15 Best Online Health Science Degree Programs

Key Takeaways:

Purdue Global and Rutgers stand out as two of the top colleges for Health Science Bachelor’s Degrees
Fast-Growing Industry: Healthcare is rapidly expanding, offering millions of new jobs, especially in allied health fields.
Online Flexibility: Online health science degrees enable current healthcare workers to advance their careers while continuing to work.
Accredited Programs: All programs mentioned are regionally accredited and may qualify for Federal Student Aid.
Career Preparation: Online degrees prepare students for various healthcare roles, enhancing career opportunities and potential salaries.

Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. It’s estimated that Americans spend over $3 trillion dollars a year on healthcare services. Over 16 million people work in healthcare in a variety of roles. An online health science degree can help current healthcare workers advance their careers conveniently.

Featured Programs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 1.9 million new jobs will be added to healthcare by 2028. A large section of that growth is in the allied health field.

We’ve researched some of the best online Health Sciences degrees that will help you enter the healthcare field. These programs all hold regional accreditation and qualified students may receive Federal Student Aid.

Our Method: Ranking the 15 Best Online Health Science Bachelor’s Degrees

To rank the 15 Best Online Health Science Bachelor’s Degrees, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

1. Purdue Global University

This is a great option if you’re looking for a well-respected, online Bachelor of Science in Health Science program from one of the country’s most prestigious research universities.

This reasonably priced online health science degree will help prepare you for management and administrative positions in healthcare. The degree requires 180 credit hours (you can transfer up to 75% of your credit requirements from a previously attended accredited college or university) and is offered 100% online.

Core coursework in this program includes studies in Microbiology, Research Methods, Public Health Practices, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Environmental Health, and more. You’ll also complete a capstone project incorporating what you’ve learned with real-world situations.

Purdue Global offers you a three-week trial period to enroll and experience classes prior to owing any tuition. You’ll receive personalized attention from enrollment advisors, expert faculty, one-on-one mentoring, and career specialists.

Fast Fact: Purdue University is ranked in the top 10 public universities as determined by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education

Degree Awarded: BSHS

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2. Rutgers University

If you have an associate degree and want to advance your education and career, New Jersey’s Rutgers University’s BS Health Sciences online program may be perfect. Rutger’s offers three concentrations from which you can choose Aging, Health Care Management, or Psychiatric Rehabilitation.

The online health science degree program has an interdisciplinary core and you’ll take classes in Introduction to Interprofessional Education, Ethics of Healthcare, Health Care Organizations, and Cultural Issues in Health Care, before taking your specialty electives. Courses are 15 weeks in duration and you may be required to complete a practicum experience.

Admission requires you to have an associate degree or certificate from an allied health accredited program, a professional license (if required), academic transcripts, an application, a resume, as well as letters of recommendation.

Fast Fact: Rutgers University was founded in 1766 and is now recognized by Money Magazine as a “Best Colleges for Your Money 2019.”

Degree Awarded: BSHS

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3. Indiana University

Indiana University, in Bloomington, provides a BS in Health Sciences degree which is provided 80-99% online. There are four speciality options in Global Health and Rehabilitation Studies, Gerontology, Rehabilitation and Disabilities Studies, and Preparation for Health Professions Programs.

The online health science degree requires 120 credit hours (you can transfer up to 64 credit hours from a two-year college program or 90 credit hours from a four-year school). If you haven’t taken general education courses (English, humanities, history, etc.), you’ll take 32 credit hours before beginning your core, general, and health sciences electives courses.

Depending on your concentration, you’ll choose from topics such as nutrition, aging, disease prevention, ethics, program evaluation, etc. Courses are designed to help you enter a variety of healthcare professions including hospital administrator, health program coordinator, medical sales, etc.

You’ll complete a school application, submit academic transcripts, and an essay for admission (you may be asked for additional information). Indiana University offers robust student support services from 24/7 contact, career services, an online library and research help, as well as success coaches and more.

Fast Fact: Kiplinger Report names Indiana University one of its “Best Value Schools”

Degree Awarded: BSHS

4. George Washington University

The online degree options at GW Online cover a wide range of BS in Health Sciences concentrations. In fact, you can choose from seven specialties in the online health science degree.

Among the concentrations are Clinical Health Services, Clinical Research Administration, Emergency Medical Services Management, Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Informatics, and Global Leadership in Disaster Response. Certificates are also available in a variety of disciplines ranging from blood banking, hematology, microbiology, as well as chemistry, and others.

As a GW Online student, you’ll receive the same faculty instruction as on-campus students. You’ll also have access to the GW library, where you can search online journals and papers, contact research consultants, and even have books mailed to your home. GW Online also offers peer-to-peer services and tutoring. The Career Services center is also available to you.

Fast Fact: Niche names George Washington University one of its “Colleges with the Best Academics in America”

Degree Awarded: BSHS

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5. Ohio State University

Here’s an online BS in Health Sciences degree from one of the country’s highly respected universities.

Offered through OSU’s College of Medicine, you’ll take general education courses in your first and second years as well as program prerequisites in medical terminology, physiology and anatomy, chemistry, biology, etc. You’re final two years will cover core courses in health science such as ethics, epidemiology, pathophysiology, health care statistics, and more.

The program requires 120 credit hours for completion and you’ll need a 2.5 GPA, submission of academic transcripts, an online application, and other university documentation. You’ll want to talk with an admission advisor regarding any prerequisites you may need for admission.

Fast Fact: Ohio State University ranks #1 in U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs”

Degree Awarded: BSHS

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6. University of Massachusetts-Amherst

UMass Amherst calls its online programs “University Without Walls” and one of those programs is its BA in Health Studies degree completion offering.

The online health science degree requires 120 credit hours but UMass Amherst allows for 105 credit hours either through prior college coursework, learning such as certificates, and/or life and work experiences. The interdisciplinary classes are taught by faculty from across UMass departments in public health, sociology, psychology, etc.

You’ll study healthcare financial management, healthcare program evaluation, health education, substance abuse, environmental and mental health, and others.

This program is open only to students who don’t have a bachelor’s degree, have a minimum of 12 hours of college credit, and a minimum of a 2.0 GPA. You may also qualify for Federal Financial Aid or UMass scholarships for this online degree.

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks this #23 “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” and #18 “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans”

Degree Awarded: BAHS

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7. Florida Gulf Coast University

If you know you want to pursue a post-baccalaureate healthcare degree, you may want to explore this online BS in Health Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University.

The online health science degree program requires 120 credit hours which includes general education classes as well as major classes. Some of those major classes include studies in ethics, healthcare law, human resource management, epidemiology, healthcare leadership and management, and more. You’ll also be able to choose from a wide array of healthcare electives in areas such as gerontology, risk management, public health, physiology, and anatomy, etc.

This program is ideal if you’re currently working in healthcare and want to advance your career or if you’re looking to enter healthcare fields such as occupational or physical therapy.

Fast Fact: FGCU is considered an “Innovative School” by U.S. News and World Report

Degree Awarded: BSHS

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8. Northern Arizona University

Public health is a growing healthcare field and this BS in Health Science with a Public Health concentration will prepare you to enter several disciplines.

Offered online, you’ll take core health topics in biology, health issues, nutrition, etc. Major courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Principles of Epidemiology, Methods for Community Public Health Promotion, and more. You can choose to do an internship or complete additional Health Science electives.

A 3.0 GPA, 3.0 GPA in the last 30 college credits, or a 2.5 GPA and 3 years of work experience in healthcare, are required for admission. You can expect to submit additional information, such as academic transcripts.

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks NAU at #80 in its “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs”

Degree Awarded: BSHS

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9. Old Dominion University

Here’s an online BS in Health Science with a Health Services Administration degree that offers degree completion (if you have at least 30 college credits) or a four-year baccalaureate program.

Whether you’re a seasoned healthcare professional or new to the field, this program features core courses in Public Health Science, U.S. Health Delivery System, Managerial Epidemiology, Population Health, and Introduction to Environmental Health. Classes in the major cover topics in finance and budgeting, health informatics, ethics, marketing, etc.

Fast Fact: 86% of online ODU students would recommend the experience to others

Degree Awarded: BSHSA

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10. University of Colorado

The Colorado Springs campus of UCCS supports an online BS in Health Care Science with a Health and Wellness option.

Core courses for this major are offered at least once each calendar year with elective courses available online. The program also offers a Health and Wellness minor which includes studies in nutrition, communications, exercise physiology, pathophysiology, health and disease concepts, etc. The curriculum is designed to improve critical skills and communication skills, health promotion techniques, and enhance management abilities.

USC accepts both first-year and transfer students for this program. The Health Science degree is offered through the Department of Health Sciences Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Science and all students are required to pass a background check through TC logiQ. The background check is for internship purposes.

Fast Fact: Niche ranks UCSC as one of the “Top Public Universities in America”

Degree Awarded: BSHS

11. Bay Path University

You can earn a BS in Health Services Administration (BSHSA) online that is developed for professionals as well as students. This program is, as described on the school website, “…provides a strong preparation for women interested in a career as an administrator or manager of healthcare services and institutions…”

The program offers a range of courses including general education, health service management, health informatics, medical ethics, statistics, and others. You’ll learn about healthcare organizations, economics and finance, human resource management, as well as marketing, etc.

You’ll participate in an admissions phone interview, submit transcripts, complete an application, and you’ll need at least a 2.0 GPA for admission.

Fast Fact: The school takes its name from the Native American footpath used between Massachusetts and Connecticut

Degree Awarded: BSHSA

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12. West Virginia State University

Here’s an online BS in Health Sciences degree with a focus on the relationship between social influences and health.

This program is 120 credit hours in length and WVSU accepts a hefty 72 credits for transfer students. You’ll need to complete general education courses and core Health Sciences studies in statistics, nutrition, rural health concerns, epidemiology, research, and more. Community Health subjects will include anatomy and physiology, psychology, community and consumer health, business skills and writing, etc.

The degree will prepare you to work as a public health specialist, lab manager, healthcare administrator, health information, or community health organizer. Admission requirements are straightforward and first-time students will need a 3.0 GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

Fast Fact: WVSU traces its beginnings to 1890 and is a highly-ranked historically black college university (HBCU)

Degree Awarded: BSHS

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13. Kettering College

Are you currently working in healthcare and looking to complete your undergraduate degree? This online BS in Health Sciences program will let you continue to work while advancing your career options.

Kettering College’s program offers five areas of emphasis Management, Respiratory Care, Advanced Imaging, Sonography, and Education. As a completion program, you’ll need at least an associate degree or diploma for admission. If you’re pursuing one of the advanced imaging specialties, you’ll also need ARRT registered. (Note: state regulations prohibit Kettering College from accepting students from California, American Samoa, Guam, or the Marshall Islands).

The curriculum for the BS requires Health Sciences includes 18-19 credit hours in core areas like economics and finance, research, management, and leadership, as well as a capstone project. You’ll also take 6 hours of elective courses. Each major has its own set of required coursework which is detailed on the school’s website.

Fast Fact: The college is part of Kettering Medical Center in Ohio and is supported by Seventh-day Adventist Church

Degree Awarded: BSHS

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14. Southern New Hampshire University

If you’re an allied health professional with an associate degree, you might want to consider the BS Health Science degree at Southern New Hampshire University.

Offering online education since 1995, SNHU’s BSHS degree is 120 credit hours in length (up to 90 transfer credits accepted) and also provides credit for your work/life experiences. You need an associate degree for admission for this program.

The curriculum will include subjects in finance and economics, healthcare quality and management, delivery systems, and legal and ethical considerations in healthcare. Coursework is designed to help you advance to supervisory and management roles in a variety of allied health careers.

Fast Fact: SNHU is ranked #1 “Most Innovative Schools” by U.S. News and World Report

Degree Awarded: BSHS

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15. Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

This may be a good program if you want to advance your career and complete your bachelor’s degree. If you have an associate degree, you can earn a BS in Health Sciences at PCHS which offers specialties in Clinical Management, and Advanced Practice, as well as Professional Certificates in Healthcare Administration and Health Informatics.

In order to satisfy admission requirements, you’ll need to be working at least 8 hours a week in a healthcare setting and have either an associate degree or an accredited diploma. You’ll also need to show documentation of professional licensure, registry, or eligibility.

Some of the classes offered, depending on concentration, include Healthcare Administration, Human Resources in Health Care, Health Care Finance, Health Informatics, Health Care Quality, etc. If you choose the Advanced Practice option, you’ll be able to take courses to earn certificates in Mammography, MRI, and CT Scan.

Fast Fact: Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences’ history began as Lancaster General Hospital in 1893

Degree Awarded: BSHS

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Why Should I Get My Health Sciences Degree Online?

Another question might be why wouldn’t you get your Health Sciences degree online? You’ll find there are many benefits to distance education.

As we’ve seen with colleges and universities moving classes online during the COVID-19 global pandemic, students can continue their studies while reducing their exposure to the virus.

At one time, online degrees were viewed as being somewhat less than on-campus programs. That’s no longer the case. Colleges and universities maintain regional accreditation and specific program accreditation for online degree programs. You’ll study the same curriculum, under the same faculty, without having to physically be present in a classroom. You’ll receive the same degree and, if it’s a concern, your diploma won’t indicate you attended online. You can even attend graduation ceremonies at your school if you want.

Tuition for online students is typically the same and many programs don’t charge out-of-state tuition or fees. Qualified online students benefit from Federal Student Aid and many schools administer departmental scholarships and grants for their distance education students.

Online education can also expand your college choices. You may live in Massachusetts but want to get your degree from a school in California. Completing your degree online allows you to do that without disrupting your life and moving across the country.

Finally, enrolling in an online degree allows you to continue to work. If you’re a working healthcare professional and advancing your healthcare degree, employers will often provide tuition reimbursement as part of your benefits package.

What Kind of Health Service Jobs Can I Get with an Online Health Science Degree?

As with most undergraduate degrees, a BS in Health Sciences will prepare you for entry-level positions in a variety of healthcare careers. While there are healthcare careers you can enter with an associate degree, healthcare employers look favorably on undergraduate degrees and certifications.

Depending on your major and concentration, you’ll find clinical and non-clinical positions are possible for you as a technician, administrator, educator, therapist, etc.

The coursework in a BSHS degree can lead to technical positions specializing in imaging, cardiovascular, medical lab clinician, anesthesia, surgery, etc. Therapy professions, such as occupational, physical and respiratory therapist assistant are enhanced with an undergraduate degree.

On the non-clinical side of healthcare, there are a wide range of allied health jobs in administration/management, human services, health education, nutrition, healthcare information technology, coding and reporting, and more.

One of the best resources for allied health careers is offered by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics which provides information on careers, educational requirements, salary estimates, and job summaries.

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