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What can I study at the California Northstate University (CNU) College of Health Sciences (CHS)?
The CHS offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences and a non-degree program for post-baccalaureate students. At the undergraduate level, students choose from one of four unique concentrations in our Traditional program designed to be completed in four years or choose to apply for our Pre-Health Professions Pathways.
The Traditional program includes the following areas of concentration:
Pre-Health Professions (PHP) Pathways:
In addition to strong academic preparation and embedded research and service-learning experiences, our CNUCHS PHP Pathways undergraduates also receive focused, personalized health professions academic and career advising from our academic and faculty advisors. While earning their BS Health Sciences degree, our CNUCHS PHP Pathways undergraduates can also earn a priority interview to any of our CNU professional schools:
To learn more about our PHP Pathways and how PHP Pathway students can earn the priority interview to any of our CNU Professional School, please see our Pre-Health Professions Pathways page.
Pre Health Post Baccalaureate (PHPB):
The College of Health Sciences offers a Pre Health Post Baccalaureate for students who aspire to enter an advanced degree program in one of the healthcare professions. This comprehensive one-year experience prepares students for admission to professional health schools. It is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree who have already completed all of the prerequisites for professional school but seek to improve or add to their admissions profile.
Does admission to PHP Pathways guarantee admission to the CNU Professional schools?
Admission to the Pre-Health Professions (PHP) Pathways does not guarantee admissions to the CNU Professional schools. Each CNU College has their own admissions committee and process.
PHP Pathways students may earn the priority interview to any CNU Professional School.
How do I earn the priority interview with one or more of the CNU Professional Schools?
To earn an interview with a CNU professional school, our BS Health Science PHP Pathways undergraduates will need to meet and/or exceed the established benchmarks between CNUCHS and the CNU professional school of choice. Some of the benchmarks differ between the CNU professional schools. Review which Pathways you are seeking and collaborate with your academic advisors for additional guidance. Pathway students are not restricted to applying to only one CNU Professional School! Upon meeting the required benchmarks, Pathway Students have the amazing opportunity to apply and earn an interview with as many of the CNU Professional Schools as they like!
What is unique about the CHS?
The CHS provides students a foundation of leadership, research, and community service with elements of high-impact learning. In the traditional Bachelor of Science degree:
Other features of our program include:
How long will it take me to complete my program of study at CHS?
Student can complete their Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in 3 or 4 years, provided that the student successfully completes the coursework.
The PHPB is one year.
Is CHS a good choice for my future career goals?
The Human Biology and Biopsychology concentrations at CHS provide core science and math classes, which are excellent preparation for professional degree programs, including medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, veterinary medicine, and several other graduate-level programs. The Health Sciences Administration concentration is a good option for students interested in the administrative or business side of healthcare delivery, law school or MBA programs. CHS also has comprehensive career services for all enrolled students.
Is CHS accredited?
Yes, all of California Northstate University’s programs are regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
What is the cost of your program?
Please see our Financial Aid links below for the most current tuition and fee structures for our CHS programs:
What are your application cycle dates and deadlines?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
|
Admission Date |
Application Opens |
Deadline |
Summer Semester |
August 1 of previous year |
November 30: Early Action for Pathways application |
Fall Semester |
August 1 of previous year |
November 30: Early Action for Pathways application |
Spring Semester |
August 1 of previous year |
Dec 2: Last day to apply for Spring term |
How does CHS make admissions decisions?
The goal of the admission decision process is to identify and select applicants who have an excellent chance of success, are most likely to thrive at our campus, and will enhance the University’s academic and cultural community. The Admissions Committee employs a holistic review, relying on both quantitative and qualitative indicators, to admit the most qualified applicants. All applicants are required to submit transcripts, standardized test scores, and a personal statement as part of their application to CHS.
Do you require SAT or ACT exam scores?
The CHS is not currently requiring SAT and ACT scores for admission. Applicants may voluntarily submit their SAT and ACT for admissions consideration. Please seek guidance from your academic advisors. Please note the codes for CHS are: SAT - 7669 and ACT ‐7032.
Does CHS accept transfer students?
Yes! To schedule an appointment to have your transfer work evaluated, please make an appointment with our academic advising team:
https://cnsu.mywconline.com or contact Academicadvising.CHS@cnsu.edu.
Does CHS accept out of state students?
Yes, and they are charged the same tuition rate as California residents.
Does CHS accept international students?
CHS accepts applications from international students for our BS Traditional program. International applicants are encouraged to apply for admission early to allow for processing of government agency documents (at least four months in advance).
Regarding our Pre-Health Professions (PHP) Pathways, CHS prepares our PHP Pathway undergraduates for domestic and international health professions programs. Please note that at this time, our CNU College of Medicine and College of Dental Medicine do not accept International PHP Pathway students. For more information regarding which programs accept international students, please refer to the AAMC and AACOM websites for their program directories.
Unfortunately, our Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate (PHPB) does not accept applications from international students.
For more information, please email Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu.
What am I committing to if I send in my Enrollment Agreement and registration fee?
All students and their parents should consider the offer of admission to our program carefully. By submitting the Enrollment Agreement and the enrollment fee, the student is committing to attend the program to which they were admitted. We understand that unforeseen circumstances may occur after the student commits to a college or university that will prevent them from attending. In that case, we ask that the student let us know as soon as possible via email that they are not able to attend. If there are any questions that we can answer regarding our programs, please contact us.
Do you require letters of recommendation for admission?
We do not require letters for our undergraduate application. If you have letters that you would like us to see, you can send us one or two of them to keep with your application.
For students interested in applying to our Pre-Health Postbaccalaureate (PHPB) through our website application, our website application does not require letters of recommendation.
For students interested in applying to our PHPB through PostbacCAS, PostbacCAS requires 1 letter of recommendation.
Do you require an interview for the Pathways?
Applicants to our undergraduate and PHPB are not required to interview.
If I am not admitted to my first-choice option (for example, the Pre-Health Professions Pathway), will I be considered for your other academic plans?
Yes! Our academic committee may consider you for other options.
If I am not admitted to my first-choice option (for example, the Pre-Health Professions Pathway), will I be considered for your other academic plans?
Yes! Our academic committee may consider you for other options.
What is campus life like at the College of Health Sciences?
The College of Health Sciences is a small private college. Currently there are less than 100 students most of whom are enrolled in the BS-MD or BS-PharmD Pathways.
The College of Health Sciences is a small private college. Currently there are less than 100 students most of whom preparing to apply to health professions schools like medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, etc.
Although the primary focus is successfully completing the very fast-paced program requirements students are very active in many science-based activities, community service learning, and participation in health focused events.
An excellent way to find out more about the campus life at the College of Health Sciences may be from a student’s perspective through our campus newsletter, Sideline, or you may also consider booking an in-person or virtual tour.
How can I apply for an application fee waiver?
We do not grant application fee waivers. In addition, California Northstate University does not participate in any federal direct student loan (Title IV) program, any federal veterans benefits (Title 38) program, or any other government student loan program. Other types of financial assistance are available and are described on the following page: Financial Aid Office.
How do I send you my transcripts and test scores?
Students can request their transcripts electronically and email their documents to Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu or mail hard copies to:
Office of Admissions
College of Health Sciences
California Northstate University
2910 Prospect Park Dr.
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
If admitted students have qualifying AP scores, are they able to opt out of certain classes within the curriculum?
Yes! Professional schools require that students take science and math course in person and do not, usually, accept AP or IB credits in their place. We do grant AP/IB credit for some of the general studies courses like the first semester of English Composition, US Government, Economics, Psychology, and others. Please consult our academic advisors to determine how you can best utilize your qualified AP scores. You can book an appointment through: https://cnsu.mywconline.com.
Can I tour the CHS campus?
You can set up an in-person or virtual tour of our campus or you can also contact Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu.
Where does CHS recruit?
Currently CHS recruiters work primarily in California, typically attending college fairs sponsored by school districts, individual high schools, and community‐based organizations. We also provide classroom presentations at high schools and community colleges. Our student ambassadors assist our recruiters at out-of-state events. We are also active on social media in Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
How do I ask a CHS recruiter to attend an event?
For inquiries about recruitment events, please e‐mail Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu.
What is the CNU Summer Science Program?
The CNU Summer Science Program is a career exploration program for academically talented and motivated high school students. During the week-long exploration, participants will engage with faculty, college students, and leaders in the bio-science field through hands-on activities and discussions. Interactive laboratory activities will guide participants in developing an understanding of numerous health science career pathways, as well as contemporary challenges within these fields.
For specific information go to: CNU Summer Science Program.
I am an educator looking for STEM resources for my classroom. Who do I contact?
The Biology Education to Careers (BETC) Program at CHS provides regional high school science teachers with training and classroom resources they can use to show students the connections between class work and opportunities in the modern life sciences/biology related workplace. BETC offers teachers who have attended our free workshop access to our Equipment Loan Program (ELP), also at no cost. There are three kits available through the ELP:
Each loan kit comes with curriculum, equipment, and supplies to run the scenario‐based, hands‐on classroom laboratory activities. BETC also employs student interns to assist in these classroom activities upon availability.
The BETC staff participates in events throughout the region and provides opportunities for students to learn about biotech through different hands‐on activities for students of all ages.
For more information about BETC, please email betc@cnsu.edu.
I would like to host CNU CHS students as interns/volunteers at my organization. Who do I contact?
If you would like to become a partner of the CHS Service‐Learning project, please e‐mail chs.studentaffairs@cnsu.edu for more information.
Who do I contact with additional questions about admissions?
Email: Admissions.CHS@cnsu.edu