Find your perfect college degree
The global size of the health and wellness market is forecasted to hit $12.9 trillion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 10.9% from 2022, Allied Market Research has announced. This massive projected growth shines a bright future for anyone who wants a career in the healthcare industry or the medical field, even without being a doctor, nurse, or any other practicing medical professional.
The research also disclosed that the health and wellness market was estimated at $4.7 trillion in 2021, with North America dominating the market.
Students gain a holistic approach to understanding health, wellness, and human biology by enrolling in a Bachelor in Health Science degree program. The curriculum typically covers anatomy, physiology, nutrition, epidemiology, public health, and psychology. Students also gain insights into healthcare management, healthcare administration, communication, research methodologies, and cultural competency.
Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Health Science are well-equipped to excel as health educators, wellness coaches, nutrition specialists, fitness trainers, and holistic practitioners in the healthcare field.
As the health and wellness market grows, individuals with a Health Science bachelor’s degree are well-positioned to take advantage of the diverse opportunities emerging within this dynamic sector.
The Lowdown
Health Science covers various topics, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, epidemiology, public health, etc. By offering online Bachelor’s degree programs in Health Science, schools extend accessibility beyond high school graduates and GED certificate holders to include adult learners, individuals with mobility challenges, and students in geographically remote areas.
Methodology
We organized this list of the best schools offering online Health Sciences degrees. Sorted in no particular order, these degree programs are selected with specific criteria in mind, including the following:
- Offers courses available 100% online or in combination with face-to-face classes,
- Has a well-rounded curriculum covering core subjects in health science and health education, including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, public health, population health, and research methods and methodologies,
- Employs faculty members and professors with Health Science expertise or experience in community healthcare occupations,
- Includes opportunities for internships, hands-on training, and other experiential learning activities in the curriculum to boost readiness and gain practical skills for real-world work settings,
- Offers research opportunities and projects, especially for students who are interested in research as a way to explore their chosen field more deeply,
- Promotes collaboration with other healthcare professionals to enhance the learning experience,
- Provides a supportive learning environment with accessible professors, academic advisors, and support services,
- Facilitates networking through conferences, seminars, or industry connections to provide valuable contacts for future opportunities,
- Assists with federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, military benefits, transfer credits and other ways to reduce education costs,
- Has accreditation or approval from regional and state school commissions and the Department of Education as an indication that the institution adheres to the teaching and learning standards.
- Recognized by healthcare organizations that seek to advance Health Science professions.
Please read our Methodology for details.
5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Degree Programs
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Arizona State University offers an online program for its Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree for students who aspire to improve health outcomes through scientific research, health study, and administration.
Offered through ASU Online, the BS in Health Science program requires students to complete 120 credit hours toward graduation and covers a broad range of disciplines that prepare graduates for roles in health administration, public health, social services, and patient advocacy, among others.
Health Sciences undergraduates can focus their studies on one of the five tracks available in the program. These tracks are:
- Community-based health outcomes
- Health and media focus
- Health legislation and regulation
- Integrated care
- Language, speech, and communication
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has accredited Arizona State University to offer online degree programs through ASU Online. The University also participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
What Makes this Program Unique:
Despite an online program, the University’s BS in Health Sciences program provides internship opportunities for students to gain in-depth experience and explore the fields they’re most passionate about.
All online health science degree students will receive their transcripts and diplomas saying “Arizona State University” without indicating that the degree was obtained through an “online” program.
Did You Know?
The University also offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Sciences degree program for Associate of Applied Science students.
Florida Gulf Coast University
Bachelor of Science in Health Science (Online)
Florida Gulf Coast University offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Science as a web-based distance learning program designed for students seeking future careers in healthcare and entry-level health profession practitioners aspiring for career advancement opportunities.
The program requires students to complete at least 120 credits, including 48 credits in the upper division.
FGCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
What Makes this Program Unique:
Students can gain and develop marketable skills and bridge knowledge gaps to boost their career readiness with the help of FGCU’s Digital Badges and Micro-Credentials program.
A variety of scholarships and financial aid options are available. 52% of FGCU students graduate with zero debt.
Did You Know?
FGCU ranks No. 2 in terms of graduation employment rate among all state universities in Florida.
Since 2013, the tuition has not changed.
Indiana University
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (Online)
Indiana University runs the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program delivered “80% to 99%” online.
Offered through IU Online, the program requires 120 credit hours, including 53 core health sciences courses and 12 credits of general health sciences education courses. The requirements include general education courses of 32 credits and general elective courses of 23 credit hours.
The Higher Learning Commission has approved the accreditation of Indiana University.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Indiana residents can take advantage of low tuition and fees, around 72% lower than out-of-state residents.
Online health science degree students receive the same high-quality curriculum taught by the same exemplary professors on campus.
Like their on-campus counterparts, online students also have access to various academic and other student support services, including consultations with professors.
Did You Know?
Indiana University is committed to making a global impact, with its researchers, faculty, and scientists pursuing research on groundbreaking projects that make Indiana and the world a better place.
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Liberty University offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree program with 8-week courses for students who want to prepare for a career in one of the allied health professions. As a Catholic university, the program grooms students to perform their healthcare duties ethically by providing them with academic knowledge and practical training with a biblical viewpoint.
The BS in Health Sciences program, which falls under the School of Health Sciences, takes an average of 3.5 years to complete and requires students to earn 120 credit hours toward graduation.
SACSCOC regionally accredits the Virginia-based Liberty University.
What Makes this Program Unique:
All online undergraduate programs provide electronic textbooks for free, saving full-time students as much as $2,000 per year.
Tuition rates have been frozen for more than eight years, reflecting the University’s dedication to providing high-quality education at an affordable rate.
Did You Know?
The University is a non-profit university committed to excellence, as evidenced by Niche.com‘s recognition of the University as one of the Top 3 online schools in the US.
The University supports military service members (current, retired, or discharged) and their spouses by providing world-class educational experiences, tuition discounts, and other military benefits.
Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (Online)
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences offered by Ohio State University is a 100% online degree program that provides students with a solid foundation of science knowledge that launches them to success in health-related professional careers or graduate programs.
Delivered through Ohio State Online by the College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the program encompasses various health topics that provide graduates with career opportunities in various fields, including occupational therapy, dentistry, medicine, and physical therapy.
The Higher Learning Commission accredits the Ohio State University.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The Ohio State Online Course Demonstration allows potential students to test drive a course to determine if the online degree program suits them. Similarly, the Online Student Readiness Assessment helps potential students to assess their preparedness for an online higher education setup.
Did You Know?
US News & World Report has ranked the University as the No. 11 in Best Online Bachelor’s Program.
Ohio State Online students who don’t reside in Ohio are charged a non-resident surcharge of $200 per term for the BS in Health Sciences program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical timeline to finish the Bachelor in Health Science degree program?
On average, a Bachelor’s degree program usually takes around four years of full-time study to finish, with students completing general education requirements, core courses, and electives for eight semesters. Some institutions, however, offer accelerated programs that allow students to complete their degrees in a shorter timeframe. This is often possible through intensive coursework or summer sessions.
Moreover, many students often complete online degree programs in an average of 3.5 years due to their self-paced nature. Unlike traditional, on-campus programs, some online degree programs allow students to advance their coursework without waiting for fellow students to catch up or for the semester to end.
For part-time students with hectic schedules balancing work and personal commitments, the timeline to obtain their degree can be longer. Certain online programs provide degree completion options for individuals who have earned credits but need to pause their studies for a certain period or longer. These programs enable students to achieve their degrees ultimately.
What are the specialization options in a Health Science bachelor’s program?
Many schools offering the Health Science program may not offer specialization options. However, the options for schools that offer them can vary from one institution to another. Here are some common specialization areas you might find:
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Exercise Science or Kinesiology
- Health Promotion and Wellness
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
- Gerontology
- Mental Health and Counseling
- Environmental Health
Summary Points
- A Bachelor’s in Health Science provides a comprehensive foundation in health-related subjects and equips students with diverse knowledge and skills applicable across various healthcare roles. Thus, it can be an ideal program for students drawn to a career in health and wellness but have not yet pinpointed a specific path like becoming a doctor, nurse, or practicing medical professional.
- The Health Science bachelor’s degree curriculum and the concentrations or pathways offered to students generally differ from one institution to another. Thus, looking into the coursework or talking to the school’s program coordinator is essential to determine if the online degree program aligns with your career goals.
- It’s important to note that the Health Science degree typically does not directly lead to eligibility for license exams for medical professions such as doctors or nurses. If you intend to become a licensed medical practitioner, pursuing a degree program that directly aligns with the profession’s requirements, e.g., a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for aspiring nurses, is advisable.
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