The Health Science major at Franklin College is designed to prepare students with current facts, principles, and the general knowledge base to successfully work in the allied health and fitness fields by way of a health science major and fitness minor. Through lecture, discussion, laboratories, practicum, and internships, students gain the necessary knowledge and develop the appropriate skills to be successful professionally. Franklin College students completing the department requirements will be prepared to plan, organize, implement and apply practical knowledge in allied health and fitness settings. The curriculum will also prepare majors for graduate study.

The Health Science major prepares students to work in the fitness, exercise and/or personal training fields. This major also prepares students for graduate work in exercise physiology, kinesiology, or a related field.

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Additional Opportunities

A minor in fitness is another option available to students. The fitness minor is designed to assist students desiring certification by the American College of Sports Medicine. This minor prepares students for entry-level positions in corporate, community and private fitness programs

Health Science majors may also be interested in adding a coaching minor, which falls under the physical education curriculum.

Internships

As part of the core requirements for the Health Science Major, students must take internships and/or practicums that provide hands-on experience in their major field. To meet requirements, students must complete an internship with a minimum of 4 credit hours to a maximum of 12 credit hours during either a Winter Term placement or a semester-long placement. Internships provide majors with their required Professional Development Experience which is a college requirement for graduation. Students must work a minimum of 30 hours per credit hour taken to successfully complete their internship requirement.

The Health Science major also requires a 2 credit hour practicum which provides additional hands-on experience in a setting different from the student's internship placement. Students must work a minimum of 72 hours to successfully complete their practicum requirement.

Students who choose to minor in Fitness are required to complete either an internship or practicum.

All students are encouraged to complete additional internships and practicums to broaden their scope of hands-on experiences.  These experiences can be done locally or in a student's home area. 

Internships and practicum sites in the field of Health Science have included:

• Acceleration Indiana
• Rehabilitation Center, Columbus Regional Hospital
• Johnson County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Atterbury Job Corps
• Y.M.C.A.
• Curves Fitness Center
• Boys and Girls Club
• Johnson County Parks and Rec.
• Franklin Parks and Rec. Dept.
• Columbus Parks and Rec. Dept.