Pictured | Tanita T. Curry | Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science, Community Health Educator / Minor in Palliative and Supportive Care | Elkhart, Indiana (hometown)

Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science

Collaborative Online Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science (BSAHS) degree is a joint online degree program offered collectively by all five IU-managed regional campuses. The curriculum is available in an all-online format through the statewide BSAHS consortium.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Health Science program is a 120 credit hour online program. Students with AS or AA degrees who enter the program will transfer in 60–64 credit hours from their degree. Students with associate degrees are expected to complete the degree in two academic years (four semesters). Full-time students entering with 30 credit hours re expected to complete in three years.

• The Online BSAHS is “student-centered,” appealing to a wide spectrum of traditional and non-traditional students who have an interest in a health sector career but do not wish to pursue clinical degree programs.
• The program allows flexibility for students who are seeking to complete their degrees while meeting their responsibilities to their families and/or employers.
• The degree design offers health workers with previous college credit (including those with associate degrees) a convenient, high-quality option for completing a baccalaureate degree that students can pursue while working full- or part-time.
• The degree provides additional skills and training needed to advance within the student’s chosen profession. It is also appropriate for those who wish to find a new career in the healthcare field.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science Program Learning Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science degree at IU South Bend is designed around the following seven program learning outcomes (PLO’s). As a student in this degree, you take courses that prepare you to:

• Utilize problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills in a variety of health care settings and situations.
• Utilize effective leadership and management strategies in common health care delivery systems and environments.
• Apply evidence-based health care practices for optimum health outcomes.
• Demonstrate accountability within the legal and ethical parameters of the health care system.
• Integrate communication skills into professional roles.
• Utilize information technology in the delivery of health care.
• Explore the historical and contemporary social determinants of health that shape health status, health behavior, and health inequalities.

Admissions

Admissions requirements vary by campus.

Degree Requirements (120 cr.)

To graduate with the BS in Applied Health Science, you must complete a total of 120 credit hours. Course requirements fall into four categories and are defined by student learning outcomes.

• General Education Courses (33 cr.)
  Students must achieve the General Education outcomes of the campus from which they will graduate; IU South Bend requires 33 cr.)
• Applied Health Science Core Courses (42 cr.)
• Applied Health Science Track (18 cr.)
• Free Electives (as needed total 120 credit requirement)

• All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise stated

Applied Health Science Core (42 cr.)

• AHSC-H 301 Health Care Delivery and Leadership (6 cr.)
• AHSC-H 310 Health Policy, Ethics, and Legal Issues (6 cr.)
• AHSC-H 320 Consumer Health
• AHSC-H 330 Intercultural Health Communication (6 cr.)
• AHSC-H 340 Research in the Health Sciences
• AHSC-H 350 Economics of Health Care
• AHSC-H 360 Population Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics (6 cr.)
• AHSC-H 370 Informatics for the Health Sciences
• AHSC-H 480 Healthcare Grant Writing and Internship (6 cr.)

Applied Health Science Track (18 cr.)

Select one of the following tracks:

Community Health Educator Track

Coursework will provide instruction in the skills necessary to conduct general health and wellness assessments and the techniques of health education. 

Students majoring in the BSAHS with a concentration in the Community Health Educator track will be able to take the Certified Health Education Specialist Examination (CHES) offered by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. Becoming a CHES opens many more opportunities for students in public health.

• AHSC-C 415 Health  Assessment, Education, and Promotion (6 cr.)
• AHSC-C 425 Program Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation I (6 cr.)
• AHSC-C 435 Program Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation II (6 cr.)

Health Administration Track

Coursework will provide instruction in healthcare organization, planning, budgeting, and finance.

• AHSC-A 420 Healthcare Finance (6 cr.)
• AHSC-A 430 Supervision and Resource Management for Health Professionals (6 cr.)
• AHSC-A 440 Health Care Administration and Strategic Planning (6 cr.)