Online Health Science Degree Programs: Choosing a School
Health science is a great starting point if you’re interested in healthcare, but not sure where to focus. Whether you end up pursuing nursing, healthcare administration, or clinical research, an online health science degree can provide you with foundational knowledge for any healthcare career. Use EduMed’s guide to learn about top schools, types of online health science degrees, costs, and the career outlook for this adaptable educational path.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
HealthcareNursingHealthcare Admin EditorialSenior CareDementia Care
NursingHealth ScienceIs This Right for Me?
Pursuing an online health science degree is a big commitment. Before diving in, you should review your finances, ambitions, and schedule to see if it makes sense. To ensure you’re prepared to take the next steps, answer these basic questions:
- Are you self-motivated and able to complete online coursework independently?
- What field of healthcare would you like to pursue after obtaining your degree in health sciences? Nutrition? Dentistry? Healthcare Administration? Clinical research?
- Do you want to work with patients, conduct research, or both?
- What level of education are you able to commit to considering your time, finances, and general lifestyle?
- Are you comfortable with the rigorous coursework of biology, chemistry, and psychology?
Expert Insight
When I began my undergraduate studies, I wasn’t entirely sure where I was headed, but I did know I had always been interested in health and science. Pursuing a degree in Health Science was one of the best decisions I could have made. Not only did it reinforce my interest in the field, but the coursework also provided a wealth of information to help me decide which career path was right for me.
Profiling Online Health Science Programs
Online health science programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some programs are 100% online, while others are part online and part on-campus. You may also find programs where the online components are synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (self-paced). When reviewing the schools and programs below, make sure you fully understand how each one handles the online vs on-campus requirements.
You can earn a health science degree online at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. But which degree is right for you? Let’s take a closer look at three actual programs at each level.
Associate Degree in Health Science – Northwest Technical College
Northwest Technical College offers an Associate of Science (AS) in the Healthcare Sciences Broad Field. This 60-credit program allows students to complete their coursework online or in person. The specific courseload includes general education courses in writing, public speaking, biology, chemistry, psychology, sociology, and more.
After completing the general education requirement, students choose a concentration of 10 technical elective credits suited to their intended health sciences major. The program prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs or additional associate degrees, providing flexibility with online or on-campus coursework. Northwest Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: 60 credits (2 years)
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $22,062
Admissions Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Completion of the online application
- Official high school transcripts sent directly to the admissions office
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 13 Credits in writing, psychology, ethics, and statistics
Major Courses: 17 Credits
- Principles of Nutrition
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Introduction to Health Careers
Technical Elective Credits: 30 credits that define your concentration in the program
Best for: Students looking to gain a basic understanding of the health care field, yet want to keep the option of earning a bachelor’s degree later on.
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Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science – Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Science for students aiming to begin their careers in healthcare or pursue further graduate studies. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of health science topics, including research methods for health science, biostatistics, practices in public health, environmental health, and social determinants of health behaviors.
In total, students complete 180 credit hours, an estimated four years in school. However, Purdue allows students a three-week free trial for classes to make sure that you can commit to this degree program. There are even multiple start dates to give you flexibility in balancing work, personal, and educational obligations. After the program, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of fields from clinical lab analysts to community health workers.
Duration: 180 credits (4 years)
Mode: Online
Cost: $66,780
Admissions Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Completion of the Enrollment Agreement
- Complete the electronic Identity and Document verification process
- Official high school transcripts sent directly to the admissions office
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
- Speak, read, and write English fluently
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 45 Credits in writing, humanities, statistics, and introductory-level sciences
Major Requirements: 60 Credits
- Social Determinants of Health and Human Behavior
- Research Methods for Health Sciences
- Practice in Public Health
- Biostatistics
- Complementary and Integrative Medicine
- Microbiology for Health Professions
- Environmental Health
- Major Electives I
- Major Electives II
- Bachelor’s Capstone in Health Science
Elective Courses: 75 credits that define your concentration in the program
Best for: Students looking to land a stronger first position in healthcare and who may want to seek upper-level management through experience and/or a master’s degree in the field.
Master’s Degree in Health Science – The George Washington University
The George Washington University’s Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) in Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research Leadership is a 100% online program that prepares healthcare professionals for leadership roles in regulatory strategy and clinical research.
The 36-credit curriculum offers two concentrations: regulatory affairs and clinical research administration. The courses address global regulatory strategy, investigational product development, and the business and ethical components of clinical research.
The program is developed in collaboration with industry experts and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Duration: 36 credits (2 years)
Mode: Online
Cost: $77,250
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts from every college and university attended
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Previous healthcare-related work experience preferred
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 21 Credits
- Introduction to Global Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research
- Regulatory Strategy in the Development of Therapeutics
- International Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research
- Epidemiology
- Leadership Development in Healthcare Systems
- Strategic and Operational Decision Making or Health Care Leaders
Concentration Courses: 15 Credits
There are two concentration options for MS students: Regulatory Affairs (RAFF) and Clinical Research Administration (CRA). The bulk of your program will depend on which concentration you choose. Some courses for students with a concentration in RAFF are Regulatory Compliance and Promotion of FDA-Regulated Medical Products. If you choose a CRA concentration, you can expect to take classes like The Clinical Research Industry and Quality and Risk Management.
Best For: established professionals who want to take the next step in their professional development in a health science field.
Answers to Common Health Science Student Questions
Health science degrees are general degrees that prepare you for multiple healthcare-related work environments. Although the broadness of this degree is what makes it flexible and adaptable, it is also what makes this educational path confusing for a lot of students. Common questions range from this degree’s difficulty to potential career pathways. Keep reading to find answers to questions about this broader but useful educational path.
Is a health science degree useful?
Yes! Health sciences provide foundational knowledge for multiple aspects of the healthcare industry. Regardless of education level, a health science education can prepare you for a wide range of careers from pharmaceutical marketing to clinical research to nursing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1.9 million job openings are projected each year for healthcare occupations. Therefore, health science degrees are a great way to get in on the ground floor of the rapidly growing industry.
Expert Insight
Most health science degree programs include courses that are required prerequisites for certain graduate or doctorate degrees (medical, dental, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, etc.).
Are online health science degrees respected?
As long as you enroll in an accredited online health science degree program, an employer will respect your education. Accreditation means that the program meets a certain level of education standards from a regional or state accrediting agency. To make sure your program is accredited, you can check the school’s website or you can go to the U.S Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE).
What are health science career pathways?
Health science career pathways guide program graduates to specific occupational areas. Some states have more detailed pathways for students to consider. For example, the five pathways recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education include biotechnology, diagnostics, health informatics, support services, and therapeutic services.
Careers in biotechnology often include research and development of new equipment and medicines. Diagnostics centers around providing diagnoses by reviewing blood samples or MRIs. Health informatics is often associated with healthcare administration. This pathway may require that you process patient paperwork and maintain an organized work environment. Support services maintain different healthcare work environments by conducting repairs on equipment, cleaning, transporting patients, and providing necessary materials. People in therapeutic services provide treatment plans and rehabilitative care.
Is health science harder than nursing?
Both programs require dedication and hard work and vary based on academic requirements. Nursing focuses more on patient care, so you may need more clinical care hours to graduate, whereas health science may not require as many in-person hours.
However, both require rigorous course loads that include biology, chemistry, and various topics in mathematics. Another thing to consider is that health science offers broader career options, while nursing is a specific educational program with the desired outcome of becoming a nurse.
Expert Insight
Both health science and nursing are hard in their own way. To obtain my bachelor’s in health science, I had to pass high-level courses in biology, chemistry and physiology that included complex concepts often hard to grasp. For nursing, I had to show I could consistently provide safe and compassionate care for a wide range of sick patients, which at times could be very challenging. The level of difficulty depends on the student.
Health Science Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees
Earning a health science degree is a significant investment. In addition to tuition, there can be fees, room and board, parking, books, and more. Fortunately, there are ways to help drive these costs down so you don’t need to reach into your savings. If you’re ready to apply for an online health science degree, explore health science scholarships and research financial aid before you get started.
Let’s see how much some of today’s health science programs cost.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Institute of Technology | AS | $23,940.00 |
| Roanne State Community College | AS | $18,720.00 |
| University of Cincinnati | BS | $36,215.00 |
| Ohio State University | BS | $33,319.80 |
| Liberty University | BS | $54,600.00 |
| Wilmington University | MS | $17,721.00 |
| Northwestern Health Sciences University | MS | $15,450.00 |
Salary & Career Outlook for Health Science
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $37,930 | $51,030 | $78,560 |
| Alabama | $33,580 | $43,950 | $62,880 |
| Alaska | $37,900 | $50,970 | $84,210 |
| Arizona | $37,570 | $48,050 | $67,690 |
| Arkansas | $32,330 | $44,850 | $67,610 |
| California | $45,200 | $57,560 | $89,920 |
| Connecticut | $43,030 | $59,480 | $84,250 |
| Delaware | $36,730 | $46,890 | $67,030 |
| District of Columbia | $49,730 | $71,550 | $88,010 |
| Florida | $33,490 | $45,300 | $71,690 |
| Georgia | $34,900 | $48,650 | $73,540 |
| Hawaii | $34,750 | $53,480 | $75,730 |
| Idaho | $38,750 | $47,820 | $101,640 |
| Illinois | $36,740 | $47,610 | $65,000 |
| Indiana | $36,200 | $45,980 | $66,690 |
| Iowa | $38,190 | $48,920 | $70,960 |
| Kansas | $37,190 | $49,040 | $64,330 |
| Kentucky | $34,740 | $48,960 | $76,690 |
| Louisiana | $33,600 | $40,080 | $57,040 |
| Maine | $38,560 | $48,400 | $69,990 |
| Maryland | $35,870 | $51,520 | $88,800 |
| Massachusetts | $41,740 | $54,160 | $78,260 |
| Michigan | $36,770 | $47,290 | $76,140 |
| Minnesota | $41,190 | $47,830 | $69,600 |
| Mississippi | $28,410 | $37,790 | $60,930 |
| Missouri | $36,730 | $47,410 | $73,290 |
| Montana | $39,600 | $54,950 | $80,950 |
| Nebraska | $40,550 | $51,900 | $72,550 |
| Nevada | $43,030 | $57,380 | $106,040 |
| New Hampshire | $40,870 | $50,910 | $76,300 |
| New Jersey | $39,410 | $51,710 | $82,490 |
| New Mexico | $43,940 | $71,210 | $86,530 |
| New York | $42,900 | $56,950 | $87,410 |
| North Carolina | $33,610 | $46,930 | $71,710 |
| North Dakota | $43,440 | $57,840 | $86,690 |
| Ohio | $37,400 | $54,240 | $74,950 |
| Oklahoma | $34,220 | $46,070 | $68,040 |
| Oregon | $43,560 | $55,510 | $78,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $37,460 | $50,350 | $69,520 |
| Rhode Island | $35,840 | $56,760 | $86,230 |
| South Carolina | $36,780 | $45,580 | $71,850 |
| South Dakota | $40,650 | $47,300 | $63,590 |
| Tennessee | $31,450 | $37,720 | $52,070 |
| Texas | $36,270 | $47,440 | $62,960 |
| Utah | $39,520 | $55,520 | $72,070 |
| Vermont | $39,690 | $49,330 | $64,050 |
| Virginia | $34,060 | $51,990 | $79,670 |
| Washington | $42,210 | $56,460 | $80,220 |
| West Virginia | $27,760 | $40,470 | $61,080 |
| Wisconsin | $38,220 | $52,050 | $79,420 |
| Wyoming | $39,000 | $52,310 | $79,150 |
Source: Community Health Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 67,200 | 76,600 | 9,400 | 14.00% | 8,000 |
| Alabama | 260 | 290 | 30 | 11.50% | 30 |
| Alaska | 210 | 220 | 10 | 4.80% | 20 |
| Arizona | 1,100 | 1,420 | 320 | 29.10% | 160 |
| California | 8,600 | 10,300 | 1,700 | 19.80% | 1,100 |
| Colorado | 900 | 1,110 | 210 | 23.30% | 120 |
| Connecticut | 580 | 680 | 100 | 17.20% | 70 |
| Delaware | 340 | 390 | 50 | 14.70% | 40 |
| District of Columbia | 390 | 460 | 70 | 17.90% | 50 |
| Florida | 2,150 | 2,670 | 520 | 24.20% | 290 |
| Georgia | 660 | 820 | 160 | 24.20% | 90 |
| Idaho | 330 | 420 | 90 | 27.30% | 50 |
| Illinois | 2,190 | 2,390 | 200 | 9.10% | 250 |
| Indiana | 1,150 | 1,310 | 160 | 13.90% | 140 |
| Iowa | 490 | 580 | 90 | 18.40% | 60 |
| Kentucky | 1,690 | 1,910 | 220 | 13.00% | 200 |
| Louisiana | 290 | 330 | 40 | 13.80% | 40 |
| Maine | 190 | 200 | 10 | 5.30% | 20 |
| Maryland | 2,610 | 3,060 | 450 | 17.20% | 320 |
| Massachusetts | 810 | 920 | 110 | 13.60% | 100 |
| Michigan | 1,710 | 1,940 | 230 | 13.50% | 200 |
| Minnesota | 920 | 1,050 | 130 | 14.10% | 110 |
| Mississippi | 680 | 800 | 120 | 17.60% | 90 |
| Missouri | 3,160 | 3,410 | 250 | 7.90% | 350 |
| Montana | 370 | 450 | 80 | 21.60% | 50 |
| Nebraska | 360 | 420 | 60 | 16.70% | 50 |
| Nevada | 640 | 760 | 120 | 18.80% | 80 |
| New Hampshire | 270 | 310 | 40 | 14.80% | 30 |
| New Jersey | 1,580 | 1,830 | 250 | 15.80% | 190 |
| New Mexico | 1,080 | 1,340 | 260 | 24.10% | 150 |
| New York | 9,000 | 11,070 | 2,070 | 23.00% | 210 |
| North Carolina | 1,380 | 1,690 | 310 | 22.50% | 180 |
| North Dakota | 240 | 260 | 20 | 8.30% | 30 |
| Ohio | 1,830 | 2,040 | 210 | 11.50% | 210 |
| Oklahoma | 720 | 810 | 90 | 12.50% | 90 |
| Oregon | 1,000 | 1,190 | 190 | 19.00% | 130 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,200 | 2,480 | 280 | 12.70% | 260 |
| Rhode Island | 130 | 150 | 20 | 15.40% | 20 |
| South Carolina | 710 | 900 | 190 | 26.80% | 100 |
| South Dakota | 70 | 80 | 10 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Tennessee | 250 | 330 | 80 | 32.00% | 40 |
| Texas | 5,100 | 6,150 | 1,050 | 20.60% | 660 |
| Utah | 850 | 1,040 | 190 | 22.40% | 110 |
| Vermont | 130 | 160 | 30 | 23.10% | 20 |
| Virginia | 1,270 | 1,530 | 260 | 20.50% | 160 |
| Washington | 3,610 | 4,150 | 540 | 15.00% | 490 |
| West Virginia | 420 | 490 | 70 | 16.70% | 50 |
| Wisconsin | 1,000 | 1,130 | 130 | 13.00% | 120 |
| Wyoming | 130 | 140 | 10 | 7.70% | 20 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Today’s Best Online Health Science Degree Programs
If you’re looking to earn a health science degree online, you have plenty of options. More and more schools have added online health science to their program lists at all degree levels. But when reviewing these programs, how do you know which are right for you? Which ones have the best combinations of affordability, quality, and flexibility for today’s digitally-savvy students? Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and from the schools themselves, EduMed.org has researched, analyzed, and ranked the schools with the best online health science degree programs for 2025. Review the colleges and universities that truly stand out.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Why We Selected University of Cincinnati:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,099
- Average Institutional Aid$5,373
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
- % of Students Receiving an Award71%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Why We Selected Purdue University Global:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,080
- Average Institutional Aid$15,195
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course100%
- % of Students Receiving an Award27%
- Student/Faculty Ratio27/1
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Why We Selected Ohio State University:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$11,018
- Average Institutional Aid$10,023
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award86%
- Student/Faculty Ratio18/1
Allen College
Waterloo, Iowa
Why We Selected Allen College:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$18,956
- Average Institutional AidN/A
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course85%
- % of Students Receiving an Award100%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Why We Selected Johns Hopkins University:
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$58,720
- Average Institutional Aid$42,863
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course78%
- % of Students Receiving an Award93%
- Student/Faculty Ratio6/1
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Why We Selected George Washington University:
Program Details
- AccreditationMSCHE
- Average In-State Tuition$57,894
- Average Institutional Aid$30,074
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course8%
- % of Students Receiving an Award82%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Why We Selected Liberty University:
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$15,409
- Average Institutional Aid$10,834
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award41%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Why We Selected Western Michigan University:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$13,334
- Average Institutional Aid$5,222
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course76%
- % of Students Receiving an Award56%
- Student/Faculty Ratio16/1
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Why We Selected University of South Dakota:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,773
- Average Institutional Aid$3,262
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course58%
- % of Students Receiving an Award59%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
Marion, Indiana
Why We Selected Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global:
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,453
- Average Institutional Aid$1,093
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course96%
- % of Students Receiving an Award35%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
