The interdisciplinary Health Humanities Bachelor of Science degree was designed for undergraduates interested in health and health-related professions who desire to engage in a deeper investigation of the impacts of health and illness on the individual. Drawing from courses in philosophy, history, literature, religious studies, fine arts, social sciences, public health and health professions, this innovative interdisciplinary major transcends the traditional biomedical approach to understanding well-being and malady. Health Humanities students learn to think critically about complex social issues that can impact health and to appreciate the cultural frameworks that govern how we speak about human health, disease and vulnerability. Further, Health Humanities students will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and ability gained throughout their program through experiential learning and internship opportunities in the D’Youville Health Professions Hub. With the help of their academic advisor, students may individualize their course of study to focus their degree outcome towards specific professional goals or intended graduate studies. This program builds upon D’Youville’s long standing history of preparing students for health professions who have a strong foundation in humanities by offering those students a path to graduate health professions study that is grounded in humanities. Students who do not intend to pursue graduate study are prepared to enter the workforce as entry level health humanists, a growing job sector that focuses on the translation of information and practice from the health professions to the patient and community.

Students can also opt for a Bachelor of Arts degree with this major.

Program learning outcomes:

1. Analyze and evaluate complex texts relating to the historical, literary, artistic, and ethical aspects of health and wellness through close reading and critical interpretation.
2. Analyze and apply concepts from the humanities and medical humanities to literary, historical, and personal accounts.
3. Reflect upon the ways in which health disparities and disability may shape human experience, including patient and provider experience in a health care setting.

The Health Humanities curriculum consists of 36–42 credits completed in the following areas.

Core Health Humanities (6 Credits)

Health Humanities Internship (3–9 Credits)

Breadth in Health Humanities (21 Credits)

Students must take a minimum of 1 course from each of the breadth clusters for a total of 9 credits. The other 4 breadth cluster classes (12 credits) are determined in consulatation with their advisor.

Ethics, Health, and the Human Spirit

This cluster emphasizes ethical reasoning, the ethical impact of health policy, and spiritual dimensions of human well-being.

Health and the Arts

This cluster emphasizes artistic representations of the human body, health/illness, artistic engagement with environments, and related experiences.

Society, Health, and Behavior

This cluster emphasizes the historical and political dimensions that can impact health and individual well-being as well as behavioral determinants of health, with emphasis on issues of diversity and equity.

Health Humanities Electives (6 credits)

The Health Humanities electives (6 credits) can be drawn from either the breadth clusters or from the following courses identified as Critical Health Studies. This category includes courses outside of the humanities disciplines, including credits in social sciences, healthcare administration and public health, and other health professions. Students are encouraged in the Critical Health Studies category to broaden their studies further and to include a wider representation of coursework from other disciplines of the sciences and professions. Prior coursework in a health professions major and interdisciplinary TOPICS of Inquiry Courses may apply at the discretion of the program director. Examples of current course choices include, but are not limited to:

Admission Requirements

D'Youville selects students who are academically well-rounded and committed to meeting the challenges of a high-quality education. Applications will be assessed holistically. Applicants are encouraged to apply for admission into the major based on a love of the subject matter and a desire to learn. Space in the program may be limited. If an applicant cannot be admitted into a program due to space constraints, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list for entry and duly notified.

Freshman Admission

Freshman applicants to this major must submit high school transcripts. Applicants may also submit any of the following optional materials:

1. Statement of intent (strongly encouraged)
2. High School average of 80

Transfer Admission

Transfer students must submit high school transcripts and any/all other transcripts from institutions previously attended. Transfer applicants may also submit any of the following optional materials:

1. Statement of intent (strongly encouraged)
2. Transfer GPA of 2.0