School of Health & Science
Students in HU’s School of Health & Science are preparing to solve today’s most pressing health challenges. Through hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and interdisciplinary collaboration, they’re building the skills to improve lives and advance the future of healthcare and science.
Advancing Health, Improving Lives
Health and science are at the heart of human progress and our very quality of life. From breakthroughs that save lives to discoveries that safeguard our environment, the healthcare, biotech, environmental sustainability, forensics, life science, and pharmaceutical fields all rely on professionals with deep scientific expertise and a commitment to advancing human well-being.
The Keystone Research Center (2025) reported that the healthcare and education sectors in PA over the last four years have had the largest amount of job growth. In PA alone, one in every four jobs by 2032 is expected to require a college degree or higher (PA.gov).
“Our School of Health & Science houses some of the region’s and our nation’s most needed programs. It is crucial today to make strategic educational choices to align with fields and jobs that are in demand. Harrisburg University’s School of Health & Science is prepared to meet the demands.” — Catherine Santai, Ph.D., Dean
Programs
At HU’s School of Health & Science, students gain the knowledge and experience to lead in healthcare, research, and science-driven fields. With a focus on innovation, real-world application, and community impact, they’re preparing to be tomorrow’s health and science changemakers.
HU students and faculty from programs including Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Forensics, Exercise Science, Healthcare Informatics, Nursing, and Pharmaceutical Sciences will work together on hands-on projects, often in partnership with regional hospitals, research institutes, companies, and health organizations. The UPMC School of Nursing and Harrisburg University collaborate to train our next generation of nurses in an accelerated program to address Pennsylvania’s nurse deficit. Likewise, HU is a workforce development partner with Hamilton Health Center to train select students during high school to move directly into jobs as Certified Clinical Medical Assistants after graduation.
These approaches highlight the collaborative nature of today’s healthcare sector and Harrisburg University, where scientists, clinicians, and data experts work in tandem to improve lives and strengthen communities.
Department of Graduate Health Sciences
Department of Integrated Sciences
Dean
