| program Type | School |
| Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Minor | School of Science |
In Siena’s Health Studies program, you'll gain the skills and experience to step confidently into healthcare roles that make a real difference. Whether you’re aiming to work directly with patients or manage healthcare services, this program gives you the knowledge and practical experience to reach your goals.
choose your path
You can choose from one of two tracks to match your career interests:
Health science track
If you want a career in health fields like physical therapy, nutrition, or as a physician assistant, this health science track prepares you with courses like microbiology and human anatomy. You’ll graduate ready for advanced degrees, with a strong foundation in the essential sciences that healthcare relies on.
Health administration track
Want to lead and manage in healthcare? This health administration track covers topics like project management and public policy, giving you the skills to take on roles in hospitals, clinics, wellness centers, or human resources. You’ll be ready to step into leadership roles right after graduation.
get real-world experience
At Siena, you won’t just sit in a classroom—you’ll dive into experiences that prepare you for what’s next:
- Research Projects: Work side-by-side with professors on real research. This hands-on experience helps you stand out when applying for jobs or graduate programs.
"I love the many research opportunities for students that Siena offers. You get to work with professors on real experiments, build unique lab skills, and become part of the Siena community." – Vin Voss - Siena’s IPCC Team: Siena’s Interprofessional Complex Care (IPCC) Team gives students the opportunity to work alongside nursing, social work, and health profession peers to support individuals facing complex healthcare challenges. With guidance from expert faculty, students spend 35-45 hours per semester partnering with local organizations to help people overcome barriers to managing their health. Along the way, they build essential skills in collaboration, communication, advocacy, and health literacy—all while gaining real-world experience.
“As a Health Studies major we are constantly learning about disparities in healthcare and what needs to be addressed. We work on projects discussing ways to limit these disparities but it is rare that we get the opportunity to put our words into actions. IPCC provides a real opportunity to make a difference in the community and apply all the skills and knowledge I have learned in the classroom.” - Erin Dowling '25
- Global Health Course: See how healthcare works around the world. You’ll understand the challenges different countries face and how you can make a difference.
- Capstone Project: In your final year, you’ll complete a project that pulls everything together, giving you the chance to prove your skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.
what makes health studies at siena unique?
- Personalized Attention: At Siena, your professors know your name. You’ll get one-on-one guidance to help you reach your goals.
“The staff within the Health Studies major are wonderful. I have met some of my very favorite professors within this major. I feel set up for success as I continue my education." – Delaney Lafontaine
- A Network for Life: When you graduate, you join a community of Siena alumni who support each other. Whether you’re looking for career advice, a job opportunity, or just a friendly connection, you’ll find it here.
- Success Stories: Our graduates work in physical therapy, medicine, nursing, and more. They’re valued for their knowledge, dedication, and ability to understand people—not just science.
“I loved this program. Health Studies is unique because it combines so many critical skills needed for a career in healthcare. You get to learn the 'hard' sciences like biology, chemistry, and anatomy but paired with classes that teach you how to work with people." - Sophie Whiteman
Life after siena as a health studies major
Siena Health Studies graduates pursue careers in healthcare, public health, research, and community wellness. Many step directly into professional roles at organizations like Albany Med Health System, the New York State Department of Health, LifeStance Health, Healthy Alliance, Health Research Inc., Internal Medicine of Brighton, and Bolton Veterinary Hospital. Others continue their education at top institutions such as Yale.
your future starts here
Siena’s Health Studies program doesn’t just teach you the facts. It gives you the experiences, connections, and skills to stand out in your career. Get ready to be a healthcare leader who’s ready to tackle real challenges and make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a health studies degree worth it?
Yes. A Health Studies degree can prepare you for a wide range of careers in healthcare, public health, community wellness, and health administration. It can also provide a strong foundation for students planning to continue their education in professional health programs. At Siena, students can choose between Health Science and Health Administration tracks to align their education with their career goals.
What can you do with a health studies degree?
A Health Studies degree can lead to careers in healthcare, public health, health administration, community wellness, research, and other health-related fields. Students can also use the degree as preparation for graduate programs in areas such as physical therapy, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, public health, nutrition, and other health professions.
What jobs can you get with a health studies degree?
Health Studies graduates can pursue careers such as health services coordinator, healthcare administrator, public health professional, community health professional, health educator, research assistant, wellness coordinator, and other healthcare-related roles. Siena Health Studies graduates work in healthcare systems, government health organizations, research organizations, community organizations, and other health-related settings.
What is the difference between health studies and health science?
Health Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines health from scientific, social, administrative, and community perspectives. At Siena, the Health Science track emphasizes courses such as microbiology and human anatomy and is designed for students preparing for advanced health professional programs. The Health Administration track focuses more on areas such as project management and public policy and prepares students for leadership and administrative roles in healthcare.
What is the difference between health studies and nursing?
Health Studies and nursing prepare students for different roles in healthcare. Nursing programs prepare students specifically for professional nursing practice and licensure, while Health Studies provides a broader interdisciplinary education that can lead to healthcare, public health, administrative, and community-based careers. Siena Health Studies students can also use the degree as preparation for graduate-level health professions programs.
Is health studies a good major for healthcare administration?
Yes. Siena's Health Administration track is designed for students interested in the leadership and management side of healthcare. Students study areas such as project management and public policy and can prepare for roles in hospitals, clinics, wellness centers, human resources, and other healthcare organizations.
What do you learn in a health studies major?
Health Studies students learn about human health and healthcare from multiple perspectives. Depending on their track, students can study areas such as microbiology, anatomy and physiology, healthcare systems, project management, public policy, global health, ethics, and health disparities. Siena's interdisciplinary approach helps students understand both the science of health and the people and systems involved in delivering care.
Do health studies majors get hands-on experience?
Yes. Siena Health Studies students can gain hands-on experience through research projects, internships, community-based experiences, and the Interprofessional Complex Care (IPCC) Team. Through IPCC, Health Studies students work alongside students from nursing, social work, and other health-related programs to support people facing complex healthcare challenges in the community.
Can you do research with a health studies degree?
Yes. Research is an important part of the Health Studies experience at Siena. Students can work alongside faculty on research projects and apply what they learn to real health-related questions. These experiences can help students build research skills and prepare for graduate school or health-related careers.
