Overview of a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences


The healthcare and health science fields are expanding rapidly, fueled by population growth, an aging demographic, and broader insurance access. This surge increases demand for skilled clinicians, health service managers, and professionals specializing in telehealth innovations. Pursuing one of the best online bachelor's in health science degrees can prepare you for a dynamic and rewarding career in this high-demand industry.

Earning a bachelor’s in health science—online, in-person, or through a hybrid program—is an excellent step into the booming healthcare industry. Whether you choose an administrative or clinical focus, your degree showcases your dedication to patient care and the health sector. Explore the best online bachelor’s in health science degrees to find flexible programs or traditional pathways that prepare you for roles in community health, medical services, and beyond.

A bachelor’s in health science, whether online or traditional, is a versatile degree with various concentrations. You can choose a clinical focus, such as nursing, physical therapy, or medical imaging, or an administrative track, which is often more accessible for online learners.

Future healthcare administrators can specialize in areas such as healthcare finance, marketing, or management. With the flexibility of online programs, students can also focus on sectors like public health, allied health, or medical services. Choosing the right health science degree program ensures you gain the skills needed to excel in this rapidly growing industry. Whether you're pursuing a career in healthcare administration or a specialized field, an online bachelor's degree in health science offers the foundation for success.

PROS

An online bachelor's in health science is an excellent step toward a rewarding career. This degree simplifies your job search, as employers value the dedication demonstrated by completing a health sciences program.

Once you have your four-year degree under your belt, you will have a foundation on which to build further credentials. Relative to those with an associate health science degree, you can achieve more professional certificates and apply for graduate school, as well. There are a huge number of graduate degree programs available for online learners or those looking for hybrid programs. All of these programs offer equal access to financial aid, though other students services could be difficult to access for online students.

An administrative focus in health science provides specialized knowledge for healthcare settings, unlike general management or marketing degrees, which require additional training. This degree equips you with the skills needed to excel in hospitals or medical offices.

CONS

While a health science degree has many benefits, it also has drawbacks. A graduate degree is often needed for advanced roles; for example, physical or occupational therapists require further education to practice fully. Community health managers may qualify with a bachelor's but need significant experience and development.

If you concentrate on healthcare management or marketing, you will likely need to return to school to complete an online graduate degree by way of one of the appropriate health science programs. If you only have a four-year degree, you are unlikely to make it to upper management or the C-suites.

Finally, you might determine that you don't wish to work in the health science field or find that there are few healthcare jobs or job growth available in your area. Since your degree is specifically focused on a single industry, employers might be wary about giving you a shot in their industry based on your existing knowledge and skills.

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Certificate vs. Bachelor's in Health Science


What Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?


  • Bachelor of Arts in Health Science
    A BA in Health Science can mean many different things. However, it will most likely indicate that the coursework is geared primarily towards those seeking an administrative function in healthcare, such as those working in public health or as health service managers with allied health services. These are some of the easiest online degrees to find in this field.
  • Bachelor of Science in Health Science
    Typically, BS degrees indicate a course of study that focuses on analytical or STEM subjects. If you are focused on a clinical medical and health career track, such as respiratory therapy or treatment of chronic diseases, you will likely seek a BS degree. Because these degrees have some hands-on learning components, they are harder to find through online programs, though there may be some hybrid programs available, with online and in-person courses.
  • Bachelor of Applied Arts in Health Science
    A BAA degree is generally focused on administrative subjects such as management or marketing. Applied degrees are also typically more difficult to use when you apply to graduate school, as the coursework in this type of health science program has an occupational rather than academic focus.
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Science
    This degree type is geared towards grooming students for a job. Applied science degrees might concentrate on the clinical side from an occupational standpoint. That means that you may need to take or re-take courses if you decide to pursue a graduate degree later.

Admission Requirements


Depending on your school, and the individual department you wish to join, you will need to submit a high school transcript, SAT or ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and an entrance essay that details something about your future goals. Some schools ask that you apply to enter their health science program for your junior and senior years. In that case, you may need to have passed certain prerequisite courses and achieved a minimum GPA. There may even be more requirements, so consult with a program adviser so ensure that you meet their standards.

How long does it take to earn these degrees?


Most bachelor's degree programs are designed to take four years to complete. This standard structure usually involves summers off between school years, and a certain number of courses per term to stay on track. However, you can shorten this time frame by taking courses through the summer term or taking a heavier load each semester.

However, more often students take six years or longer to complete their baccalaureate degrees in health sciences. You should try to avoid this. Make a plan with a reasonable target date for graduation. Allow yourself enough time to breathe, but also stay focused on completing your degree. When you prioritize school and your career you will find more success, sooner.

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Potential Careers in Health Sciences with a Bachelor’s


  • Surgical Technician
    This highly important clinical position reports to a registered nurse in the surgical theater. In this occupation you will be on hand to anticipate the needs of the doctors and nurses. You might be on hand to provide surgical instruments, special linens and cloths, wipe sweaty brows, and also prepare for an operation. This vital profession earns an average salary of $44,900.
  • Physical Therapy Assistant
    Physical therapists need doctoral degrees, but you can work as an assistant with your Bachelor's in Health Sciences. You will help patients re-learn to walk, fit them for prosthetics, or assist people as they learn to perform certain therapeutic exercises. You might later wish to pursue your doctoral degree and become a licensed physical therapist, but in the meantime, assistants are earning a healthy average salary of $50,600.
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant
    Occupational therapists help people learn to cope with their various abilities and disabilities. OTs need a master's degree to achieve full licensure, but you can work as an OT assistant with your bachelor's degree. This rewarding career is practiced in a wide range of inpatient and outpatient environments. OT assistants are currently earning an average salary of $46,000.
  • Claims Reviewer
    You'll need special training in health science to work with insurance claims from doctors. Your knowledge of medical codes will be particularly helpful in this occupation. You might even need to conduct investigations from time to time, or audit claims from specific providers to ensure that the claims are all valid. Your specialty degree and hard work can earn an average of $37,000 in today's job market.
  • Health Educator
    Health educators are a vital part of patient outcomes. Your work will help inform patients of all sorts as to the risks associated with certain diseases, behaviors, or injuries. You can also educate people as to the best practices for treating a disease, injury, or other condition. Health educators work in a variety of hospitals and clinics. They earn an average salary of $46,200.

Options to Advance


To get the most out of a career in healthcare, you will certainly need a degree. A degree in health science will help you advance far beyond what might be possible with a certificate or associate degree. Your baccalaureate degree will put you in a position where you can take more command of your career, as the degree will open more opportunities. These advanced opportunities will come with higher pay, as well as greater responsibility.

Your baccalaureate degree will also make more certificates and licenses available to you. You'll be invited to join more professional associations, too. Perhaps most importantly, a bachelor’s of health science degree paves the way to a health science graduate degree and the vast opportunities that become available at that point.

Top 25 Best Online Bachelors in Health Science Programs


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,859
    • Out-of-State:$38,365
  • Net Price: $19,582
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 88%
  • Total Enrollment: 60,540
  • Undergrad Students: 46,123
  • Graduate Students: 14,417
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Ohio State University
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2

Kettering College

Score: 78.83

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,672
    • Out-of-State:$15,672
  • Net Price: $16,398
  • Acceptance Rate: 34%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 832
  • Undergrad Students: 645
  • Graduate Students: 187
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Kettering College
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3
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $45,683
    • Out-of-State:$45,683
  • Net Price: $28,110
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,286
  • Undergrad Students: 3,771
  • Graduate Students: 4,515
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Thomas Jefferson University
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4
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,051
    • Out-of-State:$32,193
  • Net Price: $14,808
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 80,065
  • Undergrad Students: 65,492
  • Graduate Students: 14,573
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Arizona State University
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5
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,130
    • Out-of-State:$34,338
  • Net Price: $19,889
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,304
  • Undergrad Students: 23,745
  • Graduate Students: 7,559
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Missouri-Columbia
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6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,570
    • Out-of-State:$30,582
  • Net Price: $20,149
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 41,155
  • Undergrad Students: 29,663
  • Graduate Students: 11,492
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Cincinnati
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7
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,954
    • Out-of-State:$28,631
  • Net Price: $21,296
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 37,348
  • Undergrad Students: 30,952
  • Graduate Students: 6,396
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • Louisiana State University
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8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,360
    • Out-of-State:$19,241
  • Net Price: $8,609
  • Acceptance Rate: 48%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,521
  • Undergrad Students: 9,291
  • Graduate Students: 4,230
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • The University of West Florida
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9

MCPHS University

Score: 70.28

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $38,850
    • Out-of-State:$38,850
  • Net Price: $38,776
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 61%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,824
  • Undergrad Students: 3,522
  • Graduate Students: 3,302
  • Grads Salary: $97,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • MCPHS University
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10
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,896
    • Out-of-State:$21,480
  • Net Price: $7,259
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 15,801
  • Undergrad Students: 10,776
  • Graduate Students: 5,025
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Northern Kentucky University
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11
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,118
    • Out-of-State:$25,162
  • Net Price: $10,834
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 15,969
  • Undergrad Students: 14,130
  • Graduate Students: 1,839
  • Grads Salary: $63,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Florida Gulf Coast University
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12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $37,080
    • Out-of-State:$37,080
  • Net Price: $29,589
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 20,948
  • Undergrad Students: 6,971
  • Graduate Students: 13,977
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Nova Southeastern University
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13

Pacific University

Score: 67.52

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $54,466
    • Out-of-State:$54,466
  • Net Price: $33,472
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,559
  • Undergrad Students: 1,639
  • Graduate Students: 1,920
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Pacific University
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14
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,990
    • Out-of-State:$22,190
  • Net Price: $9,837
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,830
  • Undergrad Students: 7,214
  • Graduate Students: 2,616
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of North Alabama
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15
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,648
    • Out-of-State:$18,720
  • Net Price: $11,682
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Total Enrollment: 15,958
  • Undergrad Students: 10,153
  • Graduate Students: 5,805
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Texas Woman's University
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16

Herzing University-Minneapolis

Score: 65.5

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,420
    • Out-of-State:$13,420
  • Net Price: $19,527
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 815
  • Undergrad Students: 808
  • Graduate Students: 7
  • Grads Salary: $60,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Herzing University-Minneapolis
17

Radford University

Score: 65.37

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,286
    • Out-of-State:$25,185
  • Net Price: $17,105
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,718
  • Undergrad Students: 6,008
  • Graduate Students: 1,710
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Radford University
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18
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,432
    • Out-of-State:$12,942
  • Net Price: $18,378
  • Acceptance Rate: 99%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,856
  • Undergrad Students: 7,132
  • Graduate Students: 2,724
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of South Dakota
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19
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,353
    • Out-of-State:$25,892
  • Net Price: $12,827
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,910
  • Undergrad Students: 7,604
  • Graduate Students: 3,306
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Eastern Washington University
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20
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,020
    • Out-of-State:$22,020
  • Net Price: $16,551
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,676
  • Undergrad Students: 18,348
  • Graduate Students: 4,328
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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21
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,600
    • Out-of-State:$14,600
  • Net Price: $17,068
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,249
  • Undergrad Students: 413
  • Graduate Students: 1,836
  • Grads Salary: $61,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Touro University Worldwide
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22
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,101
    • Out-of-State:$10,996
  • Net Price: $17,001
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,242
  • Undergrad Students: 6,901
  • Graduate Students: 2,341
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • West Texas A&M University
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23
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,173
    • Out-of-State:$9,266
  • Net Price: $12,365
  • Acceptance Rate: 98%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,883
  • Undergrad Students: 5,314
  • Graduate Students: 569
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Nicholls State University
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24

Indiana University-Southeast

Score: 63.15

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,179
    • Out-of-State:$22,043
  • Net Price: $8,264
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 61%
  • Graduation Rate: 35%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,672
  • Undergrad Students: 3,227
  • Graduate Students: 445
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Indiana University-Southeast
25
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,118
    • Out-of-State:$17,258
  • Net Price: $15,456
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,913
  • Undergrad Students: 7,994
  • Graduate Students: 1,919
  • Grads Salary: $62,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of Central Arkansas
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Frequently Asked Questions


Would it be worth it to complete a dual degree program?

The short answer is that it is not necessary to complete a dual degree if your main degree goal is health science. This degree alone is enough to help you gain access to available positions and further education. However, if you are halfway into your degree and you decide that you’d like to have a more specialized focus, there’s also no need to throw away the credit hours you’ve already earned. Some of the best options at that point may be to earn a dual degree in health science and public health, health administration, or another related degree. This can give you more in-depth knowledge in the field and provide you with more job opportunities after graduation, even in competitive markets.

Can I shift into a new field if I choose to earn a master’s degree later?

The short answer to this question is yes. There are many master’s degrees programs, even in the health field, that only require you to have a related undergraduate in order to gain admission. However, it’s important to know going in that you are probably going to need to complete some prerequisites that you may not have taken in your undergraduate program. This will depend on your choice of master’s degree, what program you want to enter, and other specifics, but you can gain access to these programs by completing prerequisites or through life experience in many cases, so there’s no reason to give up.

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