The Department of Health Sciences (DHS) is part of the School of Health Professions (SHP), which serves the citizens of Missouri through its outstanding research, community service clinics, and the education of students.

The Bachelor of Health Science in Health Science degree program is a flexible, non-clinical program designed to provided students a broad overview of health care, preparing them for graduate school in health care or non-clinical health careers. This degree allows students to apply up-to-date theoretical and pragmatic knowledge to the field of health care. Using a holistic and flexible approach, the Health Sciences program prepares graduates to speak the language of clinicians, understand the work environment of health and human service facilities, and hold critical business acumen to contribute to diverse organizations around the world.

Faculty in DHS teach courses and are actively involved in a wide range of interdisciplinary research. Our faculty provides expertise in several domains including Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, Medical Anthropology, Education, and Social Work. Faculty research covers a wide range of topics including health promotion, health communication, decision support, health disparities for disadvantaged groups, access to healthcare, and suicide prevention. Our research also spans a number of substantive areas including Autism Spectrum Disorders, breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, aging, and adolescent health.

Mission

To prepare tomorrow’s health professionals with exemplary education and research.

Vision

Through interdisciplinary, cutting-edge teaching and research, the Department of Health Sciences strives to be a transformative program that addresses complex health challenges and improves quality of life for all people. This will be accomplished by:

  • Building collaborative research and learning environments
  • Conducting interdisciplinary research that informs policy and benefits communities
  • Offering experiential learning opportunities
  • Demonstrating effective communication across disciplines
  • Educating on ethical care for individuals, families, and communities
  • Promoting lifelong learning