Health Sciences Online Undergraduate Completion Program

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences completion program is a flexible online degree designed for adult learners who have earned a minimum of thirty (30) collegiate credits. The program is delivered fully online and leads to a generalist health science degree. Coursework in the major focuses on physical, biological, and social sciences as related to human health and health care. Graduates of the program are prepared to assume non-clinical roles and/or pursue enrollment in post-baccalaureate and graduate study.   

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences completion program provides multidisciplinary coursework addressing human health and health systems. Study of physical, biological, and health sciences provides a comprehensive foundation for analyzing the environment and human health. Exploration in the social/behavioral sciences, including psychology and sociology, emphasize theories addressing human behavior, lifespan development, and sociocultural considerations. The examination of ethics, research methods, and collaborative interprofessional practice reveals the complex and dynamic nature of health and healthcare systems. This program supports future employment in non-clinical health care as well as provides an excellent foundation for advanced study in the health professions. Completion of this degree does not lead to licensure in any health discipline or field.  

The program goals for the BS in Health Sciences completion include: 

1. Provide a broad foundational applied health sciences degree for adult learners interested in pursuing non-clinical health related careers and/or future graduate health profession study.
2. Equip adult degree completion learners with habits of mind reflective of baccalaureate study to include: quantitative, cultural, and information literacy skills; critical thinking abilities; tolerance for ambiguity; curiosity and zest for lifelong learning.
3. Provide students with individualized academic advising and career mentoring in designing a personalized employment or graduate education pathway. 

*You can find more information about these courses on the Nor’easter Core Curriculum page.

Students enrolled in the BS degree completion major in Health Science are subject to University undergraduate academic standards. 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students enrolled in undergraduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday 11:59 ET of the first week of the A term and B term; and Friday at 11:59 ET of the second week of the AB term.  Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean’s office. 

LEAVE OF ABSENCE  

Students may request a leave of absence from their program for up to one (1) academic year, defined as two (2) consecutive full terms, including both A and B eight (8)-week sessions. Requests must be submitted through the student’s assigned enrollment and retention counselor. Please note the time spent on leave counts toward the overall time allowed to complete the program.  During an approved leave of absence, students will be classified as “active/not enrolled”. 

To return from a leave of absence, students must request reinstatement within one (1) academic year. In certain cases, such as medical leaves, students may be required to provide appropriate medical documentation or clearance before returning.  Students who do not return within the one (1)-year timeframe will be administratively withdrawn and must follow the readmission process to return. Readmitted students may be subject to the current catalog year, including any updates to program requirements and academic policies. These changes may affect degree requirements, time to completion, and overall academic planning, so careful review is strongly advised. 

Note: It is the responsibility of the student to contact the Enrollment and Retention Counselor and Student Financial Services to indicate a change of plans. Leave of absence time can affect financial aid eligibility and repayment.

At the conclusion of the program, the student will be able to:  

1. Apply biological, physical, and disciplinary sciences in the study of human health and disease.
2. Analyze the influence of environment, individual/community behavior, and culture on health and well-being.
3. Evaluate scientific literature and evidence-based practice approaches that address health-related issues.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of ethical principles and behaviors consistent with professional practice.
5. Demonstrate effective written, oral, and interprofessional communication skills and abilities. 

Course enrollment/sequencing in the BS in Health Sciences degree completion program is individualized.  Students enroll in the program having earned a minimum of thirty (30) collegiate credits but not more than ninetey (90) credits. Each learner receives a personalized degree evaluation and a tailored plan of study. Select science courses have pre-requisites; while other courses may be taken without regard for sequencing.  

Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL), also known as prior learning assessment (PLA), reflects an academic process that offers degree completion students opportunity to earn credit for college-level learning acquired outside the traditional classroom. This knowledge and expertise are typically acquired through past participation in: 1) degree, non-degree and certificate programs; 2) continuing education programs; 3) military and professional training; 4) work and life experiences; and 5) other non-collegiate opportunities for learning that lead to identified outcomes.

Degree completion students seeking CPL must enroll in a formal instructor-led course entitled “Writing for Credit for Prior Learning”. This three (3)-credit course culminates in construction of a professional portfolio for review by an appropriate subject matter expert. Students may request the award of up to eighteen (18) credits through portfolio review. “Writing for Credit for Prior Learning” is graded on a pass/fail basis. Students awarded credit will be assessed $50.00 per credit for each credit awarded. 

Contact onlineadmissions@une.edu for further information about CPL. 

Credit for Prior Learning Procedures

Eligibility

Students eligible for CPL must be formally enrolled in the UNE bachelor’s completion program.

Types of Recognized Learning

• Work Experience: Professional experience that directly relates to the program of study.
• Certifications and Licenses: Validated credentials that demonstrate competence in specific areas.
• Military Training: Learning acquired through military service that equates to academic credit.
• Professional Development: Workshops, seminars, and training sessions relevant to the field of study.
• Independent Study: Self-directed learning projects and research relevant to the curriculum.
• ACE Certifications.

 Assessment Methods

• Portfolio Review: Students create a portfolio documenting their prior learning, including descriptions of experiences, relevant artifacts, and reflection on how these experiences relate to course outcomes.
• Examinations: Standardized or departmental exams may be administered to assess knowledge in specific subject areas.
• Interviews: As a part of the overall process faculty may conduct interviews to evaluate the student's understanding and application of knowledge.

Award of Credit

• Credit Limits: A maximum of eighteen (18) credits of the total degree requirements may be fulfilled through CPL.
• Grade Designation: CPL credits are awarded as pass/fail and do not impact the student’s GPA.
• Transferability: CPL credits may not be transferable to other institutions; students are advised to check with prospective institutions if future transfer of credit is intended.

Application Process

• Students must submit a CPL application form that includes a brief description of the topic area and estimated number of credits requested.
• Applications must be submitted by the end of the semester before the term in which the credits are sought.

Review Process

• Submission of a detailed portfolio with evidence and reflections addressing prior learning in the chosen subject area.
• Portfolios will be reviewed by the appropriate subject matter expert. The review process will take up to two (2) to four (4) weeks. Students will be notified of the final outcome.
• Enrollment in CPL is not permitted in the semester prior to graduation.
• The portfolio and official faculty review will be retained in the Office of the Registrar. 

Appeals Process

Students with concerns as to the outcome of the CPL assessment may submit a written appeal to the CPL instructor within fourteen (14) days of receiving the results. 

Admission to the B.S. degree completion program in Health Sciences requires applicants to have earned a minimum of thirty (30) collegiate credits from an accredited institution. 

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include textbooks. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.