15 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Health Science 2020
Make your mark and improve the health of all living beings with one of the best bachelor's in health science degrees.
There will always be a need for skilled professionals that understand the science of human and animal health. Whether you are interested in researching and discovering breakthroughs within health science, 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.
What is a Bachelor's in Health Science Degree?
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 a health science bachelor's 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 science research and data, then apply it to practical and clinical circumstances to make an impact in the overall health of humanity.
Health science majors will be required to take courses involving the study of biology, chemistry, and social sciences. Once students complete their general education requirements, courses will revolve around specific concepts within biology, anatomy, physiology, and genetics.
Like most bachelor's programs, applicants will be required to provide transcripts of a high school diploma or GED equivalent, as well as standardized test scores.
Careers for Bachelor's in Health Science majors
The potential careers for health science majors is 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 a health science major. With a variety of disciplines to choose from, a health science major has the potential to work within a hospital, therapeutic office, agency, and much more.
Here are some common roles offered to a health science major:
Medical managers
Clinical laboratory technologists/technicians
Dietitian/nutritionists
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 14 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 1.9 million new jobs."
It's very common for health science majors to further their studies and complete a master's degree, typically in public health.
Bachelor's in Health Science salary potential
It's important to take into consideration that there are several job opportunities upon completing your online bachelor's degree in health sciences. Due to the variety of health disciplines within this field of study, each salary will be different.
With that being said, PayScale reported the average salary for individuals who have earned a bachelor's in health science make a median pay of $62,000.
Depending on the career path that graduates choose will determine if additional certifications are necessary. If a health science major ends up in a certain career, for instance, a specialized technician or dental hygienist, they will be required to complete certain certifications and licenses to be hired for that position. Since the health science field is so broad, there are so many potential salaries and roles available for graduates.
What are the Best Online Health Science Degrees?
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@collegerank.net.
The University of Missouri – Columbia's fully online health science bachelor's degree prepares students for a variety of health care careers, such as clinical data managers, health educators, and 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, and 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 health care field.
The 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, and students who hold degrees from community colleges.
The online BS in health science program from the University of South Dakota includes six concentrations:
Health Care Studies
Health Care Advancement Studies
Undergraduate Clinical Informatics
Undergraduate Public Health
Required coursework includes Major Issues in Health and Human Services, Healthcare Delivery, and Technology in Care Delivery, to name a few examples. Graduates of USD's online health sciences program either go on to entry-level jobs in the expanding health care field or continue their studies in a graduate-level program.
The health care 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, and 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 science 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 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.
Highland Heights, Kentucky
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, and 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 health care 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 health care 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.
Rutgers University's online health science degree offers four concentrations:
Students learn what it's like to work in a collaborative professional environment and always to 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, and 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, and 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 health sciences program has three concentrations:
The general health sciences option gives students broad knowledge of the health care field. Those who opt for the health care administration track develop leadership skills specific to health care organizations, while the public health option prepares students for careers in government and nonprofits to tackle health issues on a larger, more global scale.
The program is offered through the Usha Kundu, M.D. College of Health's Department of Health Sciences and Administration. General coursework includes Understanding U.S. Healthcare, Introduction to Global Sciences and 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 health care, who already have a career they want to advance, or who wish to continue their studies into graduate school.
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's online bachelor's degree in health science 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:
Preparatory Health Science
The Health and Social Welfare option imparts useful skills in topics such as social work, demographic shifts, and policy. This option is ideal for students interested in a career in community service or non-profit work. The Preparatory Health Services track is perfect for those who plan to go on to graduate school for an advanced degree.
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, and 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.
The university is nationally ranked by Forbes and ranks among the top universities in the South, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
Indiana University – Bloomington has, without a doubt, the best online health science 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 health science program is extremely flexible, yet specialized enough to offer high value for students motivated for a career in health care. The program offers two concentrations:
Core coursework includes Health Care Delivery and Leadership; Health Policy, Ethics and Legal Issues; and Epidemiology/Biostatistics and Population Health.
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.
IU-Bloomington is ranked nationally and globally by prestigious organizations like the Association of American Universities and U.S. News & World Report.
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 an online bachelor's degree in Allied Health. To gain admission to this program, students must already have completed an associate degree in clinical health. The main goal of the degree completion program is to add additional skills and knowledge in disease prevention and leadership. The program includes several specialties:
Paramedic Care
Physical Therapist Assisting
Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Therapy
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.
NAU has been ranked nationally by Forbes and Washington Monthly among the top 100 schools in the nation. The school's online programs are also well-respected, with the extension school including almost 100 online degree programs.
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 health care 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 health science program has a clinical focus. Coursework includes topics such as biomechanics, pharmacology, nutrition, and 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, and 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.
UC has been ranked nationally by Forbes and U.S. News & World Report.
The pattern with most online health science degree programs is that they either prepare students for graduate school or they 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 two concentrations:
Health & Wellness Promotion
Pre-Professional Track
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 managers, lab scientists, radiation therapists, and more.
As a degree completion program, Nova expects potential applicants to have already completed general education credits. Entering students must hold at least an associate degree or 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 have to demonstrate that they have completed all admissions requirements within the five years prior to applying.
The program offers two concentrations:
Examples of courses in the program include Health Care Ethics, Principles of Leadership, and 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. Prospective students need a minimum 2.6 GPA in a health-related associate degree or professional certificate, and health care experience is preferred.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Northwestern State University of Louisiana, in Shreveport, offers one of the country's top nursing programs. 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 foundational knowledge of and principles related to the health care field. Graduates of the online Bachelor of Applied Science in Allied Health program go on to careers as health educators, informatics specialists, clinical instructors, and much more.
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.
NSU has been ranked regionally by U.S. News & World Report. It has partnerships with NASA and was one of the first schools to enroll in NASA's Joint Venture Program, where students work with NASA scientists.
Cheney, Washington
Eastern Washington University's online Bachelor of Health Science degree gives working health care 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, and 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, and more.
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 health care experience is preferred.