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Academic Units: Department of Health Sciences

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Mission Statement
The purpose of the Department of Health Sciences is to contribute to the liberal education of all students and prepare students for professional careers in the health sciences and/or for entry into professional programs.
  Goals
The goals of the Department of Health Sciences are to:
  • promote the health and well being of the JMU community.
  • support the general education program.
  • educate health professionals.
  • provide service to the community, the state, the region and the nation.
  • conduct, disseminate, and publish research/scholarship in health sciences.
Back to top of page Career Opportunities
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Registered Dietitian
  • Health Administrator
  • Health Assessment and Promotion Specialist
  • Occupational Therapist (Graduate Program)
  • Physician Assistant (Graduate Program)
  • Public Health Educator
  • Substance Abuse Prevention Professional
Back to top of page Co-curricular Activities and Organizations
  • American College of Health Care Executives Student Association
  • American College of Health Care Administrators Student Chapter
  • American College of Sports Medicine
  • Student Athletic Trainers Association
  • Eta Sigma Gamma (Health Sciences Honor Society)
  • JMU Dietetic Association
  • JMU Physician Assistant Student Society
  • JMU Student Occupational Therapy Association
  • Pre-OT Society
  • Pre-PT Society
Back to top of page Special Admission Requirements
Admission to JMU does not guarantee admission to all academic majors and minors. Special applications are required for admission to the clinical portions of the Athletic Training program, the Health Services Administration program, and the Occupational Studies program.
Back to top of page Degree and Major Requirements
The Department of Health Sciences offers the following degrees:
  • Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
  • Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in:
    • Health Assessment and Promotion
    • Health Studies
    • Occupational Studies
    • Public Health Education

The Physician Assistant program and the Occupational Therapy program are available at the master’s degree level.
  Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training
This major prepares students to become Certified Athletic Trainers through the Board of Certification. Areas of study include injury prevention, emergency care, injury evaluation and rehabilitation of the physically active. The Athletic Training Education Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). This program is comprised of both academic and clinical requirements. It is not an open major; students are selected through a competitive admission process. Specific program requirements, including academic, clinical and technical standards, may be found on the Athletic Training Curriculum Web site (www.jmu.edu/healthsci/at/at.htm). Additional information pertaining to admission and retention policies may also be found online or in the Athletic Training Curriculum Handbook, located in the CISAT Library and in the Program Director’s office.
Degree Requirements
General Education1
41
Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education)
3
Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education)
4
Major and elective requirements (listed below)
72
120
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
Required Courses/Recommended Schedule for Majors
First Year
Credit Hours
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics1
3
ATEP 205. Introduction to Athletic Training2
3
Electives
6
General Education courses
18
30
 
Second Year
Credit Hours
BIO 270. Human Physiology1
4
BIO 290. Human Anatomy2
4
ATEP 206. Recognition and Management of Athletic Injuries2,3
3
ATEP 291. Pre-Professional Practicum in Athletic Training2,3
1
Electives
1
General Education courses
16
29
 
Third Year
Credit Hours
ATEP 304A. Upper Quarter Evaluation2,4
3
ATEP 304B. Lower Quarter Evaluation2,3
3
ATEP 305. Rehabilitation in Athletic Training (Upper)2,3
3
ATEP 306. Therapeutic Modalities2,4
4
ATEP 307. Field Application in Athletic Training2,4
2
ATEP 350. Measurement Techniques in Athletic Training2,4
2
ATEP 355. Infectious Disease Control2,3
1
ATEP 377. General Medicine in Athletic Training2,3
2
ATEP 392. Level II Practicum in Athletic Training2,4
2
ATEP 393. Level III Practicum in Athletic Training2,3
2
HTH 354. U.S. Health Care Systems2
3
HTH 441. Rehabilitative Biomechanics2
3
NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness2
3
33
 
Fourth Year
Credit Hours
ATEP 376. Pharmacology for Athletic Trainers2,4
2
ATEP 405. Rehabilitation in Athletic Training (Lower) 2,4
3
ATEP 406. Organization and Administration of Athletic Training2,3
3
ATEP 494. Level IV Practicum in Athletic Training2,4
2
ATEP 495. Level V Practicum in Athletic Training2,3
2
KIN 302. Physiology of Muscular Activity2
3
KIN 302L. Physiology of Muscular Activity/Lab2
1
NUTR 382. Sports Nutrition2,4
3
Elective
2
General Education courses
7
28
1 BIO 270 & MATH 220 may be met by choosing the correct course in General Education and be counted for both general education and the major.
2 Grade of “C” or better required.
3 Offered only in spring semester.
4 Offered only in fall semester.
Back to top of page Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
The major in dietetics prepares the student as a generalist in dietetics. The dietetics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education, the accrediting agency for The American Dietetic Association.

The program in dietetics gives the student a wide view of dietetic careers including clinical dietetics, administrative dietetics, community dietetics, education and research. Following the completion of the program in dietetics, students should plan to meet the experience requirements for registered dietitian status by completing a dietetic internship (DI). The Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at James Madison University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of The American Dietetic Association, 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606-6995, (312) 899-4876.

  Receiving Verification Statement
In order to receive a signed Verification Statement from James Madison University, a student must have documentation of the following:
  • Completion of all DPD courses required at JMU, with a “C” or higher in all nutrition classes and an average GPA of at least 2.5 in all DPD classes.
  • Final transcript verifying all grades and degree confirmation.
As soon as the final transcript is received, the student will be given four copies of the signed Verification Statement, which is necessary before beginning a dietetic internship.
  Meeting the Didactic Program in Dietetics
Any student wishing to complete the DPD at James Madison University must be enrolled in either the B.S. program in Dietetics or in the M.S. program in Health Sciences with a concentration in Dietetics or Nutrition and Physical Activity. In order to receive a signed Verification Statement from JMU, students must take a minimum of NUTR 482, Nutrition and Metabolism; NUTR 484, Clinical Nutrition II; NUTR 446, Experimental Foods; NUTR 363, Quantity Food Production; NUTR 460, Computer Systems for Foods and Nutrition; and NUTR 490, Field Experience Practicum on campus at James Madison University.
Required Courses/Recommended Schedule for Majors
First Year
Credit Hours
CHEM 131-131L. General Chemistry I with laboratory and CHEM 132-132L. General Chemistry II with laboratory
8
NUTR 140. Contemporary Foods
3
NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness
3
NUTR 295. Foundations of Nutrition Practice1
2
Quantitative requirement (B.S. degree requirement)
3
General Education courses
12
31
 
Second Year
Credit Hours
CHEM 221-221L. Concepts of Organic Chemistry with laboratory2
4
CHEM 222-222L. Concepts of Biochemistry with laboratory1
4
NUTR 385. Nutrition throughout the Life Cycle2
3
NUTR 386. Community Nutrition
3
GPSYC 101. General Psychology3 or GPSYC 160. Life Span Human Development3
3
GPOSC. U.S. Government3
4
General Education courses
12
33
 
Third Year
Credit Hours
BIO 270. Human Physiology3
4
BIO 290. Human Anatomy
4
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics
3
NUTR 360. Health Care Food Service Management2
3
NUTR 362. Food Service Systems1
3
NUTR 363. Quantity Food Production
3
NUTR 380. Global Nutrition
3
NUTR 384. Clinical Nutrition I1
3
NUTR 395. Introduction to Patient Care in Dietetics2
2
Elective
3
31
 
Fourth Year
Credit Hours
BIO 280. Allied Health Microbiology
4
NUTR 446. Experimental Foods2
3
NUTR 460. Computer Systems for Foods and Nutrition1
3
NUTR 482. Nutrition and Metabolism2
3
NUTR 484. Clinical Nutrition II1
3
NUTR 490. Field Experience Practicum4
3
NUTR 495. Senior Seminar in Dietetics2
2
Elective
4
26
1 Offered only in spring semester.
2 Offered only in fall semester.
3 These courses may count for both General Education and the major depending on General Education course choice.
4 Field Experience Practicum should be completed during summer between junior and senior years.
Back to top of page Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration
The program in Health Services Administration prepares the student for entry-level administrative positions, and staff positions requiring administrative skills, in various health services organizations including hospitals, hospital systems, managed care organizations, retirement and long term care facilities, ambulatory care organizations and public health organizations. The student is prepared to plan, organize, direct and control health programs and/or facilities. In addition, the program provides the foundation for graduate study in health services administration and related fields. The Health Services Administration program is not an open program; students must meet specific criteria for admission to the program. The criteria are available from the program director and are available on the program’s Web site at www.healthsci.jmu.edu/hsa/pages. The Health Services Administration program is approved as a Full Certified undergraduate program by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). Upon completion of all JMU and program requirements, the student is awarded the B.S. in Health Services Administration.

No more than 30 hours may be taken in the College of Business.

Degree Requirements
General Education1
40
Quantitative requirement (in addition to General Education)
3
Scientific Literacy requirement (in addition to General Education)
3
Major and elective requirements (listed below)
74
120
Required Courses/Recommended Schedule for Majors
First Year
Credit Hours
HTH 151. Foundations of Health Sciences2
3
General Education courses
28
31
 
Second Year
Credit Hours
COB 218. Legal Environment of Business
3
COB 241. Financial Accounting
3
COB 204. Computer Information Systems
3
ECON 201. Principles of Economics (Micro)
3
HTH 354. U.S. Health Care System6
3
HSA 385. Seminar in Health Services Administration2
1
General Education courses
12
28
 
Third Year
Credit Hours
FIN 345. Managerial Finance
3
GERN 280. Social Gerontology
3
HTH 320. Statistical Methods for Health Science Research2 (B.S. degree requirement)
3
HSA 366. Health Politics and Policy2,5 (B.S. degree requirement)
3
HSA 358. Health Administration2,5
3
HSA 363. Health Economics2,5
3
HSA 365. Values in Health Care2
3
MGT 305. Management and Organizational Behavior
3
MKTG 380. Principles of Marketing
3
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics1
3
30
 
Fourth Year
Credit Hours
HTH 450. Epidemiology2
3
HSA 454. Internship in Health Organizations7
3
HTH 458. Health Program Planning and Evaluation2
3
HSA 462. Managed Care2,3
3
Choose one of the following:
3
HSA 452. Hospital Organization and Administration2,3
HSA 455. Long Term Care Organization and Administration2,3
HSA 456. Ambulatory Care Services: Organization and Administration2,5
HSA 464. Funding in Health Care2,3
3
Program electives (selected from list of approved courses)
6
Electives
7
31
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 Grade of “C” or better required.
3 Offered only in spring semester.
5 Offered only in fall semester.
6 Grade of “B” or better required.
7 Grade of “C” or better required in all HSA courses.
Back to top of page Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
The B.S. degree with a major in health sciences consists of health and science course requirements in addition to general education requirements and B.S. requirements. For specialization in a professional area, concentrations are available in health assessment and promotion, health studies, occupational studies, and public health education.
Health Assessment and Promotion Concentration
This concentration prepares the student for positions in wellness, hospital and corporate-based health assessment and promotion programs. The student is trained to develop and implement comprehensive health promotion activities using health education, assessment techniques and fitness concepts. This concentration prepares students to enroll in the Health/Fitness Instructor certification program sponsored by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Students must complete the General Education requirements, the B.S. degree requirements and the Health Assessment and Promotion core requirements.

Health Sciences Core Requirements:
Credit Hours
BIO 270. Human Physiology
4
CHEM 120. Concepts of Chemistry + 120L
4
HTH 151. Foundations of Health Sciences
3
HTH 354. US Health Care Systems
3
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics
3
NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness3
3
20
 
Health Assessment and Promotion Concentration Requirements:
BIO 290. Human Anatomy
ATEP 205. Introduction to Athletic Training
HTH 308. Therapeutic Assessment
HTH 389. Practicum
HTH 441. Rehabilitative Biomechanics
HTH 442. Chronic Diseases
HTH 450. Epidemiology
HTH 451. Health Behavior Change
HTH 454. Internship
HTH 458. Health Program Planning and Evaluation
HTH 471. Health Aspects of Gerontology
HTH 480. Health Assessment Techniques
HTH 482. Advanced Health Assessment Techniques
NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness
NUTR 382. Sports Nutrition
Recommended Schedule for Health Assessment and Promotion
Evidence of CPR/First-Aid certification must be presented for graduation.
First Year
Credit Hours
CHEM 120. Concepts of Chemistry1
3
GHTH 100. Personal Wellness
3
HTH 151. Foundations of the Health Sciences2
3
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics1
3
General Education courses
18
30
 
Second Year
Credit Hours
BIO 270. Human Physiology1
4
BIO 290. Human Anatomy
4
ATEP 205. Introduction to Athletic Training2
3
NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness
3
General Education courses
15
29
 
Third Year
Credit Hours
HTH 308. Therapeutic Assessment2,3
3
HTH 354. U.S. Health Care System2
3
HTH 389. Practicum in Health Education2
3
HTH 451. Health Behavior Change2
3
NUTR 382. Sports Nutrition4
3
General Education courses
4
Electives
12
31
 
Fourth Year
Credit Hours
HTH 441. Rehabilitative Biomechanics2
3
HTH 442. Chronic Disease2,4
3
HTH 450. Epidemiology2
3
HTH 454. Internship in Health Organizations2
3
HTH 458. Health Program Planning and Evaluation2
3
HTH 471. Health Aspects of Gerontology2,4
3
HTH 480. Health Assessment Techniques2,4
3
HTH 482. Advanced Health Assessment Techniques2,3
3
Electives
6
30
1 BIO 270, CHEM 120 & MATH 220 may be met by choosing the correct course in General Education and be counted for both general education and the major.
2 Grade of “C” or better required.
3 Offered only in spring semester.
4 Offered only in fall semester.
Health Studies Concentration
The Health Studies concentration is designed for students interested in making application to a professional program. The Health Studies concentration combines a broad foundation of health-related course work with preparatory courses in one of the pre-professional programs: pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-optometry, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, pre-pharmacy, pre-physician assistant and pre-veterinary. Students must select a pre-professional program and complete the related course work. See Pages 124-125 for a list of pre-professional packages. Completion of a pre-professional program does not ensure that individual professional program prerequisites, including JMU professional programs, have been met. Students are encouraged to identify individual professional program requirements.
Health Studies Concentration
Credit Hours
Choose one of the following:
4-8
CHEM 120. Concepts of Chemistry + L
CHEM 131 + L and CHEM 132 + L
BIO 270. Human Physiology
4
BIO 290. Human Anatomy
4
NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness
3
GHTH 100. Personal Wellness
3
HTH 151. Foundations for the Health Sciences
3
HTH 320. Statistical Methods for Health Sciences Research
3
HTH 354. U.S. Health Care System
3
HTH 408. Managing and Interpreting Health Research Information
3
HTH 450. Epidemiology
3
HTH 451. Health Behavior Change
3
Select four classes from the following Health Studies electives
12
HTH 300. Medical Terminology
HTH 352. Environmental Health
HTH 370. Child and Adolescent Health
HTH 372. Human Sexuality
HTH 378. The Use and Effects of Drugs
HTH 441. Rehabilitative Biomechanics
HTH 458. Health Program Planning and Evaluation
HTH 471. Health Aspects of Gerontology
Additional requirements:
Select one pre-professional program from the following: pre-dentistry, pre-medicine, pre-occupational therapy, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-physician assistant, pre-veterinary medicine.
Recommended Schedule for Health Studies Concentration
A pre-professional program is required.
First Year
Credit Hours
GHTH 100. Personal Wellness
3
HTH 151. Foundations of Health Sciences
3
Pre-professional general biology course (if required)
4
General Education courses
20-24
30
 
Second Year
Credit Hours
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics
3
CHEM 120 + L or CHEM 131 + L and CHEM 132 + L
4-8
NUTR 280. Nutrition
3
BIO 290. Human Anatomy
4
General Education courses
12-16
30
 
Third Year
Credit Hours
HTH 320. Statistical Methods for Health Science
3
BIO 270. Human Physiology
4
HTH 354. U.S. Health Care System
3
HTH 451. Health Behavior Change
3
Electives from designated Health Studies electives
6
Electives
11
30
 
Fourth Year
Credit Hours
HTH 408. Managing and Interpreting HS Research Information
3
HTH 450. Epidemiology
3
Electives from designated Health Studies electives
9
Electives including pre-professional courses
15
30
Occupational Studies Concentration
This concentration is an early-entry program that can lead toward the Master in Occupational Therapy (MOT) Program. Through this concentration qualified and selected JMU undergraduate students prepare for admission to the MOT program during their senior year. The health sciences major core is combined with prerequisite courses and first year requisite courses that can lead to the MOT degree. This concentration allows the occupational studies student the opportunity to earn a B.S. degree prior to applying to, and gaining admission to, the MOT program. Entry into this concentration requires a supplemental admission process. Admission to JMU does not guarantee admission to the occupational studies concentration or to the MOT Program; likewise admission into the Occupational Studies program as a senior does not ensure direct admission in the College of Graduate and Outreach Programs (CGOP) or the MOT program. Application to the MOT program will occur during the student’s senior year with admission based on academic performance and other factors. Students must complete the General Education requirements, the health sciences major core requirements and the occupational studies core requirements prior to admission.

Students who successfully complete the required 84 undergraduate credits and meet all criteria listed for the supplemental application process, and are selected by the OT program admission committee, will be admitted to the occupational studies concentration prior to the start of their senior year. These students will then complete the remaining prescribed 36 undergraduate credits and will earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with an occupational studies concentration.

Admission Requirements
Applicants to the occupational studies concentration must initially be accepted to JMU and can apply once all requirements for admission are completed. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.8 and earn a “C” (2.0) grade or better in all prerequisite course work. Applicants must submit:
  • Graduate Record Examination scores in Verbal, Quantitative and Writing.
  • documentation verifying a minimum of 40 hours of observation of occupational therapy services
  • three reference forms: One from an instructor, one from an employer/ volunteer supervisor and one from another non-related individual
  • an autobiography (1,000 words or less)
  • evidence of at least one instructional experience in the arts or media (from high school, community college or college course, private instruction or community arts certificate)
Applicants must meet all General Education requirements including the Information Seeking Skills Test (ISST) and computer competency requirements as required by the university. All prerequisites and requirements must be complete by the stated deadlines. Incomplete application packages will not be considered for admission.

Students must complete the General Education requirements, the B.S. degree requirement and the occupational studies core requirements.

Recommended Schedule and Occupational Studies Core
A pre-professional program is required.
Required Prerequisite Courses
Credit Hours
BIO 270. Human Physiology
4
GANTH 195. Cultural Anthropology
3
CHEM 120 and CHEM 120L. Concepts of Chemistry Lab with lab
4
BIO 290. Human Anatomy
4
HTH 151. Foundations of the Health Sciences
3
HTH 320. Health Statistics
3
HTH 354. U.S. Health Care Systems
3
HTH 441. Rehabilitative Biomechanics
3
Choose one:
3
GHTH 100. Personal Wellness or
GKIN 100. Lifetime Fitness and Wellness
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics
3
GPSYC 160. Life Span Human Development
3
PSYC 250. Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
3
NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness
3
Choose one:
3
GSOCI 210. Social Issues in a Global Context or
GSOCI 240. Individual in Society
Required Courses
Credit Hours
BIO 414. Clinical Anatomy for Occupational Therapists
4
BIO 440. Functional Neuroscience for Occupational Therapists
3
HTH 409. Therapeutic Interaction
3
HTH 424. Occupational Development Through the Life Span
3
HTH 431. Human Occupation and the Foundations of the Profession
3
HTH 435. Level I Fieldwork One
1
HTH 438. Health Administration
3
HTH 445. The Occupational Therapy Process
3
HTH 460. Sensorimotor Foundations of Occupational Engagement
2
HTH 461. Assistive Technology and Therapeutic Media
3
HTH 478. Occupational Dysfunction - Cause and Impact
3
HTH 479. Foundations of Research in Occupational Therapy
3
HTH 491. Occupational Therapy Tutorial
1
HTH 492. Occupational Therapy Tutorial
1
Electives (depending on General Education course selection)
0-21
Students can take elective credits that may allow them the opportunity to complete a minor if desired.
Occupational Studies Core Required Courses/Recommended Schedule
First Year
Credit Hours
CHEM 120. Concepts of Chemistry1
3
CHEM 120L. Concepts of Chemistry Lab
1
GHTH 100. Personal Wellness
3
HTH 151. Foundations of Health Sciences
3
GANTH 195. Cultural Anthropology
3
GPSYC 160. Life Span Human Development
3
General Education courses
9
Electives
6
31
 
Second Year
Credit Hours
BIO 290. Human Anatomy
4
NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness
3
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics1
3
Choose one:
3
GSOCI 210. Social Issues in a Global Context or
GSOCI 240. Individual in Society
General Education courses
7
Electives
9
29
 
Third Year
Credit Hours
PSYC 250. Introduction to Abnormal Psychology
3
BIO 270. Human Physiology1
4
HTH 320. Health Statistics
3
HTH 354. U.S. Health Care Systems
3
HTH 441. Rehabilitative Biomechanics
3
Electives
9
25
 
Fourth Year
Credit Hours
BIO 414. Clinical Anatomy for OTs4
4
BIO 440. Functional Neuroscience for OTs3
3
HTH 409. Therapeutic Interaction3
3
HTH 424. Occupational Development Through the Life Span3
3
HTH 431. Human Occupation and Foundations of the Profession3
3
HTH 435. Level One Fieldwork One2
1
HTH 438. Administrative Functions for OTs4
3
HTH 445. The Occupational Therapy Process3
3
HTH 460. Sensorimotor Foundations of Occupational Engagement2
2
HTH 461. Assistive Technology and Therapeutic Media2
3
HTH 478. Occupational Dysfunction – Cause and Impact3
3
HTH 479. Foundations of Research in OT2
3
HTH 491. Occupational Therapy Tutorial I3
1
HTH 492. Occupational Therapy Tutorial II2
1
36
1 BIO 270, CHEM 120 & MATH 220 may be met by choosing the correct course in General Education and be counted for both general education and the major.
2 Offered spring only.
3 Offered fall only.
4 Offered summer only.
The Occupational Therapy Program has achieved full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery lane, PO Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220; (301) 652-AOTA; www.aota.org. Effective January 1, 2007, all Occupational Therapy programs will only be accredited at the post-baccalaureate level.

Program graduates are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational therapy (NBCOT), 800 South Frederick Ave., Suite 200, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150; (301) 990-7979; www.nbcot.org. After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). Passage of this exam forms the basis for regulation of practice in forty-eight states, the District of Columbia and most territories.

A prior felony conviction may impact ability to practice occupational therapy. Applicants are advised to check individual state requirements for the practice of occupational therapy. Level Two field work must be completed within 24 months of completion of didactic course work.

Public Health Education Concentration
This concentration prepares the student for entry-level health education positions or health-related positions in community, voluntary, and public health agencies such as health departments, American Heart Association, and American Red Cross. The program is approved by the Society for Public Health Education and the American Association for Health Education.

Students must complete the General Education requirements, the B.S. degree requirements and the public health education core requirements.

Public Health Education Concentration Requirements
BIO 270. Human Physiology
BIO 280. Allied Health Microbiology
CHEM 120. Concepts of Chemistry
HTH 151. Foundations of Health Sciences
HTH 354. US Health Care Systems
HTH 352. Environmental Health
HTH 354. U.S. Health Care Systems
HTH 370. Child and Adolescent Health
HTH 372. Human Sexuality
HTH 378. Use and Effects of Drugs
HTH 450. Epidemiology
HTH 451. Health Behavior Change
HTH 453. Public Health Education Methods
HTH 454. Internship
HTH 458. Health Program Planning and Evaluation
HTH 471. Health Aspects of Gerontology
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics
NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness3
TSC 210. Introduction to Technical and Scientific Communication
Recommended Schedule for Public Health Education
First Year
Credit Hours
CHEM 120. Concepts of Chemistry1
3
HTH 151. Foundations of the Health Sciences
3
MATH 220. Elementary Statistics1
3
General Education courses and electives
21
30
 
Second Year
Credit Hours
BIO 270. Human Physiology1
3
BIO 280. Allied Health Microbiology
4
NUTR 280. Nutrition for Wellness
3
TSC 210. Introduction to Technical and Scientific Communication
3
General Education courses and electives
18
31
 
Third Year
Credit Hours
HTH 352. Environmental Health2
3
HTH 370. Child and Adolescent Health
3
HTH 372. Human Sexuality
3
HTH 378. The Use and Effects of Drugs
3
HTH 354. U.S. Health Care System
3
Quantitative requirement for B.S. degree. (HTH 320 will count)
3
General Education courses
7
Electives
4
29
In order to graduate in May of the senior year, a student must save HTH 450, HTH 453 and HTH 471 to be taken the third block of the senior year. The internship, HTH 454, is then taken the fourth block. The internship is full-time supervised work at a professional site for eight weeks; thus, semester long courses cannot be taken the spring semester of the senior year.

Students who need additional courses must complete their internship during May-June after their senior year.

Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Credit Hours
HTH 451. Health Behavior Change
3
HTH 458. Health Program Planning and Evaluation
3
Electives
12
18
 
Fourth Year
Spring Semester
Third Block
Credit Hours
HTH 450. Epidemiology
3
HTH 453. Public Health Education Methods3
3
HTH 471. Health Aspects of Gerontology
3
Fourth Block
HTH 454. Internship in Health Organizations4
3
12
1 BIO 270, CHEM 120 & MATH 220 may be met my choosing the correct course in General Education and be counted for both general education and the major.
2 Offered only in fall semester.
3 Offered only in spring semester.
4 Offered only in spring or summer.
Back to top of page Master Level Degrees
In addition to undergraduate programs, the Department of Health Sciences offers several advanced degrees. For more information about any of the programs listed, refer to the Graduate Catalog, College of Graduate and Outreach Programs Web site at http://www.jmu.edu/cgapp or the Health Sciences Web site at http://www.healthsci.jmu.edu/grad.htm.
  • Master of Occupational Therapy
  • Master of Physician Assistant Studies
  • Master of Science in Public Health Education
  • Master of Science in Health Sciences/Dietetics Concentration
  • Master of Science in Health Sciences/Nutrition and Physical Activity Concentration
Physical and Health Education Teacher Education Certification
This program is housed in the Department of Kinesiology and culminates in a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
Back to top of page Minor Requirements
The following minor programs are made available to all students when enrollments allow. Students desiring assistance in planning their programs should contact the head of the Department of Health Sciences.
Nutrition Minor
Not available for 2006-2007
Public Health Minor
Not available for 2006-2007
Substance Abuse Intervention Minor
The interdisciplinary substance abuse intervention minor prepares the student to understand the impacting forces on the abusing individual and help the individual seek aid as appropriate. The SAI minor also prepares the student to assist communities in designing science-based prevention programs. Course work in the SAI minor can lead to a Certified Prevention Professional, Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (CPP-ATOD). For a full description of this program, see “Interdisciplinary Programs."
Back to top of page Credit by Examination
The Department of Health Sciences offers credit by examination for a limited number of the courses taught in the department. Students who want permission to take an examination must apply to the department head during the regular registration period. Students will receive details regarding approval and examination dates after they apply. Examinations will be given only in courses offered during the semester.