Applied Health Sciences Major (BS)
College: College of Natural & Health Sciences
The bachelor of science with a major in applied health sciences, housed in the Center for Health Sciences (CHS), is designed to prepare students with an interdisciplinary and liberal arts foundation for professional careers within the health care systems through a combination of academic coursework and clinical experiences through pre-approved Internships. This major is intended primarily for qualified students who wish to pursue advanced degrees and/or careers in the professional fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, physician assistant, athletic training, public health, medical laboratory sciences, and available starting Fall 2025, radiologic science. In addition to completing the academic course work and clinical experiences, students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to graduate with the AHS major.
Career Possibilities:
The applied health sciences curriculum provides students with the appropriate classes and experiences that will allow them to meet the requirements necessary to qualify for professional health programs outlined as options within the concentrations offered in the major. While the majority of graduating students are expected to pursue advanced degrees in health care and health sciences, students completing this degree will also be competitive for entry level careers in general health sciences, scientific/medical research, and fitness/health promotion.
Medical Laboratory Science Concentration
The concentration in medical laboratory sciences (MLS) provides a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for a career as a medical laboratory scientist (MLS) or lab manager. While the majority of MLS students will find employment in a hospital lab or in a clinical reference lab, this degree will also prepare students for advanced degrees in healthcare and health sciences.
Program Learning Outcomes
- To provide UW-Parkside students with a rigorous health sciences degree that will allow them to gain admission into professional/graduate health programs.
- To provide UW-Parkside students with a rigorous health sciences degree that will allow them to be competitive and successful in entry-level health science careers.
Program-Specific Policies
The applied health sciences program requires that students gain experiences (6 credits – equivalent to 300 hours of healthcare experience) relevant to their respective concentrations to complete their degree. However, students who wish to be competitive in gaining acceptance into professional programs are strongly encouraged to gain additional program-specific health care experiences.
The AHS 494 Internship/Fieldwork in Applied Health Sciences course provides students with learning experiences within professional fields that are related to their professional career goals. These supervised experiences will require the student to gain exposure to all professional aspects of their chosen careers including, but not limited to: business operations, professional competencies and conduct, and overall work environment. Placement approval by AHS academic advisor or the CHS director is required. Students of sophomore standing or higher may register for this class multiple times in multiple semesters. One (1) credit equals fifty (50) hours of experience. Students must complete a total of six (6) credits (300 hours) for completion of the major requirement. Additionally, no more than twelve (12) credits may be applied toward general graduation requirements.
Articulation Agreements
St. Scholastica
Students who choose the pre-athletic training concentration within the AHS major are eligible to qualify for an articulation agreement with the master’s degree athletic training program at St. Scholastica University in Minnesota. The top two students graduating with the pre-athletic training concentration are eligible for this program. For more information, interested students should contact their AHS advisor.
Gateway Technical College
Students can participate in an articulation agreement between the physical therapy assistant program at Gateway Technical College and the pre-athletic training and/or pre-physical therapy concentrations within the applied health sciences major. This program is a dual enrollment program where the students take classes at both Gateway Technical College and UW-Parkside during the first year of the program, finish their associates degree in physical therapy assistant at Gateway Technical College during their second year, then transfer seamlessly to UW-Parkside and finish their bachelor of science degree with a major in applied health sciences with either a concentration in pre-athletic training and/or pre-physical therapy. For more information, interested students should contact their AHS advisor.
Requirements for the Applied Health Sciences Major
In addition to completing the academic course work, students must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to graduate with the AHS major.
The major in applied health sciences has a core requirement of 51-53 credits from a variety of departments relevant for pursuing careers in the various concentrations within the major. Within the major, a minimum of 15 credits in courses numbered 300 or above must be completed at UW-Parkside. Students also must be aware of and satisfy UW-Parkside’s requirements for graduation in addition to the requirements for the applied health sciences major. Students who complete the AHS major may also qualify for a minor in Biological Sciences. Please see your advisor for more information on this.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| College of Natural and Health Sciences requirement | ||
| New entering students, and transfer students with less than 30 college credits, choosing a major in the College of Natural and Health Sciences are required to take this course. | ||
| UWP 101 | First Year Seminar: Natural and Health Sciences | 1 |
| Core Courses | ||
| Applied Health Science Courses | ||
| AHS 101 | Introduction to Applied Health Sciences | 3 |
| AHS 494 | Internship/Fieldwork 1 | 6 |
| Biological Sciences Courses | ||
| BIOS 101 | Bioscience 2 | 4 |
| BIOS 105 | Human Physiology and Anatomy I 3 | 5 |
| BIOS 106 | Human Physiology and Anatomy II 3 | 5 |
| Chemistry Courses | ||
| CHEM 101 | General Chemistry I 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 103 | General Chemistry Lab I | 1 |
| Mathematics Courses | ||
| MATH 111 | College Algebra I | 5 |
| Select one of the following: | 5-6 | |
| College Algebra II/Trigonometry | ||
| College Algebra II and Trigonometry | ||
| Health, Kinesiology and Sport Management | ||
| HLTH 270 | Lifetime Wellness | 3 |
| HLTH 280 | Nutrition for Wellness | 3 |
| Psychology | ||
| PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychological Science | 3 |
| Statistics | ||
| BIOS 210 | Biostatistics | 3-4 |
| or PSYC 250 | Psychological Statistics | |
| Core Courses Subtotal | 51-53 | |
| Concentration Options | ||
| Choose one option | 19-59 | |
| Total Credits | 70-112 | |
- 1
Additionally, students can gain these credits through either pre-approved BIOS 494 Internship or KSP 498 Fieldwork in Kinesiology and Sport Performance.
- 2
These courses also satisfy general education requirements at UW-Parkside.
- 3
Students may substitute BIOS 300 Human Functional Anatomy/BIOS 341 Mammalian Physiology/BIOS 342 Mammalian Physiology Laboratory or BIOS 300 Human Functional Anatomy/BIOS 341 Mammalian Physiology for BIOS 105 Human Physiology and Anatomy I/BIOS 106 Human Physiology and Anatomy II sequence.
In addition to satisfying the core requirements within the applied health sciences major, students must choose and complete a concentration based on their area of interest and continuing education. In order to obtain a concentration, students must complete all the following required course work in addition to the above stated core courses. The courses outlined in the concentrations will satisfy most of the academic requirements necessary to gain acceptance into the relevant professional programs. However, students should work closely with their applied health sciences advisor to stay abreast of any changes that occur within these requirements as they can fluctuate during any application cycle. Ultimately, it is the students’ responsibility to ensure that they have satisfied the academic requirements for the specific schools and programs to which they wish to apply.
Concentration Options
Medical Laboratory Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| AHS 300 | Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences | 3 |
| AHS 310 | Clinical Microbiology I | 2 |
| AHS 311 | Clinical Microbiology II | 3 |
| AHS 320 | Clinical Immunology I | 3 |
| AHS 321 | Clinical Immunology II | 2 |
| AHS/CHEM 335 | Clinical Chemistry I | 3 |
| AHS/CHEM 336 | Clinical Chemistry II | 3 |
| AHS 340 | Hematology and Hemostasis I | 3 |
| AHS 341 | Hematology and Hemostasis II | 2 |
| AHS 350 | Diagnostic Molecular Biology | 3 |
| AHS 400 | Immunohematology I | 2 |
| AHS 401 | Immunohematology II 1 | 2 |
| AHS 405 | Cellular Morphology Laboratory 1 | 2 |
| AHS 406 | Clinical Fluid Analysis 1 | 2 |
| AHS 410 | Clinical Mycology, Parasitology, and Virology | 3 |
| AHS 420 | Laboratory Operations | 2 |
| AHS 450 | Clinical Correlations and Board of Review Test Preparation | 2 |
| AHS 495 | Clinical Practicum I | 2 |
| AHS 496 | Clinical Practicum II | 2 |
| BIOS 102 | Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BIOS 260 | General Genetics | 4 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II 2 | 4 |
| CHEM 104 | General Chemistry Lab II 2 | 1 |
| Total Credits | 59 | |
- 1
These three (3) courses will satisfy the AHS 494 Internship/Fieldwork requirement within the AHS major.
- 2
Students completing this concentration may substitute CHEM 115 Chemical Science/CHEM 215 Organic and Biochemistry for CHEM 101 General Chemistry I/CHEM 103 General Chemistry Lab I and CHEM 102 General Chemistry II/CHEM 104 General Chemistry Lab II.
Pre-Athletic Training
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| KSP 330 | Sport and Exercise Biomechanics | 4 |
| KSP 340 | Sport and Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| KSP 345 | Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| KSP 410 | Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription | 3 |
| PHYS 105 | College Physics I | 5 |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
Pre-Chiropractic
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOS 102 | Organismal Biology | 4 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 104 | General Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
| CHEM 321 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 322 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 323 | Organic Chemistry Lab | 2 |
| KSP 330 | Sport and Exercise Biomechanics | 4 |
| KSP 340 | Sport and Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| PHYS 105 | College Physics I | 5 |
| PHYS 106 | College Physics II | 5 |
| Total Credits | 37 | |
- 1
This course also satisfies general education requirements at UW-Parkside.
Pre-General Health
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOS 102 | Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BIOS 260 | General Genetics | 4 |
| CHEM 102 & CHEM 104 | General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab II 1 | 5 |
| PSYC 210 | Introduction to Human Development | 3 |
| Required Courses Subtotal | 16 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Students must take at least nine (9) credits at the 300-level or higher selected from the concentrations within the AHS major. One of these courses must be a laboratory-based class. | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 25 | |
- 1
Students completing this concentration may substitute CHEM 115 Chemical Science/CHEM 215 Organic and Biochemistry for CHEM 101 General Chemistry I/CHEM 103 General Chemistry Lab I and CHEM 102 General Chemistry II/CHEM 104 General Chemistry Lab II.
Pre-Occupational Therapy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOS 300 | Human Functional Anatomy 1 | 4 |
| BIOS 341 | Mammalian Physiology 1 | 3 |
| BIOS 342 | Mammalian Physiology Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| KSP 330 | Sport and Exercise Biomechanics | 4 |
| KSP 340 | Sport and Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| PHYS 101 | Principles of Physics 2 | 4 |
| PSYC 210 | Introduction to Human Development | 3 |
| PSYC 360 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 26 | |
- 1
Students can substitute BIOS 105 Human Physiology and Anatomy I/BIOS 106 Human Physiology and Anatomy II for BIOS 300 Human Functional Anatomy/BIOS 341 Mammalian Physiology/BIOS 342 Mammalian Physiology Laboratory.
- 2
This course also satisfies general education requirements at UW-Parkside.
Pre-Physician Assistant
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOS 102 | Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BIOS 260 | General Genetics | 4 |
| BIOS 300 | Human Functional Anatomy 1 | 4 |
| BIOS 303 | Microbiology 3 | 4 |
| BIOS 307 | Biochemical Metabolism | 3 |
| BIOS 341 | Mammalian Physiology 1 | 3 |
| BIOS 342 | Mammalian Physiology Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 104 | General Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
| CHEM 321 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 322 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 323 | Organic Chemistry Lab | 2 |
| PHYS 101 | Principles of Physics 2 | 4 |
| PSYC 210 | Introduction to Human Development | 3 |
| PSYC 360 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
- 1
Students can substitute BIOS 105 Human Physiology and Anatomy I/BIOS 106 Human Physiology and Anatomy II for BIOS 300 Human Functional Anatomy/BIOS 341 Mammalian Physiology/BIOS 342 Mammalian Physiology Laboratory.
- 2
This course also satisfies general education requirements at UW-Parkside.
- 3
Students may substitute BIOS 202 General Microbiology for BIOS 303 Microbiology
Pre-Physical Therapy
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOS 102 | Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BIOS 300 | Human Functional Anatomy 1 | 4 |
| BIOS 341 | Mammalian Physiology 1 | 3 |
| BIOS 342 | Mammalian Physiology Laboratory 1 | 1 |
| CHEM 102 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 104 | General Chemistry Lab II | 1 |
| KSP 330 | Sport and Exercise Biomechanics | 4 |
| KSP 340 | Sport and Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| KSP 345 | Prevention and Care of Athletic Injuries | 3 |
| PHYS 105 | College Physics I 2 | 5 |
| PHYS 106 | College Physics II | 5 |
| PSYC 210 | Introduction to Human Development | 3 |
| PSYC 360 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| Total Credits | 44 | |
- 1
Students can substitute BIOS 105 Human Physiology and Anatomy I/BIOS 106 Human Physiology and Anatomy II for BIOS 300 Human Functional Anatomy/BIOS 341 Mammalian Physiology/BIOS 342 Mammalian Physiology Laboratory.
- 2
This course also satisfies general education requirements at UW-Parkside.
Recommended but not required course for the pre-physical therapy concentration as it is becoming more common as a pre-requisite class for DPT programs: PSYC 210 Introduction to Human Development.
Pre-Public Health
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| BIOS 102 | Organismal Biology | 4 |
| BIOS 260 | General Genetics | 4 |
| COMM 107 | Communication and the Human Condition 1 | 3 |
| PSYC 220 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 363 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| SOCA 101 | Introduction to Sociology 1 | 3 |
| SOCA 376 | Public Health | 3 |
| Required Courses Subtotal | 23 | |
| Recommended Courses 2 | ||
| Biology of Aging | ||
| Microbiology 3 | ||
| Parasitology | ||
| Virology | ||
| Healthcare Systems and Organizations | ||
| Bioethics | ||
| Introduction to Human Development 1 | ||
| Human Evolution | ||
| Total Credits | 23 | |
- 1
These courses also satisfy general education requirements at UW-Parkside.
- 2
Recommended but, not required courses for those in the pre-public health concentration.
- 3
Students may substitute BIOS 202 General Microbiology for BIOS 303 Microbiology
Students should, in consultation with their AHS advisor, ensure that the pre-requisite classes required by their specific professional health programs are met, regardless of whether or not they are specifically listed in the above coursework, and that their 300-level credit graduation requirements (36 credits) are satisfied. Additionally, students are responsible for ensuring that they have met the General Education and Foreign Language requirements at UW-Parkside.
Radiologic Science
Available Beginning FALL 2025
The concentration in Radiologic Science provides a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for a career as a Radiologic Technician or manager. While the majority of Radiologic Science students will find employment in a hospital lab or in a clinical reference lab, this degree will also prepare students for advanced degrees in healthcare and health sciences.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AHS 302 | Introduction to Radiology | 2 |
| AHS 306 | Imaging Procedures I | 3 |
| AHS 307 | Pharmacology and Ethics | 3 |
| AHS 308 | Imaging Procedures II | 3 |
| AHS 309 | Imaging Procedures III | 3 |
| AHS 351 | Radiation Protection | 2 |
| AHS 353 | Principles of Imaging I | 3 |
| AHS 355 | Clinical Education I | 3 |
| AHS 360 | Radiation Biology | 2 |
| AHS 362 | Principles of Imaging II | 3 |
| AHS 364 | Clinical Education II | 3 |
| AHS 470 | Radiographic Physics I | 2 |
| AHS 473 | Imaging Procedures IV | 2 |
| AHS 475 | Image Analysis | 2 |
| AHS 477 | Cross-Sectional Anatomy | 3 |
| AHS 478 | Pathology | 3 |
| AHS 480 | Radiation Physics II | 2 |
| AHS 482 | Clinical Internship I | 5 |
| AHS 483 | Clinical Internship II 1. For students completing the Radiologic Sciences Concentration, these 2 courses (6 credits total) will satisfy the AHS 494 – Internship/Fieldwork (6 credits) requirement within the AHS major, as such these credits will not be counted in the total credits needed for the concentration in Radiologic Science. | 3 |
| AHS 484 | Clinical Internship III 1. For students completing the Radiologic Sciences Concentration, these 2 courses (6 credits total) will satisfy the AHS 494 – Internship/Fieldwork (6 credits) requirement within the AHS major, as such these credits will not be counted in the total credits needed for the concentration in Radiologic Science. | 3 |
| Total Credits | 55 | |
General University Degree Requirements (Bachelor's Degree)
In addition to individual program requirements, students must also fulfill the following requirements:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Skills | 7-8 |
| General Education | 36 |
| Foreign Language** | 6-8 |
| Ethnic Diversity | 3 |
| Total | 52-55 |
** Transfer students in sustainable management, and health information management and technology collaborative, online degree-completion programs, the business management online degree-completion program, and the flexible option degree-completion program will be exempt from the university’s foreign language requirement. See appropriate academic section for further information.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | ||
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Reading | 3 |
| Computational Skills | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4-5 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
| College Mathematics with Applications | ||
| College Algebra I | ||
| Total Credits | 7-8 | |
Degree Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Minimum Total Credits | 120 |
| Upper Level Credits (300 level or above) | 36 |
| Residency | 30 |
Cumulative Degree GPA: 2.0 minimum