Every healthcare career starts with a strong science foundation — and GCU's B.S. in Health Sciences is built to be exactly that. With two concentrations (Health Sciences and Nutrition Sciences), optional pre-professional tracks for medicine, dentistry, and physician assistant studies, joint medical school partnerships with St. George's University and Western Atlantic University, and a D.P.T. partnership with Saint Joseph's University, this is one of the most comprehensive pre-professional health degrees available at any small university in New Jersey.
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The B.S. in Health Sciences offers two distinct concentrations built around different career and graduate school goals. The Health Sciences Concentration (81 credits) is a rigorous science-intensive track designed for students planning to apply to medical school, dental school, physician assistant programs, physical therapy, or occupational therapy — with specific pre-professional tracks for each pathway. The Nutrition Sciences Concentration (79 credits, offered online through the Rize consortium) is for students interested in dietetics, nutrition counseling, and food science careers — and fully satisfies pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-PA prerequisites as well.
The B.S. in Health Sciences Health Sciences Concentration includes four optional pre-professional tracks: Pre-Medical (add organic chemistry I and II and biochemistry I), Pre-Dental (add organic chemistry I and II), Pre-Physician Assistant (organic chemistry I and II and biochemistry I — same as pre-med), and the Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Track (NBC-HWC credential eligibility). Students in the Nutrition Sciences Concentration automatically satisfy Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, and Pre-PA track requirements through the concentration's required coursework.
GCU's B.S. in Health Sciences students have access to the same pre-professional partnerships as Biology and Biochemistry students: the Saint George's University joint BS/MD program (3+4 or 4+4, with MD and DVM options), the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine Early Admission program (guaranteed seat after completing 90 credits), and the Saint Joseph's University D.P.T. partnership (3+3 or 4+3 physical therapy). For students with clear professional school goals, these partnerships provide some of the most direct routes to a health professional degree available to NJ undergraduates.
The Nutrition Sciences Concentration is designed for students whose career goals center on food science, dietetics, nutrition counseling, and clinical nutrition — and it's offered online through a consortium of accredited colleges and universities with technology and administrative support provided by Rize Education. GCU oversees all coursework, and students register through GCU and receive GCU credit. This concentration includes coursework in lifecycle nutrition, food science, medical nutrition therapy, food economics, and related biochemistry — all while satisfying pre-professional prerequisites.
Nutrition Sciences Concentration: This concentration is offered online through a consortium of accredited colleges and universities. Some courses are taught by GCU faculty members. Other courses are taught by faculty members employed by partner institutions in the consortium, with technology and administrative support provided by Rize Education. Oversight of courses offered through the consortium is reviewed and approved by Georgian Court University. Students register through Georgian Court University and receive academic credit from Georgian Court University.
Healthcare professional schools — medical, dental, physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy — all require rigorous undergraduate science preparation. GCU’s B.S. in Health Sciences is built to provide exactly that preparation, within a structured degree program that also prepares graduates for immediate employment in health coordination, health administration, and community health roles.
The Health Sciences Concentration delivers an 81-credit major that begins with the foundational health science and communication core shared with the B.A. in Health Profession Studies — anatomy & physiology I and II, medical terminology, health policy, bioethics, statistics, Spanish, and communication skills — and then adds a significantly more intensive science layer: cellular biology (BI121), genetics (BI204), general chemistry I and II, precalculus, college physics I and II, and psychology and sociology coursework. Optional pre-professional tracks for pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, and pre-physician assistant studies add specific courses (organic chemistry I and II, biochemistry I) that complete the prerequisites for these graduate programs.
The Nutrition Sciences Concentration delivers 79 credits through an online consortium, covering the complete health sciences core alongside nutrition-specific coursework: food science, lifecycle nutrition I and II, medical nutrition therapy, food economics, and integrative nutrition coursework, plus the pre-professional science requirements (general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics). Students in this concentration automatically satisfy the Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, and Pre-PA track requirements.
Both concentrations prepare students for the NBC-HWC (National Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach) credential through the optional Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Track.
The program is home to a remarkable breadth of professional pathway partnerships — from joint medical school agreements with St. George’s University, to the D.P.T. partnership with Saint Joseph’s University — making it one of the most pathway-rich pre-professional health degrees available at a small NJ university.
GCU’s B.S. in Health Sciences is a great fit if you:
Health Sciences Concentration (Direct Entry):
Nutrition Sciences Concentration:
Pre-Professional Pathways (Graduate Study):
| Career Path | NJ Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Physicians (M.D./D.O.) (post-med school & residency) | $300,000+ |
| Physician Assistants | $131,700 |
| Physical Therapists (D.P.T. required) | $102,400 |
| Dentists | $168,000+ |
| Registered Dietitian Nutritionists | $72,800 |
| Community Health Workers | $48,600 |
Job Outlook
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
Students choose one of two concentrations: Health Sciences or Nutrition Sciences. Students in the Health Sciences concentration may add one or more optional tracks: Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching, Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical, and Pre-Physician Assistant. Students in the Nutrition Sciences concentration will have automatically completed the Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical, and Pre-Physician Assistant tracks, but may opt to add the Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching track.
Students must complete 81 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (69 credits): | ||
| HRP111 | Introduction to Health Science | 3.0 |
| HRP200 | Medical Terminology | 3.0 |
| HRP/NU351 | Health Policy | 3.0 |
| HRP404 | Internship in Health Care | 3.0 |
| HRP444 | Capstone in Health Science | 1.0 |
| BI121 | Cellular Organiz., Energetics & Function | 4.0 |
| BI204 | Genetics & Evolution | 4.0 |
| BI213 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BI214 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4.0 |
| CH113 | General Chemistry I | 4.0 |
| CH114 | General Chemistry II | 4.0 |
| MA103 | Introduction to Statistical Thinking | 3.0 |
| MA110 | Precalculus | 3.0 |
| PH115 | College Physics I | 4.0 |
| PH116 | College Physics II | 4.0 |
| PL354 | Bioethics | 3.0 |
| PS111 | Introduction to Psychology | 3.0 |
| SO101 | Principles of Sociology | 3.0 |
| SP101 | Elementary Spanish I | 3.0 |
| or SP107 | Spanish for Specialized Work Settings | |
| SW295 | CommunicationSkillsSocialWork | 3.0 |
| or BU242 | Managerial Communications | |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
ES470 | Research Methods in Exercise & Sport | |
PS232 | Intro to Stats for the Beh Sciences | |
SW310 | Methods of Social Work Research | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 12 credits from the following: | 12.0 | |
BI111 | Life: Human Biology | |
BI219 | Microbiology | |
BI/NU/ES275 | Pathophysiology | |
BI419 | Advanced Microbiology | |
BI420 | WI:Medical Microbiology | |
BI437/CH311 | Biochemistry I | |
BI438/CH312 | Biochemistry II | |
CH223 | Organic Chemistry I | |
CH224 | Organic Chemistry II | |
ES220 | Introduction to Nutrition | |
GP316 | Physiology of Development & Aging | |
IH210 | Integrative Self-Care Planning | |
IH320 | Integrative Healing Methods | |
PS221 | Child & Adolescent Development | |
PS224 | Adult Development | |
PS281 | Introduction to Addictions & Recovery | |
PS282 | Foundations of Addictions Treatment | |
SW203 | Introduction to Social Welfare | |
SW240 | Addictions | |
| OPTIONAL TRACKS: | ||
| Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Track (12 cr): | ||
| HS electives include IH210 | ||
| Other requirements are all of the following: | ||
IH305 | Found Health & Wellness Coaching | |
IH325 | Integrative Nutrition | |
IH337 | Integrative Lifestyle Modifications | |
| Pre-Dental Track (8 cr): | ||
| HS electives include CH223 and CH224 | ||
| Pre-Medical Track (12 cr): | ||
| HS electives include CH223, CH224, and BI437/CH311 | ||
| Pre-Physician Assistant Track (7 cr): | ||
| HS electives include ES220 and Microbiology (200-level and above) | ||
| Total Credits | 81.0 | |
This concentration is offered online through a consortium of accredited colleges and universities. Some courses in the concentration are taught by GCU faculty members. Other courses in the concentration are taught by faculty members employed by partner institutions in the consortium, with technology and administrative support provided by Rize Education. Oversight of courses offered through the consortium is reviewed and approved by Georgian Court University. Students register through Georgian Court University and receive academic credit from Georgian Court University.
Students complete 79 credits as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (76 credits): | ||
| HRP111 | Introduction to Health Science | 3.0 |
| HRP200 | Medical Terminology | 3.0 |
| HRP/NU351 | Health Policy | 3.0 |
| HRP404 | Internship in Health Care | 3.0 |
| HRP444 | Capstone in Health Science | 1.0 |
| BI121 | Cellular Organiz., Energetics & Function | 4.0 |
| BI213 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4.0 |
| BI214 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4.0 |
| BI219 | Microbiology | 4.0 |
| BI437/CH311 | Biochemistry I | 4.0 |
| CH113 | General Chemistry I | 4.0 |
| CH114 | General Chemistry II | 4.0 |
| CH223 | Organic Chemistry I | 4.0 |
| CH224 | Organic Chemistry II | 4.0 |
| ES220 | Introduction to Nutrition | 3.0 |
| MA103 | Introduction to Statistical Thinking | 3.0 |
| HRP230 | Food Science | 3.0 |
| HRP320 | Lifecycle Nutrition I | 3.0 |
| HRP321 | Lifecycle Nutrition II | 3.0 |
| HRP430 | Medical Nutrition Therapy | 3.0 |
| PL354 | Bioethics | 3.0 |
| SW295 | CommunicationSkillsSocialWork | 3.0 |
| or BU242 | Managerial Communications | |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
ES470 | Research Methods in Exercise & Sport | |
PS232 | Intro to Stats for the Beh Sciences | |
SW310 | Methods of Social Work Research | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 3 credits from the following: | 3.0 | |
BI111 | Life: Human Biology | |
BI204 | Genetics & Evolution | |
BI/NU/ES275 | Pathophysiology | |
BI419 | Advanced Microbiology | |
BI420 | WI:Medical Microbiology | |
BI437/CH311 | Biochemistry I | |
BI438/CH312 | Biochemistry II | |
GP316 | Physiology of Development & Aging | |
HRP240 | Food Economics | |
IH210 | Integrative Self-Care Planning | |
IH220 | Integrative Nutrition & Movement | |
IH320 | Integrative Healing Methods | |
IH325 | Integrative Nutrition | |
PH115 | College Physics I | |
PH116 | College Physics II | |
PS111 | Introduction to Psychology | |
PS221 | Child & Adolescent Development | |
PS224 | Adult Development | |
PS281 | Introduction to Addictions & Recovery | |
PS282 | Foundations of Addictions Treatment | |
SW203 | Introduction to Social Welfare | |
SW240 | Addictions | |
| OPTIONAL TRACK: | ||
| Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Track (12 cr): | ||
IH210 | Integrative Self-Care Planning | |
IH305 | Found Health & Wellness Coaching | |
IH325 | Integrative Nutrition | |
IH337 | Integrative Lifestyle Modifications | |
| Total Credits | 79.0 | |
Admissions Requirements First-Year Students
Recommended preparation: 4 years math including Precalculus; Biology with lab; Chemistry with lab; Physics recommended. Students entering the Health Sciences Concentration will begin General Chemistry I and Human Anatomy & Physiology I in the first year.
Pre-Professional Partnership Notes:
Advanced Admission to M.A. in Integrative Health:
By the time you earn your B.S. in Health Sciences from GCU, you’ll be able to:
Q: What’s the difference between the Health Sciences B.S. and the Health Profession Studies B.A.? A: The B.S. in Health Sciences is more science-intensive and is specifically designed for students planning to apply to medical school, dental school, PA programs, physical therapy, or occupational therapy. Its required coursework includes genetics, general chemistry I and II, precalculus, and college physics I and II — building the science prerequisites that professional schools require. The B.A. in Health Profession Studies does not require this level of science preparation and is designed for students who want to enter the healthcare workforce at the bachelor’s level (in coordination, advocacy, and administration roles) or pursue graduate programs in nursing, social work, or speech pathology. If you’re pre-med, pre-dental, or pre-PA, the B.S. in Health Sciences is the right choice.
Q: What is the Nutrition Sciences Concentration, and is it really online? A: The Nutrition Sciences Concentration is a specialized track within the B.S. in Health Sciences designed for students interested in dietetics, nutrition counseling, food science, and clinical nutrition careers. It is offered online through a consortium of accredited colleges and universities — meaning some courses are taught by GCU faculty and others by partner institution faculty, with technology and administrative support provided by Rize Education. All coursework is overseen and approved by GCU, and students register through GCU and receive GCU credit. The Nutrition Sciences Concentration is one of two GCU programs offered through this consortium arrangement.
Q: How do I access the joint BS/MD programs? A: GCU’s B.S. in Health Sciences qualifies students for the same joint medical school partnerships as the Biology and Biochemistry programs. The St. George’s University BS/MD program (3+4 or 4+4 format; M.D. and D.V.M. options), accessible to Health Sciences students who meet the eligibility criteria. Discuss with your academic advisor as early as possible — ideally in your first semester — to discuss eligibility and planning.
Q: Is the B.S. in Health Sciences good preparation for physician assistant school? A: Yes — it’s designed specifically for that purpose. The Pre-PA Track within the Health Sciences Concentration adds organic chemistry I and II and biochemistry I to the already-strong core science foundation, completing the most commonly required PA school prerequisites. Most PA programs also require patient care experience — the HRP404 Internship in Health Care and any additional healthcare work or volunteer experience you accumulate will strengthen your application.
Q: What is the Advanced Admission pathway to the M.A. in Integrative Health? A: After completing 75 credits (and at least three-fourths of your major credits) with a 3.2 GPA or higher, you can apply for Advanced Admission to GCU’s M.A. in Integrative Health program. You’ll need three letters of recommendation (including one from an Integrative Health faculty member), an admission interview with Dr. Komagata, and a maintained 3.0 GPA throughout. Once accepted, you can take up to 4 graduate IH courses (12 credits) as an undergraduate. Acceptance into the M.A. program is deferred until your bachelor’s degree is conferred.
Q: Can I earn the NBC-HWC coaching credential in this program? A: Yes — through the optional Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching Track within either concentration. Completing IH210, IH305, IH325, and IH337 fulfills the NBHWC-approved training program requirement, making you eligible to sit for the National Board Certification Examination. Some of these courses can count as HS electives within the program. Confirm the specific double-counting arrangements with your advisor.
Q: When should I apply? A: Rolling admissions — apply any time. Priority deadlines are November 1, January 1, and March 1. Students interested in pre-professional programs (BS/MD, D.P.T., PA programs) are especially encouraged to apply early and connect with both the Admissions office and Dr. Bergman or Dr. Wortley to map out their four-year pathway from day one.
Graduate/Professional Pathways:
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