Interdisciplinary Health Sciences: Health Across the Lifespan, BS

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Science, Health Across the Lifespan concentration


The degree in I-Health combines knowledge of biology and health sciences with a comprehensive understanding of health and well-being for the whole person. Students choose one of four concentrations to complement the core curriculum: 1) Health Across the Lifespan, 2) Health Behavior Change and Rehabilitation, 3) Health Diversity and Disability, and 4) Health Technology. This program will prepare students for entry to graduate or professional degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, nursing, physician assistant, or other health-oriented careers.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Science, Health Across the Lifespan concentration


Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

University Requirements

Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.

The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.

Composition I4-6
Advanced Composition3
Humanities & the Arts (6 hours)6
fulfilled by HK 208 and any other course approved as Humanities & the Arts
Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours)6
fulfilled by HK 110, HK 262, HK 270
Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours)6
Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course)3
Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course)3
fulfilled by HK 271
Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) 3
Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I)6-10
fulfilled by HK 201 and HK 209
Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required)0-15

Major Requirements

HK 110Contemporary Health3
HK 125Orientation to Health & Kinesiology1
HK 154Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Health3
HK 171Survey of Interdisc Health1
HK 201Health Sciences Research Methods3
HK 208Introduction to Medical Ethics3
HK 209Introduction to Biostatistics and Health Data Analysis3
HK 270Leadership in Health3
HK 271Health Equity in the United States3
HK 370Interdisciplinary Health Delivery and Early Field Work4
HK 418Organization of Health Care3
HK 470Orientation to Internship1
HK 471Health Internship4

 Concentration Requirements

HK 262Motor Develop, Growth & Form3
HK 404Gerontology3
HK 459Physical Activity Across the Lifespan3
HK 474Public Health Nutrition3
Concentration Electives (Choose 3 courses from the following):9
HK 272Aging and Health Policy3
HK 403Technology, Health, and Aging3
HK 409Women's Health3
HK 451Biology of Chronic Diseases3
HK 472Health and Kinesiology Study Abroad3
CMN 336Communicating in Families3
EPSY 430Early Adolescent Development3
HDFS 408Hospitalized Children3
PSYC 361The Psychology of Aging3
RST 316Human Development and Recreation, Sport and Tourism3
SOCW 315Social Work Services for Older Adults3
Total Hours120

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Science, Health Across the Lifespan concentration


This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. For more information, see the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

First Semester

RequirementsHours
Composition I or General Education course4
HK 125 - Orientation to Health & Kinesiology1
HK 154 - Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Health3
HK 171 - Survey of Interdisc Health1
HK 270 - Leadership in Health3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours15

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
General Education or Composition I3
HK 110 - Contemporary Health3
HK 201 - Health Sciences Research Methods3
Language Other Than English (3rd level)4
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours16

First Semester

RequirementsHours
HK 209 - Introduction to Biostatistics and Health Data Analysis3
HK 271 - Health Equity in the United States3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours15

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
HK 208 - Introduction to Medical Ethics3
HK 262 - Motor Develop, Growth & Form3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course4
Semester Hours16

First Semester

RequirementsHours
HK 404 - Gerontology3
General Education course3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours15

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
HK 370 - Interdisciplinary Health Delivery and Early Field Work4
HK 459 - Physical Activity Across the Lifespan3
General Education course3
Free Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours16

First Semester

RequirementsHours
HK 418 - Organization of Health Care3
HK 470 - Orientation to Internship1
Concentration Elective course4
Concentration Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours14

Second Semester

RequirementsHours
HK 471 - Health Internship4
HK 474 - Public Health Nutrition3
Concentration Elective course3
Free Elective course3
Semester Hours13

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Science, Health Across the Lifespan concentration


  1. Content Knowledge: Students will learn and engage with significant theories, models, themes, and ideas within the health and/or kinesiology disciplines.
  2. Critical Thinking and Discovery: Students will explore and analyze scientific findings to promote inquiry, generate evidence-based solutions, and create new ideas within health and/or kinesiology disciplines.
  3. Awareness and Understanding: Students will be exposed to and engage with a holistic perspective related to the diverse socioeconomic, behavioral, sociocultural, biological, environmental, philosophical, ethical and historical factors that influence health and/or kinesiology.
  4. Programming and Assessment: Students will apply evidence-based practices in developing, implementing, and assessing programs and interventions related to health promotion, physical activity adoption and adherence, and the prevention and management of diseases.
  5. Leadership and Engagement: Through a variety of applied learning opportunities, students will demonstrate leadership and effective communication skills, showcase an appreciation of and commitment to health and well-being as they develop and sustain productive relationships and work for the common good at local, national, and global levels.

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Science, Health Across the Lifespan concentration