The study of health sciences prepares students for careers in a broad range of occupations, including those in in-demand sectors such as healthcare, public health, and exercise science. Health care is one of the strongest sectors in the U.S. economy, with an aging population and COVID-19 survivors continuing to increase demand for healthcare and disease-prevention professionals. A degree in Health Sciences provides students with practical skills that can qualify them for entry-level positions in scientific and health-related occupations.
Health Sciences majors choose from concentrations in Public Health, Allied Health or Exercise and Sports Science. Students are educated through outstanding experiential learning, community service and research studies to address societal health needs for diverse populations. Our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment include a 3D Virtual Human Dissection Table; DNA Sequencer; imaging center with confocal microscope; gait analysis walkway; isokinetic system; body balance system; and emergency medical technology and paramedic equipment.
Concentrations
Public Health is available as a concentration in the Health Science major. The program builds upon supporting courses in chemistry, mathematics, health, sociology and psychology. Students learn about public health issues, drinking water management, substance abuse, and health promotion and prevention as they prepare for careers in public health or entrance into graduate school.
Students in the allied health concentration in the Health Sciences major take courses in microbiology, anatomy & physiology, and chemistry in preparation for a graduate school in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, and physician assistant. They are also prepared to enter a variety of health- and science-related careers.
Exercise and Sport Science is devoted to study how exercise improves physical health and performance. This curriculum examines two broad themes: (a) how exercise promotes physical and mental health. Areas of study include exercise, physical fitness, and disease caused by sedentary lifestyles including cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders; (b) the scientific principles underlying exercise improve sports performance. Areas of study include the physiological basis of exercise, biomechanics, overtraining, specialization, musculoskeletal injuries, and the emotional health of athletes.
The Pre-Health Society student club offers Health Sciences majors the opportunity to learn more about their profession through guest lecturers, field trips, and other activities.
Health Sciences students have traveled to Ghana to visit clinics, hospitals, schools, orphanages and public services as they learn about the country’s health care and public health systems.
Helena traveled to Ghana for a global field course that gave insight into the health care system of a developing country. “We visited a local hospital and got the chance to watch a cesarean section as well as a natural birth. This experience solidified my dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse.”
Public Health Technician
Precious Baker ’17
Health Sciences major Precious Baker is an emergency department technician at Windham Hospital after earning her master's degree in public health from UConn. “Eastern’s health sciences program taught me the foundations of public health and developed my writing and critical thinking skills.”
Master in Occupational Therapy
Rachel DiNatalie ’18
Health Sciences major Rachel DiNatalie is pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy at Sacred Heart University. “The opportunities I’ve had at Eastern have affirmed my decision to pursue a career in the healthcare industry and prepared me for graduate school to become an occupational therapist.”
Physical Therapist
Alejandro Corrales ’17
Alejandro is a student physical therapist at Hartford Healthcare while pursuing a doctorate of physical therapy at the University of Hartford. “My experience with the health sciences program was exceptional. The well-organized curriculum allowed me to attain the knowledge to be accepted into my doctorate program.”
University of Delaware
Brendan Cullinane ’19
Brendan was accepted into the doctoral program in physical therapy at the University of Delaware, one of the nation’s leading programs. He conducted research with Professor Amy Bataille and was an officer of the Pre-Health Society. He also traveled to Ghana, West Africa, for an internship. “I am so grateful to have been able to go on this amazing trip and experience Ghanaian culture. It was a life-changing experience.”
Survivor Intake Coordinator
Mariana Serrano '18
Health Sciences major Mariana Serrano '18 is preparing for medical school by working at a global anti-human trafficking organization called Love146 as a survivor intake coordinator. "The Health Sciences program has prepared me to work with a myriad of public health issues and provided me with the education and experience to support populations in need."