This degree is a joint online degree program offered collectively by all five IU-managed regional campuses. The curriculum is available in an all-online format through the statewide B.S.A.H.S. consortium. This program is a 120 credit hour online program. The program is for individuals who are interested in health education, promotion or leadership and have completed at least 30 credit hours of coursework that can be applied toward the degree. Full-time students entering with 30 credit hours can expect to complete the program in three years.
Applied Health Science Outcomes:
- Demonstrate problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills in a variety of healthcare settings and situations
- Demonstrate effective leadership and management strategies in common health care delivery systems and environments
- Apply evidence-based healthcare practices for optimum health outcomes
- Demonstrate accountability within the legal and ethical parameters of the health care system.
- Integrate communication skills into professional roles
- Utilize information technology in the delivery of healthcare
- Trace the historical and contemporary social determinants of health that shape health status, health behavior, and health inequalities
Course Requirements
To graduate with the B.S. in Applied Health Science, you must complete a total of 120 credit hours. Course requirements fall into four categories and are defined by student learning outcomes. It is important to note that the general education outcomes (usually 30-42 credits) and requirements vary by campus; you must achieve the general education outcomes from the campus where you will graduate.
Applied Health Science Core Courses – 42 Credit Hours
You take courses that meet the following learning outcomes:
- Utilize problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills in a variety of healthcare settings and situations.
- Utilize effective leadership and management strategies in common health care delivery systems and environments.
- Apply evidence-based healthcare practices for optimal health outcomes.
- Demonstrate accountability within the legal and ethical parameters of the health care system.
- Integrate communication skills into professional roles.
- Utilize information technology in the delivery of healthcare.
- Explore the historical and contemporary social determinants of health that shape health status, health behavior, and health inequalities.
Some of the core courses include Health Care Delivery and Leadership, Economics of Health Care, and Informatics.
You will need to pick one of the two applied health science tracks of 18 credit hours.
Track 1: Community Health Educator
Coursework will provide instruction in the skills necessary to conduct general health and wellness assessments and the techniques of health education. By majoring in the B.S. in Applied Health Science with a concentration in the community health educator track, you will be able to take the Certified Health Education Specialist Examination (CHES) offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Becoming a CHES opens many more opportunities in public health. You will take courses including:
- Community Health Assessment, Education, and Promotion
- Program Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation I
- Program Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation II
Track 2: Health Administration
Coursework will provide instruction in health care organization, planning, budgeting, and finance. You will take courses including:
- Health Care Administration and Strategic Planning
- Health Care Budgeting and Finance
- Health Care Organization Supervision and Resource Management
