Human Health and Behavior Meta-Major

Explore This Meta-Major

• Potential Majors

  • Exercise Science 
  • Public Health 
  • Health Services Administration & Management 
  • Biology
  • Psychology
  • Chemistry
  • Biochemistry

• Your First Year

  In this meta-major, you will begin with a foundational natural science course in Biology or Chemistry and start in a specific math sequence. These two courses will allow you to choose any of the majors in this area.  A First-Year Experience course aligned with this meta-major is also great place to start.

  A typical first-year schedule will also include courses on topics like:

  • First-Year Experience.
  • introductory writing.
  • foreign languages.
  • history, humanities and social sciences.

  Discuss your potential major with your academic advisor to ensure you choose the right natural science and math courses. Students who choose to pursue degrees in Public Health, Psychology, or Exercise Science will need to look carefully at the science and math prerequisites for their intended health profession path. Some career paths require courses that are not part of the degree requirements for these three majors and will need to be taken as electives.

• Math Pathways

  The math requirements for the majors in this pathway are major specific.  Students who have a math placement score of 2 or less may need to plan to take MATH 110 College Algebra over the summer before coming to campus or attempt to enroll in this course during their first semester. Students who have a math placement score higher than 2 should consult with their academic advisor and the Catalog about the specific math requirements for their intended academic major.

• Health Professions Advising

  The College does not have any “pre-professional” majors (pre-med, pre-vet, etc.). Professional schools in all the health professions (and veterinary school) are interested in broadly educated students who have developed excellent oral and written communication skills, good critical thinking skills and are committed to life-long learning. Understanding of the behavioral aspects of medicine is just as important as understanding the science. Explore our Health Professions Advising to get more information on a variety of career pathways.

• Gain a Global Perspective

  Taking your education abroad builds intercultural skills and gives you a broader perspective on your major. The College ranks No. 2 for total participation in study abroad and No. 7 for mid-length duration (semester programs) among all Master's Level Colleges & Universities.

  You can gain a global perspective on the health sciences through a variety of programs that are offered over spring break, the summer, or for a whole semester. Visit the Center for International Education and make an account in the ViaTRM portal to learn more about our study abroad offerings.

• In-Demand Skills

  Depending on which major you ultimately choose, you'll add even more skills to your résumé.

  • Analytical and problem solving skills using scientific data and information.
  • Develop ethical judgement by learning to make decisions in a healthcare setting.
  • Teamwork and effective collaboration while doing research projects.
  • Empathy and interpersonal skills when working with people.
  • Clear written and oral communication skills.

  Through our partnership with Coursera Career Academy, every Charleston student has the opportunity to enhance their degree with skills and credentials needed to give them a competitive edge in rapidly evolving job markets.