BS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Build your foundation for a future in healthcare
UIC's Bachelor of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) gives you a broad, interdisciplinary foundation for graduate and professional study in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, medicine, public health and other health-related fields — or a direct path into a career in health, disability and human services.
You'll explore how people experience health, illness, injury and disability, and how health professionals work together to help people live healthy, self-determined lives. Your coursework spans body structure and function, healthcare systems, disability, research and evidence-based practice, giving you the scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills to prepare for what's next.
Because faculty from every department in the College of Applied Health Sciences (AHS) contribute to the curriculum, you'll learn across disciplines while building a course plan around your interests and, when applicable, the prerequisites your future graduate or professional program requires.
Take the next step
Degree at a glance
Explore where your degree can take you
Build a broad foundation in health
Health and rehabilitation sciences brings together knowledge from across the health sciences to help you understand people, health and the systems that support well-being.
You’ll study topics such as anatomy and physiology, psychology, nutrition, disability, healthcare systems, health informatics and rehabilitation. You’ll also develop skills in research, evidence-based practice, critical thinking and collaboration.
The result is a flexible foundation you can shape around your interests and future goals, including prerequisite coursework for graduate or professional programs when applicable.
Graduate and professional study
Prepare for your next degree
HRS can provide a broad foundation for students planning graduate or professional study in fields such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, medicine, public health and other health-related disciplines.
Health and human services
Start your career after graduation
Use your health sciences knowledge in roles across health care, rehabilitation, disability and human services, including community-based and nonprofit settings.
Research and related fields
Put your skills to work
Apply research, communication, problem-solving and health sciences knowledge in research coordination, health services, advocacy and related fields.
Explore possible paths
| If you're interested in ... | HRS can help you prepare for ... |
|---|---|
| Occupational therapy | Graduate study in occupational therapy. |
| Physical therapy | Graduate study in physical therapy. |
| Nursing | Nursing education and professional practice pathways. |
| Medicine | Medical school and related graduate study. |
| Public health | Graduate study and careers in public health. |
| Disability and human services | Careers supporting people with disabilities, families and communities. |
| Research | Graduate study and research-related careers. |
| Healthcare | Health, rehabilitation and human services careers. |
See where HRS graduates go
Learn from experts across health and rehabilitation
Learn by doing
Your education goes beyond the classroom. You’ll explore health careers, work through real-world cases and connect with professionals and organizations across Chicago.
Explore health careers. Interview healthcare providers, hear from professionals across health fields and meet HRS alumni through career panels.
Solve real-world problems. Work through clinical and community-based cases with classmates, developing the collaborative problem-solving skills used across health professions.
Learn with community partners. Apply what you learn through experiential opportunities with HRS partner sites across Chicago.
Frequently asked questions
No two health careers follow exactly the same path. The HRS curriculum gives you flexibility to select courses that match your interests and, when applicable, complete prerequisite coursework for the graduate or professional program you plan to pursue.
Whether you’re exploring occupational therapy, physical therapy, medicine, nursing, public health or another area of health, you can work with your academic advisers to build a plan that supports your goals.
What can I do with a bachelor's degree in health and rehabilitation sciences?
The HRS degree can prepare you for careers in health, disability and human services or provide a foundation for graduate or professional study in areas such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, medicine and public health. Your options depend on your academic plan, prerequisite requirements and career goals.
Is health and rehabilitation sciences a pre-health major?
HRS can serve as a broad pre-health foundation for students planning graduate or professional study in health-related fields. The curriculum gives you flexibility to select courses based on your interests and, when applicable, the prerequisite requirements of your future program.
What will I study in health and rehabilitation sciences?
You’ll study topics across the health sciences, including anatomy and physiology, psychology, nutrition, disability, healthcare systems, health informatics, rehabilitation, research and evidence-based practice.
What experiential learning opportunities are available?
HRS students learn through career exploration, case-based learning, guest speakers, alumni panels, interviews and shadowing opportunities, as well as experiential learning with community partners.
Can I prepare for occupational therapy or physical therapy school through HRS?
HRS provides a broad health sciences foundation and allows flexibility in selecting coursework. Students interested in occupational therapy, physical therapy or another professional program should work with academic advisers to identify and complete the prerequisites required by their intended program.
Can I go directly into a career after completing the degree?
Yes. The degree can prepare graduates for roles in health, rehabilitation, disability and human services, including positions in research coordination, case management, service coordination, health advocacy and related fields.
Ready to explore HRS?
Whether you already know which health career you want to pursue or you’re still exploring your options, we’re here to help you understand the HRS curriculum and plan your next step.
Contact Jennifer Wescott at:
Email jwesco2@uic.edu