomic class, migration status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, sexism, place, age and spirituality. Strategies to reduce disparities and promote equity, cultural competency and advocacy will be examined.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
78.00

Elective Pool (five courses or 20 credit hours)

Recommended electives include: 

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
The study of macroeconomics includes the basic aspects of economic analysis of the business world. Students will develop an understanding of the monetary system, recession, inflation, and the main cycles of business activity

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course details the history of medical information and biomedical communication. Participants will study information resources and services related to the transfer of information in the health sciences and integral computer applications to health sciences libraries including the organizational structure of medical knowledge. The course will familiarize students with the concept of information management and the application of information technology to health care. Participants will analyze current issues in the health care field and the relationship to health sciences libraries and information centers.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course represents a realistic study of the principles and practices of personnel management, major factors in personnel problems and labor relations, and the organization of personnel work. Attention is also given to the task of procuring, developing, maintaining, and using an effective team.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course provides students with an understanding of epidemiology and the philosophy and methods for health-related research. The course explores a wide range of topics, such as, research paradigms, research ethics, quantitative and qualitative research methods, descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing and writing research proposals.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course presents an overview of the legal issues facing the health care and public health industry. The course provides students with a basic working knowledge of health law with a comprehensive review of a wide variety of health care and public health legal issues.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course presents an overview of the public policy facing the health care industry. The course provides students with a basic working knowledge of health policy with a comprehensive review of a wide variety of policy making, policy analysis, economic, and insurance issues.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course introduces the student to theory and practice in the field of global health dealing with not only the health issues of developing countries but the threats to health extending beyond borders and affecting the global population. Students will explore the determinants and disparities of health at the global level including poverty and health beliefs and behaviors; surveillance and intervention measures; global health policies; and the governmental and nongovernmental agencies and collaborative efforts and obstacles in play to resolve global health issues. Case studies and examples of current global health challenges and outcomes will be discussed with a focus on factors contributing to the issues and collaborative approaches to delivering solutions.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course provides an overview of the health communication field and examines effective communication approaches. Students will learn how media can impact the health and well-being of populations at the personal, interpersonal, community, organizational, and policy level. Communication tools and technologies and strategies will be explored, as well as the importance of communication in advocacy for health promotion policies and programs. Students will develop a public health education piece addressing a current or emerging health information, prevention or emergency preparedness issue.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
20.00
Total Credits
182