Health Sciences Students

Bachelor of Health Sciences

Looking for a rewarding career in healthcare? The Bachelor in Health Sciences (BHS) program uniquely prepares you for entry into graduate programming for a wide range of career possibilities in highly paid clinical and administrative positions. 

Campus Location

Format

  • Hybrid

Program Duration

  • Two years (4 semesters)

Join the Rapidly Growing Health and Wellness Sector

Earn a Bachelor of Health Sciences and join the high-demand health and wellness sector, where career opportunities are growing dramatically.

Our program is designed for students who have already completed most of their lower-division course work. Adults students, who have healthcare work experience and are looking to complete their undergraduate degree, are highly encouraged to apply. 

Our unique curriculum begins with an exploration of the US healthcare system and the myriad of careers contained within.  Scholars will take some courses that serve as prerequisites for many graduate degrees in healthcare and others that will help them to develop analytical skills and choose the career path that's right for them. 

Requirements & Program Info

The BHS program can accommodate students year-round on campus in the SF Bay Area, Sacramento, Fresno, and online. Contact an admission counselor to discuss an upcoming enrollment opportunity.  

  

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:  

  • A minimum of 60 semester/90 quarter units of transferable coursework  
  • A minimum recommended GPA of 2.5 in all prerequisite coursework  
  • A personal statement explaining their desire to attend SMU and how it relates to their career and life goals.

It is required that applicants have completed and submitted transcripts for all the courses listed below before graduating from SMU. Students may matriculate in the BHS program if they lack a maximum of 4 courses listed and they meet all other admission criteria: 

 

  • Two English Composition courses 

  • Two social science courses 

  • Microeconomics course 

  • Either a social, cultural, or urban anthropology course 

  • General Psychology course 

  • General Sociology course 

  • General Biology with lab course 

  • General Chemistry with lab course  

  • Statistics

$42,720 Full Program Tuition, All-in (inclusive of all fees except health insurance) 
 

Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost and application processes. 

We realize that the financial aid process can be difficult and overwhelming.  We are here to help. The Financial Aid staff can assist with budgeting, understanding your awards, and understanding the process.  The SMU staff is committed to each and every prospective student and enrolled student.  We have an open door policy and are available via phone or email. 

finaid@samuelmerritt.edu or 510-879-9200 

 

Year #1 Fall 

US Healthcare System 

Introduction to Public Health 

Careers in Healthcare 

Personal Care & Professional Development I 

Principles of Nutrition 

Total Units 

13 

 

 

Year #1 Spring 

  

  

Social Determinants of Health 

Health & Social Policy  

Personal & Professional Development II 

Human Anatomy 

Total Units 

11 

  

  

Year #1 Summer 

Personal Care & Professional Development III 

Professional Ethics & Integrity 

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods  

Human Physiology 

Total Units 

11 

  

  

Year #2 Fall 

Neuroscience + Lab 

Health and Culture 

Health Across the Lifespan 

Pathophysiology 

Total Units 

13 

  

  

Year #2 Spring 

Communications for Healthcare Professionals 

Current Trends in Health 

Pharmacology 

Capstone 

Total Units 

12 

  

  

Total Program Units 

60 

 

 

 

  • Integrate theoretical knowledge, scientific evidence, and practical skills to mitigate illness and injuries and optimize health fo individuals of diverse abilities and backgrounds. 

  • Identify healthcare industry dynamics and trends influencing the provision, coverage, and access to care. 
  •  Apply principles of ethical decision-making to navigate complex scenarios and challenges within the field of health science. 

  • Use research methods to analyze data for informed decision-making in diverse healthcare settings. 

  • Construct and express ideas, thoughts, and concepts through written and verbal communication in professional settings. 

  • Analyze the interplay between the contextual factors influencing health outcomes and their impact on individual and community health. 

  • Explain how cultural competence and humility can improve health access and outcomes within diverse populations. 

  • Describe the breadth of occupations in the healthcare industry and engage in personal and professional strategies to achieve and sustain career satisfaction and well-being. 

Faculty

Lisa Margerum

Assistant Professor
Rhea Kimpo

Rhea Kimpo

PhD Associate Professor

SMU Perspectives