Undergraduate Studies
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences is designed for those interested in the health care industry and the allied health professions. The degree has a flexible curriculum so students may choose an area of specialization to suit their career interests. This high-quality program offers classroom-based & distance instruction to prepare students for many exciting careers in one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries.
Students can choose to focus their degree based on the health career they plan to pursue after graduation. Students take foundational courses (24 credits) in Health Sciences then choose to focus their studies in one of five concentrations (21 concentration credits): biological health sciences, social and behavioral health sciences, healthcare simulation science, health care administration or health information technology based on their career goals.
Depending on the concentration chosen, students can go on to everything from clinical graduate programs to administrative and technology positions. The flexible and interdisciplinary nature of this exciting degree prepares tomorrow’s healthcare leaders with a strong foundation for success
Explore Concentrations & Courses
Biological Health Science
This concentration explores the scientific foundations of human health and disease. Ideal for students pursuing health-related careers or clinical and non-clinical graduate programs, it combines core science and public health courses with a flexible curriculum tailored to individual goals. Graduates are prepared for careers in pharmaceutical sales, clinical lab management, wellness, or advanced study in areas like occupational therapy, physician assistant programs, and public health.
Social & Behavioral Health Science
This concentration examines how social, cultural, psychological, and behavioral factors impact individual and community health. It prepares students to promote wellness, shape health policies, and address health disparities across populations. With a flexible curriculum, students are equipped for careers in behavioral health, healthcare administration, social work, mental health, and health education.
Health Care Administration
This concentration blends health sciences with business and policy, preparing students to lead and manage healthcare organizations. It equips graduates with the skills needed for roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, public health organizations, and healthcare consulting firms. Students excel in healthcare management roles where they can drive improvements in the efficiency, quality, and accessibility of healthcare services. Graduates are ready for immediate entry into the workforce and continued education in advanced healthcare administration.
Health Information Technology
This concentration prepares students for careers at the intersection of healthcare and technology, combining health sciences with information management, data analytics, and IT. Students are prepared to manage, secure, and analyze health information, contributing to the improvement of healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and organizational efficiency. Graduates can pursue careers in medical records, software development, project management, and consulting, or continue into graduate programs in health informatics, policy, and administration.
This concentration is focused on simulation-based healthcare education, training students in technology operations, scenario design, and program delivery. With a flexible curriculum and an emphasis on experiential learning, graduates are prepared for roles in clinical training, patient safety, simulation leadership, and advanced study in fields like medical education and clinical informatics.
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The USF College of Public Health offers the following academic program options for USF undergraduate students interested in the field of health sciences. The most current requirements can be found in the USF Undergraduate Catalog.
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Biological Health
- Pharmaceutical Sales
- Clinical Lab Management
- Technology Specialists
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Physician Assistant
Health Information Technology
- Medical Records Management
- Information Technology
- Software Development
- Internet Development
Health Management
- Hospital Administration
- Physician’s Office Management
- Insurance Industry
- Health Service Management
Social/Behavioral Health Sciences
- Mental Health Organizations
- Community Health Programs
- Health Administrators
- Health Education
Healthcare Simulation Science
- Hospital Systems
- Training Centers
- Healthcare Technology
- University Systems
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To learn more, please contact a USF College of Public Health advisor at (813) 974-4633 or UG-COPHadvise@usf.edu.
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