The Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Integrated Health Studies (IHS) is a holistic approach for students interested in pursuing a career in the health science field. The IHS major is jointly supported by the LAS Departments of Biological Sciences and Psychology, and housed in the Department of Biological Sciences. This partnership along with the collaboration with the College of Applied Health Sciences and UIC’s health science colleges make this a comprehensive and truly unique major. The primary goal of the degree program is to offer a diverse, interdisciplinary curriculum that includes relevant core content spanning the life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The complexity of human health, from the level of gene to society, makes up the framework for this exciting major.

My Integrated Health Studies major is the perfect foundation for achieving my future career goals in medicine. The program’s interdisciplinary approach, combining biology, psychology, and public health, equips me with a holistic understanding of the human body and disease processes.

Jacob Eapen  |  IHS Major, Health and Science Concentration

Why Major in Integrated Health Studies?

This major provides a comprehensive understanding of how human health and disease are impacted by culture, social and economic forces, the environment, and personal behavior, as well as an appreciation for health issues that are unique to rural, urban, and global contexts. Through gaining foundational knowledge of the physical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, this interdisciplinary program will give students the skills to interact empathetically and holistically with the world around them. Students will be prepared to understand and consider the needs and behaviors of patients and people in society.

The IHS major is flexible in its course requirements and allows so students to shape the major to their own unique interests. IHS has become a strong fit for students completing pre-health educational goals as many of the courses required for IHS also overlap with pre-health prerequisites. Depending upon courses chosen, this major can range from 38 to 52 credit hours, which allows students to create a course plan that’s unique to their interests and goals. IHS students find that they have room in their schedule to choose a minor, double major, or other electives.