What Can I Do with My Human Science Major?
Overview
The human science major is an innovative and unique program that combines current health care issues with a strong science curriculum. Students majoring in human science will engage in the intense examination of modern biochemical sciences, immunology, biotechnology, microbiology, and the role of genetics in health and disease, in addition to the core health studies coursework in nutrition, biology, chemistry, public health, and health delivery systems.
For these reasons, the human science major prepares students for many different professional and graduate school opportunities. It offers an intellectually enriching preparation for entry-level positions in a variety of careers and provides students with a strong foundation for graduate work in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, education, and business.
Skills
The study of human science allows for the development of a core set of skills sought after by a wide range of employers and graduate programs. A sample of representative skills and abilities follows.
Writing/Communication
- Writing critically
- Creating persuasive arguments
- Using precise language to convey information
- Assessing an audience
- Explaining complex problems
- Editing
Research
- Defining problems
- Establishing hypotheses
- Gathering information
- Using original sources
- Interpreting data
- Summarizing and synthesizing information
- Evaluating results
Critical Thinking
- Thinking independently
- Reading critically
- Understanding components of complex problems
- Perceiving patterns/ structures
- Comparing/contrasting interpretations
- Offering diverse perspectives
Technical Skills
- Laboratory skills
- Genetic and molecular biology techniques
- Microbiology techniques
- Knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmokinetics
Sample Internship Opportunities
- Pharmaceutical Sales (e.g., Eli Lilly, Merck Pharmaceuticals)
- International Health Organizations (e.g., World Health Organization, UNICEF)
- Educational Institutions
- Institutions of Scientific Research (e.g., National Institutes of Health)
- Private Laboratories
- Hospitals (e.g., Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington Hospital Center)
Where are Georgetown Human Science Majors Now?
- Biotechnology transfer specialist
- Cognitive neuroscientist
- Dentist
- Diagnostic medical sonographer
- Clinical dietician
- Epidemiologist
- Genetics counselor
- Microbiologist
- Infection control specialist
- Lab researcher
- Peace corps volunteer
- Military medical corps worker
- Consultant: Health Care, etc.
- Illustrator: medical, scientific, technical
- Lawyer: health, policy, insurance
- Pharmacological researcher
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Health equipment sales
- Writer: scientific, medical, technical
- Nuclear Medicine
- Technologist/Scientist
- Foreign service staff
- International and medical relief groups
- Veterinarian
- Forensic science nurse/physician
- Consumer or public advocate
- Lobbyist
- Teacher, secondary
- Professor
- Athletic trainer
- Exercise physiologist
- Health education/wellness specialist
- Pharmacist: clinical
Relevant Websites and Publications
- Department of Human Science at Georgetown
- New Scientist Jobs
- MRI Biotech
- MentorNet: The E-Mentoring Network for Diversity in Engineering and Science
- Vault
Professional Organizations
- The American Association for the Advancement of Science
- National Association of Science Writers
- American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
- American Society for Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases Society of America
- Biotechnology Institute
- Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
- Association of American Medical Colleges, Section for Student Services
For information about career options, internship and full-time opportunities, contact the Career Education Center at One Leavey Center, (202) 687-3493. For more information about the major and degree requirements, see the NHS website.