Program Goals and Objectives

In our ever-changing, urban and global environment, the BSHS program is dedicated to preparing future health science professionals to think critically and lead ethically, grounded in the Jesuit values and traditions.

1. Apply knowledge of the health, biological, social, and behavioral sciences to issues of healthcare access, quality, and care. (Corresponds to NCHSE Standard of Academic Foundation, Health Maintenance Practice, and Safety practices.)

2. With instilled Jesuit values of cura personalis, identify and analyze health disparities, particularly those related to urban health, such as racial, ethnic, class and others, their origins, and pathways to potential solutions. (Corresponds to NCHSE Standard of Systems)

3. Valuing the uniqueness of self and others, critically evaluate legal & ethical issues to promote effective changes in healthcare systems (Corresponds to NCHSE Standard of Systems, Legal responsibilities, and Ethics)

4. Prepare for service in underrepresented communities, locally and abroad, by addressing issues such as public health and global health challenges, utilizing problem solving skills, and critically analyzing and evaluating various viewpoints and strategies. (Corresponds to NCHSE Standard of Teamwork, Technical and Employability skills)

5. Effectively and appropriately communicate health information both orally and in writing to a wide range of audiences such as patients, families, caregivers, healthcare providers, and communities, through interpersonal and organizational channels. (Corresponds to NCHSE Standard of Teamwork, Health Maintenance, and Communication)

Student Learning Outcomes

The Health Sciences curriculum with help students build the skills necessary to excel in careers within the healthcare sector, such as problem solving, working collaboratively in teams, instilling the value of quality healthcare, health promotion and disease prevention, and improving the lives of patients and the community.  Upon successful completion of program, students will be able to:

• Synthesize knowledge of the health, biological, social, and behavioral sciences as a foundation to practice in healthcare
• Describe the interconnectedness of health, wellness, and disease, while emphasizing the role of preventative actions and healthy behaviors.
• Apply knowledge of the current healthcare system and safety practices
• Analyze and evaluate the challenges and changes of the current healthcare system
• Integrate ethical and legal responsibilities to promote effective changes in healthcare systems
• Effectively access and apply professional/ scientific literature and materials to support decision making related to healthcare issues
• Support the interdisciplinary approach to problem solving from the perspective of various members of healthcare teams
• Develop the skills necessary for employment in a health-related field through practice and application
• Effectively communicate healthcare language in writing using appropriate tone, diction, and jargon.
• Develop proficient oral communication skills in healthcare language that is appropriate to audiences of various backgrounds

Relationship between the program goals and the mission of the University:

The program goals are related to the University’s mission to educate students to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately, and promote justice. The rigor of the program with its grounding in health sciences will demand academic excellence of the students while instilling the ideals of ethical and compassionate care.

Our students will have the comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to respond to critical needs in various healthcare settings, and improve health outcomes for all patients, at all stages of life. Through courses in ethics and leadership, the program will strengthen the students’ leadership skills so they are able to ethically and effectively promote change in healthcare.