Quick Highlights:
- Our #1 ranking college for an online degree in health science is University of Missouri-Columbia, followed by University of South Dakota.
- Health sciences focus on improving human and animal health through research and practical application.
- Technology advancements are increasing the demand for health science professionals.
- A degree in health sciences opens career opportunities in various healthcare fields.
- Programs offer flexible online options, accommodating working professionals.
Make your mark and improve the health of all living beings with one of the best online health science degrees.
There will always be a need for skilled professionals who understand the science of human and animal health. Whether you are interested in researching and discovering breakthroughs within the health sciences, or you want to apply that research to improve health conditions in all living things, this is where you should further your education.
The healthcare industry is only becoming more advanced as technology continues to rise. There’s no better way to get involved in this than obtaining a degree in health sciences.
Related Resource: What is a Bachelor’s Degree?
What are the Best Health Science Programs Online?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue, but you may not know where to start. The editors of CollegeRank utilize a unique ranking methodology based on the following three aspects:
40% Potential Salary After Graduation: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
30% Institutional Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year
30% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
Related Resource: Top Clinical Research Masters Degrees Online
University of Missouri-Columbia
The University of Missouri – Columbia’s health science degree online prepares students for a variety of healthcare careers, such as:
- clinical data managers
- health educators
- pharmaceutical sales representatives
Others go on to pursue advanced degrees in other areas. Students can complete their coursework without ever setting foot on campus. However, some science classes required for a graduate-level degree might only be available on campus.
The online health sciences program covers topics like:
- health professions
- public health principles and practice
- research methods
Students also complete a required clinical ethics course and a hands-on capstone project. They have their choice of 18 credits for electives, which provides the flexibility to tailor learning toward specific career interests within the healthcare field.
The online health science degree program includes 120 credit hours. Admission requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 and submission of either SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students may bring up to 56 credits to the program, which greatly reduces the number of hours needed for completion at the University of Missouri-Columbia. A tuition discount is available for:
- military veterans
- military dependents
- active-duty military members
- students who hold degrees from community colleges
University of South Dakota
The online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program from the University of South Dakota can be personalized to meet your unique interests.
Required coursework includes:
- Major Issues in Health and Human Services
- Healthcare Delivery
- Technology in Care Delivery
Graduates of USD’s online health sciences program either go on to entry-level jobs in the expanding healthcare field or continue their studies in a graduate-level program.
The healthcare advancement studies program focuses on working health professionals who already have an associate degree. The undergraduate clinical informatics concentration focuses on the use of electronic health records to improve our health care system. The public health track educates students for careers in epidemiology research and issues in public health access. Lastly, the research option prepares students for research in various aspects of health and medicine, including:
- epidemiology
- health disparities
- biostatistics
Founded in 1862, USD is the oldest college in the state and has educated more than 70,000 alumni.
Ohio State University-Main Campus
The Ohio State University’s 100% online bachelor’s degree in health sciences gives students the foundational knowledge they need for a broad range of careers in health care. Students also have the option to take general education courses at OSU, or transfer credits from elsewhere, to save money on tuition.
OSU health science students take classes on individual differences in patient populations, health promotion and disease prevention, and the application of ethical decision-making in health care. The program allows students to choose a minor from topics such as medical laboratory science and integrative approaches to health and wellness. The program is a part of the OSU Medical School, so students have access to world-renowned faculty and mentors at one of the top public universities in the United States. Tuition rates are the lowest for online students based in Ohio.
The program requires students to complete 120 credit hours, at least 30 of which must be completed at OSU. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and submission of either SAT or ACT scores.
The college consistently ranks as one of the top universities for online degrees, with over half a million alumni across the globe. It currently enrolls more than 68,000 students across all of its campuses.
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University offers over 70 associate and bachelor’s degrees and enrolls around 14,000 students per year. The school’s fully online BS in health science allows students to complete the program in as few as 12 months. The program aims to enroll working professionals who already have an associate degree. Students can complete the rest of the courses needed for a bachelor’s degree online.
The courses and lectures work well for distance learners who don’t have the time to come to campus. Students take courses in:
- health informatics
- healthcare management
- issues in chronic disease management
Distance learners in this degree completion program develop a deep understanding of health science, which is both practical and applicable to the healthcare industry. Students are called upon to analyze health data and ethical and legal issues and to discuss relevant research in the industry.
To be eligible for this program, students must have earned an associate degree in a healthcare discipline with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.3. The program encompasses 120 credit hours.
NKU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Rutgers University’s online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree offers three concentrations:
- Aging Studies
- Healthcare Management
- Psychiatric Rehabilitation
Students learn what it’s like to work in a collaborative professional environment and always put the interests of patients first. They have the option of choosing from full 15-week courses or a limited number of courses offered in 8-week sessions. Both options are available to full- and part-time students. Rutgers expects most students to study part-time, since the program targets working professionals. Students are allotted a maximum of eight years to finish the program.
Required core coursework includes topics such as:
- health care organizations
- cultural issues
- scientific inquiry
The remaining coursework depends on the student’s chosen track. Students also complete a four-credit field practicum tailored to their career interests. Rutgers allows distance learners to complete the practicum outside the state of New Jersey.
To be eligible for this program, students must have already earned an associate degree from an accredited allied health education program with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, though students applying for the psychiatric rehabilitation concentration must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. Candidates must also submit two letters of recommendation. Students in the program must complete 120 credit hours.
Arizona State University-Tempe
Arizona State University is unique, in that it prepares students with highly relevant information for the dynamic field of health care. The program offers coursework in:
- Applied Medical/Health Care Ethics
- Historical and Contemporary Issues in Health
- Cultural Aspects of Health
Graduates go on to careers in health education, community health, and wellness.
The online health science program is offered through the university’s College of Health Solutions. The degree is tailored toward students who already have an Associate of Applied Science degree.
The school’s partnerships with the Mayo Clinic, HonorHealth, Dignity Health, and Barrow Neurological Institute offer great professional networking opportunities for students.
The program requires students to complete 120 credit hours. Prospective students need a minimum 3.0 GPA minimum in competency courses and must submit either SAT (reasoning score of 1120 for Arizona residents, 1180 for nonresidents) or ACT scores (22 for residents, 24 for nonresidents).
The University of West Florida
The University of West Florida’s online Bachelor of Science in Health is a flexible program that can be completed from anywhere.
The program is offered through the Usha Kundu, M.D. College of Health’s Department of Health Sciences and Administration. Major courses include:
- Understanding U.S. Healthcare
- Introduction to Global Health Sciences
- Current Topics in Health Informatics
Students also participate in a health science research lecture seminar.
The program follows an online structure for both local Pensacola students and distance learners. Faculty provide students with instruction on epidemiology, physiology, and resources for internships and research fellowships. This program is a good fit for students who:
- want to break into the healthcare field
- already have a career they want to advance
- wish to continue their studies into graduate school in areas like physical therapy or healthcare administration
The program requires students to complete 120 credit hours. Admission depends on a minimum 2.5 GPA and submission of either SAT or ACT scores.
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University’s online bachelor’s degree in health sciences helps position students to achieve their goals, whether they are working professionals with an associate degree or fresh out of high school. The program offers two concentrations:
- Health Sciences-Allied Health
- Health Services Leadership and Management
The Health Services Leadership and Management option is for those planning to work in home and community-based services. The Allied Health track is designed for graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree in a health-related field.
WKU has an enrollment of more than 20,000 students and offers more than 80 majors to choose from. The interdisciplinary online health sciences bachelor’s degree blends biology, public health, and psychology to lay a strong health foundation for students. Core coursework includes:
- Introduction to Epidemiology
- Community Health
- Healthcare Management
- Administration
The program requires students to complete 120 credit hours, and admission requirements include a minimum 2.5 GPA and submission of either SAT or ACT scores.
Indiana University-Bloomington
Indiana University – Bloomington has, without a doubt, the best health sciences online bachelor’s degree in the state. To begin, the program is welcoming of students from all backgrounds. Some already have an associate degree (up to 64 credits may be transferred in), while others are right out of high school. Either way, the admissions committee welcomes all applications.
IU has an enrollment of more than 40,000 students and is a flagship university considered a Public Ivy. Many programs within the university system, including other health departments, have received high rankings. The online bachelor’s degree in health science program is extremely flexible yet specialized enough to offer high value for students motivated for a career in the healthcare field.
Health science online core coursework includes:
- Health and Rehabilitation Systems Across the World
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Ethical Issues in Rehabilitation Professions
- Diversity Issues in Health and Rehabilitation Services
The program requires students to complete 120 credit hours and allows for the transfer of up to 64 credit hours. Admission requires submission of either SAT or ACT scores.
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University sits atop the foothills in Flagstaff, Arizona. A public, research-focused university with over 30,000 enrolled students, its most popular degree programs are biology, education, and health and nursing.
NAU offers a health science degree online. The main goal of the degree completion program is to add additional skills and knowledge in a specialized area of health. The program includes several specialties:
- Paramedic Care
- Physical Therapy Assisting
- Respiratory Care
- Surgical Technology
- Public Health
- Allied Health
- Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Therapy
- Medical Assisting
The program requires students to complete 120 credit hours. Prospective applicants should have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and must submit either SAT or ACT scores.
The school’s online programs are also well-respected, with the extension school including almost 100 online degree programs.
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
The University of Cincinnati offers over 300 degree programs and enrolls nearly 50,000 students. This research-focused university typically secures more than $400 million in funding annually.
UC’s degree completion program is geared toward students who already have healthcare education or work experience. If you’re a working occupational therapy assistant looking to further your education, for example, this could be the program for you.
UC’s online bachelor’s degree in health science has a clinical focus. Coursework includes topics such as:
- biomechanics
- pharmacology
- nutrition
- pharmacology
This gives students a solid foundation of knowledge in occupational health care. UC even offers minors in areas like psychology. Core coursework includes:
- Physics for Allied Health
- Medical Terminology
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy
The fully online program focuses on behavior and occupation studies, aiming to help students advance in occupational therapy-related fields. It works for both full- and part-time students, with every class available without ever setting foot on campus.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
The pattern with most online health science degree programs is that they either prepare students for graduate school or give them broad knowledge and skills to enter nonclinical careers in health care. Luckily, the designers of the program at the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs created a degree program that caters to both needs specifically. The program offers three concentrations:
- Health & Wellness Promotion
- Allied Health Completion
- Medical Laboratory Science
The Health & Wellness Promotion track provides students with broad knowledge of topics like community nutrition and health assessment. The Pre-Professional track helps students who know they want to go to graduate school meet the specific prerequisite requirements.
UCCS is one of the top-ranked schools in the Colorado school system. For students who have already completed an associate degree or certification, the school offers an online degree completion program where they can complete their remaining credit hours or choose to continue and specialize in a specific area. UCCS alumni go on to have careers as:
- health services manager
- lab scientist
- radiation therapist
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University offers one of the top health science degrees online. As a degree completion program, Nova expects potential applicants to have already completed general education credits. Entering students must have completed at least 30 credits of college coursework or a post-high school professional certificate in a health-related field and have at least a 2.6 GPA. Program applicants must have also finished at least three credits of college-level writing classes.
The admissions committee looks for students who come from a diverse variety of academic backgrounds and professional experiences. Applicants must demonstrate that they have completed all admissions requirements within the five years prior to applying.
The program offers two concentrations:
- General Health
- Healthcare Administration
Examples of courses in the program include:
- Health Care Ethics
- Principles of Leadership
- Cultural Competency in Healthcare
The program requires students to complete 120 credit hours, with at least 33 hours completed at Nova, along with a capstone project.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana, in Shreveport, offers one of the country’s best online science degrees. Formerly a teacher’s college, the school offers more than 50 degree programs and enrolls over 10,000 students.
NSU offers a fully online Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health degree. A degree completion program, NSU’s curriculum is geared toward students who already hold an associate degree in a health-related field and who are hoping to further their studies toward a bachelor’s or graduate-level degree. The program is broad and supplies students with a foundational knowledge of and principles related to the healthcare field. Graduates of the online Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health program go on to careers as:
- health educators
- health services managers
- informatics specialists
- clinical instructors
The program requires students to complete 120 credit hours and allows allied health professionals to transfer general education and up to 30 clinical coursework hours.
Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University’s online Bachelor of Health Science degree gives working healthcare professionals who already hold either an associate degree or professional certificate the opportunity to further their education to the bachelor’s level. Students study in growing areas of health care like:
- clinical education
- health management
- public health
The program combines medical, organizational, social, and societal aspects of disease and health to give students a broad foundation.
The intent of the program is to serve as a pathway for students who already have some level of college education in a health-related field. The program is not a pathway for medical school, however.
Graduates of the program move on to careers with:
- government agencies
- nonprofits
- health administration organizations
- schools
- public health programs
- hospitals
The program requires students to complete 120 credit hours, with at least 30 upper-division credits earned at EWU. Admission requires students to have at least a health-related associate degree or professional certificate, and healthcare experience is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bachelor’s in health science degree is the study of applied science with the intent to maintain and improve the overall health of living beings. Throughout an online health sciences degree program, students will gain a firm understanding of health and disease as it relates to the human body and other living things. Through coursework, labs, and experiential learning, students will comprehend scientific research and data, and then apply it to practical and clinical circumstances to make an impact on the overall health of humanity.
Health science majors will be required to take courses involving the study of:
• biology
• chemistry
• social sciences
Once students complete their general education requirements, courses will revolve around specific concepts:
• anatomy
• physiology
• genetics
The potential careers for graduates with an online health sciences degree are somewhat endless, especially if students continue to further their education in graduate studies. With a health science degree, young professionals can discover careers within clinical and nonclinical professions. There are several occupations that can be offered to health science degree students.
With a variety of disciplines to choose from, health science degree graduates have the potential to work in a variety of settings including:
• hospitals
• health and wellness clinics
• therapeutic offices
• health care agencies
Here are some common roles offered to health science degree graduates:
• Medical managers
• Clinical laboratory technologists/technicians
• Insurance agents
• Medical sales representative
• Dental hygienists
• Dietitian/nutritionists
Earnings with a bachelor’s in health science vary based on your specific career path. Entry-level positions in fields like healthcare administration or health education may have salaries ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 annually. With experience and additional qualifications, such as certifications or advanced degrees, you can potentially earn higher salaries in various healthcare roles.
Yes, a bachelor’s in health science can be worth it for those interested in various health-related fields. This degree provides a broad understanding of health and wellness, preparing students for diverse roles in healthcare administration, public health, and more. It can serve as a foundation for further studies or entry-level positions in the health industry.
The difficulty of a health science major depends on individual strengths and interests. It encompasses a diverse range of topics, including biology, public health, and healthcare management. While challenging, students passionate about health and wellness may find the major rewarding and impactful.
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