The study of health sciences prepares students for careers in a broad range of occupations, including those in in-demand sectors such as healthcare, public health, and exercise science. Health care is one of the strongest sectors in the U.S. economy, with an aging population and COVID-19 survivors continuing to increase demand for healthcare and disease-prevention professionals. A degree in Health Sciences provides students with practical skills that can qualify them for entry-level positions in scientific and health-related occupations.
Health Sciences majors choose from concentrations in Public Health, Allied Health or Exercise and Sports Science. Students are educated through outstanding experiential learning, community service and research studies to address societal health needs for diverse populations. Our state-of-the-art laboratory equipment include a 3D Virtual Human Dissection Table; DNA Sequencer; imaging center with confocal microscope; gait analysis walkway; isokinetic system; body balance system; and emergency medical technology and paramedic equipment.
Concentrations
Public Health is available as a concentration in the Health Science major. The program builds upon supporting courses in chemistry, mathematics, health, sociology and psychology. Students learn about public health issues, drinking water management, substance abuse, and health promotion and prevention as they prepare for careers in public health or entrance into graduate school.
Students in the allied health concentration in the Health Sciences major take courses in microbiology, anatomy & physiology, and chemistry in preparation for a graduate school in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, and physician assistant. They are also prepared to enter a variety of health- and science-related careers.
Exercise and Sport Science is devoted to study how exercise improves physical health and performance. This curriculum examines two broad themes: (a) how exercise promotes physical and mental health. Areas of study include exercise, physical fitness, and disease caused by sedentary lifestyles including cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders; (b) the scientific principles underlying exercise improve sports performance. Areas of study include the physiological basis of exercise, biomechanics, overtraining, specialization, musculoskeletal injuries, and the emotional health of athletes.
The Pre-Health Society student club offers Health Sciences majors the opportunity to learn more about their profession through guest lecturers, field trips, and other activities.
Health Sciences students have traveled to Ghana to visit clinics, hospitals, schools, orphanages and public services as they learn about the country’s health care and public health systems.
Eastern Connecticut State University’s Department of Health Sciences and Nursing joined forces with Hartford HealthCare (HHC) for the Nursing and Health Sciences Information Session on Oct. 3 in the Student Center Betty Tipton Room.
Professor Yaw Nsiah, chair of the Department of Health Sciences and Nursing, won Eastern’s 2024 Award for Exemplary Service for his vital role in launching the university’s nursing program last year.
More than 20 academic programs and departments at Eastern Connecticut State University recognized student achievements this spring 2024 semester during honor society inductions and award ceremonies.
Helena traveled to Ghana for a global field course that gave insight into the health care system of a developing country. “We visited a local hospital and got the chance to watch a cesarean section as well as a natural birth. This experience solidified my dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse.”
Public Health Technician
Precious Baker ’17
Health Sciences major Precious Baker is an emergency department technician at Hartford Healthcare after earning her master’s degree in public health from UConn. “Eastern’s health sciences program taught me the foundations of public health and developed my writing and critical thinking skills.”
Master in Occupational Therapy
Rachel DiNatalie ’18
Health Sciences major Rachel DiNatalie is pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy at Sacred Heart University. “The opportunities I’ve had at Eastern have affirmed my decision to pursue a career in the healthcare industry and prepared me for graduate school to become an occupational therapist.”
Health Sciences
Amanda Copeland ’16
Amanda works for Hartford HealthCare, supporting and teaching the electronic health record (EHR) system to clinical staff and health care providers. “I was very involved in campus life at Eastern as a resident assistant, participated in a global field internship in Ghana, acted as a peer mentor for first-year students, served as co-president of the Pre-Health Society and volunteered my time through community service projects.”
Backus Hospital
Emily Fulton ’20
Emily is a registered nurse in the Progressive Care Unit at Backus Hospital. She graduated in 2021 from UCONN’s accelerated B.S.N. program. “The classes I took at Eastern challenged me and gave me the tools needed to succeed in a fast- paced program.” As a health sciences major at Eastern, Fulton learned “about different aspects of the medical field until I found one that suited me the best.”
Health Sciences
Harley Webley ’21
A health science major with a concentration in allied health, Harley is attending Yale University’s School of Public Health. “We must examine how our systems foster inequity and dismantle policies and practices that create disparate health outcomes. I am pursuing a Master’s in Public Health to learn the appropriate tools and skillset to develop and apply approaches that center equity in health systems and policies.”
Pfizer
Nancy Gonzalez ’22
Health sciences major Nancy Gonzalez was named a fellow of the Pfizer Research and Development Rotation Program. During this paid, two-year fellowship, she is rotating among multiple research and development laboratories in pursuit of advancing the healthcare industry. “Eastern and its Health Sciences program allowed me to have many unique experiences through volunteering, internships, teaching assistantships and independent study opportunities.”
Health Sciences
Brittney Cifarelli ’21
Brittney Cifarelli is in the Doctor of Nurse Practitioner (DNP) program at Boston College. “The health sciences and emergency medical technician classes at Eastern provided me an enormous amount of intelligence into the medical world.”
Health Sciences
Chase Hubbard ’21
Chase is in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of Hartford. “Eastern’s Health Sciences program has provided me the foundation that I needed, not only in human anatomy and physiology, but also in the functions of healthcare. Eastern has helped me become a well-rounded student and prepared me to step into the widely competitive and professional health industry.”
Health Sciences
Cade Ensinger ’24
Cade will be pursuing his master’s degree in nutrition at the University of Cincinnati. During the two-year program, he will work as a teaching assistant and complete a thesis. “My professors have always been there for me through this process and encouraged me to pursue my interests.” After completing his degree, Ensinger to become a registered dietitian, with a focus on preventative medicine and nutrition equity.
Physical Therapist
Alejandro Corrales ’17
Alejandro is a physical therapist at Hartford Hospital. “My experience with the health sciences program was exceptional. The well-organized curriculum allowed me to attain the knowledge to be accepted into my doctorate program.”
Health Sciences
Yoryeli Castro ’25
Yoryeli is a health sciences major with an allied sciences concentration, and a minor in medical interpretation in Spanish. “I want to be a physician assistant, specializing in dermatology. I love the idea of constantly learning and the field of medicine can offer me that. I also have a minor in medical interpretation in Spanish because I want to include more diversity and representation in the healthcare field.”
Physical Therapy
Jessica Moyher ’24
While pursuing a career in physical therapy, Jessica job shadowed in the In-Patient Rehabilitation Department at Windham Hospital. “The ability to work alongside healthcare professionals while also being a full-time student has proven to be not only intellectually stimulating but profoundly enriching. These experiences not only enhance my academic learning but shape me into a more well-rounded, empathetic, and resilient professional.”
University of Delaware
Brendan Cullinane ’19
After receiving his doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Delaware, Brendan is now a physical therapist at IvyRehab Physical Therapy. He conducted research with Professor Amy Bataille and also traveled to Ghana, West Africa, for an internship. “I am so grateful to have been able to go on this amazing trip and experience Ghanaian culture. It was a life-changing experience.”
Infant/Early Childhood Specialist
Mariana Serrano '18
Health Science Major Mariana Serrano ’18 is director of diversity and social impact for The Connection, Inc. “The Health Sciences program has prepared me to work with a myriad of public health issues and provided me with the education and experience to support populations in need.”
