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Academic Programs

Programs in Natural Sciences

Chair: Steven Stern, PhD

Majors

Minors

  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Psychology

An understanding of natural sciences contributes significantly to a liberal education, and all students at Pitt-Johnstown are encouraged to explore the division's resources. For those planning careers in medical and health sciences, engineering, engineering technology, and a variety of other fields, a strong foundation in natural sciences is essential. Students with interest in research, applications, and teaching in the sciences can acquire the background necessary for graduate study or a broad range of occupations. For those students wanting a broad education in the sciences, it is possible to complete a double major in two natural sciences departments (e.g., chemistry and psychology; biology and chemistry; mathematics and computer science; etc.). Please contact the division office for more details.

Division Policies and Requirements

  1. Candidates for graduation in natural sciences must have earned a minimum of 120 credits. Of the 120, a maximum of 15 credits may be earned in other non-arts and sciences programs of the University (e.g., engineering technology) or in courses offered for the convenience of students with particular professional goals (e.g., chemistry for nursing).
  2. The final 30 credits MUST be earned at Pitt-Johnstown.
  3. Degree candidates must have a grade point average of 2.00 (C average) or higher in all work at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown or at the University's other campuses.
  4. The courses required for a major must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.00.
  5. Completion of no fewer than 12 credits in a related area is required in certain major programs. Consultation with an advisor will determine a student's responsibility in this matter. A related area and the specific courses taken to constitute it must be approved by a student's major advisor.
  6. A satisfactory level of competence in writing, speaking, and quantitative reasoning must be demonstrated by the successful completion of general education requirements: competency areas as described earlier in this bulletin.
  7. Students may earn no more than 2 credits in physical education per term, to a maximum of 8 during their entire scholastic career at Pitt-Johnstown. Only the first 4 physical education credits are counted as being in arts and sciences; any additional credits are considered non-arts and sciences.
  8. Majors in natural sciences may not elect the H/S/U option for courses in their major.
  9. There are no second language requirements for majors in the Division of Natural Sciences. However, it should be noted that many graduate programs require a reading knowledge of one or two second languages or computer science. Therefore, students planning graduate study should seriously consider course work in a foreign language, or Computer Science.
  10. All students, unless specifically noted in the major requirements, must complete the general education requirements, in addition to major requirements, by earning at least 12 credits in each of the three divisions of arts and sciences: the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. The 12 credits in each division must be distributed in the manner described in the General Education Requirements: Knowledge Areas section. All major programs in the division require at least 12 credits in the humanities and social sciences divisions as described earlier in this bulletin. For general education natural sciences knowledge area requirements in these three majors, courses must be distributed as described in handouts obtained from the department of interest.
  11. These degree requirements apply to students who will complete degrees in natural sciences at Pitt-Johnstown. Students who plan to relocate to other schools of the University should be guided by the requirements set forth in the appropriate University bulletin.

Natural Sciences Internships

A limited number of students majoring in the division may serve a one to six credit internship in biology, chemistry, energy and earth resources, mathematics, or psychology. Computer science students may serve one to three-credit internships for a maximum of two semesters. This experience is designed to provide students with field experience in their chosen majors. Students must seek permission from the department coordinator for admission.

Academic Minor

In addition to an academic major, a student may elect to pursue a minor in another academic discipline. The specific requirements for each minor are established by the individual academic disciplines. However, all minors require the completion of a minimum of 18 credits of course work. Information regarding minor requirements can be obtained from the specific department of interest.

Program Requirements

Biology Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

Faculty: Shelly Bock, Christine Dahlin, Jill Henning, Stephen Kilpatrick, Karen Lee, Jennifer Manges, Bruce Robart, Rebecca Webb, Kimberly Ziance

Students electing Biology as an area of concentration can pursue either a Traditional Option or a Terrestrial Ecology Option. Students may also obtain certification in Medical Technology.

The Traditional Option is designed to prepare students for graduate work in the biological sciences or for study in professional fields such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, and other health-related areas. This would also include those students who wish to pursue a Medical Technology certification (see below).

The Terrestrial Ecology Option is designed to prepare the student for a leadership role in evaluating the quality of the environment and in dealing with the complexities surrounding its preservation.

Although there are required courses in biology, mathematics, chemistry, and physics, the upper level of both biology tracks is designed by the student, with advisement, to reflect his/her interests and needs. Both options require 24 credits in biology including at least three laboratory or field courses beyond the freshman year.

Required courses for either the Traditional Option or the Terrestrial Ecology Option

  1. Biology 0110, 0120, 0111, 0121, 0350
  2. Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114
  3. Mathematics 0221
  4. Physics 0140, 0142, 0141, 0143 (non-calculus based sequence) or 0150, 0152, 0151, 0153 (calculus based sequence)
Traditional Option additional requirements:
  1. Biology 0360, 0361, 1125; minimum of three electives in biology; must include at least two field or laboratory courses
  2. Chemistry 0231, 0232, 0233, 0234
Terrestrial Ecology Option additional requirements:

  1. Biology 1515 and 1615; minimum of four electives in biology including at least two additional field or laboratory courses
  2. Chemistry 0325, 0230 and 0235 or 0231, 0232, 0233, 0234
  3. Mathematics 0212

Medical Technology Option:

Students interested in the field of medical technology can obtain certification at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown while completing requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Admission to the certification program in medical technology can be pursued during the junior year. Meeting requirements for the BS degree in biology may require more than six semesters at Pitt-Johnstown. Students who are accepted for the certificate option spend the summer prior to the beginning of their senior year and their entire senior year at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. The full certificate program along with the bachelor's degree is typically completed in four to five years.

Requirements for the Certificate/BS Option:

  1. Eligibility for admission to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center depends upon successful completion of the following:

    2.  

    1. The completion of 90 college credits to include: Biology 0110, 0111, 0120, 0121, 1185, 1186 (A minimum of 16 credits in biology is required.); Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114, 0231, 0232, 0233, 0236; Mathematics 0221; and Physics 0140, 0141, 0142, 0143

    2. A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a minimum of 2.5 in the sciences

    3. Final admission into the certificate program is awarded upon passing the following, as required by the affiliate hospital program:
      1. health examination
      2. urine drug screen
      3. criminal background check

    4. If enrolled in the certificate program, students
      1. must follow the hospital’s (also referred to as the school) Student Health Policy,
      2. must comply with the school’s policies and procedures including those governing the confidentiality of medical records and the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, specifically 45 CFR parts 160 and 164, and
      3. should carry their own health insurance while enrolled in the school’s certificate program.

  2. Certificate Courses
    At the hospital, students are required to take the following courses:
    • Biology 1190, 1191, 1192, 1194, 1195, 1196
    • Chemistry 1291, 1292

 

 

The student should be aware that the grades for the certificate courses are accrued through both the didactic and the clinical rotation of the class. This means that the student will not get a grade until the clinical rotation is complete.

  1. Requirements for the BS in biology include Biology 0350, 0360, and 1125
  1. Upon successful completion of all requirements, students will be awarded a BS degree from Pitt-Johnstown and a Certificate of Completion from the Medical Technology Program from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center (CMMC).

  2. This dual enrollment program requires students to pay for:
    • additional tuition and fees charged by Pitt-Johnstown for credits earned in the Certificate Program applied to requirements needed to obtain the B.S. degree, as well as,
    • tuition and fees charged by CMMC to obtain the Certificate of Completion.

Biochemistry Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

I.   Required Biology Courses
     Biology 0110, 0111, 0120, 0121,
II.  Required Chemistry Courses
     Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114, 0231, 0232, 0233, 0234, 0325, 1131, 1133,
     1321, 1322, 1341
III. Required Mathematics Courses
      Mathematics 0221, 0231
IV.  Required Physics Courses
      Physics 0150, 0151, 0152, 0153
V.  Required Elective Courses
             Select either Biology 0350 or 0360/0361
             Select either Biology 1125/1225 or 1130/1230
             Select one additional elective.  Biology 1135, 1137, 1185, or 1186
         

Chemistry Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

Faculty: Elisabeth Bell-Loncella, Ryan Bird, Ryan Coppage, Marsha Grimminger, Thomas Malosh, Simeon Martinus, Manisha Nigam, Richard Ulsh

The chemistry program offers courses in all of the traditional areas of chemistry including biochemistry. The program provides students with opportunities to participate in research and/or engage in internships. The program prepares students for employment at the baccalaureate-degree level, for graduate study, or for professional programs in health-related areas. The program also offers students the necessary chemistry courses for subsequent enrollment in pharmacy programs.

  1. Required Chemistry Courses
    • Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114, 0231, 0232, 0233, 0234, 0325, 1131, 1325, 1327, 1341, 1342, 1343
  2. Additional Required Courses
    • Mathematics 0221, 0231,0241
    • Physics 0150, 0152, 0151, 0153
  3. Nine elective credits in Chemistry (See division handout for specific courses.)
              Chemistry 1133, 1321, 1322, 1323
              Chemistry 1371—Undergraduate Research (up to 3 credits)


    The Chemistry Department offers the following courses for non-majors
    Chemistry for non-science majors: Chemistry 0080, 0085
    Health Related Professions: 0190, 0192
    For biology and psychology majors: 0230, 0235

Computer Science Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

Faculty: Patricia Hagerich, James Bilitski Jr., Seunghyun Im, Sandro Marchegiani, Frank Smigla

The Computer Science Department in the Division of Natural Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown offers a four-year program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. The Computer Science Department currently offers two tracks in the Computer Science major.  The Technical track highlights applications programming, systems-level programming, evolving technologies and applications, and mathematics.  The Applied track provides an alternate degree option for those students whose career plans require an expanded advanced course selection in highly computer-dependent application areas.

Technical Computer Science Track
  1. Freshman-level Core Courses
    • Computer Science 0100, 0406, 0410, 0411
    • Mathematics 0221, 0231, 0401
  2. Sophomore-level Core Courses
    • Computer Science 0045, 0046, 0047, 0048, 0455, 0456, 0457, 0458
    • Mathematics 0241, 1181
  3. Junior- and Senior-level Core Courses
      Any five of the following Computer Science electives (listed in categories)
    • Foundations 1710, 1713
    • Systems 1750, 1792, 1793
    • Languages 1720, 1760, 1791
    • Applications 1132, 1162, 1163, 1164, 1735, 1736, 1762, 1765, 1766, 1783
  4. Other Electives for Majors
    • Computer Science 1165, 1171, 1903, 1904
  5. Non-Major Courses
    • Computer Science 0015, 0016, 0081, 0082, 0417

Applied Computer Science Track

 

 

I.  Freshman-level Core courses
    Computer Science 0100, 0406, 0410, 0411
    Mathematics 0221, 0401

II. Sophomore-level Core Courses
     Computer Science 0045,0046, 0047, 0048, 0455, 0456, 0457, 0458

III. Junior and Senior- level Core Courses
      Required Computer Science 1165, 1735, 1736, 1760, 1765

      Any five of the following Computer Science electives (listed in categories)

      Foundations 1710, 1713
      Systems 1750, 1792, 1793
      Languages 1720, 1791
      Applications 1162, 1163, 1164, 1762, 1766, 1783

IV. Non-Major courses
     Computer Science 0015, 0016, 0081, 0082, 0417

Energy and Earth Resources Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

Faculty: Christopher Coughenour, Paul Washington

Adjunct Faculty: Neil Coleman, Steve Lindberg, Teresa McConnell,
  1. Core Courses
    • The following courses constitute the EER core and are required of all students electing the EER major:
    • Geology 0015, 0061, 1108, 1157, 1170
    • Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114
    • Geography 0420, 1440
    • Environmental Studies 0100 or GEOG 1260
    • Mathematics 0221
    • MET 1144
  2. Concentrations:
    • Energy Concentration

    Geology 0210, 0220, 1005, 1110, 1406

    Mathematics 0231

    Physics 0140 (or 0150) and 0141 (or 0151)

    • Environmental Concentration

    Geology 1105, 1106, 1061 or 1139

    Chemistry 0230, 0235

    Biology 0110, 0111, 0120, 0121, 1515, 1615

Note: Additional electives must be taken, to make the total 120 required for graduation.

Mathematics Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

Faculty: Jacqueline Baird, Miron Bekker, Dawn Cable, Elena Constantin, Stephen Curran, Victoria Czarnek, Michael Ferencak, Elizabeth Hoffman, Boris Kushner, Theresa Shustrick, John Thompson, Linda Tully, Joseph Wilson

Adjunct Faculty: Linda Mantini, and Anita Thompson

The Department of Mathematics in the Division of Natural Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown offers a four-year program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in the natural sciences (mathematics). The Department of Mathematics currently offers two tracks in the mathematics major. The Applied Option is a typical degree in mathematics with an added minor from within the natural sciences. The Actuarial Option is primarily designed for those students that wish to pursue employment in the actuarial sciences.

Applied Option:

  1. Required Mathematics Courses (40 or 41 credits)
    • Mathematics 0221, 0231, 0241, 0401, 1012, 1019, 1153, 1154, 1163, 1181, 1271
    • One course from Group I: Mathematics 1125, 1531, 1561, 1701
    • One course from Group II: Mathematics 1071, 1175, 1178, 1296
  2. Required Computer Science Courses (7 credits)
    • Computer Science 0100, 0410, 0411
  3. Mathematics Electives (6 credits): Selected from the following:
    • Mathematics 1051, 1071, 1117, 1125, 1178, 1291,1531,1561, 1701 or any other three or four credit 1000-level Mathematics course, with departmental approval.

      Neither Math 1019 nor Math 1035 can be used as a mathematics elective to fulfill this requirement.
  4. Required minor in one of the following areas: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Physics, or Psychology. This may be waived for some double majors.
  5. General Degree Requirements

Actuarial Science Option:

  1. Required Mathematics Courses (41 or 42 credits)
    • Mathematics 0221, 0231, 0241, 0401, 1012, 1019, 1153, 1154, 1163, 1164, 1181, 1271
    • One course from Group I: Mathematics 1125, 1531, 1561, 1701
    • One course from Group II: Mathematics 1071, 1175, 1178, 1296
  2. Required Computer Science Courses (7 credits)
    • Computer Science 0100, 0410, 0411
  3. Required Business and Economics Courses (12 credits)
    • Business 0115, 0300; Economics 0105, 0115
  4. Mathematics Electives (6 credits)

    Select from the following:
    • Mathematics 1051, 1071, 1125, 1175, 1178, 1291, 1531, 1561, 1701 or
    • any other 3- or 4-credit 1000-level Mathematics course, with department approval.

      Neither Math 1019 nor Math 1035 can be used as a mathematics elective to fulfill this requirement.
  5. Business Electives (6 credits)

    Select from the following:
    • Business 1110, 1270, 1310, 1330, 1355, 1356;
    • Economics 1141, 1151
  6. To be admitted to the actuarial science option students must have earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.35 in Mathematics 0221, 0231, 0241, 0401, and 1012.
  7. General Degree Requirements

Natural Sciences Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

The program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in natural sciences combines a broad base in science with experiences and areas of study largely of the student's choosing. The three options of study are broad natural sciences environmental geology, broad natural sciences biopsychology, and broad natural sciences physics. Through the careful selection of courses, students can prepare for a range of careers or for study at graduate or professional schools.

Option 1—Environmental Geology Emphasis

  1. Required courses
    • Biology 0110, 0111, 0120, 0121
    • Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114
    • Geology 0015, 0061, 0086
    • Mathematics 0121 or 0221
  2. Students must select 8 credits from two different areas: either geology and chemistry or geology and biology. The courses must be courses other than general education courses.
  3. Twelve elective geology credits that are not general education credits.
  4. To fulfill the statistics requirement, students must complete one of the following: Math 0212, Stat 1020, or Stat 1040.
  5. Students must fulfill the independent study/research requirement by completing one of the following: Biology 1200, Chemistry 1360, Chemistry 1371, or Geology 1906.

 

Option 2 - Physics Emphasis

  1. Required Physics Courses
    • Physics 0150, 0151, 0152, 0153, 0400, 0450, 0480, 1300, 1400 (advanced lab)
  2. Additional Required Courses (40 credits)
    • Biology 0110, 0111, 0120, 0121
    • Chemistry 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114
    • Geology (at least seven credits)
    • Mathematics 0221, 0231, 0241
    • One course in computer science or Engineering Technology 0030

Physics Minor

Faculty: Allan Walstad, David Willey, Kevin Martin, Beta Keramati

Students interested in physics can structure a divisional concentration to obtain the Bachelor of Science degree in the natural sciences program, pursue a physics minor or students can enroll in introductory, elective, and laboratory courses in physics before relocating to the Pittsburgh campus for degree completion.

The requirements for a physics minor are:

  1. Physics 0150, 0151, 0152, 0153 (10 credits total)
  2. Math 0221, 0231 (8 credits total)
  3. A minimum of 8 credits among the following:
    • PHYS 0400: Classical Mechanics (3 cr.)
    • PHYS 0450: Electromagnetism and Optics (3 cr.)
    • PHYS 0480: Astrophysics (3 cr.)
    • PHYS 1111: Special Topics (1–4 cr.)
    • PHYS 1300: Quantum Physics (3 cr.)
    One (but not more than one) of the following courses may be counted in Category 2 above:
    • CHEM 1341: Physical Chemistry 1 (3 cr.)
    • EET 0121: Electronics 1 (3 cr.)
    • MET 1110: Thermodynamics (3 cr.)

Psychology Major

Bachelor of Science Degree

Faculty: Sharon Walstad, Stephanie Stilling, John Mullennix, Steven Stern, Alan Teich

Adjunct Faculty: Tammy Haslett, Ilya Yaroslavsky, Randall Harris

The psychology program provides a solid and practical theoretical grounding in the science of behavior. In addition to basic course work, students are provided with opportunities to conduct hands-on research or to participate in internship experiences. Graduates of the program will possess the necessary skills and background to enter the work force or to attend graduate programs related to the field.

  1. Required courses in Psychology
      Psychology 0200, 0270, 1000 (two semesters), 1031
  2. Theoretical Foundations (one course)
      Choose from Psychology 0210, 0230, 0240, 0351, 1141
  3. Laboratory/Systems (two courses)
      Choose from Psychology 1065, 1121, 1440, 1500, 1570
  4. Applications (one course)
      Choose from Psychology 0384, 0470, 1178, 1216, 1251, 1636
  5. PSY 1650 Advanced Seminar
  6. Research/Internship (3 credits)
      Choose from Psychology 1548/1549, 1555, 1560, 1904, 1906, or any additional course from II, III, IV, or V
  7. Related area (four courses)
  8. Biology 0110/ 0111 and Biology 0120/ 0121: (general education requirements: knowledge area sections 3 and 4)
  9. Diversity Requirement
      Two courses from the list of diversity courses provided by the Department of Psychology

Preparatory Curricula for Programs Offered in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) in the University of Pittsburgh System

The following programs are designed to allow a student to begin studies at the Johnstown campus then complete the program at the Pittsburgh campus. Students take general and prerequisite work at Pitt-Johnstown for two years, usually 60 credits. After completion of 45 credits, the SHRS undergraduate application must be completed for the following programs: clinical dietetics and nutrition, health information management, and rehabilitation science and athletic training. Students interested in majoring in communication science and emergency medicine programs are only required to complete the relocation form for academic program change. The relocation form can be obtained at the Office of the Registrar. For further information, please contact the Division of Natural Sciences office and ask for the appropriate program advisor. Additional information about these programs can be found at the Web page for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, www.shrs.pitt.edu. Or from Shameem Gangjee, director of admissions, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, 4021 Forbes Tower, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261; Shameem@shrs.pitt.edu; or 412-383-6557.

Clinical Dietetics/Nutrition

Dietitians are the health professionals who apply scientific knowledge to guide people in selecting foods to meet their health needs. The curriculum offers courses in food and nutrition sciences as well as medical nutrition therapy. Graduates would need to apply for a post baccalaureate internship or pursue a coordinated master’s degree program to be eligible to take the National Registration Examination for Dietitians.

The admissions criteria for this program are the same as for the other programs in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Prerequisite Course Work:

  • 60 credits minimum
  • A 2.5 minimum cumulative QPA
  • A minimum QPA of 2.5 for prerequisite courses
  • A minimum grade of C- in all courses designated as prerequisites

Prerequisite Courses

 

Biology BIO 0110 and 0110
4 credits
Chemistry (General) CHEM 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114
10 credits
Chemistry (Organic) (CHEM 0231, 0233, 0232, 0234) or
5–10 credits
  (CHEM 0230 and 0235, NOTE: CHEM 0230 and 0235 are offered every other year, usually odd numbered years, e.g. 2013)  
Economics ECON 0080, 0105 or 0115
3 credits
English Composition ENGCMP 0002 or 0005
3 credits
Communication/Public Speaking COMMRC 0052
3 credits
Math* MATH 0002 or higher
3–4 credits
Psychology PSY 0200
3 credits
Sociology SOC 0010
3 credits
Statistics STAT 1020 or STAT 1040 or PSY 0270
3–4 credits
Computer Science CS 0015 and its corequisite CS0016
4 credits
Introduction to Human Nutrition** Not offered at Pitt-Johnstown
3 credits
Introduction to Profession of Dietetics*** Not offered at Pitt-Johnstown
1 credit
Social and Cultural Determinants of Food*** Not offered at Pitt-Johnstown
3 credits

 

* Should be taken before chemistry

**Introduction to Human Nutrition can be taken online through Pennsylvania State University’s Nutrition 251 course or through the Community College of Allegheny County‘s (www.ccac.edu) DIT 106 Fundamentals of Nutrition course.

***Introduction to Profession of Dietetics and Social and Cultural Determinants of Foods are to be taken while enrolled in the program at the Pittsburgh campus.

Communication Science

This major focuses on the physical and psychological foundations of speech, language, hearing, and swallowing to prepare students for graduate work in speech-language pathology, audiology, and related fields. Completion of a professional graduate program is required to become a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

Students should complete the relocation form to transfer to the communication science program after successful completion of at least 45 of the required general education credits. It is not necessary to complete all of the listed prerequisites, as any prerequisite courses not completed can be taken after relocation. It is advisable, however, to include as many as possible in the 60 prerequisite credits. There is no minimum grade requirement for each course, but students must earn a cumulative QPA of 2.5.

Prerequisite Courses:

 

English Composition ENGCMP 0002 or 0005 and ENGCMP 0006
6 credits
W(Writing-Enhanced) Courses Any writing-enhanced course
3 credits
Second Language or American Sign Language If not exempt*
6 credits
Algebra MATH 0002 or higher
3 credits
Statistics STAT 1020 or STAT 1040 or PSY 0270
3–4 credits
Literature Any literature course
3 credits
Music or Art Any fine arts course or any music course except 0060, 0062, 0064, 0069, 0531 and 1905
3 credits
Second Literature, Music, or Art Select from those described above
3 credits
History Any History course
3 credits
Social Science/Public Policy Any Social Science course except History
6 credits
Philosophy Any Philosophy course
3 credits
Natural Sciences Two courses from Life Sciences, e.g., Biology, Psychology and one course from either Geology, Physics, or Chemistry
9 credits
International Culture Course dealing with Western cultures, e.g., History of Western Civilization Course dealing with Western cultures, e.g., History of Western Civilization
6 credits
International Culture Courses dealing with non-Western cultures, e.g., Caribbean cultures offered in anthropology
3 credits

 

*Second language requirement satisfied by three years of second language in high school.

Emergency Medicine

This program is designed to prepare students for the technical, clinical, and administrative challenges in the emergency medical professions. The dynamic curriculum provides a strong foundation in research fundamentals, clinical experiences, educational expertise, and administrative leadership.

Students should complete the relocation form after successful completion of at least 45 credits. Students should contact the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences during their second semester at Pitt-Johnstown to determine how and when they will complete the Emergency Medical Technician course—with a laboratory—which is not offered at Pitt-Johnstown. Some of the prerequisite courses can be satisfied while enrolled in the emergency medicine program at the Pittsburgh campus.

Prerequisite Courses:

 

Any Natural Science Course  
3–4 credits
Algebra/Advanced Mathematics MATH 0002 or higher
3–4 credits
English Composition/Writing ENGCMP 0002 or 0005 and ENGCMP 0006
6 credits
Communication/Public Speaking COMMRC 0052
3 credits
Emergency Medical Technician (with lab) Not offered at Pitt-Johnstown
4 credits
Addition General Education Courses  
35-36 credits

 

*Must include all body systems, e.g., digestive system, respiratory system, etc.

Health Information Management

Graduates of this program are responsible for the electronic health record and information systems for patient care, research, and reimbursement. The application of information technology throughout the curriculum prepares the student for the health system of today and the future. 

The admissions criteria for this program are the same as for the other programs in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Prerequisite Course Work:

  • 60 credits minimum,
  • A 2.5 minimum cumulative QPA
  • A minimum QPA of 2.5 for prerequisites courses
  • A minimum grade of C- in all courses designated as prerequisites

Prerequisites Courses:

 

Biology BIOL 0110 and lab, BIOL 0111 optional but recommended
3–4 credits
Chemistry CHEM 0111 and its lab, CHEM 0113 or CHEM 0105
3–5 credits
Communication COMMRC 0052
3 credits
English Composition ENGCMP 0002 or 0005 and ENGCMP 0006 or any writing-enhanced course
6 credits
Mathematics MATH 0002 or 0004
3–4 credits
Psychology PSY 0200
3 credits
Statistics STAT 1020 or STAT 1040 or PSY 0270
3–4 credits
Computer Science CS 0015 and its corequisite CS0016, 0081 and 0100
10 credits
   

 

Volunteer or paid work experience in the health information management field is recommended.

Rehabilitation Science

This major is designed to prepare students interested in graduate education in occupational and physical therapy, rehabilitation technology and counseling, and other areas of health care.

The admissions criteria for this program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. include:

  • 60 credits minimum
  • A 2.5 minimum cumulative QPA
  • A minimum QPA of 2.5 for prerequisites courses
  • A minimum grade of C- in all courses designated as prerequisites

Prerequisite Courses:

 

Biology BIOL 0110 and lab, BIOL 0111
4 credits
Chemistry CHEM 0111 and its lab, CHEM 0113
5 credits
Physics PHYS 0140 and its lab PHYS 0141
5 credits
Mathematics MATH 0002 or higher
3–4 credits
Statistics STAT 1020 or STAT 1040 or PSY 0270
3–4 credits
Psychology PSY 0200 and any additional psychology course that has PSY 0200 as a prerequisite. PSY 0470 Introduction to Behavior Modification is highly recommended.
3 credits
   
Writing/English Composition ENGCMP 0002 or 0005 and ENGCMP 0006, or any writing-enhanced course
10 credits
Computer Science CS 0015 and its corequisite CS0016, CS 0081 or  CS0100
3–4 credits

 

Note: Students planning to apply to the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)  program are encouraged to complete most of the prerequisite courses (e.g., Physics II, Biology II, Chemistry II) prior to matriculation to SHRS.

Program in Athletic Training within the Rehabilitation Science Major

In addition to the above prerequisite courses for rehabilitation science majors, students applying to the program in athletic training would need the following:

Additional Prerequisites Courses:

 

Communication/Public Speaking COMMRC 0052
3 credits
*Emergency Medical Technician with lab  
4 credits
*Basic Athletic Training with lab HRS 1811 and 1812 (Not offered at Pitt-Johnstown)  

 

*These courses are not offered at Pitt-Johnstown and are only available at the Pittsburgh campus. During their second semester at Pitt-Johnstown, students should contact the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences about satisfying these requirements.

Preparatory Curricula for the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy: Doctor of Pharmacy Program

The School of Pharmacy program requires two years of preprofessional courses and four years of professional courses. Students enrolled in the professional program are full-time students. Pitt-Johnstown offers the courses required for students to fulfill their preprofessional (prepharmacy) requirements. There are no provisions for part-time students in the professional program. Applicants to the Pittsburgh campus School of Pharmacy must have successfully completed, or be in the process of completing, all prerequisite mathematics and science subjects no later than the spring term of the year of admission. All other preprofessional courses must be completed prior to the first day of the fall term of admission.

Each year, approximately 96 students are accepted from a pool of approximately 1,000 applicants. Admission is competitive and is based on all aspects of the application, in addition to grade point average (GPA). This includes science grades, curriculum, recommendations, and essays. Competition varies from year to year depending upon the size and strength of the applicant pool. Although there are minimum grade point average requirements, the average GPA of applicants admitted to the fall 2005 class was 3.43.

Required Preprofessional Courses :

 

General Biology (with lab) BIOL 0110, 0111, 0120
8 credits
General Chemistry (with lab) CHEM 0111, 0112, 0113, 0114
10 credits
Organic Chemistry (with lab) CHEM 0231, 0233, 0232, 0234
10 credits
English Composition ENGCMP 0002 or 0005 and ENGCMP 0006
6 credits
Calculus MATH 0121 or MATH 0221
4 credits
Statistics STAT 1020 or STAT 1040 or PSY 0270
3–4 credits
Psychology PSY 0200
3 credits
Economics ECON 0080, 0105, or 0115
3 credits
Humanities one course from two different departments
6 credits
Social Sciences one course from two different departments
6 credits
Electives  
6 credits

 

*Must be in humanities, social sciences or psychology. Public speaking is recommended.

Application Procedures for the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Pittsburgh:

  • Completion of prepharmacy course requirements
  • Minimum quality point average of 3.0
  • A grade of C or above required in math and science courses without repeating the course
  • Application through the PharmCAS, the Web-based Pharmacy College Application Service at www.pharmcas.org
  • Pharmacy College Admission Test at www.pcatweb.info
  • School of Pharmacy supplemental application at www.pharmacy.pitt.edu
  • If accepted into the program, Pitt-Johnstown students must complete a relocation form that can be obtained at the Office of the Registrar, 279 Blackington Hall.

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