Integrated Health Sciences BS, Minor
What is Integrated Health Sciences?
Are you passionate about health, wellness, and helping others? Integrated Health Sciences is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that combines biology, psychology, and sociology to understand how various factors influence human health. This program prepares you for careers in healthcare, fitness, public health, and wellness promotion, offering a flexible and well-rounded education in health sciences.
At MSU-Northern, you can choose from two specialized concentrations:
- Exercise Science – Focused on fitness, athletic performance, and wellness.
- Pre-Allied Health – Designed for students preparing for advanced study in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other health professions.
Why Choose the Integrated Health Sciences Program?
MSU-Northern’s Integrated Health Sciences program provides a comprehensive foundation in health and wellness, blending scientific knowledge with real-world applications. Whether you want to work in healthcare, sports science, or community wellness, this program gives you the skills and flexibility to shape your career path.
With small class sizes and faculty mentorship, you’ll receive personalized guidance as you develop expertise in health science, fitness, and public health.
The Integrated Health Sciences program adheres to the standards set by professional bodies such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), ensuring a high-quality curriculum
Integrated Health Sciences: Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Best for students interested in careers in public health, exercise science, community wellness, or allied health professions.
- This interdisciplinary degree blends health science, wellness, and healthcare management, preparing graduates for work in health education, case management, and clinical and non-clinical roles in the health sector. It is ideal for students planning to enter graduate studies in areas like athletic training, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Integrated Health Sciences: Minor
- The Integrated Health Sciences Minor pairs well with a vareity of majors including Community Psychology, Biology, or Criminal Justice for students who want to understand health systems and wellness promotion.
- The minor provides insight into public health, behavioral health, and healthcare delivery—skills useful in many service-oriented careers.
Here are some of the things you'll learn:
- Apply health science principles from biology, psychology, and sociology
- Conduct health assessments and design fitness programs for different populations
- Use research and data analysis techniques in health and wellness
- Develop public health education and community wellness strategies
- Gain hands-on experience through lab work and internships
At MSU-Northern, you’ll gain hands-on experience in the Health Sciences Lab, where you’ll apply your knowledge in real-world settings. Internship opportunities allow you to work in healthcare, fitness, and community health environments, giving you valuable professional connections and practical skills.
Students in both concentrations can also earn cooperative learning credits, participate in service opportunities, and get involved in campus organizations related to health and wellness.
MSU-Northern’s program offers a flexible, well-rounded education designed for students who want diverse career options in health sciences. Whether you choose the Exercise Science or Pre-Allied Health concentration, you’ll gain practical knowledge in health, fitness, and business concepts, making you adaptable to a variety of professional settings.
With faculty members who have real-world experience in community health and wellness, you’ll receive tailored guidance to help you achieve your career goals—whether that means immediate employment or further study in health-related graduate programs.
MSU-Northern’s Integrated Health Sciences program is designed to provide students
with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the healthcare, fitness, and wellness
fields. The program offers various certifications and is aligned with professional
standards that help boost your career prospects.
Certifications You Can Earn:
CPR and First Aid Certification
Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Graduates of the Integrated Health Sciences program are prepared for rewarding careers in healthcare, community health, and wellness promotion. With broad, interdisciplinary training, you’ll be ready to work in hospitals, government agencies, non-profits, fitness facilities, and beyond.
| Career | Description | Median Salary* |
|---|---|---|
|
Health Educator |
Provides and manages health education programs that help individuals, families, and communities maintain healthy lifestyles. Responsibilities include assessing community health needs, developing programs, and evaluating their effectiveness. | $64,930 |
| Wellness Coach | Assists clients in achieving their health goals by developing personalized wellness plans, offering guidance on nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes, and providing ongoing support and motivation. | $51,000-$64,000 |
| Fitness Trainer | Leads, instructs, and motivates individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and stretching. May work with clients of all ages and skill levels. | $46,480 |
| Public Health Specialist | Focuses on protecting and improving the health of populations by analyzing health data, developing policies, implementing health programs, and conducting research to address public health issues. | $63,958 |
| Sports Nutritionist | Advises athletes on nutritional practices that optimize performance and health, including meal planning, supplementation, and hydration strategies tailored to individual sports and training regimens. | $72,268 |
| Corporate Wellness Coordinator | Manages or coordinates fitness and wellness programs and services within a corporate setting. Responsibilities include developing wellness initiatives, managing staff of wellness specialists, and promoting health education among employees. | $70,253 |
*Please note that the salaries provided here are for illustrative purposes only and are general estimates based on various data sources. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specific employer. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting industry-specific reports or professional organizations is recommended.
Read about how Courtney Boese came to MSU-Northern and selected the integrated health program
"Balancing football with school is definitely a challenge, but the health sciences program at MSU-Northern has made it manageable. While it's a lot of work, I’ve learned so much already. The professors are great at breaking down complex material, and they really care about helping us succeed. I can apply what I'm learning in these classes to my athletic performance, whether it's fueling my body right or understanding how to maintain good overall health. It’s a lot of work, but it’s totally worth it for the knowledge I’m gaining, and the skills I’m developing will definitely help me in my future career, whether in sports or health.
- Trent
"I originally started in engineering at another university, but I quickly realized that my true passion lies in health sciences. As a women’s basketball player, I needed a program that would not only challenge me academically but also support my athletic goals. MSU-Northern has been the perfect fit. I’m currently taking KIN 327 (Kinesiology and Biomechanics), and it’s been fascinating to learn how the body moves and how biomechanics directly impact athletic performance. The flexibility of the program and the support for student-athletes have made my transition smooth, and I’m excited about where this new path in health sciences will take me.
- Addisen
"After just one semester at MSU-Northern, I was offered the opportunity to become a Teaching Assistant (TA), which has been an amazing experience. I really enjoyed the variety of class formats—some had hands-on labs, others were lectures, and one was fully online. This mix kept things dynamic and helped me engage with the material in different ways. The professors are incredibly supportive, and I felt well-prepared in just one semester to take on the role of a TA. It’s a fantastic steppingstone for my future career in health sciences!"
- Elliot
Academic Maps provide a clear semester-by-semester breakdown of the courses required to complete the program.
Integrated Health Sciences: Exercise Science BS
Integrated Health Sciences: Pre Allied Health BS
Integrated Health Sciences Minor
Example Courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Basic Human Nutrition
- Community Health
Our Financial Aid team is here to support you in overcoming financial barriers and unlocking opportunities. Learn about scholarships, grants, loans, work study, and federal aid.
For estimated tuition/fees, residence hall rates and more, see the 2024-2025 Estimated Costs of Attendance document, and for detailed tuition and fee costs including course fees, see the Tuition and Fees page.
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Associate Professor
Office: Hagener Building Room #223 Phone: 406.265.3514
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