Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Program Overview

Prepare for diverse roles within the healthcare field while building a strong foundation in health sciences, human anatomy, and the principles of patient care.

Program Format

On-Campus

Degree Options

  • Four-Year BS Program

Time to Complete

  • Full Time: 4 Years
  • Transfer Pathways: 2 Years

Why Major in Health Science at AIC?

There is a significant need for qualified professionals in specialized healthcare roles due to workforce shortages in many regions. The Health Science Generalist program provides access to healthcare careers for students from diverse backgrounds, including those who may not have the resources or initial qualifications to enter more competitive or specialized programs directly. This versatile undergraduate program is designed to cater to students’ specific career interests while also equipping them with versatile skills applicable to a wide range of healthcare settings.

What to Expect

  • Finding your career path: The healthcare field offers a wide array of work opportunities based on your unique skills and interests. AIC’s generalist track option allows you to explore different facets of the healthcare field and find what area of study best fits your passions and ambitions.
  • Technology in the classroom: Our state-of-the-art health science labs provide hands-on experience guided by skilled experts in a variety of healthcare fields.
  • Collaborative care delivery: School of Health Sciences students come together while learning from each other, first on campus and then by engaging with the surrounding community. 
  • Pre-professional preparation: Work with your advisor to fulfill application prerequisites for graduate programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more.

Program Details

AIC’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science program prepares you for a broad array of career paths based on your passions and personal aspirations.

Program learning outcomes for this degree are based on Massachusetts State Standards and the respective SPA (Specialty Professional Area) content. At the conclusion of the program, the candidate will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the roles of a variety of health care professionals. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of professional behaviors associated with health science professions.
  • Demonstrate a broad understanding of the health sciences including anatomy and physiology, physics, functional anatomy and psychology
  • Attain the qualifications required for entry into an accredited entry-level graduate program

Major Courses: In addition to AIC Plan for Excellence (APEX) requirements, students must complete all courses listed here to receive a Bachelor of Science in Health Science:

  • BIO1200/1201: Anatomy and Physiology I with lab
  • BIO1210/1211: Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
  • BIO3200: Human Functional Anatomy
  • ENG1201: English Composition
  • ENG1202: Analytical Writing
  • INT1200: Health Science Professions
  • MAT2004 or PSY2302: Biostatistics* or Statistics
  • PSY1200: Introduction to Psychology

Minimum of 35 credits from the following: 

  • AAL1200: Health and Wellness for Athletes 
  • BIO1260/1261: Biology II for Health Sciences with lab
  • EXS1000: Introduction to Exercise Science
  • EXS2300: Motor Development and Learning
  • EXS2400: Sport and Exercise Nutrition
  • EXS2500: Personal Training Certification
  • EXS3050: Principles of Strength and Conditioning
  • EXS3100: Human Biomechanics
  • EXS3300: Exercise Physiology
  • INT2540: Health Psychology 
  • OTR5010: Introduction to Occupational Therapy 
  • PCH1030: Introduction to Public Health
  • PCH1100: Introduction to Health and Wellness
  • PCH3250: Environmental Health
  • PHY1200/1210: Physics of the Human Body with lab
  • PHY1600/1601/1602: Physics I with lab
  • PHY1800/1801/1802: Physics II with lab
  • PSY3600: Abnormal Psychology
  • PTR3201: Physical Therapy Orientation
  • SRM3203: Sports Psychology

Note: Health Science Generalist Track students must complete a minor with 18 credits.

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

Minor Courses: Students must complete all courses listed here to earn a Minor in Health Science:

  • BIO1200/1201 or BIO1250/1251: Anatomy and Physiology I with lab or Biology I for Health Sciences with lab
  • INT1200: Health Science Professions

Choose 12 credits from the following: 

  • AAL1200: Health and Wellness for Athletes 
  • BIO1210/1211: Anatomy and Physiology II with lab
  • BIO1260/1261: Biology II for Health Sciences with lab
  • BIO3200: Human Functional Anatomy 
  • CHE1600/1601/1602: General Chemistry I with lab 
  • CHE1700/1701/1702: General Chemistry II with lab 
  • EXS1000: Introduction to Exercise Science 
  • EXS2300: Motor Development and Learning
  • EXS2400: Sport and Exercise Nutrition
  • EXS2500: Personal Training Certification
  • EXS3050: Principles of Strength and Conditioning
  • EXS3100: Human Biomechanics
  • EXS3300: Exercise Physiology
  • INT2540: Health Psychology
  • PCH1030: Introduction to Public Health
  • PCH3250: Environmental Health
  • PHY1200/1210: Physics of the Human Body with lab 
  • PHY1600/1601/1602: General Physics I with lab 
  • PHY1800/1801/1802: General Physics II with lab 
  • PSY2450: Developmental Psychology

Please reference the current catalog for all course descriptions.

Individuals interested in studying Health Science at AIC—or exploring related studies in The Health Promotion, Research, and Management Hive—will apply for admission as a first-year, transfer, or international student.

Review tuition rates and fees for the upcoming academic year.

Scholarships

Grants and scholarships are awarded based on both need and merit.

AIC’s transfer partnerships with Holyoke Community College (HCC) and Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) provide an uninterrupted path from community college to our bachelor’s in Health Science program, as well as a $4,000 per year joint admissions scholarship.

If you have questions on transferring from one of our partner schools, please contact the admissions office at 413.205.3201.

Encouraging holistic involvement, AIC’s campus culture allows everyone to find their place to build connections and fuel their passions:

  • A Collaborative School: The School of Health Sciences strives to mimic the dynamics of a care team through everything we do. In 2025, Nursing and Health Sciences students partnered to promote wellness initiatives at the Interactive Health Fair hosted by the Scantic Valley YMCA in Wilbraham. On campus, Occupational Therapy students introduced Nursing undergraduates to the role of assistive technologies in cerebrovascular accident recovery. 
  • All student groups: Pursue a hobby or embrace your identity while managing a club’s resources, funds, and goals. Browse all student organizations.
  • Leadership development: Through groups, athletics, service, and outreach, Yellow Jackets explore the art of taking charge and how objectives are achieved through motivation, engagement, and vision. Learn more about leadership development.

Have a Question?

Contact our Dean for program-specific questions or email admissions@aic.edu for general college admission requirements.

Karen Rousseau, PhD, RN
Dean of the School of Health Sciences

Location: 108 Courniotes Hall
Phone: 413.205.3503
Email: karen.rousseau@aic.edu

Academic and Career Support

AIC gives you the space to explore your interest while preparing you for life after college. Throughout, you’ll work with advisors and mentors to define your academic and professional goals and the ways to achieve them.

Related Programs

Whatever type of healthcare role you want to pursue, AIC’s programs offer real-world experience to set you on your path:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

At AIC, your passions will lead you on the path to professional success: