2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog Department of Health Sciences
Admission/Retention Requirements
Environmental Health and Sustainability Program: Students currently enrolled at Illinois State University who wish to change their major to Environmental Health and Sustainability must have a minimum GPA of 2.00. Students must earn grades of C or better in Health Sciences courses required by the major and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 for retention in the program.
Health Promotion and Education Programs: Students currently enrolled at Illinois State University who wish to change their major to HPE must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and grades of C or better in required courses. New freshmen and transfer students must meet the admission requirements established by the university. Those students wishing to be admitted into the School Health Education sequence of HPE must be admitted into the University Professional Studies program. (See the University-Wide Teacher Education section in this Undergraduate Catalog.)
Health Informatics and Management Programs: Students currently enrolled at Illinois State University who wish to change their major to the Health Informatics sequence or the Healthcare Leadership sequence must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 and grades of C or better in each required course. Admission to the RHIT to HIM Online sequence is limited to students who have an associate degree program in health information technology accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), and are certified as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Retention in the RHIT to HIM sequence requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 and grades of C or better in each required course.
Medical Laboratory Science Program: Students currently enrolled at Illinois State University who wish to change their major to Medical Laboratory Science must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA and grades of C or better in each required course. Due to online requirements during the clinical year, immigration documentation cannot be issued for students seeking F-1 or J-1 status.
Occupational Safety and Health Program: Students currently enrolled at Illinois State University who wish to change their major to Occupational Safety and Health must have a minimum GPA of 2.00. Students must earn grades of C or better in Health Sciences courses required by the major and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 for retention in the program.
Course Finder
Honors in Health Sciences
The Department offers honors study to qualified students who will pursue an individualized course of study. To qualify, students must be declared majors in the Department, have completed 30 hours of credit, have and maintain a minimum cumulative 3.50 GPA; and have and maintain a 3.50 GPA in the major. To graduate with Departmental Honors, students must be a member of the Honors Program and complete 12 credit hours of honors work in Health Sciences courses selected from at least two of the following options: Honors Undergraduate Research, Honors Independent Study, in-course Honors, or Honors Undergraduate Teaching Assistant. Students interested in the Honors Program must contact the departmental advisor to complete an orientation and planning meeting.
Environmental Health and Sustainability
Degree Offered: B.S.
Major in Environmental Health and Sustainability
Environmental Health and Sustainability (EHS) specialists identify and resolve problems that occur when humans interact with their environment. Some of these environmental problems include indoor and outdoor air pollution, water pollution, food contamination, hazardous wastes, insect-borne diseases, occupational hazards, and chemical or biological terrorism. EHS specialists identify, implement, and evaluate the best methods of controlling or preventing these problems. Employment opportunities include private consulting firms; industry; non-profit organizations; and local, state, or federal agencies. The Environmental Health and Sustainability program is accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council.
Standards for Progress in the Major
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher and earn grades of C or better in all Health Sciences courses to be retained in the major.
View Environmental Health and Sustainability Program Course Requirements
Minor in Environmental Health and Sustainability
27 total hours required
15 credit hours in Health Sciences required
Required courses in Health Sciences
Take 9 credit hours from the following
Required courses outside of Health Sciences
Notes
CHE 140, MAT 120, MAT 145 and HSC 156 also satisfy General Education Program requirements.
Health Promotion and Education
Degrees Offered: B.S. and B.S. in Ed.
Major in Health Promotion and Education
Health Promotion Specialists and Health Educators work with people in schools and community settings. They promote positive health behaviors by giving presentations, planning and implementing programs, preparing instructional materials, assessing community and individual health needs, teaching and training, coordinating community/school efforts, health coaching, advocating for healthy policies, leading coalitions, and acting as a resource person. The School Health Education curriculum is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The Public Health curriculum is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). The Integrative Health and Wellness curriculum is accredited by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
Standards for Progress in the Major
School Health Education Sequence: All students should have a projected program plan completed in consultation with the departmental academic advisor. A minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.50 is required for admission to Student Teaching as well as for retention in the HPE major. Admission to Professional Studies is contingent upon meeting admission requirements to University-wide Teacher Education and recommendation of the HPE faculty and the School Health Education Coordinator.
Public Health Sequence: All students should have a projected program plan completed in consultation with the departmental academic advisor. A minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.50 and grades of C or better in all 60 credit hours required by the major are required for retention in the Public Health program as well as for enrollment in Professional Practice, HSC 398A02.
Public Health Accelerated Sequence: All students should have a projected program plan completed in consultation with the departmental academic advisor. A minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.50 and grades of C or better in all 60 credit hours required by the major are required for retention in the Public Health Accelerated program. Students must apply to the sequence their junior year. Students can then apply to the Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate program in the spring of their senior year. Enrollment in the accelerated sequence does not guarantee final admission into the Master of Public Health (MPH) graduate program.
Integrative Health and Wellness Sequence: All students should have a projected program plan completed in consultation with the departmental academic advisor. A minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.50 and grades of C or better in all courses required by the major are required for retention in the Integrative Health and Wellness program.
Applied Health Sciences Sequence: Students currently enrolled at Illinois State University who wish to change their major to Applied Health Sciences must have a minimum GPA of 2.00. Students must earn grades of C or better in all courses required by the major and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 for retention in the program.
Students in the Health Promotion and Education major must complete one of the following sequences.
Public Health Sequence
View Public Health Sequence Course Requirements
Public Health Accelerated Sequence
The Accelerated Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed to prepare students in core competencies needed by professionals working on population-based health issues. Public health professionals work to improve the quality and length of life in diverse communities by preventing health problems before they occur. They do this through supporting healthy environments, promoting the adoption of healthy lifestyles, preventing injuries, and preserving and protecting important resources that support human health. Public health is an interdisciplinary field built upon knowledge in environmental health, health promotion, epidemiology, medicine and other areas of study. This sequence provides students a streamlined pathway from undergraduate to graduate studies. 15 graduate credit hours will count for both the undergraduate and graduate program.
View Public Health Accelerated Sequence Course Requirements
School Health Education Sequence
This sequence is part of the program leading to a K-12 secondary endorsement.
Clinical Experiences in Teacher Education
View School Health Education Sequence Course Requirements
Integrative Health and Wellness
The purpose of this sequence is to prepare HPE students for work in health & wellness coaching, integrative (functional, holistic) health, worksite wellness, and other wellness settings. This sequence emphasizes wellness, optimizing human health, prevention, healthy aging, holistic approaches, and complementary and alternative medicine. Students are prepared in HPE core sciences & competencies such as health data analysis, needs assessment, and program planning with an added emphasis on human nutrition, human biology, kinesiology, psychology and health & wellness coaching. The new sequence will prepare graduates for professional certifications as a Certified Wellness Practitioner (CWP) from the National Wellness Institute and as a Certified Health & Wellness Coach from the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC).
View Integrative Health and Wellness Sequence Course Requirements
Applied Heath Sciences Sequence
View Applied Health Sciences Sequence Course Requirements
Minor in Health and Wellness Coaching
The Minor in Health and Wellness Coaching provides students with a foundation in coaching knowledge and skills and will complement studies in various majors. Students who aspire to work with people one-on-one and to help them reach their health goals may be particularly interested in this minor. Completion of the minor will prepare students for health and wellness coaching certifications and advanced study.
Standards for Progress in the Minor:
- Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 to progress in the minor.
- A grade of C or better must be achieved in all courses in the minor.
21 credit hours total required
Notes
- No more than 9 credit hours taken for the minor may count toward a major.
- Other courses approved by the minor director may be counted toward the minor.
Minor in Public Health
The Minor in Public Health is designed to prepare students in core competencies needed by professionals working on population-based health issues. Public health professionals work to improve the quality and length of life in diverse communities by preventing health problems before they occur. They do this through supporting healthy environments, promoting the adoption of healthy lifestyles, preventing injuries, and preserving and protecting important resources that support human health. Public health is an interdisciplinary field built upon knowledge in environmental health, health behavior/promotion, epidemiology, medicine and other areas of study. This minor provides students with a foundation in key public health courses and, in combination with various majors, can create opportunities for employment in public health settings and graduate study in a Master of Public Health program or other health disciplines.
New and Internal Transfer Requirements: Admission to this academic program is limited and is based on space availability and the competitiveness of the applicant pool. Factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to: courses completed, cumulative GPA, hours completed, personal interview or written statement, and samples of work completed. For additional information on minimum requirements for admission and the application and selection process, visit IllinoisState.edu/Majors or contact the undergraduate advisor for the intended program.
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 to progress in the minor.
21 credit hours total are required
Take 2 courses (6 credit hours) from the following
Notes
- Required and elective courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.
- No more than 9 credit hours taken in the minor may count toward a major program of study within the Department of Health Sciences.
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Other courses approved by the director of the minor may be counted toward the minor.
Health Informatics and Management
Degree Offered: B.S.
Major in Health Informatics and Management
Health information managers are professionals responsible for the management of health data and health information systems in organizations that use health data. They ensure data quality, code and classify data, maintain data security and privacy, design, implement and manage health information systems, evaluate medical care data to monitor quality and risk, and manage support personnel.
Credentialing Opportunities
The HIM Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management (www.cahiim.org). Graduates of the program are eligible and expected to write the national registry examination. Successful completion of the registry examination leads to the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) professional designation.
All Health Informatics and Management students enrolling in HSC 298A03 and HSC 398A03 are required to pass a criminal background check. The complete policy is outlined in the Health Informatics and Management Student Handbook.
Standards for Progress in the Major
To be retained in the HIM major a student must:
- Be in good academic standing in the University with a minimum cumulative 2.25 GPA
- Have a grade of C or better in the following courses, or their equivalents, to enroll in the HIM professional courses: HSC 105 and KNR 181 and KNR 182
- Earn grades of C or better in all major courses
- All Health Informatics and Management students enrolling in HSC 298A03 and HSC 398A03 are required to pass a criminal background check.
Students in the Health Informatics and Management major must complete one of the following sequences.
Health Informatics Sequence
View Health Informatics Sequence Course Requirements
Registered Health Information Technician to Health Informatics and Management (RHIT – HIM) Online Sequence
This sequence is designed for and restricted to students who have completed an associate degree program in health information technology (HIT) and are currently certified as Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT). The Sequence is designed to give these students an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Informatics and Management in six semesters. All HIM courses will be delivered online via distance learning. Students will be expected to complete one course each semester.
Health information technology courses are held as Proficiency Credit for the student until successful completion of three consecutive semesters of Health Informatics and Management upper-division courses from: HSC 326, HSC 327, HSC 328, HSC 329, or HSC 330. Once these courses have been successfully completed with a grade of C or better through enrollment, thirty-three (33) credit hours are placed on the student’s transcript as Proficiency Credit for the following Health Informatics and Management courses: HSC 105, HSC 201, HSC 202, HSC 204, HSC 210, HSC 212, HSC 213, HSC 230, and HSC 298A03; KNR 181 and KNR 182.
View RHIT-HIM Online Sequence Course Requirements
Healthcare Leadership Sequence
Medical Laboratory Science
Degree Offered: B.S.
Major in Medical Laboratory Science
Medical laboratory scientists work as a part of the medical team. They analyze body fluids and perform tests using highly specialized equipment to diagnose diseases and monitor treatment. They are largely employed in hospitals and private clinical laboratories and industry. Graduates of the program are eligible for national certification.
Persons currently certified as a medical laboratory technician can complete a bachelors degree in MLS. To qualify, students must be certified as a medical laboratory technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology or by American Medical Technologists and they must hold an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree. These students must complete the same graduation requirements as other MLS students. After completing a semester of course work, students are awarded proficiency credit for HSC 260, HSC 261, HSC 262, HSC 263, HSC 301, HSC 308, HSC 398A22, HSC 398A23, HSC 398A24, HSC 398A27, HSC 398A28 and HSC 398A29.
Professional Practice
Professional Practice is provided off-campus in clinical facilities affiliated with the University. The experience involves technical instruction in clinical hematology, chemistry, blood banking, microbiology and other aspects of laboratory medicine. Students are responsible to provide their own transportation and housing during the Professional Practice experience. Students apply for acceptance into the clinical experience during the spring of the junior year. Students must have maintained a cumulative 2.50 GPA and have received a grade of C or better in all required courses to be eligible for professional practice. See the Medical Laboratory Science Student Handbook for more information and a current list of professional practice locations.
Refer to the Medical Laboratory Science Student Handbook for the following information:
- A criminal background check is required before starting a Professional Practice.
- Evidence of immunity and/or proof of immunization against several viral agents is required for students entering professional practice.
Standards for Progress in the Major
Medical Laboratory Science majors must earn grades of C or better in all courses required by the major, including prerequisites, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better to be retained in the program.
The Medical Laboratory Science program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, www.naacls.org, 5600 N. River Road, Ste. 720, Rosemont, IL 60018, phone (773) 714-8880.
Occupational Safety and Health
Degree Offered: B.S.
Major in Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals apply principles drawn from disciplines such as technology, the sciences, management, communication, health, and education to reduce the risk of harm to people, property and the environment. OSH professionals have the knowledge and skills to identify, evaluate, and cost-effectively control or prevent the hazards that can produce harm to people, property and the environment. Successful professionals are effective communicators. OSH professionals are employed in a variety of public and private sector assignments, including manufacturing, insurance, construction, government, and consulting. The Occupational Safety and Health program is accredited by ABET.
Standards for Progress in the Major
Students must earn grades of C or better in Health Sciences courses required by the major and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 for retention in the program. All students should have a projected plan of study completed in consultation with the departmental academic advisor.
View Occupational Safety and Health Course Requirements
Minor in Occupational Safety and Health
34 total hours required