Health Science Degrees in New Jersey

The mid-Atlantic state of New Jersey is popular for its close proximity to the ocean, combined with easy access to major cities in and around the state. When considering post-secondary education, New Jersey strives for excellence. New Jersey is home to several top-ranked colleges and universities, many of which have held this distinction for consecutive years. Health Science is a popular choice for degree programs, and prospective students can expect to find both undergraduate and graduate programs to meet their needs. Students who are interested in careers involving health education, public health or healthcare administration should consult the following list of accredited Health Science degrees in New Jersey.

Monmouth University

Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies

The School of Nursing and Health Studies at Monmouth University offers several programs in nursing, heath studies and physical education. Students can select programs to prepare them for employment in education or as health professionals. In addition to degree programs, current professionals can enroll in continuing education courses offered by the department. The interdisciplinary aspect of education encourages students to view health as a multifaceted issue. Furthermore, students graduate with the knowledge and capabilities to work in various settings from public schools to community health organizations.

Bachelor of Science in Health Studies
The required courses for the B.S. in Health Studies provide students with a solid foundation in various aspects of health such as community health, nutrition and health education. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach by requiring students to enroll in courses in the areas of psychology, sociology and anatomy. With 39 of the 128 required credits open for electives, students have the opportunity to tailor their course selections to create a specialized program.

Students are encouraged to sculpt their degree to meet their future professional and academic needs. Students can expect to complete the program in eight semesters with full-time study (15-18 credits). The Pre-Professional Health Advisory Committee (PPHAC) is available for students who want to use the B.S. in Health Studies to prepare for medical, dental or physical therapy programs. The PPHAC meets with students to ensure their course selections fulfill admission requirements for professional programs and adequately prepares them for graduate admissions tests.

Accreditations
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Contact
McAllan Hall, room 332
400 Cedar Avenue
West Long Branch, NJ 07764-1898
732-571-3443
jkonopac@monmouth.edu
Link

Montclair State University

The College of Health and Nutrition Sciences

Nutrition and Food Science and Public Health are among the degree offerings by the College of Health and Nutrition Sciences. The focus of the college is to educate students in current health and nutrition problems, while preparing them with problem-solving skills for future concerns. Students participate in internships and other forms of experiential learning to develop real-world experience, and promote interaction with people from other fields toward a common goal.

Bachelor of Science in Public Health
The B.S. in Public Health offers a concentration in Community Health Education, designed to prepare students for a career as health educators and work in environments that promote awareness and prevention of health concerns. Students are prepared to work on both public and environmental health problems that affect people on a local or global level. The program consists of a combination of public and community health classes, and electives. Students can choose several electives that focus on the research aspects of health or choose electives outside of the department.

A major component of the program is field work, where students have the opportunity to gain work experience for course credit, and help with post-graduation employment. The program requires completion of 77 credits after the general education requirements, and prepares students to work in community organizations or clinical settings. The degree program can be used as a foundation to pursue graduate studies in related fields.

Accreditations
• The Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Contact
University Hall, Room 4162
One Normal Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 655-4154
guyc@mail.montclair.edu
Link 

New Jersey City University

College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies at NJCU provides multiple degree options at the undergraduate and graduate level for students in the educator or practical roles of health. Students who are interested in becoming health educators are prepared for employment in public or private schools, as licensed K-12 educators, or in community organizations. Graduate programs prepare students to develop a strong research background, which is applicable to employment in the areas of public and community health.

Bachelor of Science in Health Science
The B.S. in Health Science offers two areas of specialization: Community Health and Health Education. The Community Health specialty prepares students for employment or graduate study in the areas of public health. In addition to education in areas of mental health, disease and environmental health, students enroll in classes such as biostatistics and research methods to develop a fundamental understanding of research and analysis. Upon completion of the Community Health specialization, students can register to complete the examination for certification as a Community Health Education Specialist.

The Health Education specialty prepares students to become teachers in primary and secondary schools. Students must meet specific GPA requirements to be admitted to the program for teacher certification. After completion of the specialty in Health Education, students are eligible to register for examination through the New Jersey Department of Education.

Master of Science in Health Science
Students pursuing graduate education in health science can choose from specializations in Community Health Education, Health Administration or Health Education. The Community Health Education specialization is designed to prepare students for professional roles in clinical and research settings for the advocacy, prevention and treatment of health concerns. Students with an interest in healthcare settings at the local, state or federal level may be interested in the Health Administration specialty. Applicable courses include healthcare management, long-term care and healthcare law.

The School Health Education specialty prepares students to become health educators at the K-12 level, and two-year colleges. Students, who are professionals in the field of nursing or other areas of the allied health professions, will find the School Health Education specialty prepares them to pursue concurrent roles as medical professionals and educators.

Accreditations
• The Commission on Higher Education/ Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• Teacher Education Accreditation Council

Contact
Professional Studies Building, Room 402
2039 Kennedy Boulevard
Jersey City, New Jersey 07305-1597
(201) 200-3321
sbloomberg@njcu.edu
Link

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

School of Health Related Professions

Rutgers’ School of Health Professions focuses on the combination of education, research and practical experience. The degree programs in Health Science at the undergraduate and graduate level offer unique opportunities for specialization. Many of the specializations are designed for students to work closely with students and faculty in related departments. The multi-dimensional approaches to areas such as geriatrics, psychology and physical therapy help students apply their knowledge and skills to different focus areas. Additionally, graduate programs offer an option for individualized study for students with unique career goals.

• U.S. News and World Report rank the Rehabilitative Counseling and Public Health graduate programs as #30.

Bachelor of Science in Health Science
The BSHS program at Rutgers provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to focus in one of four concentration areas: Dental, Dietetics, Health Services Management and Education or Imagining Sciences. Each concentration area is designed for students who are currently licensed in a healthcare field, but want to additional education to increase their employment options or pursue graduate-level education.

The BSHS program is online and provides maximum flexibility for working professionals to complete their degree on a part-time or full-time basis. The program is offered jointly with Thomas Edison State College and New Jersey City University, with RU offering all required and elective health courses.

Master of Science in Health Science
The M.S. in Health Science degree provides students with the opportunity to specialize in one of four tracks: Aging, Health Professional Education, Disease Management or a track customized by the student. The Aging specialty places an emphasis on working with older adults and health considerations that are more common in later life. A track in Health Professional Education can prepare students for any number of careers in secondary or post-secondary education and community health organizations.

Students who are interested in pursuing careers in public health that include the education, prevention and treatment of diseases will find the Disease Management track meets their needs. Students can tailor their education with the option of a customized track to meet their career goals or prepare them for subsequent graduate education. By working closely with faculty members, students can receive guidance on their course selections and research focus.

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Science
Students pursuing the Ph.D. in Health Science can choose one of four specialties: Nutritional Sciences, Rehabilitative and Movement Science, Psychiatric and Rehabilitative Counseling Professions or Interdisciplinary Studies. The Nutritional Studies specialization is for students who are currently registered dieticians and want to continue their education at the doctoral level. Students in the Rehabilitative and Movement Science track work closely with students and faculty in the Physical Therapy program.

The Psychiatric and Rehabilitative Counseling specialization is for students who want to pursue a career in mental health and counseling, with an emphasis in mental health rehabilitation. Students are trained as both researchers and practitioners. When a student’s professional goals are not met by the three specialty areas, they can design their own program under the Interdisciplinary track. All Ph.D. specialties place an emphasis on mentored research leading to the completion of the thesis and dissertation, by limiting required coursework.

Accreditations
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Council on Education for Public Health

Contact
Stanley S Bergen Bldg – Room 152
65 Bergen St.
Newark, NJ 07107-1709
973-972-5336
shrpadm@shrp.rutgers.edu
Link 

William Paterson University of New Jersey

Department of Public Health

The Department of Public Health at WPUNJ offers a variety of undergraduate degree programs geared toward students who want to major in public health, health education and applied health. Students are prepared to engage in employment opportunities as researchers or educators in a variety of health-related settings. Faculty members represent a wide range of specialties and many are actively involved in research and community projects. Internships are an important component of programs within the department, and provide opportunities for students to develop applied skills that will be useful in their career or graduate studies.

Bachelors of Science in Applied Health
The B.S. in Applied Health is a 120-credit undergraduate program that prepares students for careers or graduate study in several health-related fields such as public administration, public health or healthcare administration. The program is geared toward students who have previous experience and certification in the health professions, and those who want to pursue a career in health administration after graduation.

Students can enroll in a variety of public health courses, which include aspects such as marketing, communication and research methods. The academic program stresses the importance of understanding the fundamentals of public health in addition to the dissemination of information to the public. An internship at an applicable public health setting is required for degree completion. Students are encouraged to complete a minor that complements their degree program and career goals, such as the social sciences or business.

Accreditations
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Contact
Hunziker Wing, Room 132
300 Pompton Road
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
973-720-2394
kernanw@wpunj.edu
Link 

With numerous options for Health Science degrees in New Jersey, prospective students should find a range of programs to suit their academic and professional goals. Furthermore, the diversity of program offerings, including part-time enrollment and online programs, allow students with work or family obligations to continue their education.