Health Sciences (BS)

Program Description

The major in Health Sciences (HLS) is designed to prepare the graduate to work in the health, fitness, and the healthcare industry. Students will gain competencies in multiple career roles and skills. As an integral part of the health and wellness team, a health science professional, with their knowledge in health, and wellness, marketing and reimbursement can work in a variety of healthcare settings. In this major, students are taught to use advanced scientific knowledge, and a variety of culturally appropriate methodologies to address global health challenges with integrity and empathy. The program utilizes traditional and experiential education principles as the foundation for its curriculum, graduating students who are prepared for new and innovative career roles.

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    Admission Criteria

    Applicants must meet the entrance requirements of the University. In addition, to gain acceptance to the program students must fulfill the following criteria:

    Freshmen

    First-time college students must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.50 and have completed two years of high school mathematics with a grade of C or higher. Scores on the College Entrance Examination Board (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) will also be examined but could be optional. High school graduates who are properly prepared to undertake the HLS program should have a college preparatory program as outlined in the “Recommended High School Preparation” section of this catalog under “Admission to the University.”

    Transfer

    Transfer students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.00 and must complete Detroit Mercy placement tests in English composition and mathematics. Satisfying the MTA (Michigan Transfer Agreement) at a Michigan community college may shorten your list of core requirements at Detroit Mercy.

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    Academic Standards and Handbook

    Students in the Health Sciences Program must attain a minimum grade of “C” or better in all HLS courses and required courses MTH 1010 or MTH 1020+1030+1040 (or higher such as MTH 1400 or MTH 1410), STA 2250. In addition, students must maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average.  The academic policies in the Student Handbook govern academic conduct, progression, withdrawal and dismissal. 

    Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in healthcare are encouraged to

    1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
    2. Obtain a grade of “B” or higher in all science courses
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    Degree Requirements - Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (120 credits)

    To obtain this undergraduate degree, the student must fulfill the requirements of the University Core Curriculum, the requirements for the program major, supportive courses, and complete a minimum of 120 credit hours.

    Major Requirements - 39 credits

    • HLS 1001 Introduction to Health Profession (3 credits)
    • HLS 2400 Human Development Across the Lifespan OR PYC 2550 Child Development: Infancy through Adolescence (3 credits)
    • HLS 2009 - Medical Conditions and Implications (3 credits)
    • HLS 3013 Physical Health and Wellness (3 credits)
    • HLS 3200 Marketing as Healthcare Advocate/Navigator OR HOM 3200 Strategic Planning and Marketing in Healthcare (3 credits)
    • HLS 3007 Understanding the Effects of Communicable Disease on Communities (3 credits)
    • SPE 3031 Adapted Sports (3 credits)
    • HLS 3037 Care of the Human Spirit 3 credits OR RELS 3530* Dynamics of Spiritual Growth OR ADS 4600 Health & Spirituality (3 credits)
    • SPE 3081 Kinesiology (3 credits)
    • HLS 4011 Principles of Healthcare Reimbursement OR HOM 4650 Revenue Cycle Management (3 credits)
    • HLS 4000 Internship OR HOM 4900 Internship (3 credits)
    • HLS 4010 Senior Seminar (3 credits)
    • HLS 4800 Clinical Research (3 credits)

    Supportive Science Course Requirements - 17 credits (or 16 credits with CHM 1040)

    • BIO 1200/1210 General Biology I with Laboratory OR BIO 1220/1230 General Biology II with Laboratory (5 credits)
    • BIO 2300 Human Anatomy & Phys I (3 credits)
    • BIO 2310 Human Anatomy & Phys Lab I (1 credit)
    • BIO 2320 Human Anatomy & Phys II (3 credits)
    • BIO 2330 Human Anatomy & Phys Lab II (1 credit)
    • CHM 1050 Intro to General Chemistry OR CHM 1070 AND CHM 1100 General Chemistry I with Laboratory I (4 credits)
      • OR CHM 1040 General, Organic and Biological Chemistry for the Health Sciences (3 credits)

    Other Supportive Course Requirements - 21 credits

    • PYC 1000 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
    • SOC 1000 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
    • STA 2250 Statistics OR BIO 2900 Biostatistics (3 credits)
    • ETH 3580 Health Care Ethics (3 credits)
    • HOM 3585 Health Organization Management (3 credits)
    • PYC 4890 Group Dynamics (3 credits)
    • PYC 2560 Adult Development and Aging (3 credits)

    A minimum of 120 total credit hours is required for graduation. Students in the HLS major are encouraged to elect a minor, certificate, concentration, or select targeted electives (18 ± credits) to support entry to a graduate or professional program.

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    Program Contact Information

    Elizabeth "Liz" Boyar
    Administrative Support Personnel - SPE Program
    College of Health Professions, 115
    McNichols Campus
    Phone:  313-993-2445, Fax: 313-993-1271
    Email: turzael@udmercy.edu

    Ashraf Elazzazi, PT, PhD
    Associate Dean
    College of Health Professions, 118
    McNichols Campus
    Phone: 313-993-1523
    Email: elazzaam@udmercy.edu

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Undergraduate Catalog
2025-2026