Health Science Degree Programs
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“Typically, health scientists have the same start conducting clinical research in a laboratory or hospital setting but up to a third of us end up in industry roles that can be very different from our academic roots. I’m an excellent example because I started my career in a traditional academic laboratory setting and assumed I would be a bench scientist forever. Ultimately, the academic grind wasn’t for me, and I find my current health tech career incredibly satisfying and fun.”
Chelsie Rohrscheib, PhD, Founding Member of Wesper
Broadly defined, the field of health sciences encompasses studying and applying scientific principles to understand, diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and promote human health. Health science includes many specialties and subspecialties, including biotechnology research and development, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and therapeutic services, among many other subfields.
According to the U.S. News & World Report (2024), a health science major provides a comprehensive foundation in various health-related fields. By integrating coursework, hands-on laboratory experiences, and practical learning opportunities, these programs prepare students to enter healthcare careers or pursue advanced degrees in specific health disciplines.
Due to an increasing demand for services in an aging Baby Boomer population, jobs in health science are predicted to grow substantially in the coming decade. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) projected that healthcare occupational demand will create 1.9 million new jobs annually between 2023 and 2033. Furthermore, the BLS reported that healthcare professionals in the U.S. earned an annual median wage of $80,820—much higher than the median yearly wage for all occupations.
Those interested in health science can find an array of entry-level opportunities. The following is a non-exhaustive list of possible jobs available within health sciences:
- Allergists and immunologists
- Biomedical engineers and medical scientists
- Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
- Dietitians and nutritionists
- Endoscopy technicians
- Epidemiologists
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists
- Neurodiagnostic technologists
- Occupational therapists
- Ophthalmic medical technologists
- Orthotists and prosthetists
- Pharmacy aides
- Radiation therapists
- Radiologic technologists
- Speech-language pathology assistants
- Veterinary research assistants
Not surprisingly, the education requirements for careers vary widely by position. For some positions, a certificate of completion from a vocational school or an associate’s degree from a community college is adequate for entry. For others, a bachelor’s or master’s degree may be the minimum education required.
Overall, those interested in health sciences careers can find online, on-campus, and hybrid degree or certificate programs available. Read on to discover various health sciences degree programs, including discussions of coursework and prominent professors in the discipline.
Meet the Expert: Chelsie Rohrscheib, PhD
Dr. Chelsie Rohrscheib is a renowned sleep scientist and a founding member of Wesper, a clinical sleep testing app. With over a decade of experience in clinical sleep medicine and sleep science, Dr. Rohrscheib brings a wealth of expertise to the brand. She holds a PhD in neuroscience specializing in sleep and mental health and has previously researched the genetic factors influencing sleep regulation.
Additionally, Dr. Rohrscheib has served as a sleep specialist consultant to help organizations mitigate fatigue-related accidents in the workplace.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is something most people don’t know about being a health scientist?
Dr. Rohrscheib: Typically, health scientists have the same start conducting clinical research in a laboratory or hospital setting, but up to a third of us end up in industry roles that can be very different from our academic roots. I’m an excellent example because I started my career in a traditional academic laboratory setting and assumed I would be a bench scientist forever. Ultimately, the academic grind wasn’t for me, and I find my current health tech career incredibly satisfying and fun.
Most early career scientists write off industry work as an option and feel they would be selling themselves out. In reality, industry positions in health science can be incredibly rewarding and offer a lifestyle not provided by typical academic research.
MedicalTechnologySchools.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to a prospective health scientist?
Dr. Rohrscheib: Learn to market yourself early in your career and set yourself up as an expert early. Give as many talks as possible. Participate in media. Have a social media presence. Network as much as you can. Take as many opportunities to advance your career as possible. The more recognizable you are as a leader in your specialty, the more career opportunities and career safety you will have.
The most important advice is don’t rely on your publications alone because there will always be others doing similar work, and your chance of getting published in a big-name journal is slim due to the sheer amount of competition.
Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Science
Please remember that health science is a broad discipline, and the following programs represent a cross-section of the possibilities. Also, some schools may boast additional program-specific accreditations and institutional approvals, which are detailed below.
On-Campus Health Sciences Bachelor’s Programs
Boston University, College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences – BS
Boston University’s Sargent College offers a 128-credit health science bachelor of science (BS). The degree program takes eight semesters, and coursework is only available on-campus. The curriculum includes instruction in biological sciences, humanities, social sciences, qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as a practicum project and specialization coursework. Students meeting specific GPA and other requirements may be eligible for the accelerated five-year bachelor’s and master’s of public health degree program (BS/MPH).
- Location: Boston, MA
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Duration: Four years
Online & Hybrid Bachelor’s Programs in Health Science
Indiana University, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences – BS
The Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences offers a bachelor of science in health sciences (BSHS). Indiana University also offers a BS in health sciences; a master of science in health informatics (five-year integrated degree program), and a PhD in health & rehabilitation sciences. Courses for the BSHS program may be taken on-campus, online, or as a combination of both. The curriculum includes courses in healthcare systems, health promotion, and disease prevention. Students are also expected to complete a health internship. A minimum of 120 credit hours is required to earn a degree.
- Location: Indianapolis, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Duration: Four years
The College of Health Solutions at ASU offers an online or on-campus bachelor of applied science (BAS) in health sciences. The degree is designed for students who already have an AAS in their chosen discipline. Coursework includes healthcare systems and legislation, nutrition, and the effects of society of health. Students must complete 120 credit-hours to earn their degree.
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Duration: Four years
Southern New Hampshire University – BS
SNHU offers a bachelor of science in health sciences online, which is open to students who already earned an AAS in an allied health discipline. Coursework is designed to prepare students for management or supervisory positions in disciplines such as cardiovascular technology, radiography, and sonography. Students must complete 120 credit-hours to graduate.
- Location: Manchester, NH
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Duration: Four years
University of South Dakota – BS
The University of South Dakota offers an online bachelor of science (BS) in health sciences. If desired, the degree may be completed on-campus, and select courses are available at the Sioux Falls and Rapid City campuses. Students may choose from academic pathways that prepare them for careers as clinicians or researchers. Some pathways are open only to students who have already earned an AAS in their chosen discipline. Students must complete 120 credit-hours to earn their degree.
- Location: Vermillion, SD
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Duration: Four years
Master’s Degree Programs in Health Science
Health Sciences Master’s Programs – On-campus
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health – MPH
The Bloomberg School of Public Health offers a master of health science (MHS) degree. Students are required to complete four terms of full-time coursework, a paper, and an oral presentation. Each discipline is taught in the relevant department. For example, students wishing to earn their MHS in biostatistics complete their studies in the biostatistics department. Students have several departments and subfields from which to choose. The MHS specializations include biochemistry and molecular biology, environmental health, cancer epidemiology, clinical investigation, social factors in health, health economics, mental health, and demography, among many others. The school offers online courses, but as of early 2018, the MHS courses are available on-campus only.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)
- Duration: Two years
Boise State University – MPH
Boise State offers a master of health science program designed to be completed in two years of full-time attendance. Classes are scheduled for late afternoons and evenings to accommodate part-time working students. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours. Students choose their academic emphasis from health policy, health promotion, or health services leadership. Each emphasis has an individual curriculum and online courses are available for several programs, but most health science courses are on-campus.
- Location: Boise, ID
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Duration: Two years
Online & Hybrid Master’s Programs in Health Science
Rutgers School of Health Professions – MS
The master of science in clinical laboratory science program at Rutgers University School of Health Professions is designed for certified medical laboratory professionals who want to take the next step in their careers. This online program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to excel in leadership, education, management, and research within the field of clinical laboratory science and the broader healthcare industry.
- Location: Newark, NJ
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Duration: Two years
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – MHS
The MCPHS offers an online master of health sciences. In addition to their online coursework, students must attend a one-week intensive on-campus summer residency in Boston. Students must complete 36 credit hours to earn a degree. The curriculum includes educator competencies, as well as research and clinical experience.
- Location: Boston, MA
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NECHE)
- Duration: Two years
Additional Online Programs in Health Science
University of Wisconsin – AAS
The University of Wisconsin Colleges system provides an associate of arts and sciences (AAS) degree with health sciences emphasis online and at their 13 campuses. Curriculum includes coursework in anatomy, biology, chemistry, psychology, and statistics. Students complete 60 credit-hours to earn their degree.
- Location: Madison, WI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Duration: Two years
Nova Southeastern University – BSHc; MHSc; DHSc; PhD
The Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Healthcare Sciences offers four degree programs in health science: a bachelor of health science (BHSc); a master of health science (M.H.Sc.); a doctor of health science (DHSc); and a doctor of philosophy in health science (PhD). All coursework is completed online, with the exception of the DHSc and PhD programs.
DHSc students must complete an internship and attend two one-week sessions on campus, and PhD students must complete a research practicum, a comprehensive examination, a dissertation with oral defense, and attend two one-week on-campus sessions. Students may choose an accelerated MHSc/DHSc dual degree program. Coursework is completed online, but students must serve an internship and attend two one-week sessions on campus. The curriculum for each program builds on the earlier programs.
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Duration: Two to seven years
Weber State University – ASHS; BS
The Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions offers an online associate of science in health sciences (ASHS). Students can customize their degrees with six different tracks: general, dental hygiene, medical laboratory sciences, nursing, radiologic sciences, or respiratory sciences.
Students who complete their medical laboratory sciences associate’s degree can also earn a bachelor of science (BS) online. Bachelor’s options in the other tracks are hybrid programs. Depending on their chosen track, students must complete 40-68 credit hours to earn an associate’s degree online or on-campus. The BS degree requires completion of 120 credit hours. The health science programs have additional discipline-specific accreditations.
- Location: Ogden, UT
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Duration: Two to four years
St. Petersburg offers an online health sciences AS degree. Students may choose a focus from the following: dental hygiene, emergency medical services, general health sciences focus, health information technology, nursing, orthotics and prosthetics, physical therapist assistant, radiography, respiratory care, and veterinary technology. The credit-hours required to earn a degree vary from 60 to 77, depending on the focus chosen. St. Petersburg also offers online bachelor of science (BS) degrees for dental hygienists and nurses.
- Location: St. Petersburg, FL
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Duration: Two years
University of Indianapolis, College of Health Sciences – DHSc
The University of Indianapolis offers an online doctor of health science (DHSc) degree. While all coursework is available online, students must attend an on-campus orientation and two on-campus curricular sessions. The program is designed for students to complete 60 credits over two years. Upon completion of coursework, students must complete a doctoral project, which requires an additional one or two years of work. A dual DHSc degree can be earned by adding the graduate certificate in healthcare professions education or a certificate in gerontology.
The certificates require 15 credit hours and 18 credit hours, respectively. These certificate programs are available online and may be taken separately. Students may also earn a master of science degree in healthcare management online, with two concentrations offered: long-term care management and home and community-based care. The curriculum requires approximately 30 credit hours to complete, depending on the concentration chosen.
- Location: Indianapolis, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
- Duration: Two years
Admissions Requirements for Health Science Degree Programs
Each health science degree program has different admission standards depending on the degree level, discipline, and format of the program. Prospective students should understand individual institutions ' requirements because of the wide range of health science degree programs available. The following are the typical requirements for admission into health science degree programs:
- Transcripts from previous institutions
- Scores from standardized tests (e.g., GRE)
- Competitive GPA (at least 3.0)
- Curriculum vitae
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of interest/goals in health sciences
- Proof of proficiency in the English language (i.e., TOEFL scores for non-native speakers of English)
Accreditation
Accreditation is when an independent agency evaluates the quality of the curriculum, instructors, facilities, or other aspects. Specific standards must be met before accreditation is granted.
Two main agencies accredit health science programs: the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Both organizations maintain a list of accredited schools on their respective websites.
Discipline-specific accrediting agencies include:
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
- American Dental Association - Commission on Dental Accreditation
- American Physical Therapy Association
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Commission on Accreditation for Physical Therapy Education
- Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Committee on Veterinary Education and Activities
- Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)
Finally, State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) are voluntary agreements among states that establish “comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance-education courses and programs.” The intent is to make it easier for students to take online courses when living in a different state than their intended institution—the SARA website lists participating states and institutions.
