The UWM College of Health Sciences offers the largest number of health-related degree programs in Wisconsin, training its graduates for high-demand careers. Many of the College’s seven undergraduate and eleven graduate degree programs are nationally-recognized and have achieved the highest accreditation awards possible. The College’s faculty conducts state-of-the-art research attracting a record number of federal research grants. During its 42-year history, the College’s research and health sciences education have contributed significantly to improving quality of life.

Our faculty comprises an esteemed group of scholars. The research activities of our faculty and staff encompass groundbreaking urban and population studies, pioneering biomedical research investigations, advances in movement science, ingenious rehabilitation research and development, innovative applied clinical technologies, and novel disease prevention approaches. These activities are supported by the resources of eight academic centers and twenty-seven state of the art laboratories within the College, and millions of dollars in funds from reputable institutions, such as the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Education.

Departments and Programs

Undergraduate Academic Advising

Academic advising and counseling for all pre-professional students is available in the Office of Student Affairs. Students who have been admitted to their major/professional program may be assigned a faculty advisor. Professional and faculty advisors are prepared to guide academic planning, provide career and job market information, and to assist students in making appropriate career choices within the health professions. Students are strongly encouraged to schedule one advising session per semester (preferably before the registration process).

Students who believe they have a disability that might affect their academic or job performance are encouraged to meet with an advisor early in their academic planning to discuss appropriate accommodations. Graduation clearance service is available for all students planning to register for the last two semesters. Call (414) 229-2758 for an appointment.

Transfer Students

The College of Health Sciences welcomes students from other academic areas on the UWM campus, and students transferring to UWM from other institutions. Students planning to transfer into any of the College's majors should meet with an advisor in the Office of Student Affairs to plan their curriculum as early as possible. Most students find that a number of their courses transfer in meeting specific program and General Education Requirements (GER) needed for graduation. Students may meet with their advisor in person or by phone; quick questions to advisors may be handled by email as well. Please call (414) 229-2758 for an appointment or information.

Graduate Policies and Regulations

The Graduate School policies and regulations can be found at Graduate Policies.  Please refer to the specific program for program policies and regulations.

Undergraduate Academic Regulations

For information regarding action on unsatisfactory grades or about honors for scholarship, see Academic Policies.

Students in all College of Health Sciences majors whose cumulative or semester GPA in professional studies falls below 2.5 (except Nutrition, Occupational Studies, and all Kinesiology majors, who must have a semester GPA of 2.75; semesterly GPA of 3.0 is required for BS in Communication Sciences and Disorders) are required to consult with their program head and obtain the Dean's permission to continue in the program.

Continuous Enrollment

A student who does not maintain continuous registration during the academic year and is re-admitted to the College must meet the program and graduation requirements in effect at the time of re-entry.

Curriculum Requirements

Any deviations from the curriculum must be approved, in writing, by the student's program director or chairperson, and the Associate Dean. It is required that a student consult his/her advisor before requesting any program changes or waivers.

Requirements for Employment, Licensing, or Professional Organizations

Students should be aware that some professions, occupations, and employers are subject to licensing and/or bonding requirements. When a course of study includes clinical or field training, practice teaching, or internships, students will be required to have a check of criminal conviction records prior to acceptance of a student by the placement site. Students are responsible for obtaining the information necessary for them to become knowledgeable about these requirements and plan their studies accordingly.

Health Insurance Documentation

Students may be required to carry health insurance during internship or fieldwork experiences. As a condition of placement in an internship program, students may also be required to have updated vaccinations (e.g., MMR, Hbv). In addition, a physical examination and TB test may be required.

Special Opportunities

Enrollment in UW System Independent Learning

Courses may be taken through the University of Wisconsin-Extension, with the permission of the Director of the Office of Student Affairs. Students may not exceed 18 credits during one semester, including correspondence courses and work in residence, without permission. Approval of a tuition waiver in an Independent Learning course may be contingent on enrollment by the add deadline in the semester in which you aim to enroll. Please connect with your advisor for further guidance.

Only elective course requirements may be met through Extension study.

Independent Study

Independent study is available in each department. Credits are awarded for academic activities pursued outside the formal classroom setting under the supervision of a faculty member. Activities may include reading, research, and special projects and must be approved, in advance, by the full-time faculty supervisor. Independent study is offered at the lower and upper levels. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 at UWM to pursue independent study. Upper-division independent study requires junior status. For more information, see the catalog course listings or contact the department chairperson.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Credit for specific college courses may be earned through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students will be granted degree credit only for subject examinations, and if they score at the 50th percentile or higher on the National Sophomore norm. Credit for subject examinations may only be used to satisfy elective credits within the College of Health Sciences degree programs. A list of acceptable examinations may be found in the introductory section of this catalog under Academic Opportunities.

Online Programs

The College of Health Sciences is pleased to offer our Undergraduate students the opportunity to complete select degree programs and certificate programs in a fully online format.

Interested students should contact the College’s Office of Student Affairs for curriculum plans and an opportunity to meet with our academic advisors, (414) 229-2758. The Office is located in NWQB, Room 6425.

These programs include:

• BS, Biomedical Sciences, Degree Completion Program in Health Sciences (see the Biomedical Sciences section of this Catalog)
• BS, Biomedical Sciences, Degree Completion Program in Diagnostic Imaging (also available in Flexible Option) (see the Biomedical Sciences section of this Catalog)
• Certificate, Study of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (see the Kinesiology section of this Catalog)
• Certificate, Health Care Informatics (see the Health Informatics and Administration section of this Catalog)
• Certificate, Therapeutic Recreation (see the Occupational Science and Technology section of this Catalog)

Administration