Top Online Health Science Programs
Updated November 8, 2022
A bachelor's in health science can lead to rewarding careers promoting human health. Common careers for graduates include community health worker, nutritionist, and biological technician. Some learners use their health science degree to qualify for graduate studies.
Students earning a health science degree gain an interdisciplinary foundation in social, behavioral, and biological sciences. Curricula vary by school and concentration but typically cover core topics including epidemiology and healthcare information management.
Associate degree-holders often pursue online health science degrees at the bachelor's level. Candidates to competitive programs often need a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants to health science programs may need at least 18 credits from prerequisite science courses.
Questions About Health Science
Q. What can you do with a bachelor's in health science?
For individuals with a health science degree, jobs may include paramedic, nutritionist, or biomedical equipment technician.
Q. Can you become a doctor with a health science degree?
Doctors need a doctoral-level professional degree. However, a health science degree can prepare learners for medical school.
Q. What is taught in health science?
Learners pursuing a health science degree complete coursework in chemistry, biology, and physics. Enrollees also study epidemiology and the U.S. healthcare system. The student's track or concentration impacts program requirements.
Why Get a Degree in Health Science?
Health science bachelor's programs prepare degree-seekers for careers in healthcare practice, research, and education. A bachelor's in health science can qualify holders for various healthcare occupations, which pay a median salary of $69,870, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Students interested in high-paying healthcare careers, such as doctor, dentist, and nurse practitioner, often pursue a bachelor's degree in health sciences. Healthcare professionals with a doctorate often earn the highest salaries.
Many schools deliver online health science degrees asynchronously, allowing professionals to complete academic requirements around their work schedule. Online learners may also save money on commuting and relocation costs.
Featured Online Health Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
How Much Does a Health Science Degree Cost?
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of attending college is $35,330 in 2022. That figure includes tuition, supplies, and living expenses. A four-year bachelor's in health science program may cost more than $140,000 total.
Online health science degrees may cost considerably less, as distance learners often choose more affordable living situations. Tuition at in-state public institutions costs an average of $9,350 per year. Many schools charge all online students in-state tuition rates, regardless of residency status.
The cost of earning a health science degree depends on the school type and location. The student's program type and residency status can also impact the overall cost.
Additional Online Student Fees
Distance learners often save money on commuting and housing expenses. Schools may waive campus fees for online students. However, online learners pay for books and supplies. Health science programs include laboratory courses, which may require additional fees.
Some schools charge an online learning fee or technology fee. Online students may also need to budget for a new computer and high-speed internet. Learners may pay a graduation fee, and for individuals with a health science degree, jobs may require professional certification. Certification often requires exam or application fees.
How Much Do Health Science Majors Make?
For graduates with a health science degree, jobs may include opportunities in health education and research. Salaries vary widely by field and education level. Many high-paying healthcare careers require a graduate degree.
A bachelor's in health science can qualify holders for positions as health information specialists, community health workers, and biological technicians. According to the BLS, these professionals earn median salaries from $45,240-$48,140 per year.
Bachelor's degree-holders can also work as clinical laboratory technicians and technologists and cardiovascular technologists. These professionals earn median annual salaries of $54,180 and $70,380, respectively.
Experienced professionals and master's degree-holders may become medical and health services managers. These leadership positions pay a median salary of $104,280 per year, according to the BLS.
Courses in Health Science
Bachelor's in health science curricula usually include about 60 major credits and 60 general education credits. Health science degree-seekers complete core coursework in research methods, health science ethics, and health communications. Learners gain health information management and communication skills.
Many bachelor's in health science programs feature tracks or concentrations, which prepare students for specific careers. Common tracks include health services leadership, public health sciences, and biosciences. Specialized coursework explores topics such as health services, sports management, and healthcare administration. Health science degrees commonly require the following courses.
This course explores health professionals' ethical responsibilities to patients and healthcare employers. Topics include biomedical technology ethics and patient privacy. Enrollees learn about global health ethics and conflicts of interest in health research. Participants may reflect on their personal ethics and values.Health Science Ethics
This course introduces public health as a science. Learners examine health and disease patterns in various populations. Enrollees study environmental, behavioral, and sociocultural influences on health and disease. Coursework covers key principles and methods for studying public health and applying interventions. Learners explore epidemiology principles and practices.Epidemiology
This core course introduces statistics fundamentals. Learners apply statistical analysis to clinical research. Topics include descriptive statistics, simple regression, and correlations. Coursework examines statistical methods, including regression and survival analysis, and their relation to clinical research.Statistics for Health Sciences
Career and Salary Outlook for Health Science
Bachelor's in health science programs provide a foundation for healthcare positions and graduate studies. Common health science specializations include nutritional science, health informatics, and healthcare management or administration. Some advanced careers require a specialized master's degree. A bachelor's in health science qualifies holders for master's programs.
A bachelor's in health science can qualify holders for careers as biological technicians, medical records or health information specialists, and community health workers. Earning potential for healthcare professionals varies based on factors including location and experience.
Biological Technicians
Also known as laboratory assistants, these professionals assist biologists and medical scientists. Biological technicians perform tasks related to scientific experiments, tests, and analyses. This career requires specialized skills to work with computer software and laboratory equipment. Biological technicians may work in laboratory and field settings.Medical Records and Health Information Specialists
These specialists manage patient health information data, such as medical conditions, symptoms, and treatments. These professionals convert data into codes that insurance companies use to process claims. Medical records and health information specialists usually work in healthcare facilities. They collaborate with healthcare practitioners including nurses and doctors.Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers
Health education specialists design, implement, and evaluate health-related programs. Community health workers complete similar tasks but typically develop programs for public health agencies instead of schools. Entry-level professionals generally work directly with the public. Leadership positions in this field may require an advanced degree and data analysis skills.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Technicians | $46,340 | 7% |
| Medical Records and Health Information Specialists | $45,240 | 9% |
| Health Education Specialists and Community Health Workers | $48,140 | 17% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Top Online Bachelor's in Health Science Programs
Keiser's bachelor of health science programfeatures upper-division courses on topics like financial issues in healthcare, supervisory skills, and competency-based instruction. The rigorous curriculum helps 100% of graduates find a job soon after graduation, and all alumni who pursue professional certification by examination earn it on the first try.
Students can access career development resources, including one-on-one advising appointments, resume critiques, and mock interviews. Career advisors record on-campus workshops for online learners with busy schedules. Workshop topics include study skills, time management, and professionalism.
Prospective students need an associate degree or at least 24 transferable credits. The program also requires prerequisite courses in lifespan development, English, and microeconomics. Financial aid opportunities include institutional scholarships.
Website
Rutgers' School of Health Professions developed abachelor's degree in health sciencewith three concentrations: aging, healthcare management, and psychiatric rehabilitation. All degree-seekers complete major coursework on topics like interprofessional education, ethics, and cultural issues. Although most courses last 15 weeks, some use an accelerated eight-week format.
The Rutgers career services website offers resources including Handshake and job opportunities. Other virtual services help students hone their professional skills and connect with an alumni mentor.
Admission requirements include a 500-word essay, a resume, and official undergraduate transcripts. The aging and healthcare management tracks require a minimum 2.5 GPA, while the psychiatric rehabilitation track requires a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Website
Situated in Natchitoches, NSU developed its bachelor of health science program with experienced healthcare professionals in mind. Courses cover topics like medical terminology, the foundations of patient care, and how to transition into professional healthcare. The program also concludes with a directed study course where learners complete a supervised research project.
Job-hunting resources for NSU students and alumni include an online job board, Handshake, and career counseling. Students can also access mock interviews and resume assistance.
NSU accepts up to 30 transfer credits toward the degree. All prospective students must possess a license or certification in an allied health discipline. They must also submit an essay and transcripts. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
Website
Bay Path offers online BA and BS in health science degrees for women. Coursework emphasizes strategic planning, ethical and social issues, and information technology and marketing fundamentals.
Bay Path assigns all incoming students a career coach. These professionals introduce degree-seekers to internship opportunities and networking events. Other career resources include the Carpe Diem Career Network, a career portfolio guide, and graduate school application strategies.
Admission requirements include a phone interview, a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA, and at least 12 college credits. Bay Path considers prospective students with fewer credits but asks that they also submit high school transcripts or GED scores.
Website
IUPUI's bachelor's inhealth science programfeatures 100% online and hybrid formats. The 117- to 124-credit curriculum includes courses in medical terminology, elementary statistics, and legal and regulatory aspects. Students complete an internship in the final semester.
Career services advisors offer resume and cover letter guidance, mock interviews, and graduate school application tips. Learners can use the online Student Appointment Scheduler to make an advising appointment.
Incoming IUPUI degree-seekers must complete general education courses with a minimum 2.5 GPA before starting major coursework. The Jaguar Transfer Excellence Award provides $2,000 per year in funding to new degree-seekers who possess a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
Website
MBU offers its hybrid bachelor's in health science program to degree-seekers who live near the university's Staunton, Virginia, campus. Students can earn a BA or a BS and select from four concentrations, including physical therapy and premedical. All students take core courses such as human anatomy and physiology, social science statistics, and introduction to health professions.
Students gain access to resources such as Handshake, informational videos, and guides covering networking skills and career paths. Degree-seekers can also receive resume assistance from the school's career center.
MBU accepts up to 38 transfer credits toward the program. A private university, MBU does not charge out-of-state learners a higher per-credit tuition rate than in-state students. Institutional scholarships award up to $22,000.
Website
GW's bachelor's degree in health science features three concentrations: biomedical informatics, clinical operations and healthcare management, and global leadership in disaster response. Each track requires 60 credits and takes approximately two years to complete. All students take courses on topics like research and writing, introduction to medical informatics, and current issues.
Career coaches offer brief and extended counseling sessions regarding career exploration and different industries. Other helpful services include Handshake and a guide with advice on steps to take before, during, and after an interview.
Admission requirements include an associate degree, a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA, a resume, and a 250-500-word personal statement. Prospective students must also submit one recommendation letter. GW considers all incoming transfer learners for nine institutional scholarships.
Website
SNHU's 100% online bachelor's inhealth science program accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Students take courses on topics like healthcare finance, the ethical and legal considerations of healthcare, and healthcare quality management.
The SNHU website features information regarding job opportunities, career fairs, and resume critiques. The university also posts webinars wherein industry leaders discuss their field and its career opportunities.
Prospective students must possess an associate degree and complete prerequisites in human anatomy and statistics for healthcare professionals. Active-duty military personnel save approximately 33% on tuition compared to civilian learners. SNHU assigns all students a financial aid advisor to help them explore and apply to institutional scholarship opportunities.
Website
Located in Sanford, Seminole State offers a bachelor's in health science degree with seven concentrations, including clinical science, community paramedic, and healthcare management and professional services. All concentrations require the same core courses, such as communications for healthcare professionals, health information systems, and healthcare economics. The degree's capstone involves group work and an internship experience.
Career resources for degree-seekers include career advice videos, job exploration guides, and employability skills seminar booklets. Applicants need an associate degree or at least 60 transferable credits that reflect a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. All institutional aid programs require that incoming learners submit FAFSA results. Seminole State's financial aid advisors help students apply for these awards and research private scholarship opportunities.
Website
UMass Amherst's bachelor's in health science program accepts up to 105 transfer credits. All learners in the program create a custom concentration. Students also take core courses that include healthcare for all, public health communications, and holistic health and healing.
Students can access the UMass Amherst Career Toolkit to learn about how LinkedIn, career fairs, and software suites such as Focus 2 Career can help them find a job before graduation.
Prospective students need at least 12 college credits, a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA, or a bachelor's degree in another academic area. Although a public university, UMass Amherst does not charge out-of-state tuition. Learners interested in institutional financial aid must submit the FAFSA during the application process.
Website
Based in Flagstaff, NAU offers a bachelor's in health science program with seven concentrations, including paramedic care and surgical technology. Students in all concentrations complete core courses in human diseases, fitness wellness, and organization and administration of health services. A capstone experience emphasizes interprofessional teamwork.
Students can access career development resources such as a customizable career progression plan, advising appointments, and workshops covering LinkedIn and personality assessments.
Applicants must possess an associate degree, a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA, and a license in an allied health-related discipline. All online degree-seekers pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency. NAU scholarships award up to full tuition to Arizona residents, and some out-of-state students qualify for up to $4,000 per year in institutional aid.
Website
NU's online bachelor's degree in health science features an optional concentration in health informatics. Students take courses on topics like healthy aging, health education and promotion, and case and outcome management. The program concludes with an allied health capstone project.
Students can turn to career counselors to learn how to negotiate salaries, explore careers, and hone interviewing skills. Students and alumni also receive access to the NU Job Portal, a resource that features open positions throughout the United States. Counselors offer these and other services 100% online.
NU recommends that prospective students earn an associate degree from a California community college before applying. The university's Opportunity Scholarship and Fast-Track Scholarship require a separate application and award funding based on degree-seekers' academic performance and financial need.
Website
MSU's bachelor's in health science program offers concentrations in health services and clinical services. All students take core courses on topics like principles of management, evidence-based healthcare practice, and healthcare organization.
MSU career counselors offer online students numerous services and tools, including an informative blog, personality assessments, and virtual appointments. Degree-seekers can also access free online software, such as GoinGlobal, to explore job opportunities.
All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Institutional scholarships for transfer degree-seekers award $500-$2,500 per year.
Website
Located in Iowa City, UI features a fully online bachelor's in health science degree with a customizable curriculum. Students can select from over 30 lower- and upper-division courses, such as introduction to social psychology, medical and technical terminology, and trauma across the lifespan.
Online learners enjoy access to virtual career resources including microinternship opportunities, career fairs, and job postings. The university also posts online networking and interviewing tips to help students with their online job search.
Prospective students must possess an associate degree or at least 24 transferable credits that reflect a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. All degree-seekers pay the same tuition no matter where they live. UI offers exclusive scholarships for online degree-seekers, and students who maintain a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA qualify for $1,000 in aid.
Website
ODU provides an online bachelor's in health science program that features a mix of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Core courses include population health, the U.S. healthcare delivery system, and managerial epidemiology. The program also offers an optional minor in management that does not lengthen students' time in school.
Students can access online workshops that cover internship opportunities and professionalism tips. Other online resources include resume guides, job-hunting strategies, and graduate school application information.
The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits. Degree-seekers who live outside of Virginia pay approximately 33% more in tuition. Active-duty service members receive an automatic tuition discount. The university awards scholarships based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Website
Situated in Sioux City, Iowa, St. Luke's College offers a fully online bachelor's in health science program. The curriculum includes courses on topics like communication for healthcare professionals, evidence-based practice in healthcare, and health policy and leadership.
Students can download the St. Luke's College Student Handbook to explore the college's numerous success resources, including academic advisors, course descriptions, and online learning tips. The college also provides new degree-seekers with a student orientation guide detailing IT and disability services.
Credentialed healthcare professionals can receive academic credit for their professional experience. New learners must submit the FAFSA to access institutional financial aid.
Website
TUW's bachelor's degree in health science offers three concentrations: health education, healthcare administration, and long-term care. The program uses accelerated, eight-week courses, and all professors possess professional experience in the healthcare field.
Students gain access to career resources such as networking tips, job search strategies, and information on potential career paths. Degree-seekers can also work with a career advisor to discover relevant internship and volunteer opportunities.
All online learners pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. The university's financial aid advisors work with degree-seekers to research federal, private, and institutional financial aid opportunities.
Website
WilmU's bachelor's in health science program includes courses on topics like ethical and legal issues of healthcare, healthcare policy, and the essentials of public health. A capstone course requires learners to perform original research and create an academic portfolio.
Online students can download the Handshake app to review upcoming virtual events, make a career counseling appointment, and research jobs throughout the United States. Other resources include Focus 2 Career, a set of career assessments that help learners identify potential career paths.
Online learners pay a slightly higher tuition rate than on-campus students, but active-duty service members enjoy a tuition discount. The university reviews financial aid applications twice per year.
Website
Located in San Antonio, Texas, UIW features a 120-credit bachelor’s in health science degree with two concentrations: administration and general studies. All students take core courses on topics like HIPAA compliance and certification, healthcare data management, and healthcare ethics and law.
UIW supports students’ professional success by providing them with career advisors, a four-year career guide, and virtual events. Learners can use the O*NET Interest Profiler to discover potential jobs within the healthcare field. Other resources include personality and skills assessments.
Transfer students with fewer than 24 college credits must submit high school transcripts or GED scores. UIW prefers applicants with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Active-duty military personnel save more than 50% on tuition.
Website
Professionals with a healthcare-related associate degree can enroll in PA College's bachelor's inhealth science program. The program offers several concentrations, including healthcare administration, foundations for health informatics, and advanced practice.
Like many top schools for health science students, PA College helps degree-seekers search and apply for jobs. Students and alumni can create an online account to explore open jobs, develop a persuasive resume and cover letter, and access career exploration guides.
Applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts and hold a minimum 2.0 GPA. The college does not charge a higher tuition rate to out-of-state degree-seekers. None of the school's more than 20 scholarships require a separate application.
Website
NMC offers five online bachelor's in health science programs in areas including cardiovascular sonography, imaging science, and respiratory therapy. Typical courses include human anatomy, healthcare collaboration and leadership, and professional ethics.
Students gain access to IT services, mental health counseling, and spiritual advisors. Learners can also access NMC's 150 Keys to Academic Success guide. Other guides cover time management skills and study schedules.
Admission requirements vary by degree, and only the respiratory therapy AS/BS program accepts prospective students without related experience. All prospective learners must submit a personal statement. NMC awards up to $4,500 in automatic merit-based scholarships to new degree-seekers with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Website
ASU offers multiple resources for online students, including career advice, counseling, and time-management coaching. The university also provides specialized services to learners with disabilities and degree-seekers transitioning between military and civilian life.
Out-of-state students pay approximately 40% more in tuition than Arizona residents. More than 80% of ASU degree-seekers qualify for federal, private, and/or institutional financial aid.
Website
SHU's 100% online bachelor's in health science program features seven-week courses and a fully asynchronous format, allowing learners to work full time while earning the degree. Graduates can pursue jobs such as medical assistant, nuclear medicine technologist, and dental hygienist.
SHU career counselors assist students with choosing a major, honing interviewing skills, and preparing for upcoming career fairs. Learners can also receive resume and cover letter critiques and search an online job board.
Prospective students must possess an associate degree or sufficient transfer credit. Learners can earn additional transfer credits by passing challenge exams and providing proof of prior learning. SHU awards multiple scholarships and grants, none of which require learners to submit a separate application.
Website
Professionals with a health science background can pursue WU'shealth science bachelor's degree-completionprogram. The program offers three concentrations: medical imaging, health services administration, and medical laboratory science.
Students can visit the WU career services website to research jobs, take a career status survey, and learn about graduate school. Learners can also use Handshake to sign up for virtual career fairs and network with potential employers. Special events throughout the year include resume roadshows wherein degree-seekers receive feedback on their resumes.
Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. WU charges the same tuition rate to all online learners regardless of residency. Incoming transfer students with a minimum 3.0 GPA qualify for $500-$1,500 per year in automatic scholarships.
Website
Based in Vermillion, USD's bachelor's in health science program offers six concentrations, including healthcare advancement studies, public health, and clinical informatics. All learners take classes on topics like healthcare delivery, leading change, and principles of healthcare.
Online students can log on to Coyote Careers to explore job opportunities. Degree-seekers can also sign up for the university's Biz Bulletin to receive information regarding industry trends. Career advisors provide resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and virtual job-hunting workshops. Financial aid advisors consider all incoming learners for most institutional scholarships.