UNCG will unveil a new degree this fall with the soft launch of Human Health Sciences (HHSci) Bachelor of Science.

This soft launch will give a cohort of around 25-30 students the chance to start coursework in the program.

Set to officially launch in fall 2024, UNCG’s HHSci Bachelor of Science degree will provide an avenue for undergraduate students to pursue in-demand careers in the helping professions and health-related fields.

HHSci is the only degree program of its kind in the Triad, and one of only a few in North Carolina.  

The program offers unique interdisciplinary training that many employers are seeking with coursework and training in various aspects of healthcare, ethics, policy, diversity, equity and inclusion, and other relevant topics.

Students can pick a concentration in Allied Health Studies or Health Professions.

Allied Health Sciences prepares students for careers in areas like children, family, and social services; gerontology; or the business side of medicine.

Health Professions provides preparation for professional training in areas like occupational therapy, physician assistant, physical therapy, nursing, and speech language pathology.

HHSci also provides a strong foundation for graduate coursework in areas like gerontology, genetic counseling, medical sciences, hospital administration, or other health-related disciplines.  

HHSci is designed for students who are interested in working in a health care or health-related community setting who may not want to pursue a medical degree, or those who are motivated to make their community a better, healthier place to live.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health services managers is projected to grow 28 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

As part of the HHSci curriculum, students will have a structured, Inter-Professional Educational foci and learn about the many career pathways in health-related settings and take part in career shadowing and hands-on community projects.  

Students enrolled in HHSci may also elect to join the Health and Human Sciences Living Learning Community, where they live together on a designated floor of Reynolds Hall on UNCG’s campus. Participants will live with peers who are taking the same courses and have similar career aspirations with a shared interest in health and wellness. 

The inaugural program director is Dr. Jeannette Wade. Dr. Wade started her career in community health in Cleveland, Ohio, before transitioning to the Child and Family Development program at the University of Akron (Ohio), where she worked for two years before transitioning to Greensboro.

Dr. Wade worked at the University of A&T as an assistant/associate professor of Medical Sociology, program coordinator for the North Carolina Diabetes Research Center and associate director for the Integrative Health Disparities and Equity Research.

She completed her M.A. in Family and Consumer Sciences (Child and Family Development) and Ph.D. in Sociology (Medical Sociology and Gender Studies) at The University of Akron.