Health Sciences Degree Completion
Health science is the application of science to health, including the study of medicine, nutrition, and other health-related topics and how they affect humans. An aging workforce, new technologies, and continuous demand for experienced healthcare professionals make this the perfect time to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences degree completion sub-major. Stay competitive in today’s job market and improve your opportunity for career advancement or career change.
Available in a semester-based online format or and the self-paced, competency-based UW Flexible Option format, this degree completion program offers you the opportunity to build on your previous education and develop or strengthen skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, information literacy, informatics, management, and education in the health professions. Graduates are prepared to assume roles in clinical and non-clinical settings such as hospitals and other patient care facilities, government organizations, or insurance companies. This program may also provide the foundation required for entry into advanced degree programs such as physical or occupational therapy, physician’s assistance, and more.
This bachelor's degree is designed for learners returning to higher education with an associate degree in any field or at least 60 transferrable credits. Associate degree holders are awarded at least 60 advanced standing credits. You’ll complete a curriculum designed to learn the skills and knowledge most employers value. Please see the requirements tab for details of admission and program curriculum.
Program Outcomes
- Integrate leadership, management, teaching/learning methods, and healthcare regulations into professional practice.
- Display effective communication skills as appropriate to a given situation or encounter.
- Demonstrate integrative problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Demonstrate commitment to professional growth, ethical values, career development, scholarly activities, and contributions to the profession and post-baccalaureate education.
- Demonstrate the breadth and depth of the university educational preparation, including understanding culturally diverse communities.
Learn more about the UW Flexible Option.
Requirements
Offered Online, Blended and in the UW Flexible Option format.
This interdisciplinary degree completion in Health Sciences is open to those holding an associate degree or with 60 transferrable credits. Applicants holding an associate degree are awarded 30 block credits plus natural transfer credits equaling a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits. Applicants with 60 transferrable credits are awarded actual advanced standing credit. (A maximum of 72 semester credits can be transferred from a single or combination of associate degree/2-year institutions. There is no maximum number of semester credits that can be transferred from a 4-year university). A minimum of 120 credits is required to complete the bachelor's degree including all required courses. The final 30 credits must be completed at UWM. Students with GER requirements or those planning applications to specific professional graduate programs may need to complete more credits. Coursework may be completed online or in a flexible, competency-based format.
The minimum degree requirement for completion is 120 credits including:
- Completion of UWM’s General Education Requirements (GER), and
- Completion of math and English competency requirements, and
- ENGLISH 207 or ENGLISH 206 and KIN 270 are recommended if competencies are not previously completed
- A cumulative UWM GPA of 2.5, and
- A minimum of 30 credits from UWM.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| Required | ||
| HS 102 | Healthcare Delivery in the United States | 3 |
| HCA 220 | Leading Healthcare Professionals | 3 |
| BMS 205 | Introduction to Diagnostic Medicine | 3 |
| BMS 245 | Client Diversity in Health Sciences: An Interdisciplinary Perspective | 3 |
| BMS 260 | Introduction to Complementary and Integrative Health Approaches | 3 |
| THERREC 202 | Disability: Society and the Person | 3 |
| Advanced Health Sciences Coursework | ||
| HS 311 | Law and Ethics for Healthcare Professionals | 3 |
| BMS 301 | Human Pathophysiology: Fundamentals | 1 |
| BMS 302 | Human Pathophysiology: Organ Systems I | 1 |
| BMS 303 | Human Pathophysiology: Organ Systems II | 1 |
| BMS 433 | Teamwork in the Health Professions | 3 |
| BMS 434 | Professional Development in the Health Sciences | 3 |
| BMS 435 | Foundations of Interprofessional Education and Practice | 3 |
| THERREC 303 | Inclusive and Disability Programs in the Community | 3 |
| Electives | 24 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Students must complete all requirements within 6 years of entering the program.
Students interested in UW Flexible Option can find additional information here.
Honors in the Major
Honors in the major are granted to students who earn a GPA of 3.500 or above on a minimum of 30 completed credits at UWM.
College of Health Professions and Sciences Dean's Honor List
GPA of 3.500 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.
Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction
Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.
Commencement Honors
Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).
Final Honors
Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.