Integrated Health Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences, Major in Integrated Health Studies (IHS) is an innovative collaboration of the research and educational expertise in the health sciences across multiple programs, departments, and colleges at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The primary goal of the degree program is to offer a diverse, interdisciplinary curriculum that includes relevant core content spanning the life sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Students graduating with the Major in Integrated Health Studies in either the Behavioral Health Concentration or the Health and Science Concentration will have a comprehensive understanding of how human health and disease are impacted by culture, social and economic forces, the environment, and personal behavior, as well as an appreciation for health issues that are unique to rural, urban, and global contexts.

Jointly supported by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Departments’ of Biological Sciences and Psychology, and housed in the Department of Biological Sciences, the IHS major has the flexibility to accommodate the prerequisite course requirements for a variety of in-demand LAS pre-health academic and professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.

See how other students found their fit below with this major!

As this major is new to UIC, we are building our alumni base. Below is a sample of how our recent UIC graduates have applied their Integrated Health Studies (IHS) major in entry level roles and through unique internship experiences:

• Medical Records Specialist, Oak Street Health
• Inquiry Supervisor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas
• Data Specialist, Option Care Health
• Drug Safety Specialist, IQVIA
• Business/Development/Sales Intern, Morton Gas and Food Inc.
• Data Analysis Intern, Le Penseur Youth and Family Services
• Developmental Mechanisms Intern, Dept. of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University
• Senior Academic Associates Intern, Cook County Stroger Hospital

In addition to the foundation set of skills and competencies you will gain in any liberal arts and science major, there are also unique skills and perspectives you gain from your IHS major. Review the list below to learn more:

• Broaden ability to integrate knowledge gathered in applied health, health economics, social sciences, and natural sciences content areas
• Ability to contextualize health into scientific theories and paradigms
• Strengthen cultural competency skills, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and verbal/written communication skills
• Develop an understanding of how health effects humans at different levels: biological, emotional, intellectual, economical, spiritual, and social
• Develop knowledge of various health professions available to them in health sciences, management, and administration
• Learn about the impact that economical, governmental, and public health issues have on urban environments and the global society

There are many work place settings, industries, and career areas you can apply your major based on your professional interests. Below is a sample list of industry clusters that other IHS majors have transitioned into professionally. What type of setting or career focus appeals to you?

• Arts, Media, and Communications
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Cultural and Museum Studies
• Education
• Engineering and Technology
• Government, International Affairs, Policy, and Public Service
• Healthcare – Administration
• Healthcare – Clinical and Wellness
• Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
• Public Health
• Science and Research
• Social Services