Texas Tech University

Professional Health Degree Options

Texas Tech College of Human Sciences Pre Professional Health Degrees

College of Human Sciences and Professional Health Careers:
A Natural Fit

The College of Human Sciences' academic programs provide a strong foundation for your continued medical study.

Our academic majors provide you with a practical, holistic, hands-on education focused on the healthy development of people and communities. You will get a multidisciplinary, human-centered perspective that aligns with current trends in health professions.

In addition, the College of Human Sciences enhances your pre-professional health education by:

  • Focusing on cutting-edge health sciences issues such as nutrition, mental health, obesity, addiction, and psychological development.
  • Enabling you to get hands-on research experience in world-class scientific facilities.
  • Providing opportunities for you to work in clinical settings, engaging with real-world patients and clients.
  • Emphasizing highly valued skills such as communication, empathy, and multicultural fluency.
  • Encouraging community service.
  • Creating a supportive environment that promotes strong relationships.

Guaranteed Scholarship Options in the College of Human Sciences

High-achieving entering first-year students and first-time transfer students are encouraged to apply for Guaranteed Scholarships from the College of Human Sciences. Incoming first-year students and first-time transfer students who meet the college merit requirements and apply to TTU by December 1 for freshmen and for transfer students are guaranteed to receive a scholarship.

Professional Health Careers in the College of Human Sciences

The pre-professional health options include specialized tracks for pre-professional health careers including:

  • Pre-Medicine
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Pre-Physician Assistant
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Pre-Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  • Pre-Dental
  • Pre-Nursing
  • Pre-Optometry
  • Pre-Occupational Therapy
  • Pre-Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences

Major Options

The College of Human Sciences has five major options that cater to students who want to pursue a pre-professional health career track:

Nutrition

Two specialized tracks in nutrition facilitate future study in professional health careers. Nutrition Pre-Professional Health Careers (PPHC) requires extensive science coursework including chemistry, biology, physiology and microbiology, and may be tailored to include pre-requisites for specialized programs. Nutrition PPHC students will complete pre-requisite courses for the application to a designated program of interest. Nutrition Health and Wellness (NHW) combines study in nutrition and sports sciences by including a minor in exercise sports sciences. The NHW concentration allows for future study in nursing or occupational therapy.

Human Development and Family Sciences

Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) is the study of the family life cycle and individual development from the prenatal period through the complete adult life span. Students develop a dynamic understanding of individuals and families as well as professional communication skills. Understanding human development is universally beneficial in allied health professions. 18 elective hours in the HDFS degree allow students to complete pre-requisite requirements for pre-professional health programs. HDFS aligns well with Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Counseling and Addiction Recovery Sciences

Counseling and Addiction Recovery Sciences (CARS) helps students develop practical skills to make a positive impact on other peoples' lives while building the foundation for a rewarding career or graduate study. Students develop a holistic perspective preparing them for the professional challenges involved in counseling, administration, advocacy, addiction and recovery, family therapy, and family studies. Students seeking licensure or graduate study in allied health or other medical professions would benefit from instruction related to chemical dependency and process addiction. Non-profit program development classes are also beneficial for those seeking employment in the public sector making CARS an excellent choice for future Pharmacists, Occupational Therapists, Physician Assistants, Physical Therapists, or Nurses.

Human Sciences: Interdisciplinary

The Human Sciences Interdisciplinary (HS) specialization is designed for students who wish to pursue multiple fields of undergraduate study within the College of Human Sciences. Students complete concentration requirements in three unique areas of study. Two concentrations must be in Human Sciences disciplines; however, the third concentration can be obtained by completing requirements for a minor outside the College of Human Sciences. As a degree option, HS provides flexibility for students to explore specific areas of interest, work toward career goals, and prepare for continued study in a professional health field.

Dual B.S. Degree in Human Sciences and Nursing

The undergraduate dual degree program allows you to complete both a bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. The dual degree in human sciences combined with the bachelor's degree in nursing offers students the unique opportunity to learn a holistic approach to nursing and health care, understanding how to care for the entire person and their wellbeing. Students learn in a tailored environment that offers a one-of-a-kind approach enabling them to have exceptional and comprehensive preparation for a career as a nurse. Expert faculty create a supportive environment and provide invaluable learning experiences to deepen students' knowledge of patient care and the human condition.

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