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 51 Accredited Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Degree Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
University of Florida
Intelligent Score: 99.63In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
Resident: $212
Non-Resident: $955
On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
California State University, Long Beach
Intelligent Score: 99.09In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 870-1060
ACT: 15-20
Resident: $294
Non-Resident: $711
On-Campus
WASC Senior College and University Commission
120
Ohio State University
Intelligent Score: 98.52In-state: $10,615
Out-of-state: $32,599
In-state: $11,560
Out-of-state: $11,560
SAT: 1210-1430
ACT: 26-32
Resident: $369 - $492
Non-Resident: $797 - $1,062
On-Campus, Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
Stony Brook Medicine
Intelligent Score: 98.5In-state: $7,070
Out-of-state: $24,740
In-state: $11,310
Out-of-state: $11,310
SAT: 1230-1440
ACT: 26-32
Resident: $295
Non-Resident: $1,119
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120
USF Health
Intelligent Score: 97.95In-state: $4,559
Out-of-state: $15,473
In-state: $8,350
Out-of-state: $8,350
SAT: 1160-1320
ACT: 25-30
Resident: $209 - $211
Non-Resident: $573 - $575
On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Boston University
Intelligent Score: 97.54In-state: $56,854
Out-of-state: $56,854
In-state: $56,854
Out-of-state: $56,854
SAT: 1310-1500
ACT: 30-34
$1,994
On-Campus
New England Commission of Higher Education
128
Drake University
Intelligent Score: 97.54In-state: $44,188
Out-of-state: $44,188
In-state: $11,682
Out-of-state: $11,682
SAT: 1110-1340
ACT: 23-30
$780 - $1,400
On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
120
California State University, Sacramento
Intelligent Score: 97.52In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 870-1060
ACT: 15-20
Resident: $294
Non-Resident: $690
On-Campus
WASC Senior College and University Commission
120
Stockton University
Intelligent Score: 96.71In-state: $12,245
Out-of-state: $19,679
In-state: $13,787
Out-of-state: $13,787
SAT: 1013-1190
ACT: 20-27
In-State: $388
Out-of-State: $611
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
128
USC Dornsife
Intelligent Score: 95.88In-state: $12,288
Out-of-state: $33,528
In-state: $13,737
Out-of-state: $13,737
SAT: 1140-1340
ACT: 25-31
$2,244
On-Campus
WASC Senior College and University Commission
128
California State University, East Bay
Intelligent Score: 95In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 870-1060
ACT: 15-20
Resident: $399
Non-Resident: $795
On-Campus
WASC Senior College and University Commission
120
Furman University
Intelligent Score: 94.70In-state: $51,712
Out-of-state: $51,712
In-state: $7,513
Out-of-state: $7,513
SAT: 1230-1400
ACT: 29-32
$1,855
On-Campus
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
128
Texas Woman's University
Intelligent Score: 92.92In-state: $94
Out-of-state: $77
In-state: $48
Out-of-state: $48
SAT: Considered (not required)
ACT: Required
Resident: $238
Non-Resident: $658
Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Texas Woman's University
Intelligent Score: 92.92In-state: $22,897
Out-of-state: $32,689
In-state: $26,590
Out-of-state: $26,590
SAT: 960��������1150
ACT: 17-25
Resident: $238
Non-Resident: $658
Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
MCPHS University
Intelligent Score: 92.76In-state: $33,600
Out-of-state: $33,600
In-state: $22,230
Out-of-state: $22,230
SAT: 970-1208
ACT: 20-27
$1,380
On-Campus, Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
122
CSU Channel Islands
Intelligent Score: 92.22In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 870-1060
ACT: 15-20
Resident: $277
Non-Resident: $673
On-Campus, Online
WASC Senior College and University Commission
120
Northeastern University
Intelligent Score: 92.12In-state: $54,360
Out-of-state: $54,360
In-state: $25,264
Out-of-state: $25,264
SAT: 1410-1540
ACT: 33-35
$1,938
On-Campus
Council on Education in Public Health
132
California State University Dominguez Hills
Intelligent Score: 91.83In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 870-1060
ACT: 15-20
Resident: $277
Non-Resident: $673
On-Campus
WASC Senior College and University Commission
120
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.