Health Sciences (B.S.)

44-46 Major Hours, 120 Degree Hours

Fast Track Health Sciences, B.S. with Clinical Studies Specialization to Occupational Therapy, O.T.D. [3+3 accelerated program]

The 3+3 accelerated program allows qualified students enrolled in the B.S. in Health Sciences plus Clinical Studies Specialization at the University of South Dakota (USD) to begin the USD Occupational Therapy Doctorate program (OTD) early as a senior and use the first year of OTD coursework to complete their bachelor’s degree. The program allows the student to graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and OTD in six years rather than seven, saving time and money. The B.S. in Health Sciences with Clinical Studies Specialization is an approved 3+3 arrangement with USD Occupational Therapy.

Notes:

• Meeting all requirements does not guarantee admission to USD Occupational Therapy, O.T.D. All students must apply and be considered on the merits of their applications. Students in the 3+3 track should apply to the O.T.D. program early fall of their junior year.  
• Students must complete a letter of intent during the add/drop period of the first semester of their sophomore year. 
• Students must complete 100 credit hours of undergraduate coursework by the end of the 3rd year.

Four-Year Program Guides and Costs

USD encourages students to complete 15 credits per semester or 30 credits within the year in order to graduate in 4 years. To help students complete their academic degree program in four years, we provide a sample academic plan. Please work with your academic advisor to confirm your plan.

• Health Sciences, B.S. No Specialization 4-year plan guide
• Health Sciences, B.S.-Clinical Studies Specialization 4-year plan guide

Accelerated program:

• Health Sciences, B.S. -Clinical Studies Specialization 3+3 with Occupational Therapy, OTD 4-year plan guide 
  • Students must complete 2 semesters of OTD graduate education to earn their B.S. in Health Sciences degree. 

Related Programs:

• Health Sciences, B.S. 4-year plan guide at USD-Sioux Falls

Additional program offering: Health Sciences: Radiologic Technology Specialization (B.S.)  

• Health Sciences, B.S.-Radiologic Technology Specialization 4-year plan guide  - Last 2 years completed at hospital-based radiological technology program

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs

This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.