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.
Health Science Ethics
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.Epidemiology
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.Statistics for Health Sciences
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.
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
$19,008Ft. Lauderdale, FLBS in Health Science
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.
