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Home / Academics /

Bachelor of Science
Health Science

  • Program Overview
  • Combined Degree
  • Learn by Doing
  • Student Research
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In this section

Creating Healthier Communities

JWU Providence students experience a truly interdisciplinary Health Science program, bringing together all of JWU’s curriculum resources while giving you flexibility to explore approaches to health and the healthcare industry.

Build a solid foundation for an entry-level position in healthcare or for further education in disciplines such as medicine, physical therapy, public health and occupational therapy. You’ll gain hands-on experience with basic lab techniques and learn to evaluate, present and analyze data. This training will teach you to assess populations, identify issues and devise effective solutions, all centered around compassionate care in diverse medical fields.

Our small class sizes and personalized instruction mean that you will work closely with supportive, industry-knowledgeable faculty who take a personal interest in helping you prepare for wherever your future takes you. Faculty members have also cultivated strong partnerships with local organizations like Brown University Health, Care New England and the Rhode Island Department of Health & Human Services, giving you access to valuable networking opportunities. They can also help you enhance your research skills through guided learning, including the possibility of publishing your research in scientific journals.

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Get Your Master's Faster

Students can earn a combined Health Science B.S./Public Health M.P.H. in as little as five years or a combined Health Science B.S./Occupational Therapy O.T.D. in as little as six years at JWU.

Qualified students can complete five core M.P.H. graduate courses or nine Occupational Therapy doctoral courses that will count toward their undergraduate Health Science degree.

Explore Combined Degrees


Putting Health Science Skills to Work

Our students are encouraged to become health scientists under the mentorship of research-focused and industry-experience faculty. This means having an opportunity to influence health at every level, whether helping to develop a brief for a local Department of Children, Youth and Families or publishing scientific literature concerning a finding from your project research. Students are encouraged to pursue their research interests, which might look like examining the intersection between traumatic brain injuries and substance abuse or studying the consequences of losing a loved one to COVID-19.

In this program, you will:

  • Become prepared for a career in healthcare or for advanced studies in fields such as medicine, occupational therapy, clinical nutrition and dietetics, nursing, mental health counseling, addiction counseling or physical therapy
  • Learn how to evaluate, present and analyze data
  • Obtain the intervention skills set to examine populations, identify problems and develop solutions
  • Identify and complete a full-year research project, presenting your findings to fellow researchers and to the public
  • Apply free elective credit to options ranging from Directed Experiential Education (DEE) to internships to study abroad
  • Be eligible for an accelerated pathway to JWU’s Master of Public Health program, including a 25% discount for Wildcat alumni



Research in Health Science


Student-Teacher Collaboration

Associate Professor Samantha Rosenthal, Ph.D., MPH, collaborated with three JWU Health Science student interns on starting a pilot study after winning a $311,000 National Institute of Mental Health grant.


Helping Marginalized Populations

While studying Health Science at JWU, Sarah Miller ’24 stepped outside of what she was familiar with, setting out to identify factors associated with avoiding healthcare due to fear of discrimination among sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. Her project won the President’s Award at JWU’s 2024 Student Research, Design & Innovation Symposium.

 

Sarah Miller with Research Project

State-of-the-Art Labs & Classrooms

Microchemistry Lab

This lab is located in JWU’s John J. Bowen Center for Science and Innovation. It allows students to explore the reactions and properties of substances in minute quantities.

Launch Experience

Exercise and Sport Science Labs

Health Science students can also opt to take electives that allow them to use various equipment in JWU’s Exercise and Sport Science Labs

Launch Experience

Sample Courses

  • Introduction to Health Professions
  • Introduction to Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Research Methods for Health Science
  • Determinants of Health
  • Data and Evidence in Health: Research Capstone

In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.

JWU Catalog: Health Science

Career Possibilities

  • Physician Assistant
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Pharmacist
  • Medical Laboratory Technician

Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.

Featured Faculty

Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.

Associate Professor Cara Sammartino
Cara Sammartino

Professor + Department Chair

Cara Sammartino, Ph.D., M.S.P.H., is a health services investigator with experience in developing/analyzing program evaluation data, building analytical models, analyzing state legislation and research effective policy solutions.

Professor Samantha Rosenthal
Samantha Rosenthal

Professor

Samantha Rosenthal, Ph.D., M.P.H., worked on pharmaceutical and vaccine development as a chemical engineer and developed novel medical devices and prostheses as a biomedical engineer.

Clinical Capstone Coordinator Jennifer Swanberg
Jennifer Swanberg

Professor

Jennifer Swanberg, Ph.D. MMHS, OTR/L, is an internationally known scholar dedicated to improving the quality of work life and well-being of vulnerable working populations through research and policy interventions.

Related Programs

A doctor and a woman in business attire talk in hospital hallway

Healthcare Administration

In this program, you will become immersed in the current healthcare system and evaluating policies, laws and regulations that drive the system.

Undergraduate research fellows during a roundtable discussion.

Public Health

Explore a holistic approach to health through courses in nutrition, exercise science, psychology, sociology, public health and economics, and discover its importance to patient-centered, humanistic healthcare delivery.

Students from JWU’s first Nursing cohort welcome visitors to the newly-unveiled facility.

Accelerated Nursing (ABSN)

Our accelerated program is designed for individuals who already hold an earned bachelor’s degree or higher and wish to pursue nursing as a career.

Visit JWU

Explore where you’ll live, learn, and enjoy all campus has to offer.

Schedule an In-Person Tour

Faculty Contacts

Providence

Cara Sammartino
401-598-5223
Email


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