Applied Health Science, B.S.
Recent research findings, along with rising health-care costs, have spurred an interest in keeping people healthy to improve their quality of life and also to avoid unnecessary medical expenses. Therefore, the Applied Health Science major’s focus is on helping individuals achieve optimal health and fitness while leading more balanced and meaningful lives, rather than discovering or treating disease. This cross-disciplinary, four-year bachelor of science degree combines the study of biology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, fitness assessment and exercise prescription, community health and welfare, and the prevention and control of disease to prepare graduates to work in hospital wellness centers, medically-based fitness facilities, sports performance facilities, public and privately owned health clubs, corporate fitness centers, colleges/universities, YMCAs/JCCs, and recreational/athletic sites as directors, fitness managers, supervisors, exercise leaders, elite personal trainers and sports performance coaches. Depending on electives completed, there are several excellent career and graduate school options to pursue, including: exercise science, health and human performance (MS), public health (MPH), business administration (MBA), recreational therapy (MS), occupational therapy (MS), or nutritional science (MS). The proposed course plan in Applied Health Science also prepares students for certifications offered through the American University of Sports Medicine (the Health Fitness Specialist-HFS and/or Personal Training certification) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist-CSCS and/ or Certified Personal Trainer). These students are NOT eligible to take the National Athletic Trainers’ Association BOC examination.
Applied Health Science Curriculum Outline
All students must complete the Applied Health Sciences Core and a minimum of one Concentration. In Addition to meeting all Piedmont University General Education and graduation requirements, all students must also earn a C or better in all prerequisite, supporting, and applied health science core and concentration courses and have a cumulative 2.5 GPA to graduate.
Bachelor of Science Degree
Applied Health Science Foundation
Applied Health Science Core
Concentration
Students must choose one concentration.
Integrative Health Studies Concentration
| | Any Natural Science Lecture | |
| | Any Natural Science Lab | |
| HSCS 1105 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| HSCS 3330 | Health Care Finance | 3 |
| HSCS 4420 | Exercise for Special Populations | 3 |
| | | |
| | Any PSYC 2000 - 4000 level course | |
| | OR | |
| | Any SOCI 2000 - 4000 level course | |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
*The Natural Science Lecture and PSYC/SOCI course must have 3 credit hours. The Natural Science Lab must be 1 credit hour.
Fitness and Coaching Concentration
HSCS 4499 is a variable credit hour course. For the Fitness and Coaching Concentration, 2 credit hours are required.
Nutrition Concentration
HSCS 4499 is a variable credit hour course. For the Nutrition Concentration, 2 credit hours are required.
General Electives
General Education
Piedmont University Requirement
| PDMT 1101 | Intro to University Life and Liberal Arts Tradition | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 1 |
Students who have not completed a minimum of 24 semester credit hours of college-level coursework upon admission to Piedmont University must meet this University requirement.
Total Credit Hours: 121
Course Descriptions