INTEGRATED HEALTH SCIENCES
What is Integrated Health Sciences?
The Integrated Health Sciences major gives you a strong foundation in the biological, behavioral, and nutritional sciences while helping you understand how these fields work together to improve health and well-being. You’ll explore topics ranging from human biology and nutrition to health behavior and disease prevention.
For students interested in an Occupational Therapy career, this major also offers students the opportunity to pursue a 3+3 program resulting in a BS in Integrated Health Sciences (Pre-Occupational Therapy concentration) and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) from Thomas Jefferson University (TJU) in one seamless program. Students apply to the OTD program at TJU after the completion of their 3rd semester of the BS in Integrated Health Sciences at UD. Students in the 3+3 program earn their BS and OTD degrees in a total of 6 years of full-time study, saving one year of undergraduate tuition and allowing an earlier entry into the workforce.
Upon completion of the BS in Integrated Health Sciences, students will be able to:
- Identify the biologic and physiologic functions of the body as a foundation to understand human health.
- Apply diet and nutrition concepts to promote health.
- Demonstrate knowledge of cultural and environmental factors that support health behaviors and health across diverse communities.
- Apply appropriate evidence-based theories and models to change health behaviors.
- Critically interpret and appraise scientific literature to support evidence-based health recommendations.
What Can I Do with a Degree in Integrated Health Sciences?
Whether your goal is to enter the workforce after graduation in the health and wellness industry, medical sales, health education, or research, or to pursue a graduate program in occupational therapy, accelerated nursing, public health, or other health professions, the Integrated Health Sciences major provides the knowledge, skills, and flexibility to help you achieve your career goals. Check out the Health Profession Pathways below for reserved seats in Widener University’s Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program.
Health Profession Pathways
The Integrated Health Sciences major at the University of Delaware has articulation agreements for graduate programs.
Reserved Seats in Widener University’s Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program
Up to 6 eligible students annually may apply for reserved seats in Widener University’s Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program using the OTCAS centralized application system.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Enrolled in BS in Integrated Health Sciences or BS in Health Behavior Science—Health & Disability concentration
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout undergraduate studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 by the end of the fall semester of senior year
- Grade of B or better in the following courses:
- Lifespan Human Development or equivalent (3 credits) (HDFS201)
- Abnormal Psychology or equivalent (3 credits) (PSYC334)
- Sociology or Anthropology (preferably cultural) (3 credits (SOCI201)
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab (8 credits) (KAAP309/KAAP310)
- Statistical Methods (3 credits) (STAT200)
- Documentation of at least 20 hours of volunteer or paid experience in a supervised occupational therapy setting
Benefits of applying for one of the reserved seats:
- Expedited application review
- Guaranteed invitation to interview
- Priority consideration for acceptance
Note: Students in the Integrated Health Sciences major or the Health Behavior Science major—Health & Disability concentration who do not meet all of the above eligibility criteria for application to reserved seats may still apply to the OTD program and benefit from the expedited application review, guaranteed invitation to interview, and priority consideration for acceptance.
ADDITIONAL LINKS
Connect
Tower at STAR: 100 Discovery Blvd, Newark, DE 19713 | Health Sciences Complex: 540 S. College Ave, Newark, DE 19713 chs-info@udel.edu Phone: 302-831-1060