2025-2026 General Catalog [Effective Fall 2025]
College of Health Sciences
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Mission
The mission of the College of Health Sciences is to offer students the knowledge and experience needed to build a healthier and sustainable tomorrow through dynamic, hands-on, and student-centered learning. The vision is to empower students to change the world by promoting sustainability in health, wellness, and quality of life.
The College of Health Sciences features regionally and nationally recognized programs in Agriculture Science; Exercise Science; Nursing; Nutrition Sciences; Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism; and Physical Education Teaching/Coaching, as well as master’s degrees in Dietetics (MS-DPD), Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner, Leadership and Administration), and Sports Conditioning and Performance.
SUU’s mission is to provide a “dynamic teaching and learning community that engages students in experiential education leading to personal growth, civic responsibility, and professional excellence.” Therefore, students can expect excellence from our faculty and will be in elite company among our academically talented students. Whether through outstanding professional programs of study or in rigorous pre-professional and undergraduate education, our dedicated faculty and committed students have created a genuinely vibrant academic environment.
College Program Goals
- Enhance learning through the delivery of innovative, student-centered programs and services.
- Provide high-quality academic and support services that foster student persistence and achievement.
- Attract, engage, and retain faculty and staff by establishing an environment of collegiality and professionalism.
- Promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement through meaningful assessment and evaluation.
- Cultivate connections, relationships, and partnerships commensurate with our resources and the community’s needs.
College Values
- Excellence in Education
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Integrity
- Access and Belonging
- Innovation and Creativity
- Enhancing and Serving Community
Departments, Programs, & Centers
Department of Agriculture and Nutrition ScienceGo to information for Department of Agriculture and Nutrition Science.
Bachelor’s Degree
Academic Certificate (Undergraduate)
Minor
Joint Bachelor’s / Master’s Degrees
Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor RecreationGo to information for Department of Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation.
Bachelor’s Degree
Minor
Master’s Degree
Department of NursingGo to information for Department of Nursing.
Bachelor’s Degree
Academic Certificate (Post-master’s)
Joint Bachelor’s / Master’s Degrees
Master’s Degree
Joint Master’s Degrees
Centers & Special Learning Environments
The College of Health Sciences operates, or partners with, several special programs that provide students opportunities for enrichment of their classroom learning:
- The Rural Health Scholars Program is an enhancement program for pre-health students planning to apply to graduate-level programs. These students include (but are not limited to) the following: pre-medical, podiatry, optometry, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, athletic training, and nursing. The program provides opportunities for students in the following areas: research, community service, job shadowing, patient exposure, MCAT/DAT/PCAT prep, application assistance, enhanced advising, cultural immersion experiences in health care, medical skill training, medical Spanish, and special seminars.
- The Alliances for Education (between SUU and Bryce Canyon National Park and the Zion Canyon National Park Group) is a ground-breaking educational partnership with the National Park Service that provides SUU students and faculty with opportunities to conduct research, classes, internships, and other educational activities with and within the National Parks.
- Mountain Ranch Forest Stewardship Plan and Demonstration Forest Memorandum of Understanding (between SUU and the Utah Department of Natural Resources and Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands) is a program that will utilize the forest and range resources of the SUU Mountain Ranch, promote sound forest management, and provide a demonstration forest to educate SUU students, faculty and staff, Division staff, natural resource professionals, the public, and others about the techniques and outcomes of forest and range management.
- The SUU Center for STEM Teaching and Learning was established in the spring of 2014. Our mission is to bring together people and resources to facilitate cutting-edge STEM Initiatives that enhance teaching and learning in the preK-16 environment. With three strategic areas of influence - professional development, student engagement, and college & career readiness – our center works in a six-county area of southwestern Utah. Projects are facilitated by a dedicated cadre of SUU faculty and student volunteers.
Other Information
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The Master of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Internships
Many governmental institutions, healthcare facilities, and sports programs provide excellent opportunities for students to develop skills in the professional environment. Students’ internship assignments are jointly supervised by the “employer” and Southern Utah University faculty members. Academic credit is awarded for internships and practicums. More information is available from individual departments.
Pre-Medical, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Athletic Training, Pre-Dental, & Other Professions Curricula
Note that the courses students take toward a pre-professional program are determined in part by the intended transfer institution (e.g. the University of Utah’s Medical School or the Rocky Mountain University, etc.). Undergraduate research experience is essential for admission to most of these programs.
Pre-Graduate School
Be cognizant of the admission requirements of the graduate program of choice. Students should coordinate closely with the admission requirements of the institution(s) to which they plan to apply as well as the requirements for graduation from Southern Utah University.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students demonstrating potential for excellence in disciplines within the College of Health Sciences. Interested students should contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships or the respective departments.
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Dean
