Integrative Physiology and Health Science
A holistic approach to health.
Alma’s integrative physiology and health science (IPHS) program focuses on the complex mechanisms underlying human function. As an IPHS major, you will:
- Study how physiology systems – such as skeletal, muscular and nervous systems – work together in the human body.
- Examine how lifestyle factors affect health at the individual and population levels.
- Get hands-on laboratory and clinical experience.
At A Glance
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12:1Student-to-faculty ratio
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18Average class size
Possible Careers
A holistic approach to health.
Alma’s integrative physiology and health science (IPHS) program focuses on the complex mechanisms underlying human function. As an IPHS major, you will:
- Study how physiology systems – such as skeletal, muscular and nervous systems – work together in the human body.
- Examine how lifestyle factors affect health at the individual and population levels.
- Get hands-on laboratory and clinical experience.
Explore
Student & Alumni Spotlights
No one describes the Alma experience better than those living it. Explore their stories, in their own words, below.
Our professors get to know your name, where you’re from and what you’re about. Their office doors are always open and they want to help you get to where you’re going.
Our professors get to know your name, where you’re from and what you’re about. Their office doors are always open and they want to help you get to where you’re going.
Get to Know Integrative Physiology and Health Science
Meet the Faculty
Stone Recreation Center
Our 53,000-square-foot recreation facilities include basketball, volleyball and tennis courts. Plus, we offer spaces for rock climbing, running, dodgeball and indoor soccer.
Practical experience. Real-world impact.
As an IPHS major, you’ll take core classes in physiology, anatomy, nutrition and exercise physiology. Beyond that, you’ll tailor your academic journey to the areas that interest you most, selecting from one of our four concentrations:
You’ll also get plenty of opportunities to learn through doing. Alma is one of the only Division III institutions with an on-site human anatomy laboratory where you can practice dissection. And in our community exercise program, you can work with local patients to assess health and devise and implement exercise plans.
What You Need to Know
The pre-professional tracks within our IPHS major are designed to prepare you for advanced study and work in various health and fitness-based careers.
Alumni of our program have gone on to qualify as physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, physician assistants, athletic trainers and chiropractors. Others opt for positions in public policy, healthcare administration and education.
However you choose to channel your expertise, you’ll be part of a thriving sector. Between 2021 and 2031, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment in the healthcare industry will grow by 13%. This will create approximately two million new jobs.
Get Connected
Student Organizations
Make friends, get involved in student government and find new ways to stay active in our 100+ clubs and organizations.