Overview
The Health Science program at NGU is designed to provide students with a comprehensive Christian education in the biological, social, and behavioral aspects of health and wellness. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to health that recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit, and the importance of evidence-based practice, research methods and critical thinking skills.
Two concentrations have been developed within the Health Science major to provide a more customized learning for students. The exercise science concentration has an emphasis on the physiological, biomechanical, and neurological principles that underlie human movement and exercise and sports performance The Health Promotion and Education concentration has an emphasis on health promotion, disease prevention, program planning and evaluation, and community health.
In addition to coursework, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research projects, and community-based service-learning activities. These experiences will enable students to apply classroom learning to real-world situations and develop the skills necessary to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities.
Overall, our Health Science program equips students to become transformational leaders in a wide range of careers in the healthcare, exercise, and sports performance fields. Graduates of our program are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities, and to pursue advanced study in health science or related fields.
Vascular Imaging and Cardiac Echocardiogram Leadership Program Articulation Agreement
NGU has partnered with Prisma Health to offer our Vascular Imaging and Cardiac Echocardiogram Leadership Program. Students transfer after their junior year to Prisma to begin this program which lasts approximately 18 months. Their coursework at Prisma Health transfers back to NGU thus satisfying their senior year coursework. Students will graduate with a BS in Health Science and certifications in Vascular Imaging and Cardiac Echocardiogram.
Mary Black Nursing Articulation Agreement
Accelerated B.S. in Nursing. Students transfer after their junior year to USC Upstate (up to five seats are reserved for NGU students) to begin this program which lasts approximately 18-24 months. Their coursework at Mary Black transfers back to NGU and satisfies their senior year of coursework. Students graduate with a BS in Health Science and BS in Nursing.
Degree Requirements
Please see "Prisma VICELP Articulation Agreement" and "Mary Black School of Nursing Articulation Agreement" for information regarding degree requirements.
Core Curriculum
Required Courses
Chemistry
Choose one course and corresponding lab from the list below. Second chemistry requirement will be determined based on selected course.
Communication
Choose one course from the list below.
Literature
Choose one course from the list below.
Fine Arts
Choose one course from the list below.
Civic Awareness
Choose one course from the list below.
Mathematics
Choose one course from the list below.
| MATH-1310 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH-1335 | Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 45 |
Major Requirements
Chemistry
Chemistry choice will be determined based on the first Chemistry course that was selected for the Core Curriculum.
Lifespan Development Requirement
Choose one from the list below.
Gerontology Elective
Choose one from the list below.
Concentrations
Choose one concentration from the list below.
Concentration Requirements - Exercise Science
Ethics
Choose one course from the list below.
Freshman Practicum
Choose one course from the list below.
Junior Practicum
Choose one course from the list below.
Concentration Requirements - Health Promotion and Education
Ethics
Choose one course from the list below.
Freshman Practicum
Choose one course from the list below.
Junior Practicum
Choose one course from the list below.
Major Electives
Choose 3 classes from the list below. Courses required by chosen concentration are not eligible for major elective requirements.
| Total Free Elective Requirements |
3 |
| Total Degree Requirements Health Promotion and Education Concentration |
124 |
| Total Degree Requirements Exercise Science Concentration |
126 |
Prisma VICELP Articulation Agreement
Core Curriculum
Required Courses
Chemistry
Choose one course and corresponding lab from the list below. Second chemistry requirement will be determined based on selected course.
Communication
Choose one course from the list below.
Literature
Choose one course from the list below.
Fine Arts
Choose one course from the list below.
Civic Awareness
Choose one course from the list below.
Mathematics
Choose one course from the list below.
| MATH-1310 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH-1335 | Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 45 |
Major Requirements
Chemistry
Chemistry choice will be determined based on the first Chemistry course that was selected for the Core Curriculum.
Lifespan Development Requirement
Choose one from the list below.
Gerontology Elective
Choose one from the list below.
Concentration Requirements - Prisma
Ethics
Choose one course from the list below.
Courses to be Completed at Prisma Health
-
| Intro to Echocardiography | 4 |
-
| Intro to Vascular Sonography | 4 |
-
| Ultrasound Physics | 4 |
-
| Echocardiogram Principals | 4 |
-
| Vascular Sonography Principals | 4 |
-
| Sonography Practicum | 4 |
-
| Echocardiogram Methods | 4 |
-
| Vascular Methods | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 41 |
Major Electives
Choose 1 class from the list below. Courses required by chosen concentration are not eligible for major elective requirements.
| Total Free Electives |
3 |
| Total Degree Requirements (Prisma VICELP Concentration) |
122 |
Mary Black School of Nursing Articulation Agreement
Core Curriculum
Required Courses
Chemistry
Choose one course and corresponding lab from the list below. Second chemistry requirement will be determined based on selected course.
Communication
Choose one course from the list below.
Literature
Choose one course from the list below.
Fine Arts
Choose one course from the list below.
Civic Awareness
Choose one course from the list below.
Mathematics
Choose one course from the list below.
| MATH-1310 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH-1335 | Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 45 |
Major Requirements
Chemistry
Chemistry choice will be determined based on the first Chemistry course that was selected for the Core Curriculum.
Lifespan Development Requirement
Choose one from the list below.
Gerontology Elective
Choose one from the list below.
Concentration Requirements - Mary Black Nursing
Freshman Practicum
Choose one course from the list below.
Courses to be Completed at USC Upstate/Mary Black Nursing
-
| Intro to Professional Nursing | 3 |
-
| Health Assessment | 3 |
-
| Foundations of Nursing with Practicum | 6 |
-
| Health Alterations 1 with Practicum | 6 |
-
| Nursing of Childbearing with Practicum | 5 |
-
| Child Health Nursing with Practicum | 5 |
-
| Pharmacology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 60 |
| Total Degree Requirements (Mary Black School of Nursing Concentration) |
135 |
Mission Statement and Outcomes
Our mission is to provide undergraduate students with a comprehensive Christian education in health science that emphasizes a strong foundation in the biological, social, and behavioral aspects of health and wellness. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on experiential learning opportunities, our program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to become transformational leaders in the health science field.
We are committed to promoting a holistic approach to health that recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. Our program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making in health, exercise, and sports science.
Overall, our goal is to produce graduates who are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the health and wellness of individuals and communities, and who are committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
Upon completion of our undergraduate health science program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the biological, social, and behavioral determinants of health.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, biomechanical, and neurological principles that underlie human movement, and exercise.
- Demonstrate proficiency in exercise testing and assessment techniques, including the interpretation of physiological and biomechanical data.
- Design and implement evidence-based exercise programs for individuals and groups across the lifespan, taking into account individual differences and health status.
- Develop and implement effective health promotion and disease prevention strategies for individuals and communities including exercise, nutrition, and stress management.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic research skills, including the ability to locate, evaluate, and synthesize scientific literature related to health science.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic clinical skills, such as first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and injury prevention and management.
- Demonstrate cultural competence and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations and communities.
- Communicate effectively with patients, clients, and other health professionals using appropriate technologies and modalities.
- Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and professional development in the rapidly evolving field of health science.
Plan of Study
Freshman Year - Fall
| HLSC-1300 | Introduction to Health Science | 3 |
-
| NGU 101 | 1-2 |
| MATH-1330 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| ENGL-1310 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| CHST-1201 | Interpreting the Biblical Text | 2 |
| CSCI-1100 | Computer Tech for Success | 1 |
| HIST-1385 | Western Civ in a Global Context Since 1517 | 3 |
-
| Chapel | 0 |
-
| Cultural Events | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16-17 |
Freshman Year - Spring
| BIOL-1410 | Principles of Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL-1411 | Biology I Lab | 0 |
-
| | |
| CHST-1301 | Engaging the Biblical Narrative | 3 |
| MATH-1310 | College Algebra | 3 |
-
| Fine Arts Requirement | 3 |
| ENGL-1320 | Composition and Literature | 3 |
-
| Practicum in Health Science | 1 |
-
| Chapel | 0 |
-
| Cultural Events | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Sophomore Year - Fall
| BIOL-2470 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL-2471 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 0 |
-
| | |
-
| Literature course | 3 |
| CHST-1302 | Integrating a Biblical Worldview | 3 |
| PSYC-2310 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
-
| Communication requirement | 3 |
-
| Chapel | 0 |
-
| Cultural Events | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Sophomore Year - Spring
| BIOL-2480 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL-2481 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 0 |
-
| | |
-
| Civic Awareness | 3 |
| HIST-1385 | Western Civ in a Global Context Since 1517 | 3 |
-
| HLSC Elective | 3 |
| PSYC-2350 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
-
| Chapel | 0 |
-
| Cultural Events | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Junior Year - Fall
| HLSC-3440 | Exercise Physiology | 4 |
| HLSC-3441 | Exercise Physiology Lab | 0 |
-
| | |
-
| Health Science Practicum III or IV | 2 |
| HLSC-3335 | Human Nutrition | 3 |
| HLSC-3230 | Junior Certification Seminar | 2 |
CHEM-
| Requirement 1 | 4 |
-
| Chapel | 0 |
-
| Cultural Events | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Junior Year - Spring
| HLSC-3355 | Research Analysis and Writing | 3 |
CHEM-
| Requirement 2 | 4 |
-
| Concentration Specific Courses | 3-4 |
-
| Free Elective | 3 |
-
| Chapel | 0 |
-
| Cultural Events | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16-17 |
Senior Year - Fall
-
| Ethics Requirement | 3 |
| HLSC-4210 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| HLSC-3200 | Special Topics | 3 |
-
| | |
HLSC-
| Elective 2 | 3 |
-
| And/Or | |
-
| Concentration Specific Courses | 3 |
-
| | |
-
| Concentration Specific Courses | 6-8 |
-
| Chapel | 0 |
-
| Cultural Events | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16-18 |
Senior Year - Spring
HLSC-
| Internship | 6 |
HLSC-
| Elective 3 | 3 |
-
| Concentration Specific Courses | 3 |
-
| Chapel | 0 |
-
| Cultural Events | 0 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |