A bachelor’s degree in health science prepares students for careers in the ever-evolving and in-demand healthcare field. For students who aspire to work in healthcare but are still determining their specialization, a health science degree provides foundational knowledge and opportunities to explore the pathway that best aligns. The degree is also a viable option for professionals with an associate degree or certificate who want to further their careers.
Students gain extensive knowledge in healthcare, and graduates go on to work in the pharmaceutical industry, health-related nonprofit organizations, patient education, and diagnostic laboratories. Medical and health services managers earn an average salary of $110,680 per year, clinical laboratory technologists and technicians earn an average of $60,780, and dieticians and nutritionists average $69,680.
Completing the requisite 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree in health science can take up to four years — tuition and fees for the program average $14,688 annually.
How to Choose a Bachelor’s in Health Science Degree Program
Choose your area of study
A bachelor’s in health science degree leads to many different career paths. Consider your career goals and personal aspirations, and choose a program that aligns. Specializations include:
- Health information and technology or health informatics
- Healthcare administration, management, or leadership
- Social and behavioral health science
- Biological health science
- Health and media focus
- Laboratory management
- Health legislation and regulation
There are also programs designed to prepare you for post-graduate work as a:
- Chiropractor
- Physician assistant
- Physical therapist
- Occupational therapist
- Environmental health and safety specialist
Research schools and programs
As you begin your research, focus on regionally or nationally accredited programs and schools. Accreditation impacts potential credit transfers, employment opportunities, and your ability to qualify for federal funding. The Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) is one of many accreditation bodies.
Visit the campus and program facilities to learn about the finer details of the school and program. Attend an in-person or virtual information session or make an appointment with an admissions counselor or program representative to gain insights or answers to specific questions.
Prepare for tests and applications
You can apply to a bachelor’s degree in health science program through the institution’s website. Most institutions use an online admissions portal, but the exact process varies by school.
Standard application materials include:
- Application form and fees
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or essay
Contact an admissions counselor for information on deadlines, program requirements, and ways to strengthen your application.
Select your program
Review your goals and logistical needs before making your final selection, especially if multiple institutions have accepted your application. Consider your circumstances, career goals, and logistical needs, including:
- School culture
- Cost
- Program length
- On or off-campus living
Factor in your ideal schedule – will you work part-time? Does the program have options for full or part-time enrollment? Is it in-person or online? Does a synchronous or asynchronous online model work better for you?
Take these factors into account, and contact an academic advisor for guidance on finding the right fit.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Create a budget to determine how much financial assistance you’ll need for your degree. Include tuition, fees, materials, housing, transportation, food, and entertainment. Once you have a clear understanding of your expenses, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal, state, or school-level funding, including grants and scholarships.
The healthcare field is one of the fastest growing in the United States. If you’re currently working, your employer may participate in a tuition reimbursement program. These programs usually involve a post-graduate work term contract and consider your work performance.
Best 50 Accredited Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list covers bachelor’s programs that prepare students for administrative and clinical roles in healthcare as well as future academic studies. Degrees offered include Bachelor of Science in health science, Bachelor of Science in applied health science, and Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary health sciences. Students can choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid learning formats.
All of the schools on this list are approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) or the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Accreditation ensures that programs meet high academic standards and effectively prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect From a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Degree Program?
A bachelor’s in health science degree program focuses on non-clinical applications of healthcare knowledge. The curriculum combines hard science, social science, and humanities courses, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. Courses include advanced scientific research, strategies for collaborating with stakeholders, and tactics to enhance health outcomes.
It takes most students about four years to complete a bachelor’s in health science program. Generally, most programs are 120 credits, but if you have an associate degree in an allied health field, you can transfer up to 60 credits.
Most programs use learning methods such as lectures, case studies, exams, research papers, and capstone projects.
Potential courses you’ll take in a bachelor’s in health science degree program
- Health Science Research Design and Writing. Students learn research design, methods, and standards, including different research methods. Students develop an understanding of how to conduct research with human participants.
- Health Psychology. This course discusses patients’ psychological responses to chronic and terminal illnesses and examines the interactions between physicians and patients. Students also delve into the factors involved in physical disease and healthcare using a multidisciplinary model.
- Medical Sociology. This course examines the healthcare industry, emphasizing socio-cultural aspects and the organization and delivery of healthcare services. Discussions include current problems and issues in the field.
- Healthcare Quality Management. This course introduces the operations and management of healthcare organizations and focuses on analyzing cycle times, streamlining process flows, tracking outcomes and performance metrics, and improving processes and health outcomes.
- Health Law and Regulation. Students learn the policy choices and constitutional limits that impact the current legal environment in U.S. healthcare, including regulating pharmaceuticals, allocating scarce healthcare resources, and public health.
Bachelor’s in Health Science Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a bachelor's in health science degree program?
To apply for a bachelor’s in health science degree program, review the school’s website. If payment is required, be prepared to submit your fee with the completed application. Most applications require official transcripts, test scores, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
The application process varies by school and program. For the most accurate information, speak with an admissions advisor before submitting your material.
How much does a bachelor's in health science degree cost?
The average yearly tuition for a bachelor’s in health science is $14,688. Tuition varies between public, private, and online schools and programs. Most courses range from three to four credits and $350 to $400 per course.
Expect additional costs, such as books, supplies, and tech fees. You should also plan for your housing, transportation, food, and personal expenses. Grants, scholarships, and loans will lower your total out-of-pocket expenses.
How long does it take to earn a bachelor's in health science degree?
A bachelor’s degree in health science can take up to four years to complete the 120 required credits. Online programs can shorten or extend your studies by offering flexibility with course completion dates. Part-time enrollment will extend the program length but allow students who work full-time a chance to attain their degree while working.
Students with applicable transfer credits can also complete the program in less time. Students who choose a dual-track bachelor’s and master’s program can obtain both degrees in five years.