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Health Science, B.S.

Whitworth's health science major is an interdisciplinary program that offers versatility in careers related to health and well-being. Each of our four majors launching in the fall of 2025 (health science, B.S.; exercise science, B.S.; rehabilitation science, B.S.; and health & well-being, B.A.) begin with the same core courses that introduce you to principles of health and healthcare careers as well as a foundation in human anatomy and physiology. From there, you can choose from an extensive list of courses that support your vocational goals.

Whitworth’s health science faculty believe in the value of experiential learning and will give you every opportunity to develop a practical and applied understanding of human health and well-being, in addition to theoretical knowledge.

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Why major in health science at Whitworth?

  • Gain valuable hands-on experience in our human performance lab and in our anatomy and physiology lab, which provides learning opportunities with human cadavers. Students who continue to graduate school often report that their Whitworth lab experiences put them ahead of peers.
  • Build strong relationships with professors. Health science faculty members are dedicated to their students and will challenge you to grow both academically and personally.
  • Connect your faith or worldview to your studies and career goals. You will learn to identify your strengths and discover how you can use them to serve humanity. You will also be encouraged to develop professional ethics that integrate cultural competence and personal values.
  • Draw inspiration from the state-of-the-art Robinson Science Hall, which houses the health sciences, chemistry, and biology departments, and the new Dornsife Health Sciences Building that houses the human performance lab.
  • Conduct original research and present your findings at academic conferences.
  • Apply your learning to your personal health through courses such as Exercise Physiology and Nutrition.
  • Network with alumni and regional health providers to develop mentorship relationships to help you discern your vocational calling and connect you with hands-on experience.
  • Develop a holistic understanding of health. You will learn to recognize the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, social and spiritual health.
  • Discover what interests you. Internships and electives allow you to explore areas of personal interest in science and human behavior.
  • Health science is a diverse field and needs leaders from a variety of backgrounds. No matter where you come from, you have something to contribute.
  • Become who you're meant to be.
Headshot of Andrea Khieu

"I chose to attend Whitworth because of the small class sizes and the ability to have access to my professors. Coming into college planning to go the healthcare route seemed a little intimidating to me when I thought about the importance of references and connections when applying to graduate healthcare programs. I knew that at a smaller school I would be able to form those connections and relationships easier than I would at a larger state school."
Andrea Khieu '26

Explore what it's like to major in the areas that interest you through the experiences of Whitworth students.

Ask our faculty

Headshot of Elizabeth Abbey

Ask Elizabeth

eabbey@whitworth.edu

Professor Elizabeth Abbey's areas of expertise include sports nutrition; exercise and personal health; food security and food systems.

Faculty Page

Headshot of Matt Silvers

Ask Matt

msilvers@whitworth.edu

Professor Matt Silvers' area of expertise is exercise physiology.

Faculty Page

Headshot of Cynthia Wright

Ask Cynthia

cwright@whitworth.edu

Professor Cynthia Wright’s areas of expertise are orthopedic injury assessment and treatment, athletic training and clinical research.

Faculty Page

Headshot of Justin Ulbright

Ask Justin

julbright@whitworth.edu

Instructor Justin Ulbright’s areas of expertise are human anatomy and physiology. He oversees the undergraduate cadaver lab and pre-nursing advising. 

Faculty Page

Our health science grads grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Health science majors are prepared for professional schools, graduate programs, and careers in the health and wellness field. Our graduates have an excellent acceptance rate for graduate programs in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic medicine, public health, health care administration, nutrition, clinical exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and personal training, among other areas.

Recent job placements include:

  • Capt. Jacob Kriegbaum, physical therapist, United States Air Force, Las Vegas
  • J. Keith Parker, dermatologist, Advanced Dermatology and Skin Surgery, Spokane
  • Faith Lopez-Flores, internal medicine PA-C, Mountain Park Health Center, Phoenix, Ariz.
  • Gretchen Peterson, epidemiologist, Pima County Health Department, Tucson, Ariz.
  • Emily (Travis) Shull, clinical research coordinator, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Greenville, S.C.

Our recent health science grads are accepted into Whitworth University's professional programs, as well as graduate programs at institutions including:

  • University of Washington School of Medicine
  • Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
  • University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
  • Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University
  • University of Southern California
  • Mayo School of Health Sciences
  • University of Colorado
  • Oregon State University
  • Emory University
  • Washington University (St. Louis)
  • Yale University
  • University of Florida

Opportunities outside the classroom

We encourage students to work or volunteer in the community alongside professors. Opportunities are available at many organizations, including ParaSport Spokane, Habitat for Humanity, Growing Neighbors and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Pack your bags!

A number of Whitworth study abroad programs are great fits for health science students. Learn how community and strong social bonds impact all aspects of health in Greece. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture while you study Eastern medicine in Japan. Participate in a healthcare internship as part of Whitworth’s semester-long Central America Study & Service Program (CASP). Or study for a semester abroad through ISEP. 

What related majors can I explore?

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