Dr. Andrew A. Peachey, Department Head
Phone: (540) 568-5053
Email: peacheaa@jmu.edu
Location: Health and Behavioral Studies, Room 3091
Website: http://www.healthsci.jmu.edu
Professors
R. Koslow, K. Lewis, M. Warner, M. Wessel
Associate Professors
S. Baller, A. Burnett, T. Enyeart Smith, K. Ott Walter, A. Peachey, D. Sutton
Assistant Professors
S. Blackstone, C. Cangin, E. Collazo-Vargas, D. Henry, A. Johnson, L. Merrell
Instructors
L. Blosser, B. Covington
Lecturers
L. Eicher, T. Howley, 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.
Co-curricular Organizations
- Eta Sigma Gamma (Health Sciences Honor Society)
- Pre-Occupational Therapy Association
- Pre-Physical Therapy Society
- Pre-Physician Assistant Club
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.
Degrees Offered
The Department of Health Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science in Health Studies with concentrations in:
- Health Assessment and Promotion
- Health Studies
- Public Health Education
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.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
The B.S. degree with a major in health sciences consists of health science course requirements in addition to General Education requirements and B.S. requirements. For specialization in a professional area, concentrations are available in health assessment and promotion, health studies, and public health education.This concentration prepares students for positions in wellness, hospital, and corporate-based health promotion and assessment programs. Students are trained to develop and implement comprehensive health promotion activities by combining health education, assessment techniques and physical activity concepts. Health assessment and promotion students master a variety of clinical assessments and can begin to develop health communication skills prior to graduation.
Public Health Education Concentration
This concentration prepares the student for entry-level public health education positions or health-related positions in a wide variety of government, community and voluntary health agencies, such as health departments and community-based health programs. This concentration also provides a strong foundation for students to pursue a Master of Public Health degree. Students completing this concentration are eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam.
Concentration Requirements
Students must complete the General Education requirements, the B.S. degree requirements, health sciences core and the public health education requirements.
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