Health Science Major

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

Accreditation

NECHE

Tell Me More About Merrimack's Health Science Major

"*" indicates required fields

Your Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Spring OH

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
Student working out in the MC gym.

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.
Loading…

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.

Career Outlook: Where Can a Health Science Degree Take You?​

0 %
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.

0 %
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

See for Yourself

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

four students sitting in a cafe around a laptop

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)

Tell Me More About Merrimack's Health Science Major

"*" indicates required fields

Your Name*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

What's New at Merrimack