Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Provides a foundation in the life sciences, preparing you to join the workforce or to attend graduate schools in health-related fields.

Rider’s health sciences major provides a foundation in the life sciences and other coursework, preparing you to join the workforce or to attend professional or graduate schools in health-related fields.

The Health Sciences major educates the next generation of health professionals by providing students with a foundation in the life sciences and other coursework, preparing them to join the workforce or to attend professional or graduate schools in health-related fields. Rider achieves this through small class and laboratory sizes allowing direct, hands-on instruction, and faculty accessibility. Students also have opportunities to do research with faculty via work-study or independent study. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides academic advice and career guidance tailored to the student's needs. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in its curriculum while allowing flexibility for subsequent studies in allied health programs such as physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, nursing, radiological science, optometry, podiatry, epidemiology and public health. It prepares students for graduate studies leading to advanced degrees in the life sciences; and for entry-level positions in hospitals, health insurance, pharmaceutical sales, community health agencies and other related areas.

Graduates of the health sciences program have pursued their professional or graduate studies at prestigious institutions such as Rutgers University, Moravian University, Emory University, University of Utah, NY College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, and Widener University, among others.

Honors Programs

Honors in Health Sciences

The objective of the honors program in health sciences is to introduce talented undergraduate majors to the methods of basic research in the biological sciences. For consideration, a student must have a 3.25 average at the end of their junior year. In the senior year, participating students must complete an independent research project and present a written honors thesis. At graduation, a student who has a 3.25 cumulative average, a 3.5 average in health sciences coursework, and who has completed an acceptable honors thesis will be awarded Honors in Health Sciences.

Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society

"Tri-Beta" is a national honor society affiliated with the American Association for Advancement of Science and the American Institute of Biological Sciences. Invitations for membership are extended to majors in the life sciences who have demonstrated superior academic achievement. Students are usually invited to join in their sophomore year when they have accumulated 12 credits in the sciences. Active membership is available to those with an overall grade point average of at least 2.8, and at least 3.0 in their science courses. The benefits of membership include academic recognition; a subscription to the journal Bios, to which members may submit research articles; opportunities to present papers at conventions; and research awards. Biology and behavioral neuroscience majors should make membership in Tri-Beta one of their goals.

Your pathway to a rewarding career

Rider health science students learn by doing. They take part in the intensive, internship opportunities offered through our program with the Capital Health System and fellow partnering health care professionals, benefit from field trips to area medical schools and enjoy related opportunities for applied learning.

Rider University is an ideal destination for international students seeking a transformative educational experience in a welcoming community. Located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, just 60 minutes away from New York City and Philadelphia, Rider offers a vibrant campus life with a diverse student body from around the world.

At Rider, students can choose from over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in a wide range of fields including business, education, the arts, sciences, and more. Our world-class faculty are dedicated to providing students with a personalized education that combines rigorous academic coursework with experiential learning opportunities such as internships, research projects, and study abroad programs.

Rider University is known for its commitment to helping students succeed both academically and personally. Our supportive community includes academic advisors, peer mentors, and career counselors who are here to assist students every step of the way. With a strong emphasis on leadership development, Rider equips students with the skills they need to become successful and ethical leaders in their chosen fields.

Beyond the classroom, Rider offers a lively campus community with over 150 student-run organizations, NCAA Division I athletics, and a robust arts and culture scene.

At Rider University, we believe that education should be more than just a degree - it should be a life-changing experience. With our strong commitment to academic excellence, personalized attention, and dynamic campus life, we invite students from around the world to join our community and discover their true potential.