Overview
Overview
For those who have an (un)healthy obsession with health.
Description
Let's play a word association game. When we say "health," what do you think of? Doctors? Hospitals? The P.E. class in junior high that embarrassed you by trying to force you to climb a rope? (Psh, what's so great about rope climbing anyway?) In any case, chances are, it has something to do with the body, which is exactly what health sciences majors are interested in studying.
Why choose this degree instead of the (more popular) biology? For starters, you gain a broader knowledge of healthcare system and sciences. Just say you want to become a physical therapist. You probably don't need to know the amount of microscopic biology stuff you'd get in a bio major, but you do need to know about human anatomy and rehabilitation.
Most physical therapists end up majoring in health sciences for just that reason. You'll spend a lot of time going over specific diseases and health problems. Plus, the lab time with cadavers doesn't hurt either. Just remember not to name them. Parting ways at the end of the year will be difficult.
Sure, it's great to learn about organisms and cells in Bio class, but Health Sciences majors focus more on how the body responds to diseases as a whole. You'll also be asked to think about social issues and conditions.
Just like no man is an island, no man gets sick just by himself. It's often a result of his living conditions or lifestyle. All of these topics will be covered in your classes, along with the more general bio and chem classes that most science majors are required to take.
After college, these grads head off to the medical arena to become physical therapists, lab technicians, or physician's assistants. Or, they love their university so much they stick around and teach other aspiring doctors about the world of health science.
Percentage of US students who major in Health Sciences:
0.18%
Stats obtained from this source.