As the second largest major at UCF, many students start their path to a health career by majoring in Health Sciences. Often referred to as “pre-med,” our science-based, application-oriented curriculum is designed for students with an interest in human health who plan to pursue careers in medicine, other health professions, clinical/behavioral health research, health promotion and public health. With two distinct tracks, you can fine tune your selection of courses to meet your goals.
Pre-clinical Track
This track is a good option for pre-med students who are pursuing careers as a physician, physician assistant, dentist, pharmacist and other healthcare careers. You’ll gain a solid understanding about treating and managing diseases through coursework including pathophysiology I & II, introduction to pharmacology, and clinical nutrition.
Health Promotion Track
Designed for students pursuing careers as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, clinical/behavioral health researcher, public health specialist and other health-related fields. Explore health promotion principles and concepts through courses such as preventative health care, epidemiology of chronic diseases and medical self assessment.
As a health sciences student, you will have opportunities outside of the classroom that will expand your knowledge and skills and help you achieve your career goal. Experiences like engaging with faculty in research, internships, community service projects, study abroad and professional development, allow you to explore a wide range of career opportunities and build your professional resume in preparation for applying to professional/graduate schools or entry-level employment.
Our expert faculty are invested in your success and provide you with the foundation of knowledge, skills and experiences you need to advance your studies and provide a foundation for your next steps in pursuing a health or medically-related career.
Course Overview
Pathophysiology I & Pathophysiology II
Get a solid understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of diseases.
Introduction to Pharmacology
Learn the methods of administration, mechanisms of action, dosage calculations, safety issues and therapeutic actions of medications in the treatment of human disease.
Clinical Nutrition
Explore medical nutrition therapy principles and applications used to treat and manage chronic diseases and conditions.
Preventive Health Care
Examine current guidelines and recommendations to prevent disease and reduce chronic disease risk.
Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases
Apply epidemiological principles and concepts related to the distribution, determinants and control of chronic diseases.
Medical Self Assessment
Develop skills to understand one’s health and encourage active participation of individuals in their own healthcare.
Health Sciences Skills You’ll Learn
Learn about the underlying causes, treatments and prevention of disease.
Develop skills to help you investigate disease transmission.
Gain experience in developing research questions and interpreting research to build knowledge and to foster critical thinking skills.
Build a professional portfolio full of extracurricular experiences to aid in applying to graduate programs or seeking employment.
Career Opportunities
Physician
Physician Assistant
Physical Therapist/Occupational Therapist
Dentist
Pharmacist
Optometrist
Clinical or Behavioral Health Researcher
Public Health Specialist
1 January 2025, 1 March 2025
Start date
August 2025
University of Central Florida
4000 Central Florida Blvd.,
ORLANDO,
Florida,
32816, United States
1 January 2025, 1 March 2025
Start date
May 2025
University of Central Florida
4000 Central Florida Blvd.,
ORLANDO,
Florida,
32816, United States
Applicants who have not completed more than 11 semester hours of post-secondary credit after secondary school completion.
Official transcripts, graduation certificates and/or leaving exam results for all international and U.S. secondary schools (high schools) attended.
English proficiency, if required:
a minimum qualifying score of 520 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section -or- 480 on the Critical Reading section of the SAT;
a minimum qualifying score of 20 on the English section of the ACT;
a minimum qualifying score of 42 on the Verbal Reasoning + Grammar/Writing section of the CLT;
a minimum qualifying score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam;
a minimum qualifying score of 220 (computer-based test) -or- 80 (internet-based test) -or- 550 (paper-based test) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam;
a minimum qualifying score of 120 on the Duolingo English Test
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.