The Integrated Health Studies 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.
Students can choose between one of two concentrations: The Health and Science Concentration or the Behavioral Health Concentration.
*International students, Integrated Health Studies is not designated for STEM OPT.
History of Integrated Health Studies
IHS was first launched in the Fall of 2017. As the holistic perspective of health continued to evolve, the training of health professions needed to evolve as well. The major was created to address these needs, specifically the need for well-educated graduates to enter health-related careers. IHS was created to better prepare for a well-trained workforce to address health issues from a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective in the 21st century.
During its inaugural year (Fall 2017-Spring 2018), approximately 40 students declared the major. The number of declared majors has grown quickly, to currently over 650 declared majors.
