AdventHealth University unveiled a new bachelor of science in health humanities and social sciences, the first of several new degrees and certificates debuting in the fall 2025 and spring 2026 terms.
The health humanities degree provides a foundation for students preparing to do graduate work in medicine, physical therapy, health care law, chaplaincy, health care administration, counseling, and psychology. The degree teaches them to examine health and illness from a variety of perspectives, including those of the humanities, communication, psychology, sociology, and religion. This new degree also allows students to take prerequisite courses they need to gain admission into graduate or professional schools of their choice.
“Our degree equips students to become wholistic practitioners,” said Julie Cook, M.A., chair of the Health Humanities and Social Sciences Department at AdventHealth University. “We want our students to see their future patients or clients in the context of their lives.”
This four-year degree allows students to choose a minor in health care administration, language, or religion, and students are encouraged to take summer breaks for volunteer work, study abroad, or research activities. Courses include “Rhetoric of Health and Medicine,” “Narrative in Healthcare,” “Abnormal Psychology,” “Aging and Society,” and “Introduction to Christian Ethics.”
The program aims to grow to 50 students at maximum capacity.
Other upcoming academic offerings at AdventHealth University include an associate degree in science and technology, and a master’s degree in clinical ministry, as well as a biomedical equipment technician certificate.
“AdventHealth University is committed to increasing access to a high-quality college education and meeting the workforce needs of our community,” said C. Josef Ghosn, Ed.D., FACHE, president of AdventHealth University. “Expanding our portfolio of whole person education offerings with this health humanities and social sciences degree helps open the door to those who want to uplift and understand the communities they serve.”
Whole-person education at AdventHealth University focuses on belonging, well-being, fulfillment and purpose, and building a foundation that will allow graduates to smoothly transition to practicing whole-person care. Through whole-person care, an individual’s physical, mental, and spiritual needs are examined — an approach delivered by AdventHealth, where students receive their clinical experience.
A degree in health humanities will foster a new generation of leaders, closing critical gaps in care by equipping students with the empathy and critical thinking needed to advocate for patients and clients in today’s rapidly evolving health care and business landscape.
Applications are now open for the inaugural class. Visit AHU.edu/Programs/BS-Health-Humanities-and-Social- Sciences to learn more about the bachelor of science in health humanities and social sciences degree.
AdventHealth University | August 2025
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