Dec 07, 2025  
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Health Studies (B.S.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus


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Program Coordinator/Contact

Emily Kranz, Program Coordinator
School of Health and Human Sciences
Wagner Hall 403, Box 2275A
605-688-5387

Program Information

The Health Studies major is for students interested in a health-related career path who desire a high degree of flexibility in curriculum options to pursue specific interests. Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of career options such a health educator, corporate wellness manager, community health worker, service coordinator, case manager and more. The degree also pairs well with pre-professional and graduate programs which may include occupational therapy, accelerated nursing, physician’s assistant, chiropractor, physical therapy school, public health, health administration and counseling.

The interdisciplinary design of the curriculum provides students with a strong foundation in analyzing how economic stability, education, healthcare access, community support structures, policy and other determinants impact community health. Students are prepared to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate health promotion strategies aimed at improving population health. The rapidly growing use of information and communication technologies in healthcare such as telehealth and health informatics are included in the curriculum, preparing students to meet the dynamic and evolving landscape of healthcare.

Course Delivery Format

Instruction for the Health Studies major occurs through face-to-face and online course delivery methods.

Academic Requirements


A minimum final grade of “C” is required in all Major Requirements courses.

Requirements for Health Studies Major: 120 Credits


Bachelor of Science 

College of Education and Human Sciences Requirements


Electives


Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Total Required Credits: 120


Summary of Program Requirements


Bachelor of Science

System General Education Requirements* 31 Credit Hours
College of Education and Human Sciences Requirements 4 Credit Hours
Major Requirements 49 Credit Hours
Electives** 36 Credit Hours

*System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements.

Academic Advising Guide Sheet


The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program.