Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Science
100% of health science majors participate in at least one internship, co-op, fieldwork or practicum.
As a health science major at Merrimack, you’ll study everything from how the body works to preventing illness, promoting wellness and how healthcare systems operate. It’s all about learning the science behind staying healthy.
Health Science Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Health Science Major
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Spring Open House
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
from 1:00 pm
to 4:00 pm
At our Spring Open House, you'll attend academic breakout sessions, connect with members of our community, and take a tour of our beautiful New England campus.
The Health Science Major
Prepare to explore an expansive curriculum as a health science major at Merrimack College where you’ll embark on your health science journey where experienced faculty teach engaging courses that empower you to leave a lasting impact.
What You'll Study
Prepare to explore a core curriculum that covers all major areas of health science including courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, epidemiology and public health.
Anatomy and Physiology
Health Behavior
Public Health
Microbiology
Nutritional Sciences
Epidemiology
Skills You'll Learn
In the health science program, you’ll study human biology, develop scientific research and communication skills, work both independently and in teams and use 3-D software to explore the human body. The skills you’ll gain through your classroom and internship experiences will help carry you into a successful health science-related career of your choice.
Ethical Reasoning
Health Promotion
Clinical Skills
Cultural Awareness
Health Literacy
Health Science Concentrations
As a health science major, you’ll get to choose one of four concentrations to sculpt your academic journey and prepare you for a career in the health science field. You’ll gain hands-on experience through research projects, internships, and fieldwork at top institutions building both professional connections and the skills needed for graduate programs.
Concentrations Include:
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Assist patients in recovering from injuries, enhancing their mobility, and managing pain by creating personalized treatment plans.
Pre-Physical Therapy
Collaborate with patients to enhance their ability to carry out daily tasks and activities through therapeutic activities while studying physical activity.
Pre-Physician Assistant
Become a healthcare professional who practices medicine under the guidance of physicians.
Public Health
Study various aspects of health and wellness with the goal of improving the health of populations.
Health Science Courses You'll Take
Global
Public Health
HSC 3103
Students will investigate the determinants of health, how health status is measured, and will review the burden of disease, risk factors and approaches to global cooperation to address health problems within and between nations for successful interventions.
Environmental
Health
HSC 3322
This course introduces the field of environmental health to students, placing environmental health in the broader context of public health, teaching students how to evaluate environmental health problems in relation to other social, economic, and health disparity issues.
Community
Nutrition
HSC 3510
Public health efforts in communities are implemented in many different types of settings, including community non- profit agencies, worksites, health centers, clinics, hospitals, schools, churches, supermarkets, sports centers, and more.
See All Courses & Options Available to Health Science Majors
Health Science Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Health Science Major Schedule
Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample four-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.
Health Science Students In the Classroom & Beyond
When it comes to career readiness, we believe getting outside of the classroom is key. At Merrimack, you’ll complement your coursework with experiences like guaranteed internships, co-ops, service learning or faculty-led research projects.
Health Science Major
Health Science Major
Health Science Major
Career Outlook: Where Can a Health Science Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Nursing & Health Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
100% of the undergraduate health science class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Northeastern University, Sacred Heart University, MCPHS and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs Nursing & Health Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Health Science Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in health science and other related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Athletic Trainer
- Physical Therapist
- Clinical Laboratory Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Occupational Therapist
- Dental Assistant
- Physician’s Assistant
- Paramedic
Where Merrimack Health Science Graduates Work & Intern
Dermatology Partners
Intern
OT Workz 4 Kidz
Intern
Sturdy Health
Certified Nursing Assistant
Winchester Hospital
Clinical Assistant
St. Peter's Health Partners
Patient Care Technician
University of Massachusetts Memorial Health
ICU Nurse
ABA Centers of America
Registered Behavior Technician
Massachusetts General Hospital
Medical Assistant
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the Health Science Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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