B.S. in with a major in Health Sciences

Health Sciences is a launching point to a wide variety of professionally rewarding careers that make a real difference to your community.

The Health Sciences major is designed for students interested in understanding the causes of disease, strategies for promoting wellness and behavior change, and the scientific basis and methodologies for analysis of health concerns for both individuals and populations. The major combines a broad foundation of health-related course work that allows the graduate to work in many health-related entry-level positions. Further, with a tailored choice of preparatory courses and the addition of a Pre-Professional Health Minor the graduate is suitable for entry into professional programs in dentistry, medicine, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health and veterinary medicine.

Why Choose JMU Health Sciences

• World-class faculty with experience in epidemiology, research methods, acute and chronic diseases, health sciences ethics and policy, environmental health science, and public health, and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion work.
• JMU is recognized in Forbes college rankings for 2021 for its health sciences programs and was ranked 3rd among Southern Regional Colleges in the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings for 2022.
• Applied research training and experiences for all students as well as opportunities for elective internships.
• Opportunities through college-affiliated centers, like the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS), for community engagement and experiential learning.

We know that success requires equal parts intellect and action. At JMU, that’s what Being the Change is all about.

When students graduating from James Madison University proudly walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, they’re more than just educated. They’re members of a fellowship of doers. They know how to make things happen. They’ve honed their ability to think critically. They’ve learned the importance of a strong work ethic and they’ve become committed to and skilled at collaborating with others. Diplomas in hand, they leave campus determined to live lives of meaning and pursue careers of purpose.

Only two hours from Washington D.C., JMU is fast becoming one of the nation’s leading lights in higher education. That’s because students enjoy unusually engaged relationships with world-class faculty who are at JMU because they want to pursue knowledge and teach talented students.

JMU students, faculty and alumni are using equal parts intellect and action to succeed in every sort of pursuit: they’re boosting innovation and discovery, leading in business, advancing culture, improving health care, reforming education, renewing civil society, competing in athletics — they’re Being the Change in every imaginable way.