College of Health and Human Sciences

Kelly Fiala, Ph.D., Dean

Courtney Hughes, PhD, Interim Associate Dean for Research and Administration

Sherrill Morris, PhD, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

The departments and schools of the College of Health and Human Sciences offer baccalaureate programs leading to the degree Bachelor of Science (B.S.). The College of Health and Human Sciences offers a contract major leading to the B.S. degree.

The undergraduate offerings in the College of Health and Human Sciences prepare students for entry into specialized career and professional fields as well as graduate-level study. Some programs require graduate study for career entry at the professional level.

Programs in the College of Health and Human Sciences are affiliated or are in cooperative arrangement with many areas of the community, state and federal agencies, business and industry, and professional organizations. Relationships with these agencies and institutions facilitate mutual information exchange, professional growth, and field and/or internship student experience.

Where appropriate, programs in the college meet the requirements of state and national accrediting agencies. Professionally accredited university undergraduate programs/emphases include medical laboratory sciences (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences); nutrition (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics); nursing (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Other programs in the college are accredited at the graduate level when that is the entry level for the profession.

College Mission Statement

At the heart of the community, the College of Health and Human Sciences collaborates with local, national and global partners, co-creating innovative, interprofessional practices that champion health and wellness, create belonging, and celebrate difference. By developing students holistically, advancing science and engaging in values-driven service, we expand a qualified and diverse workforce and ensure human thriving.

Department/School Names and Undergraduate Programs Offered

School of Clinical and Developmental Sciences

B.S. in communicative disorders
B.S. in human development and family sciences ¹
B.S. in fashion merchandising

Department of Military Science

School of Nursing
B.S. in nursing ¹

School of Preventative and Applied Health
B.S. in medical laboratory sciences ¹
B.S. in public health

School of Rehabilitation and Performance Sciences

B.S. in nutrition, dietetics, and wellness

B.S. in rehabilitation and disability services

Academic Advising

Students with fewer than 24 credit hours are advised through the Academic Advising Center. All other students work with academic advisors in the college office who help with establishing academic goals, course selection, interpreting university and college policies and requirements as well as setting professional goals

Dean’s List Criteria

The College of Health and Human Sciences recognizes undergraduates whose academic performance has been outstanding through the Dean’s List. The Dean’s List recognizes those students who achieve a GPA of 3.75 or higher (on a 4.00 scale) while completing a minimum of 12 graded semester hours within a fall or spring semester.

Special Clinical/Practicum Requirements

Many of the programs in the college require students to complete an internship or other professional experience. These experiences may be on campus or in off-campus affiliated agencies and institutions. Regulations governing such assignments are available in the department/program offices.

Students who select majors in the College of Health and Human Sciences may need to meet specific clinical/practicum requirements for their academic programs and/or entry into their chosen professions, such as a criminal background check, drug testing, immunizations and flu shots, proof of immunity, TB test, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, uniforms, and equipment. The student is generally responsible for the costs of meeting these requirements. Professional liability and general liability insurance are generally included as part of course fees when required. Students may be unable to progress in programs if there is a positive drug screen, prior criminal record, or they do not fulfill other special clinical requirements such as immunizations. Refer to the specific program for additional information on these and other requirements.

For Students in Educator Licensure Programs

Students pursuing an initial teacher license in the state of Illinois have the opportunity to add additional endorsements to their license. This can be achieved by fulfilling the content area requirements for the desired endorsements. The College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) offers the necessary content courses to earn an endorsement in Health Education PK-12.

Leave of Absence

Students in limited admission programs in the college who must interrupt their enrollment from NIU must consult with their major department or program regarding a leave of absence. Each program maintains specific policies relative to leave of absence requests.

Policy on Program Dismissal

Students must make satisfactory progress in college programs to be allowed to continue and can be dismissed from the program or a class for academic reasons, behavior not accepted in the profession, or actions that threaten the health and safety of others. It is the responsibility of students to secure a copy of the dismissal policy from the program.

Footnotes

¹This is a limited admissions program, placement in which is competitive. See “Limited Admissions Requirements” in the Admission section of this catalog.