“By offering a minor in Health Sciences, Flagler aims to provide students with a holistic understanding of health,” Health Sciences Program Coordinator and Professor Taylor Behl said. “This equips them with knowledge that can improve their personal well-being while also opening doors to various career paths in healthcare, public health, fitness, and wellness sectors.”
In recent years, these sectors have represented a healthcare industry that’s experiencing drastic growth driven by factors like an aging population and advancements in medical technology.
“According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare occupations are expected to grow faster than any other sector, creating a need for professionals with a strong foundation in health sciences,” Behl said.
Flagler is well-equipped to provide students with a strong foundation in health sciences, enabling them to effectively engage with this rapidly growing industry and make meaningful contributions to health-centric organizations both regionally and globally.
St. Johns County and nearby areas like Jacksonville boast a robust healthcare industry, featuring over 20 hospitals and clinics that employ more than 121,500 professionals. This extensive network provides a wide range of healthcare services and ample opportunities for hands-on student experiences in the field.
“The proximity to such a dynamic healthcare sector enables students to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings, whether by shadowing professionals, participating in research projects, or engaging with local health organizations,” Behl said.
For instance, one Health Sciences student recently held a summer internship with Mayo Clinic. Mathematics and Computer Science double-major, Kathryn Dunn, secured the role after meeting a Mayo Clinic epidemiologist through her Principles of Health and Wellness course.
Dunn was even flown to Rochester, Minn., where she delivered an in-person presentation at Mayo Clinic’s main campus.
Unlike other similar programs at other institutions, Flagler’s Health Sciences minor integrates relevant coursework from several major programs like Biology, Sport Management, Psychology, Sociology, and Communication.
“The minor’s required courses provide students with a solid foundation in health and wellness, while the elective options allow them to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career aspirations,” Behl said.
The interdisciplinary nature of this minor makes it an ideal complement to a wide range of majors offered at the College, preparing them for a scope of impactful careers.
Here are just a few examples of powerful pairings and the pathways they could open for students:
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Business Administration or Marketing + Health Sciences = Healthcare administration (managing the business operations of a healthcare facility), corporate fitness
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Sport Management + Health Sciences = Personal training, fitness/health club management, recreation director
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Digital Media Production and Journalism + Health Sciences = Health/ public health journalism
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Biology or Data Science + Health Sciences = Biomedical research, epidemiology
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Computer Information Systems or Data Science + Health Sciences = Health informatics (using technology to improve patient care).
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Psychology or Sociology + Health Sciences = Health education (teaching people about behaviors that promote wellness), heath coach, sport psychologist
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International Studies or Political Science + Health Sciences = Public health (developing programs and policies to improve community health).
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Hospitality and Tourism Management + Health Sciences = Health and wellness resort management, spa director, health services management
Meet the faculty experts
“By leveraging expertise from multiple departments, Flagler’s Health Sciences minor creates a unique learning experience that goes beyond the traditional focus found at many other institutions,” Behl said.
Taylor Behl
Area of expertise: Exercise Science
Instructs “Principles of Health and Wellness”
Behl’s research explores how lifestyle modifications can enhance functional and cardiovascular health, providing students with valuable insights into practical health improvements.
Greg Miller
Area of expertise: Chemistry
Instructs “General Biology I” and “Introduction to Human Nutrition”
With more than 16 years of experience advising pre-medical, pre-dental, and Pre-PA students, Miller's scientific expertise offers students valuable insights into practical and applied health science topics.
Ashley Ryder
Area of expertise: Sport Management
Instructs “Sociology of Sport”
Ryder’s research focuses on examining inequalities in sports occupations and among participants, enriching the program with a critical understanding of sport-related social issues.
Minji Kim
Area of expertise: Mass Communication
Instructs “Health Communication”
Kim’s research focuses on the effects of media on psychological well-being and health-related decision-making. She provides students with insights into how media shapes health behaviors and explores strategic methods for promoting healthy behaviors.
For more information about the Health Sciences minor at Flagler College or to apply, visit the program’s webpage or contact the Admissions Team.
