School of Health Sciences
Administration
Heidi DiFrancesca, B.S., Ph.D.
Dean, School of Health Sciences
Jonathan A. Giles, B.S., M.P.H., D.H.Sc., C.H.E.S., C.T.C.
Administrative Dean, School of Health Sciences
Assistant Professor of Public & Community Health
Ashley Tharpe, B.S., M.A., M.P.H., Ed.D., C.H.E.S.
Online Dean, School of Health Sciences
Associate Professor of Public & Community Health
Program Directors
A listing of program directors can be viewed on the Program Director webpage.
Research Intensive Courses
All research intensive courses are listed online on the Center for Research & Scholarship QEP Overview webpage.
Purpose
The School of Health Sciences exists to prepare men and women in the sciences and health professions through the integration of current scientific thought and the biblical worldview. Current undergraduate degree programs include: the B.S. in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biopsychology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Exercise Science, Environmental Biology, Forensic Science, Public and Community Health, Physical Education and Health, Respiratory Therapy, Zoo and Wildlife Biology, and Zoology.
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health (B.S.) - Health Promotion & Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) - Community Health Promotion
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Major (B.S.)
- Biomedical Sciences Major (B.S.)
- Biopsychology Major (B.S.)
- Biotechnology Major (B.S.)
- Chemistry Major (B.S.)
- Conservation & Environmental Biology Major (B.S.)
- Exercise Science Major (B.S.)
- Forensic Science Major (B.S.)
- General Biology Major (B.S.)
- Health Sciences Major (B.S.)
- Medical Office Assistant Major (A.A.S.)
- Physical Education & Health Major (B.S.)
- Public Health Major (B.S.)
- Respiratory Therapy Major (B.S.)
- Respiratory Therapy Major (RRT to BSRT)
- School of Health Sciences Minors
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Zoo & Wildlife Biology Major (B.S.)
- Zoology Major (B.S.)
Department of Allied Health Professions
Purpose
The Department of Allied Health Professions faculty members are committed to preparing undergraduate students in the following majors: Exercise Science, Respiratory Therapy, and Physical Education and Health. Each major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Our objective is to encourage student growth in these disciplines from the Christian worldview in preparation for employment/graduate education as they pursue God’s purpose for their lives.
Department of Biology & Chemistry
Purpose
The Department of Biology and Chemistry provides baccalaureate programs in biology, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental biology, forensic science, biopsychology, zoo and wildlife biology, zoology, and biochemistry, and services courses in biology and chemistry for Resident and Online Programs. Our programs seek both to transmit and expand knowledge as well as to provide opportunities for research and service. The Department is a community of persons who are voluntarily linked in the pursuit of knowledge, providing a reasoned presentation of these academic disciplines in relation to the Christian faith. The Department’s mission is to communicate academic content, Christian values, and requisite skills, all of which prepare persons for a lifetime process of learning and service.
Pre-Med Honor Society
The purpose of the Pre-Med Honor Society is to give recognition to students who have excelled in the biology and chemistry curricula or any other Liberty University major. Members of the Pre-Med honor society are exemplary for their high academic achievement, strong personal characteristics and their deep commitment to helping others.
Criteria for Membership
A student must have:
- Maintained a GPA of at least 3.50 in any major field of study, and
- A deep interest in becoming medical doctors.
Department of Public & Community Health
Purpose
The Department of Public and Community Health provides an integrated approach to health, offering competency-based and practice-focused preparation for successful careers in public health and healthcare. Through a Christian worldview, students will learn to strategically address the health needs of priority populations from the individual to the global level using a variety of health promotion and education strategies.
The department comprises both undergraduate and graduate degree programs applicable to a variety of practice settings and situations, as well as further education in the clinical and professional fields. Students completing the program and meeting the prerequisites will be eligible for professional certification through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (CHES), and the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) which offers the Certified in Public Health (CPH) certification.