Department of Health Sciences

Dr. Herbert K. Amato,
Interim Department Head
Phone: (540) 568-6510
Email: amatohkj@jmu.edu
Location: Health and Behavioral Studies, Room 3091
Website: http://www.healthsci.jmu.edu

Professors

H. Amato, J. Gloeckner, R. Koslow,
K. Lewis, P. Maxwell, J. Thompson,
D. Wenos, M. Wessel

Associate Professors

J. Akers, S. Baller, A. Burnett,
D. Cockley, B. Diduch, T. Enyeart Smith,
O. Ersin, J. Frye, S. Maiewski,
K. Ott Walter, C. Peterson, G. Polacek,
D. Sutton, A. Temple, D. Torisky

Assistant Professors

E. Collazo, J. Goodman, D. Henry,
M. Hesse, E. Kancler, T. Kirchen,
K. Liskey, J. Lohr, L. Merrell,
A. Peachey, S. Rush, A. Russell Yun,
A. Skelly, J. Walsh, F. Weaver,
J. Weniger, J. Wenos

Instructors

L. Blosser, E. Richardson

Lecturers

T. Howley, M. Michalik, R. Prodoehl,
M. Stickney

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Department of Health Sciences is to contribute to the liberal arts education of all students and prepare students for professional careers in the health sciences and/or for entry into professional programs.

Goals

The goals of the Department of Health Sciences are to:

Promote the health and well-being of the JMU community.
Support the General Education program.
Educate health professionals.
Provide service to the community, the state, the region and the nation.
Conduct, disseminate and publish research/scholarship in health sciences.

Career Opportunities

Athletic Trainer
Registered Dietitian
Health Administrator
Health Assessment and Promotion Specialist
Health Fitness Specialist
Occupational Therapist (Graduate Program)
Physician Assistant (Graduate Program)
Public Health Educator
Substance Abuse Prevention Professional

Co-curricular Organizations

American College of Sports Medicine
Madison Athletic Training Student Association
Eta Sigma Gamma (Health Sciences Honor Society)
Health Administration Student Association
JMU Dietetic Association
JMU Physician Assistant Student Society
JMU Student Occupational Therapy Association
Pre-Occupational Therapy Association
Pre-Physical Therapy Society

Special Admission Requirements

Admission to JMU does not guarantee admission to all academic majors and minors. Special applications are required for admission to the clinical portions of the athletic training program and the dietetics program.

Deadline for Change or Declaration of Majors

Deadlines for change or declaration of major forms are:

Semester	Deadline
Summer	February 15
Fall	February 15
Spring	September 15 of the previous year

Forms received in the health sciences office after the deadline will be processed the following semester. Students changing their major to health sciences after February 15 of the sophomore year should expect an additional semester(s) to complete the program. The number of additional semesters required to complete the program will depend on the timing of the change to health sciences and the number of summer courses completed.

Degree and Major Requirements

The physician assistant program and the occupational therapy program are available at the master’s degree level.

Master Level Degrees

In addition to undergraduate programs, the Department of Health Sciences offers several advanced degrees. For more information about any of the programs listed, refer to the JMU Graduate Catalog or gain access through the Health Sciences website.

Master of Occupational Therapy
Master of Physician Assistant Studies
Master of Science in Health Sciences/Dietetics Concentration
Master of Science in Health Sciences/Nutrition and Physical Activity Concentration

Physical and Health Education Teacher Education Certification

This program is housed in the Department of Kinesiology and culminates in a Master of Arts in Teaching degree.

Credit by Examination

The Department of Health Sciences offers credit by examination for a limited number of the courses taught in the department. Students who want permission to take an examination must apply to the department head during the regular registration period. Students will receive details regarding approval and examination dates after they apply. Examinations will be given only in courses offered during the semester.