NEW: URI To Launch New Health Studies Major

NEW: URI To Launch New Health Studies Major

U.S. Congressman James Langevin, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, and state Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski will join University of Rhode Island President David M Dooley to speak at a ceremony celebrating the University’s new health studies major. The ceremony will take place on Oct. 18, at 10 a.m., in the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences at 120 Flagg Road on URI’s Kingston campus. The event will also feature speakers from the College of Human Science and Services and host a health services and information exchange fair.

The health studies major, launched last semester, is a non-clinical, liberal arts-based program with tracks in health services, health promotion, or global and environmental health. It will prepare students for careers in fields like public health, corporate wellness, health education and administration, pharmacy, insurance, and health-related research.

“By maximizing an interdisciplinary approach, this new major in health studies puts URI front and center as a national leader in health professions education,” said President Dooley.

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Health care is Rhode Island’s largest industry, and one of the fastest growing industries both nationally and globally. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care will generate 3.2 million new jobs between 2008 and 2018, more than any other industry.

“Our students need to be better prepared to capitalize on these opportunities,” Langevin said. "URI's new health studies program will offer the cutting-edge, interdisciplinary training needed to produce the next generation of highly-skilled professionals in health-related fields while building industries that will grow our economy."