Health Sciences
Why Study Health Sciences at UNC Asheville?
UNC Asheville’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program provides a flexible, supportive pathway for students interested in health sciences, public health, and other health-related fields. Grounded in a holistic approach to wellness, the curriculum weaves together nutrition, exercise science, mental health, and public health. The program features an integrated curriculum, three distinctive concentrations, and internship and research opportunities embedded into the curriculum, giving students both breadth of knowledge and valuable hands-on experience.
Integrated Curriculum
All UNC Asheville Health Sciences majors will receive an integrative and holistic educational experience and will gain foundational knowledge in both the mind and body. This includes human physiology, chronic disease, nutrition, exercise science, mental and emotional health, research methodologies, and public and community health. Ultimately, this foundational knowledge, paired with student-selected course clusters, is what empowers our students to achieve their dream career or gain acceptance into graduate school.
Career Paths
Health Sciences graduates pursue careers in clinical fields like physical therapy, nursing, and medicine, as well as in areas such as counseling, exercise science, nutrition, and public health. Many work in community health, advocacy, or program coordination, while others continue on to graduate study in related disciplines.
Internship Opportunities
Health Sciences students can gain hands-on experience in health-related settings through internships that connect classroom learning with real-world practice. Students work with hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, and nonprofits to explore career paths and deepen their understanding of health and wellness.
Empower, Heal, and Thrive:
With a focus on the interconnected dimensions of wellness—from nutrition and exercise science to mental health and public health—UNC Asheville’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program prepares students to promote health, prevent disease, and improve quality of life in their communities and beyond.
Put your energy into finding your “why” and connecting with folks who are just as passionate as you are. Find mentors! Be weird, talk about your interests and you will be amazed at the doors that open for you. Follow what feels good and interesting.
Choosing the Right Path for You
Choosing the Right Path for You
Building on the foundation of health sciences courses, UNC Asheville students have the option to choose their concentration. By offering concentrations, we are able to make the health sciences program more flexible to meet the needs of each student and their unique career goals. Within each concentration is a set of classes designed to prepare students for the real work they’ll do in the field as well as for their potential graduate studies.
A Hands-On Education
Students seek careers in areas including health promotion and program coordination in and with community-based organizations, public health departments, schools, care facilities, hospitals, businesses, and other entities. Graduates also may advocate for systemic policy changes that support the health and well-being of populations, working with advocacy and other organizations. Graduates also pursue graduate studies in fields such as community health, health behavior and society, epidemiology, health policy and management, mental health counseling, social work, and other fields.
Estefany Flores
Estefany Flores worked with NCCHW on her senior capstone project. She led the “Walk with Ease” Arthritis program for the first time in Spanish, helping local Hispanic community members reduce their arthritis pain.
Eliana Franklin
Creative Writing major and Environmental Studies minor Eliana Franklin helped create the Practicing Resiliency—Creativity as a Pathway to Wellness website with her classmates. The site features stories such as the experience of service industry workers in Asheville during the pandemic, art collected from community submissions, and guidance on growing your own food for physical and mental wellness.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Service Learning
Your study in Health Sciences goes beyond the traditional classroom experience. You can learn hands-on by pursuing internships and employment, research projects, leadership experiences, and community-engaged learning opportunities at UNC Asheville.
Several courses within the BS in Health Sciences program have service-learning components, giving students the ability to participate in their community and make a positive impact. What’s more, students who complete six or more credit hours in service-learning courses are eligible to graduate with the Community Engaged Scholar honor.
Meet the Faculty
Meet the Faculty
Our Health Sciences faculty are as passionate about creating healthier communities as they are about helping students find their calling. The Department of Health Sciences brings together a wealth of knowledge and backgrounds in subjects ranging from exercise science to mental/emotional health to nutrition and health policy.
Related Programs
Ready for what's next?
UNC Asheville’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program offers flexibility and support for students interested in the health sciences, public health, or other health-related topics.