PHS@wichita.edu
Welcome to the Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) program in the College of Health Professions at Wichita State University. This handbook serves as a central resource for program requirements, academic policies, advising information, experiential learning opportunities, and student support resources. The Health Science program is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in health care and related fields while promoting leadership, professionalism, and service to the communities they serve.
Students are encouraged to review this handbook regularly throughout their academic journey. It contains important information to support academic success and progression through the program. As university and program policies are updated, revisions to this handbook will be communicated as needed. We encourage you to use this handbook as a valuable guide throughout your time in the Health Science program.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science provides a strong clinical foundation for a career in specialized health services through its comprehensive undergraduate program. This curriculum offers a 54-credit hour pre-professional degree designed to prepare graduates for admission to clinical health education programs at both the bachelor's and graduate levels or careers in community health, healthcare coordination, or as a long-term care administrator.
The Department of Public Health Sciences (PHS) prepares students for careers and advanced study in areas including health management, public health, aging studies, exercise science, and senior living management. Through dedicated faculty, applied learning opportunities, and strong community partnerships, students gain the knowledge and experience needed for professional success.
Prepare students to pursue undergraduate or graduate clinical education.
Foundational Clinical Knowledge: Apply broad-based understanding of biological, medical, and social knowledge to solve healthcare issues.
Evidence-Based Practice: Demonstrate skill in using data to analyze and improve healthcare structures, processes, and outcomes.
Health Administration: Examine U.S. healthcare system delivery, management, and operations.
Public Health and Education: Identify strategies for protecting, promoting, and assuring population health outcomes.
Safe and Informed Care: Examine methods to support quality population health outcomes.
Interprofessionalism: Engage in effective interprofessional communication and collaboration.
About the BSHS
Alumni Career Outcomes
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) degree provides a strong foundation for students pursuing professional clinical education, graduate study, and a broad range of careers within healthcare and related fields. Graduates have continued their education at Wichita State University and other institutions nationwide while also securing positions in hospitals, health systems, public health agencies, clinical practices, research organizations, healthcare technology companies, and community-based organizations.
Many BSHS graduates have successfully gained admission to professional and graduate programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Physician Associate (PA), Physical Therapy (DPT), Dental Hygiene, Medicine (MD), Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Public Health (MPH), Health Administration (MHA), Exercise Science, Chiropractic, Veterinary Medicine, and Law programs. A significant number of alumni have pursued these degrees through Wichita State University and other leading institutions across the country.
Common career and educational pathways include:
The diverse career outcomes of BSHS alumni demonstrate the flexibility of the degree and its value as preparation for both professional healthcare programs and careers throughout the healthcare industry. Whether pursuing advanced clinical training or entering the workforce directly, graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to contribute meaningfully to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
Preparing for a career in health science is a four-year journey, starting well before your first major course. The program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, and choosing a major can be one of the most challenging decisions you make during your college years. By choosing Health Science, you will be admitted to the Health Science program within the College of Health Professions and assigned a College advisor. This advisor will help you meet both the program's graduation requirements and the University’s overall degree requirements. Regular meetings with your advisor are essential to maximize your educational opportunities in health science.
Active involvement in planning your degree path is crucial. Our college advising system is designed to empower and support you throughout this process.
General Education Program Overview
All undergraduate students must complete Wichita State University's General Education Program. Students should work closely with their advisor to ensure timely completion of general education requirements and degree milestones.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) is a preprofessional degree designed to prepare students for admission to a variety of clinical and professional programs, including nursing, dental hygiene, medical laboratory science, physical therapy, physician associate studies, occupational therapy, medicine, dentistry, optometry, and pharmacy.
The curriculum provides a strong foundation in the biological and physical sciences, mathematics, health services delivery, population health, leadership, public health, health services management, and aging studies. Coursework is designed to help students understand both clinical practice and the healthcare systems in which care is delivered.
The program also offers interdisciplinary elective options that allow students to tailor their studies to their career goals. Students may pursue coursework that supports preparation for clinical graduate programs, long-term care administration through an Administrator-in-Training (AIT) practicum, or eligibility for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) credential. This flexibility enables students to explore a variety of career pathways within healthcare while building a strong foundation for future professional education.
The online accelerated bachelor's to master's program in health administration is designed to prepare qualified students for graduate work in health administration at WSU through a coordinated accelerated program leading to both a Bachelor's of Science in health science and a Master of Health Administration (MHA).
A student admitted to the accelerated program will be allowed to enroll in courses for graduate credit (up to 9 credit hours) while also earning undergraduate credit for dual courses. This dual credit allows students an advanced start on the MHA curriculum, while still competing their undergraduate degree in health science. Students can streamline their graduate education with the accelerated bachelor's in health science to Master of Health Administration.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Pathway
The Health Science (HS) program offers a pathway to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program that provides up to six guaranteed seats annually for qualified students. To be considered, students must meet all pathway requirements, including:
Students are encouraged to review the DPT pathway website for complete eligibility criteria, application procedures, and program deadlines.
Important Note:
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee pathway acceptance. Students are responsible for reviewing all pathway criteria and maintaining eligibility throughout their undergraduate studies. Refer to the associated program websites for the most current information and complete pathway requirements.
Master of Physician Associate (PA) Securied Interview Pathway
The Master of Physician Associate (PA) Securted Interview pathway provides eight guaranteed interviews annually for qualified students from the Exercise Science, Health Science, and Health Management undergraduate programs. To be considered, students must meet all pathway requirements, including:
Students should consult the MPA pathway website for detailed admission requirements, application procedures, and deadlines.
Important Note:
Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee pathway acceptance. Students are responsible for reviewing all pathway criteria and maintaining eligibility throughout their undergraduate studies. Refer to the associated program websites for the most current information and complete pathway requirements.
PHS offers minors in the following subject areas; Aging Studies, Health Science and Public Health. Students can obtain any of the minors in addition to their bachelor degree. Minors require students to take at least one unduplicated course.
An undergraduate certificate allows undergraduate students and working professionals to expand their skill and knowledge of public health practice. The certificates may also be pursued concurrently with degree programs such as anthropology, biology, health management, general business, pre-med, social work and clinical disciplines in the College of Health Professions.
Students are encouraged to use their open electives (fall-through) courses to pursue a minor or certificate program that compliments the BSHM program. Adding a minor can help students develop specialized knowledge and valuable skills that enhance their career opportunities, broaden their understanding of related fields, and strengthen their preparation for graduate study and professional advancement.
Course descriptions for the BSHS program can be viewed in the WSU Undergraduate Catalog:
The BSHS program uses team advising throughout a student's academic journey. Freshmen receive guidance from First-Year Advisors, who specialize in supporting new students at Wichita State University. Starting sophomore year, students transition to CHP advisors for general education courses, clinical prerequisites, degree requirements, and registration.
Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor at least once per academic term to discuss progress, plan degree requirements, and review course selections for the next term. Students should prepare for these meetings by understanding academic policies, identifying professional goals, and observing registration deadlines. Useful documents, such as the Student Code of Conduct Handbook and Undergraduate Catalog, are available on the Wichita State University Registrar's website.
Recommended advising schedule:
Freshman: Meet with your First-Year Advisor once per semester
Sophomore: Meet with your CHP Advisor once per semester
Junior: Meet with your CHP Advisor once per semester
Senior: Meet with your CHP Advisor once per semester
Please Note: Students who have completed fewer than 60 credit hours must meet with an advisor to be released for class registration.
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) program are required to complete an applied learning experience in order to graduate. This requirement is fulfilled through successful completion the PHS Applied Learning Portfolio.
Professional development experiences beyond required coursework provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge, deepen understanding of key concepts, and develop skills essential for career success. Employers consistently emphasize the value of graduates who have gained practical experience outside the classroom, as these experiences better prepare students for the workforce.
Your applied learning experience will help you develop professional goals, strengthen relevant competencies, and cultivate the skills and attributes necessary for a successful career in health science related fields.
Shocker Career Accelerator staff helps students find jobs and internships while earning college credit. The also offer a variety of career-readiness services like career exploration, resume building assistance and interviewing technique training.
As part of Applied Learning Portfolio students are required to meet with the Shocker Career Accelerator to review their resume, complete a mock job interview, and optimize their LinkedIn profile. This professional development experience helps students strengthen their job-search skills, prepare for the application process to clinical programs, and position themselves for success in securing employment after graduation.
HEALTH Student Association
The purpose of HEALTH (Health Education Advocates for Leadership, Teamwork, and Humanity) is to serve as a community-based association for students working together to improve health education and promote delivery of high-quality care. Participation in HEALTH provides opportunities for leadership development, professional networking, community service, and engagement with students and professionals across the health professions.
College of Health Professions Student Organizations
The College of Health Professions offers a variety of student groups that help students build connections, develop leadership skills, and engage with the healthcare community. Students can join HOSA – Health Occupations Students of America to connect with peers across all health professions disciplines or participate in a group related to your specific academic program. These organizations provide valuable opportunities for professional networking, career development, and community service.
Pre-Clinical Student Organizations
Students pursuing careers in healthcare are strongly encouraged to become actively involved in the University's pre-clinical student organizations. These organizations provide valuable opportunities for professional development, networking, service, leadership, mentoring, and exposure to healthcare professions. Participation can also enhance students' preparation for graduate and professional program applications.
Available organizations include:
Pre-Physical Therapy (Pre-PT) Club
Pre-Physician Assistant (Pre-PA) Club
Pre-Medical Association
Pre-Optometry Club
Pre-Dental Club
Through these organizations, students can connect with faculty and healthcare professionals, participate in volunteer and community service activities, learn about admissions requirements, attend workshops and guest speaker events, and gain insight into their chosen profession. Students interested in applying to clinical pathway programs should note that active participation in the associated pre-clinical organization may be required for pathway eligibility.
Professional Organizations
Students are encouraged to participate in professional organizations to expand their
professional network, develop leadership skills, explore career opportunities, and
gain exposure to current issues and trends in their field. Involvement in these organizations
can enhance both academic and career success.
The College of Health Professions’ (CHP) scholarships and/or fellowships are for students that are admitted and enrolled in a professional CHP degree program at Wichita State University. Students must have a scholarship application on file and possess a cumulative 3.0 GPA for consideration of award.
ScholarshipUniverse is our scholarship-matching tool for admitted and current Wichita State students. ScholarshipUniverse connects Shockers to millions of dollars in external scholarships. We search; Shockers apply!
Students will be enrolled into the Department of Public Health Sciences Blackboard site when they declare health science as their major. Emails used for Blackboard courses are the students’ WSU email. Even if students have their own email account, they will also need to utilize their WSU email account, which will make it easier for the program to communicate.
This policy sets forth the expectations for the responsible acquisition, discovery, and application of knowledge by Students at the University, including the ethical use of information resources, and to ensure the integrity of academic credit and degrees conferred by the University.
The University is committed to the ethical pursuit of knowledge. To ensure the integrity of faculty evaluation of Students, all members of the University community share responsibility for ensuring that Students have demonstrated successful mastery of the learning objectives for each Academic Activity. By conferring a degree, the University is assuring the general public that the Student has successfully met all requirements for graduation, including meeting the learning objectives for each Academic Activity. Indifference to academic misconduct is not a neutral act-failure to confront and or deter such behaviors will reinforce, perpetuate, and increase the prevalence of academic misconduct in the University community.
University policy allows students to retake a course up to three times without restrictions. For a fourth attempt, regardless of the previous grade earned, students must receive permission. The Public Health Sciences Undergraduate Faculty Committee will hear petitions for permission to retake BSHS core courses. For access to the form and any questions, please contact sarah.taylor@wichita.edu.
Students in the Health Science program must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00, with no individual course grade in the major lower than a “C-” (1.7 GPA). Students whose program GPA falls below 2.00 will be put on a program watch list. Those whose cumulative GPA or WSU GPA falls below 2.00 will be placed on academic probation by the university. Information on academic probation and dismissal can be found in the WSU Undergraduate Catalog.
Coursework for undergraduate credit will be graded A, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, or F. Faculty have the option of assigning an “I” (incomplete) if they feel that sufficient justification exists for the student’s failure to complete the course. All Health Science courses are graded with letter grades. Grades below C- (1.7 GPA) may not be used to satisfy degree requirements, but such courses may be repeated. Students must maintain a program GPA of 2.00 or higher to be eligible for the B.S. in Health Science.
| PHS Faculty have adopted the following standardized grading scale. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage | Letter Grade | Grade Points | Interpretation |
| 93-100% | A | 4.00 |
A range denotes excellent performance. |
| 90-92% | A- | 3.70 | |
| 87-89% | B+ | 3.30 |
B range denotes good performance. |
| 83-86% | B | 3.00 | |
| 80-82% | B- | 2.70 | |
| 77-79% | C+ | 2.30 |
C range denotes satisfactory performance. |
| 73-76% | C | 2.00 | |
| 70-72% | C- | 1.70 | |
| 67-69% | D+ | 1.30 |
D range denotes unsatisfactory performance. |
| 63-66% | D | 1.00 | |
| 60-62% | D- | .70 | |
| <59% | F | 0.00 | |
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Health Management students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with university policies and academic regulations.
