The Health Science program provides the opportunity to study courses in medical terminology, health research methods, nutrition and epidemiology. As seniors, you will intern under professionals in your chosen health field, and, during senior capstone, you will engage in discussions of health issues with peers and professors.

Select a concentration that interests you

Graduates will be well prepared for immediate employment in health promotion or continued graduate studies in a variety of allied health fields. Majors will select one of the following concentrations.

• GENERAL
  This concentration provides students a path to use the degree to support health care careers immediately upon graduation. Examples include health promotion, patient and health educator. Students may also pursue professional degree programs in public health (wellness education), business (pharmaceutical sales), law (health care regulation), and public policy (health care reform).


• KINESIOLOGY
  This prepares students who want to pursue graduate studies in Physical Therapy (DPT).  Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility, in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects.


• BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE
  This concentration prepares students who want to pursue graduate studies in Physician Assistant Studies (MS). Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other health care workers. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients.

When St. Bonaventure was young, he was very ill. Legend has it that his mother prayed to St. Francis for his recovery, forever linking these extraordinary men. Bonaventure went on to join the Franciscan order and become a renowned scholar and philosopher.

Francis was a man of great compassion. He cared for lepers at a time when life-threatening diseases were not only highly contagious, but people who interacted with those afflicted were scorned. 

St. Bonaventure University was established 600 years later by Italian friars inspired by these two extraordinary men.

Still today, Franciscans are heroes in their own right, deeply valuing the individual worth and dignity of all people and the relationships humans forge with each other. When considering a future in health care, we believe it’s essential to embrace these values.

Kiran Sharma, BSPH, MPH candidate
Academic Adviser
 
Kiran Sharma is an alumnus of St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health. Originally born in India and now based in Sayre, PA, Kiran brings a strong commitment to improving population health, with interests in women’s health and the prevention and management of infectious diseases.

Her passion for community health was further cultivated through her work with the Tioga County Health Department, where she supported local health initiatives, contributed to communicable disease surveillance, and assisted in health education efforts. Kiran’s work is driven by a desire to advance health equity and promote evidence-based interventions that make a lasting impact on underserved populations.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Kiran enjoys a variety of activities that keep her grounded and inspired. She loves cooking, swimming, going for walks, listening to music, and traveling to experience new cultures and perspectives.

Kiran looks forward to mentoring and guiding students throughout their academic journey. 
 
 
Shane Lehman, BSPH, MPH candidate
Academic Adviser
 
Shane Lehman is a proud alumnus of St. Bonaventure University, where he earned his B.S. in Public Health in 2025 and is now continuing his education as a Master of Public Health candidate. Originally from Corning, NY, Shane’s academic and professional journey has been shaped by a commitment to service, wellness, and leadership. He currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Second Lieutenant in Military Intelligence, bringing a disciplined, mission-focused mindset to both his public health work and the classroom.
 
As an undergraduate, Shane was active in student government, Army ROTC, and faculty wellness programming—experiences that deepened his appreciation for health equity, team-building, and community-based intervention. He looks forward to supporting students in their own academic journeys through mentorship and advising.
 
Outside of his professional life, Shane enjoys weightlifting, spending time outdoors, and reading across a variety of topics.

The Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, which prepares graduates for immediate employment or for graduate studies.

Degree requirements and a four-year plan of study for the Health Science major