Best Online Health Sciences Programs
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Editor & Writer
Editor & Writer
Editor & Writer
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An online bachelor's in health sciences program can help prepare you for countless careers in the evolving healthcare sector.
Health sciences programs focus on foundational knowledge in healthcare and medicine. However, these courses of study don't just prepare you for clinical work. Health sciences programs can teach you about leadership, problem-solving, and information management.
A program in health sciences can set you up for a variety of roles, from patient care to research. With this degree, you can find a fulfilling path with opportunities for advancement and the chance to make a significant impact in the field of health sciences.In this guide, we'll cover what a health sciences degree is, what you can expect from an online program, and how to choose the right one.
Featured Online Health Sciences Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Health Sciences Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data
and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
FIU, based in Miami, offers a fully online bachelor of health services administration. Graduates emerge prepared for entry-level roles in health management. The curriculum explores engineering systems and financial management for health organizations, as well as program planning and evaluation.
Students also learn about economics, policies, regulations, and technology. The curriculum includes 60 credits of core general education classes. Applicants must take certain prerequisite courses in accounting, microeconomics, and statistics.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $228 per credit (in-state), $345 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Ohio State offers an online bachelor of science in health sciences program for students planning to work in health-oriented careers. Many graduates pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.
Part of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the program curriculum includes classes in pathophysiology, healthcare delivery, and community and policy influence in society. Students must take certain chemistry, biology, math, physics, and anatomy prerequisites prior to program admission.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $4,859 for 12-18 credits per semester (additional distance learning and out-of-state fees apply)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Optional
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Rutgers offers an online bachelor of science in health sciences. The degree-completion program requires an associate degree and builds on previous coursework and job experience in the healthcare field.
Students choose from three tracks: aging, healthcare management, or psychiatric rehabilitation. The curriculum includes classes in communication, patient advocacy, and a practicum course. Applicants must submit transcripts of previous college-level coursework as well as a resume and proof of a healthcare professional license.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $472 per credit (in-state), $709 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Length: 2 years (full-time)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: Varies by track
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
UWF provides an online health sciences bachelor of science degree program. Students take 60 general education credits and 60 major credits in areas such as the principles of human disease, health ethics and professionalism, and a health sciences capstone course.
Applicants must hold a minimum 2.5 GPA in previous college-level coursework, complete all prerequisites with a grade of C or higher, and be at the sophomore level prior to admission.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $219 per credit (in-state), $648 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
FAU offers an interdisciplinary bachelor of arts in health science with concentrations in geriatrics, women's health, public/global/environmental health, science, and behavioral and mental health.
Applicants must meet the admissions requirements for the university as well as prerequisites for the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. Graduates pursue careers in areas such as rehabilitation, physical training, and microbiology.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $203 per credit (in-state), $722 per credit (out-of-state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Mizzou offers a bachelor of health science in health science. Built for non-clinical healthcare work, the program prepares students for careers in human services, corporate wellness, physical therapy, or public health.
Applicants choose from four tracks: health and wellness services, leadership and policy, pre-professional, and rehabilitation science. While all applicants are welcome, Mizzou's program caters to those who already have some college credit and experience working in the healthcare field.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $26,852 annually (transfers); $49,230 annually (first-year students)
- Program Length: 4 years (or fewer for transfers)
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes (optional)
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
UW-Oshkosh offers an online, self-paced, bachelor's degree completion program in health sciences. Classes include client diversity, an introduction to diagnostic medicine, and complementary and alternative medicine. Courses run in a subscription-style format with 12-week sessions. Students submit transcripts of their undergraduate coursework or proof of an associate degree.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $2,250 flat rate (all-you-can-learn option); $1,125 per course (single-course option)
- Program Length: 2 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 60 credits
- Degree Completion Program: Yes
- Instruction style: Asynchronous
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Florence, University of North Alabama offers an undergraduate bachelor of science degree in health science. The program prepares students to work in non-clinical healthcare settings.
Students must hold a 2.0 minimum GPA to gain acceptance into the program, be accepted into UNA, and declare the applied health science degree as their official major. A health administration track is also available in the program and it provides 100% online classes in an 8-week format.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $320 (in-state), $640 (out-of-state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Format: Online
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Clemson University
Clemson, SC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Clemson, located in South Carolina, offers students a bachelor of science in health sciences through its Department of Public Health Sciences. The degree, situated with a foundation of public health, prepares students for careers in hospitals, health agencies, or for careers in dentistry, medicine, or occupational therapy.
Coursework includes four core courses and four concentration choices in health services administration, health promotion and behavior, pre-professional studies in health, or language and international health.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $657 (in-state); $1,657 (out-of-state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 or more (varies based on concentration)
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Format: Hybrid
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Fort Meyers, Florida, FGCU offers an online bachelor of science in health sciences degree program for undergraduates. The degree curriculum allows all upper-division courses to be taken completely online through web-based learning.
Students must complete 48 credits of the upper-level classes and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA to remain in the health science program. Classes include healthcare policy in the United States, gerontology, and financial management.
Program Snapshot
- Program URL: Visit Program
- Cost per Credit: $204 (in-state); $839 (out-of-state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Total Credits Required to Graduate: 120 credits
- Degree Completion Program: No
- Format: Hybrid
- School Status: Public
- School Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
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In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
What Is a Health Sciences Degree?
A health sciences degree program is a science-based course of study that focuses on the physical and behavioral health of humans. It provides a broad educational foundation in healthcare-related subjects, preparing you for entry-level healthcare roles or graduate studies in fields like medicine, dentistry, and physical therapy.
It may cover health promotion, disease prevention, and medical ethics, among other subjects, and is ideal for those interested in working in the fast-paced and growing field of healthcare. But what exactly does an online health sciences program look like?
What to Expect From an Online Health Sciences Program
Online health sciences programs usually offer a blend of core and specialized courses. Core subjects typically include biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. Specialized studies can cover healthcare administration, ethics in healthcare, and health information systems.
In an online bachelor's in health sciences program, you are typically required to earn 120 credits to graduate. The program takes about four years to complete. By transferring credits from previous studies, such as an associate degree program, you may be able to earn your bachelor's more quickly.
If you're interested in the technology and data aspects of healthcare, want to pursue leadership positions, or desire to impact your community, this degree may be a good fit for you.
Concentrated areas of study might be available to give you a more comprehensive understanding of particular health sciences areas.
Areas of focus include:
- Gerontology
- Social and behavioral health
- Community health
- Health information and technology
- Healthcare administration
- Pharmaceutical
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Health Sciences Program?
Overview of Healthcare Systems
This course offers an overview of the healthcare system. You also learn the basics of anatomy.
Ethics of Healthcare
The healthcare field has its own set of legal and ethical challenges, and you need to know these pressure points. This course also addresses healthcare availability and its impact on underserved communities.
Healthcare Management
This course focuses on reducing costs and waste, ultimately teaching you how to make an entire healthcare operation run smoothly. It's a great prep course if you're considering pursuing a master's in healthcare administration.
Biostatistics/Informatics
This course is all about research and using data to inform healthcare systems and improve policies. It teaches you data analysis and how to present your findings.
Finances of Healthcare
In the U.S., healthcare spending reached $4.5 trillion in 2022. This course teaches you about financial management within the healthcare sector and how to interpret efficiency options that can save money.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
How to Choose an Online Health Sciences Program
Choosing the right online health sciences program can seem daunting, but by considering a few key factors, you can make the decision process much easier. Here are some things you should pay attention to when considering different online health sciences programs:
-
Cost
Tuition for online health sciences programs can vary significantly depending on a number of factors. Public schools often have lower tuition rates than private institutions, and in-state students typically pay less than those from out of state.
In 2021-2022, the average cost of tuition and required fees at in-state public colleges and universities was around $9,596, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The average cost at private colleges was $34,041. Additionally, some schools may charge extra fees for online learners. It's important to consider these factors and make sure the health sciences programs you're interested in fit within your budget. -
Program Format
Not all online health sciences programs are created equal. Some offer fully online coursework, while others may require some on-campus experiences. Similarly, some programs may be self paced, allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule, while others follow a more traditional semester format. Be sure to choose a program format that fits with your learning style and commitments. -
Location
While location may seem irrelevant for online programs, it can still play a role in your decision. Some online programs may have on-campus requirements, and even fully online programs may offer local networking or internship opportunities.
Additionally, if you ever need to visit campus for any reason, it's nice to be within a reasonable distance. Lastly, some schools may charge higher tuition rates for out-of-state students, even for online programs. -
Accreditation
Choosing an accredited online health sciences program is essential. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality and that employers and other educational institutions will recognize the degree you earn. -
Student Support
When choosing an online health sciences program, look for ones that offer strong student support services. This can include academic advising, career services, tech support, and library resources. Having access to these services can greatly enhance your online learning experience and set you up for success.
Featured Online Health Sciences Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Admission Requirements for an Online Health Sciences Program
Different schools and programs may have different admission requirements. Here are some of the standard ones:
-
Application
Each online college and university provides clear guidance for filling out the application, generally by degree and/or department. Applications are usually filled out and submitted online. -
Test Scores
You may need to submit ACT or SAT scores as part of your application. Not every college or university requires them, and some schools are test-optional. -
Letters of Recommendation
You may be asked to submit 1-3 letters of recommendation. They are not always a requirement; however, it can't hurt to have a few of them ready with your application. You want to request letters from people who can comment on your academic background, such as teachers and school counselors. -
Essays
If an application essay is required, it can give admissions officials a chance to get to know you and help you stand out from other candidates. It can also demonstrate your writing ability. Find out if an essay is required and follow the school's guidelines. -
Official Transcripts
You should be prepared to submit official copies of your school transcripts — from your high school or from past colleges you attended. Schools might require a minimum GPA or a certain score on a GED exam for admittance.
What Can You Do With a Health Sciences Degree?
With a health sciences degree, you can find work in a vast array of fields within the healthcare industry. This could include positions in hospitals, private practices, nursing homes, health departments, and other healthcare facilities.
Other common roles graduates with this degree pursue include healthcare administrator, health educator, natural sciences manager, and health services manager. The diversity and flexibility of a health sciences degree can make it an excellent choice for those who want to make a difference in the healthcare industry.
Career Outlook
An online bachelor's degree in health sciences can be a launchpad to dozens of different high-demand jobs. The healthcare sector is experiencing faster-than-average job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 1.8 million new jobs to be added in the healthcare field over the next decade.
Many careers in health sciences also offer competitive salaries above the national median.
| Job | Median Salary (2022) | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $57,380 | 5% |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $66,450 | 7% |
| Health Education Specialists | $59,990 | 7% |
| Natural Science Managers | $144,440 | 5% |
Continuing Education
If you're hoping to further your education, a health sciences degree can act as a stepping stone to a range of postgraduate programs. Further education can lead to more advanced roles in the healthcare industry and has the potential to significantly increase earning potential.
You could pursue a master's degree in health sciences or other healthcare areas like public health, healthcare administration, and health informatics. Remember, though, that graduate school is a big commitment and should be carefully considered. Graduate certificates in certain healthcare fields may also be a good option.
Is a Health Sciences Degree Worth It?
A health sciences degree can certainly be worth it, depending on your career goals and interests. The healthcare industry is growing rapidly, and there is a high demand for trained professionals. By earning a health sciences degree, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this dynamic field, or you can use it to set yourself up for graduate school.
From clinical roles to administrative positions, a health sciences degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities in healthcare, many of which offer competitive salaries and strong job growth projections.
Featured Online Health Sciences Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Health Sciences Degrees
Is a health sciences degree useful?
A health sciences degree is valued for its versatility in the healthcare field, but it may require additional education for advanced positions. It's also industry-specific, which could limit job prospects outside health science. The degree also involves long study hours and can lead to jobs with long, irregular hours. However, if you're dedicated to health sciences, these obstacles can be overcome for a fulfilling career.
Ultimately, a health sciences degree can lead to many career opportunities in a growing field, and the degree can also be a stepping stone for advanced studies in healthcare professions.
What jobs can you get with a health sciences degree?
With a health sciences degree, you can pursue a variety of careers within the healthcare industry. This could include roles such as a health educator, respiratory therapist, nutritionist, community health worker, healthcare administrator, or medical laboratory scientist. Careers in nutrition and respiratory therapy may require additional training and certification.
Employment opportunities are found across various environments, such as hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and private sector companies. The versatility of a health sciences degree makes it an excellent choice for those who want to make a difference in the field of healthcare.
How much can you make with a health sciences degree?
Salaries can vary significantly due to the wide range of career options available with a health sciences degree. For example, in May 2022, health education specialists and community health workers made median annual salaries of $59,990 and $46,190, respectively, according to the BLS. Dietitians and nutritionists made a median annual wage of $66,450.
Entry-level positions might start in the lower to middle range, but with time and further education, these figures can increase substantially. It's important to research your chosen career path and regional area to get a clearer idea of potential earnings in the health sciences field.
What's the difference between a BA and a BS in health sciences?
A bachelor of arts in this field typically focuses more on the philosophy of health, while a bachelor of science is more about the scientific and practical aspects of healthcare. Both can help prepare students for a wide range of jobs.
