School of Health Science and Wellness

Join our community of active learners working toward facilitating improved lifelong health and active living to change the world.

Northwest students are passionate about making a powerful impact on the health and well-being of others. They work to facilitate healthy, active lifestyles in society. The School of Health Science and Wellness at Northwest is a community of researchers, analysts and leaders focused on a successful healthcare career. Are you interested in improving the quality of life for families and communities around you? Unique outdoor recreation areas, a human performance lab and opportunities promoting health in the Maryville community create a rich, career-ready experience.

Launch Health Science Experience

State-of-the-art Facilities

Students have access to top-notch facilities including Hughes Fieldhouse, Foster Fitness Center and Martindale Hall. Learn more about the school and all its facilities below.

Check out more about our facilities

Degree options in Health Science and Wellness

Choose from programs like health, psychology, recreation, foods and nutrition, nursing and more!

Not sure which program to choose? No worries! We’re here to help you discover your passion.

View Programs of Study

Take your next steps

Are you ready to apply, schedule a visit or want to know more about Northwest?

It's FAFSA Time!

Most Bearcats receive some form of scholarship or need-based aid after filing the FAFSA, making their educational goals more attainable. The 2025-26 FAFSA is officially open – apply today!

Check out our FAFSA guide

Two

divisions within the school

16%

projected growth for all healthcare professions

320 acres

of land at MOERA for experiential learning

Become a Health Champion

Northwest is committed to being a champion of a healthier tomorrow. For you. For ourselves. For our communities. Northwest’s School of Health Science and Wellness is focusing on the region’s health needs through high-quality, state-of-the-art educational programs. Martindale Hall, home of the School of Health Science and Wellness, is undergoing renovation and expansion to address continued enrollment growth and decaying infrastructure.

Learn more and become a health champion today!

Expanded scholarship model with tiers up to $6,000 with merit scholarships. Once applied and admitted, eligible students are automatically awarded a merit-based scholarship based on their academic information.

Estimate your scholarships

Get in-state rates with the Bearcat Advantage. Receive an $8,392 scholarship with a 2.75 GPA or above.

See out-of-state qualifications

One easy process for multiple scholarships with the Standard Scholarship App.

Standard scholarship app

Student Spotlight

“Whenever anyone asks me about my major, I love to rant and rave about how much I love my psychology department. The professors care about you as a person and a student, and course material are applied to real-life situations and scenarios.”

Sherry Harper
Aurora, Colo. // Psychology major

Exercise is Medicine

New to campus in 2023, this group provides students with tools to strengthen healthy physical activity habits. Events like Walk with a Doc, an exercise testing and resource fair and a Together We Move mascot challenge are ways the group promotes wellness around campus.

View the E.I.M. website

Hy-Vee Kids Fit

Hy-Vee Kids Fit helps students learn about fitness and fun ways to get active. Student teachers at Northwest participate in this event and guide students through the programming.

I will listen

Active Minds and the Behavioral Science Association at Northwest Missouri State University hosts “I Will Listen,” an event aimed at reducing stigmas surrounding mental illness and promoting discussions about mental health disorders.

Local Partnerships

Northwest’s partnership with the Maryville Community Center allows students to gain profession-based experiences through event planning, project management, and budget maintenance. Did you know? Northwest students have planned the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance for more than a decade!