Integrative Physiology and Health Science
Prepare to make a difference in the world of health and wellness
Explore the science of health and human performance with a degree in Integrative Physiology and Health Science (IPHS) at Alma College. Study the human body, from its cellular functions to its societal impact, and gain the expertise to succeed in graduate programs or advanced health science careers. Alma’s IPHS graduates excel in diverse fields such as physical and occupational therapy, medicine, physician assistant studies, optometry, dentistry, athletic training, public health, kinesiology, cardiac rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning.
At A Glance
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13%estimated employment growth in the healthcare industry through 2031.
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4concentration options that align with your interests and career goals.
Possible Careers
Prepare to make a difference in the world of health and wellness
Explore the science of health and human performance with a degree in Integrative Physiology and Health Science (IPHS) at Alma College. Study the human body, from its cellular functions to its societal impact, and gain the expertise to succeed in graduate programs or advanced health science careers. Alma’s IPHS graduates excel in diverse fields such as physical and occupational therapy, medicine, physician assistant studies, optometry, dentistry, athletic training, public health, kinesiology, cardiac rehabilitation, and strength and conditioning.
Practical Experience. Real-World Impact.
As an IPHS major, you’ll take core courses in physiology, anatomy, nutrition, and exercise physiology. From there, you’ll customize your academic path by focusing on one of four concentrations that align with your interests and career goals.
Discover what sets Alma College’s IPHS Program apart
- Learn from actively doing: Alma is one of the few Division III institutions with an on-site human anatomy laboratory, giving you the unique opportunity to practice dissection firsthand. Additionally, through our community exercise program, you’ll collaborate with local patients to assess their health, create personalized exercise plans, and help them achieve their fitness goals.
- Research Opportunities: Collaborate with faculty on meaningful research projects, gaining experience that stands out on graduate school applications.
- Personalized Mentorship: Work closely with professors dedicated to your success, offering guidance tailored to your career goals.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Explore the connections between physiology, health, and human performance for a well-rounded foundation.
- Skill Development: Build expertise in assessing body functions, interpreting scientific data, and thinking critically—key skills for any graduate program.
- Preparing you for 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.
- Professional Connections: Engage in internships and networking opportunities that open doors to top graduate programs and career paths. The IPHS program doesn’t just prepare you for graduate school—it equips you to thrive in it. With Alma’s strong focus on academic excellence and experiential learning, you’ll be ready to take the next step with confidence.
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.
You get to work with faculty members not only in a classroom but in a laboratory space. You can really get a good sense on how you do different techniques and what's out there in the field.
When I started my physical therapy graduate program, I was way ahead of my classmates because I had research experience from Alma College.
Our professors get to know your name, where you’re from and what you’re about.
You get to work with faculty members not only in a classroom but in a laboratory space. You can really get a good sense on how you do different techniques and what's out there in the field.
When I started my physical therapy graduate program, I was way ahead of my classmates because I had research experience from Alma College.
Gain hands-on experience while building valuable skills
- Assess neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and metabolic functions to understand how the body performs and adapts.
- Measure and analyzing body composition to evaluate health and fitness.
- Examine body kinematics to uncover the mechanics of movement.
- Investigate population health trends to identify broader health patterns and impacts.
- Explore the human body from cellular processes to population dynamics.
- Perform assessments to measure, evaluate, and interpret body system functionality.
- Read and interpret scientific literature to stay up-to-date on the latest research.
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyze data and solve complex challenges.
Get to Know Integrative Physiology and Health Science
Meet the Faculty
Student Opportunities
Learn more about the state-of-the-art equipment and laboratories that provide essential hands-on learning experience at Alma College.
Explore the high-tech equipment and laboratories at Alma College, where you can immerse yourself in crucial hands-on learning experiences that enhance your educational journey.
Explore the Curriculum
Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your bachelor's degree in integrative physiology and health sciences.
Hands-on laboratory and clinical experience
Majoring in Integrative Physiology and Health Science at Alma College provides hands-on experience with advanced tools, preparing you for graduate programs or immediate employment. Students work with cutting-edge equipment and laboratories, including:
Laboratories:
Equipment:
Blood flow restriction cuffs
Blood glucose, lactate, and lipid testing
Dual-Energy X-ray Absoptiometry (DEXA)
EKG carts
Force plates
Isokinetic dynamometer
Kinematic analysis
Lower-body negative pressure box
Metabolic analyzers
NIRS system
Public health databases
Stationary bikes and treadmills
Ultrasound
Recent Graduate Schools and Employers of IPHS Graduates
Alma College’s IPHS program doesn’t just prepare you for graduate school—it equips you to thrive in it. With Alma’s strong focus on academic excellence, experiential learning, and faculty mentorship, you’ll be ready to confidently take the next step. Our alumni 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.
Graduate Schools:
Baylor University
Case Western Reserve University
Central Michigan University
Duke University
Eastern Michigan University
Grand Valley State University
NOVA Southeastern
Oakland University
University of Michigan – Flint
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
Washington University in St. Louis
Wayne State University
Western Michigan University
Employers:
American Heart Association
Peak Performance Physical Therapy
Boston Scientific
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
FDA
Las Vegas Raiders (Physical Therapist)
University of Wisconsin - Madison (Strength and conditioning coach)
Helen Devos Children's Hospital
Henry Ford Health
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Corewell Health
MyMichigan Health
Duke University (Faculty in MD program for Neurosurgery)
Get Connected
Student Organizations
Make friends, get involved in student government and find new ways to stay active in our 100+ clubs and organizations.
