Applied Health Science (B.S.) Messiah College / Occupational Therapy (MSOT) – Thomas Jefferson University

Program Overview

Students majoring in Applied Health Science desire careers in the broad health field. Four options are available depending on students’ career goals. Emphasis is on systems biology and integrating physiology as applied to health.

Pre-Physical Therapy Concentration. Students selecting this option desire a career in physical therapy. Additional graduate work is necessary.

Pre-Professional Concentration. Students choosing this concentration are interested in careers in Health Professions such as medicine, physician’s assistant, chiropractic, or graduate school in health related sciences.

3+2 Articulation Agreement with Thomas Jefferson in Occupational Therapy. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Science and the Master of Science degree from Thomas Jefferson in 5 years. Students will spend the first three years at Messiah College and then proceed to Jefferson School of Health Professions for the final 2 years of study. There are specific standards of performance for students desiring to pursue this option.

Exercise Science Concentration. Students in this concentration will prepare for careers in fields such as corporate fitness, cardiac rehabilitation, personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, or other wellness positions. In addition, students who are interested in occupational therapy, health promotion, or public health can tailor this major to prepare them for graduate work.

Dedicated faculty and a human performance laboratory are two of the resources that enable Messiah to offer a quality Applied Health Science major. This program equips graduates with the necessary knowledge and abilities to qualify for positions in this highly competitive field.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Applied Health Science program can:

1. Identify the anatomical and physicological responses to acute and chronic exercise.

2. Explain the important role of exercise in disease prevention.  

3. Critically analyze human movement patterns.

4. Correctly identify needs and prescribe safe and effective exercise programs for normal and special populations. 

5. Describe and assess safe and effective weight management techniques.
6. Accurately interpret and synthesize current research literature utilizing APA style guide, with correct grammar and writing mechanics.
7. Identify employment, certification, voluntary service, and/or graduate education options available in the health and exercise science field.  
8. Identify and describe significant ways their Christian faith relates to the health and exercise science area of study, and explain how they will apply their understanding of Christian vocation in the future.  

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

Three credits from the following: (alternate year courses)

Four credits from the following (4)

Three credits from the following:

Jefferson University Course Requirements (2 years)

Note: Students spend the first three years at Messiah College and then proceed to the Jefferson School of Health Professions for the final two years of undergraduate and graduate Occupational Therapy coursework. The B.S. in Applied Health Science from Messiah College is awarded after the successful completion of the major requirements, QuEST requirements, and completion of 21-23 additional Thomas Jefferson requirements which count as UG electives for a total of 123 undergraduate credits. Students may walk with their cohort in May, but may not graduate from Messiah until August, contingent upon successful completion of OT 302.

QuEST Requirements

*May be met by major through SOCI 212 or IDCC 260