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 2021. Review the colleges and universities that truly stand out.
Programs that might interest you:
Purdue University Global
PROGRAM: BS – Health Science
Develop the professional and administrative skills to pursue leadership positions helping to advance the health of individuals and communities. Learn to apply concepts of healing, health, and wellness from a broad historical and multicultural lens.
| # | School Name | Type | Cost | Online Programs | More Details | School Information | Online Students | Academic Counseling | Career Placement | Students w/Institutional Aid | Median Earnings 10yrs After Entry | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Hays State UniversityHays, KS | Public | $$ | 1 | The Fort Hays State University’s Master of Science in Health and Human Performance requires a total of 18 credits for the degree. Students can complete the program in three to four years, counting summer studies. The program consists of core courses (17 credits) and major elective courses (15 credits). Studies culminate in and comprehensive examination and either a graduate project or an on-site internship. Heavy emphasis is placed on independent research in public health and related sciences. Students take advanced courses that build communication, analytical, and technical skills. Students admitted into the program without a bachelor degree in health or a related field are required to take an additional 18 hours in preparation coursework within one year. Program Overview: Online Master of Science in Health and Human Performance
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid77% | AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 2 | University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro, NC | Public | $$ | 1 | The Bachelor of Science in Public Health at UNC-Greensboro consists of 122 credit. Students may transfer 62 credits from a community college to fulfill general education requirements. Applicants must hold a prior degree at the associate or baccalaureate level (AA, AS, BA, or BS). The health studies major consists of 48 credits in the major and 18 credits in related electives. Studies enable students to gain a solid health foundation and the understanding of causes and solutions related to health problems. Health studies coursework is in Public Health and Health Care Systems; Public Health Diseases; Public Health Data Analysis; Race, Ethnicity and Health; Gender and Health; Income, Social Status and Health; and Epidemiology. Program Overview: Bachelor of Science in Public Health: Health Studies (online)
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid59% | AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||
| 3 | Arizona State University-TempeTempe, AZ | Public | $$$ | 2 | At ASU-Tempe the Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Sciences is offered entirely online with multiple start dates throughout the year. Program graduates are prepared for positions in many fields, including Histology Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Medical Radiology. Career options depend on the focus of the student’s work at the associate degree level. Applicants to the program are required to hold an AAS degree transferring up to 60 credit hours to fulfill ASU general education requirements. Required online courses are in health communication, healthcare ethics, geriatric health, health theory and contemporary issues, population health management, leadership and professionalism. Program Overview: Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Sciences
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid86% | AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 4 | University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia, MO | Public | $$ | 1 | The online Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) at the University of Missouri-Columbia is a non-clinical program preparing graduates for a variety of jobs in the healthcare industry. The degree is designed for students entering careers in health education, healthcare information technology, clinical data management, medical sales representatives and more. Online students complete their coursework curriculum through self-paced or semester-based classes. Transfer students are required to have completed 64 lower division credit hours. The program core courses focus on public health practice and principles, health research, and clinical ethics. Mizzou Online offers 10 percent tuition discounts for graduates of community college. Program Overview: Bachelor of Health Science (BHS)
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid65% | AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 5 | University of South DakotaVermillion, SD | Public | $$ | 1 | The Online Bachelor's Degree in Health Science at USD allows students a choice of six concentrations that allow them to specialize in their academic pathway of their choosing. Concentrations are in Pre-Professional Studies, Health Care Studies, Health Care Advancement Studies, Undergraduate Clinical Informatics, Undergraduate Public Health, and Undergraduate Research. Each concentration prepares graduates for entry-level employment within their niche of the healthcare professions. The program can be complete in 48 months. The Health Care Advancement Studies concentration is for students who have completed an associate degree in health care who want to advance in their current position. Upon completion of the program, students may pursue a graduate degree in the field. Program Overview: Online Bachelor's Degree in Health Science
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid67% | AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 6 | Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA | Public | $$$ | 1 | ODU’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree program offers an emphasis on Health Services Administration. The program requires the completion of120 hours, 30 of which must be completed through ODU Online. Students who are entering the health field must complete 12 credits of prerequisites prior to admission to the program. Upper Division courses are in public health science, population health, managerial epidemiology, ethics in healthcare administration, health aspects in aging, finance and budgeting, health policy and research, health informatics, and healthcare marketing. The number of credits that may be transfered from community college work are determined by ODU advisors. Program Overview: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid70% | AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | |||
| 7 | Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus, OH | Public | $$$ | 1 | The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at Ohio State offers the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences program provides graduates with a fundamental science background. Graduates can choose to enter a career in healthcare or advance to a graduate degree program focusing on physical therapy, dentistry, medicine, or occupational therapy or other professional health disciplines. Online students complete two years of classes following satisfaction of prerequisites in mathematics, chemistry and biology, anatomy, psychology, medical terminology, and statistics. Students who have completed an associate degree may waive some courses required for graduation. Applications are accepted three times during the year. Program Overview: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid70% | AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 8 | Indiana University-BloomingtonBloomington, IN | Public | $$$ | 2 | The online, 120-credit B.S. in Health Sciences at Indiana University is comprised of core health sciences courses, electives, and one of four tracks: Global Health and Rehabilitation Studies, Gerontology, Rehabilitation and Disabilities Studies, or preparation for graduate degree work in the health professions. Degree requirements call for general education (32 credits), health sciences core courses (44 credits), health sciences general education courses (12 credits), health sciences track courses (12-34 credits) and general elective courses that bring the credit total to 120. Core courses include Nutrition and Exercise; Survey of US Health Care System Services, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Legal and Regulatory Aspects in Rehabilitation, Diversity Issues in Health and Rehabilitation Services, Administration and Supervision of Rehabilitation Organizations, and Research in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Program Overview: B.S. in Health Sciences
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid58% | AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 9 | Indiana University-EastRichmond, IN | Public | $$ | 1 | There are two degree tracks available in Indiana University’s online Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science: Community Health Educator or Health Administration. Both require 120 credits for graduation. Students who have completed an A.S or A.A. degree can transfer 60 – 64 credit hours toward the baccalaureate. Core courses (42 credits) are Health Care Delivery and Leadership; Intercultural Health Communication; Health Policy, Ethics, and Legal Issues; Epidemiology/Biostatistics and Population Health; Research in the Health Sciences; Consumer Health; Economics of Health Care; Informatics; Grant Writing & Internship. The internship is conducted online during the final semester to assess the student’s aptitude in core competencies. Program Overview: Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid48% | AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 10 | Capella UniversityMinneapolis, MN | Private, For-Profit | $$$ | 6 | Capella University’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health is offered entirely online. The rigorous program requires 180 credits for completion, broken down into 66 credits of courses in the major, 63 credits of program electives, 45 courses in general studies, and six credits for a Capstone project. The core focus is on health policy and management, biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, and social/behavioral impacts on care. The degree is appropriate for newcomers preparing for entry-level positions in public health or current health employees seeking advancement. During the final quarter, students complete a Capstone project that demonstrates competency in public health skills and technical acumen to overcome barriers to healthcare delivery. Program Overview: Health Sciences-Bachelor of Science in Public Health
| Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid50% | AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | |||
| 11 | Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights, KY | Public | $$ | 2 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid61% | AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
| 12 | West Virginia State UniversityInstitute, WV | Public | $$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid52% | AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
| 13 | Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid89% | AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
| 14 | George Washington UniversityWashington, DC | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$$$$ | 7 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid75% | AccreditationMiddle States Commission on Higher Education | ||||
| 15 | Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester, NH | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid39% | AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education | ||||
| 16 | University of BridgeportBridgeport, CT | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid98% | AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education | ||||
| 17 | Quinnipiac UniversityHamden, CT | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid95% | AccreditationNew England Commission of Higher Education | ||||
| 18 | Purdue University GlobalDavenport, IA | Private, For-Profit | $$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid0% | AccreditationHigher Learning Commission | ||||
| 19 | Bellarmine UniversityLouisville, KY | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid100% | AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges | ||||
| 20 | Pacific UniversityForest Grove, OR | Private, Not-for-Profit | $$$$$ | 1 | Academic CounselingYes | Career PlacementYes | Students w/ Institutional Aid97% | AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Profiling Online Degrees in Health Science
It can be difficult to find the school for you, whether you plan to study the health sciences or something else entirely. But if a degree in HS is on your radar, identifying the program that fits your needs is key. To help you understand what an online degree in health science entails, how much it costs, the online courses you’ll take, and the curriculum goals, we’ve profiled one of today’s most popular online degree programs in the field.
Walden University is a leader in online learning. This institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1990 and currently boasts a student body of more than 50,000 students. One of Walden University’s key advantages is the wide array of programs and courses available. For example, for students interested in a degree in health science and related fields, they have 12 programs to choose from at the certificate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. Two popular programs include the bachelor’s in health studies and the bachelor’s in healthcare management.
Both of these include three tracks: course-based, competency-based and master’s accelerated. The latter is ideal for students who are confident they want to earn a master’s degree in a health science or similar field from Walden University. In many cases, students will be able to reduce their master’s degree course requirements by as much as 50%. The course-based approach is similar to more traditional coursework and provides students with an instructor-led teaching approach with a set course schedule. Those seeking maximum learning flexibility will prefer the competency-based track, where they can advance their learning at their own pace.
Online School Interview: Director of Health Sciences
To give you an inside look at online health science degrees, we reached out to university program directors and gave them the opportunity to share what makes their online programs special. Here’s what one had to say.
| University name | location | School type | online programs | Get more info | Program Description | |
| Touro University Worldwide | location: Los Alamitos, CA | School type: Private not-for-profit | online programs: 5 | Get more info |  Q&A with Lyzette Blanco Director of Health Science Program and The Edith Neumann School of Health and Human Services |
Choosing Your Online Health Science Degree Program
Picking the right program is different for everyone. Where one student’s needs more affordable tuition, another may be more focused on flexibility. Despite the personal nature of this decision, there are certain factors that every student should think about before applying to online health science programs. Make sure each program you’re vetting does the following:
Fits your budget
There’s no point in enrolling in a program you can’t afford or will leave you with a debt following graduation that you will be unable to pay back. Don’t just focus on tuition, but other things can affect cost of attendance, such as fees and the availability of financial aid.
Has proper accreditation
Accreditation is the process by which an independent body confirms that a school or program meets basic educational quality standards. At a minimum, prospective students should confirm that their chosen school has at least regional or institutional accreditation. Without accreditation, the degree earned may be almost worthless.
Fits your schedule and career timeline
Online programs are known for their flexibility, but some programs make it easier to fit learning into a work or life schedule. Some programs make it easier to graduate at a faster or slower pace. Before enrolling, ensure a particular program’s online format will fit your schedule and professional goals.
Matches your interests and desired career outcomes
Health science is a fairly specialized degree, but there are variables within the degree program designed to tailor it to your unique professional or academic interests. For example, one program might offer a specialization that another does not. Or, it might make sense to earn a health science degree at the graduate level as opposed to the undergraduate level.
Qualifies you for professional certification
If you hope to earn a special certification or license, there might be specific education requirements. Be sure the school you’re interested in will prepare you to obtain that professional qualification or certification. Otherwise, you may find yourself back in school, delaying you professional advancement or missing out on certain opportunities.
Offers a strong student support system
Distance learning requires a significant amount of self-discipline. However, it’s very beneficial to have easy access to academic and professional support. Questions come up and problems arise; when they do, you want to be sure you’ll have someone easily accessible to help you figure things out.
Earning Your Health Science Degree Online
When enrolled in an online health science program, experiences can vary. For instance, some programs will be 100% online while others will be mostly or partially online. The exact amount of online classes will depend not only on the particular program, but on area of specialization.
Additionally, there will be varying degrees of flexibility. Some students will have almost complete control in how and when they take their classes, while others will have more structure in completing their academic requirements. Some things will be universal, however: for instance, one common feature among many health science programs can be found at the master’s level, with the capstone project. Students can expect to complete this project and demonstrate their understanding of the health science field by applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Online Health Science Degrees by Level
Health science is a popular area of study, so it’s no wonder there are various degrees available for both graduate and undergraduate students. The three most popular health science degrees can be found at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree levels. Let’s take a closer look.
Online Associate Degree in Health Science
An online associate degree in health science is a great opportunity to gain a solid foundation in the field while still exploring more specific educational paths. The curriculum often focuses on providing a foundational level of knowledge that can be applied to a variety of medical and health settings. Many programs also provide opportunities for specialization for support, administrative, or technical roles in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office. Upon completion, graduates should have the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a healthcare team and move on to a more advanced degree later if they so choose.
Best for … anyone looking to gain a basic understanding of the health care field, yet wants to keep the option of earning a bachelor’s degree later on.
Program Requirements
Total Credits:
60 or 90
Other Common Requirements:
In addition to core or major related courses, students will take general education classes that comprise of roughly half of their total credits needed for graduation.
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 2-3 Years
Full-Time Program: 1.5-2 Years
Popular Career Options
Medical Assistant
National Median Salary (2018):
$33,610
National Job Growth (2018 to 2028):
23%
Job Level:
Entry-Level
Pharmacy Technician
National Median Salary (2018):
$32,700
National Job Growth (2018 to 2028):
7%
Job Level:
Entry-Level
Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Health Science
The online bachelor’s is one of the most popular health sciences degree tracks. The four-year degree allows graduates to meet the basic education eligibility requirements for many healthcare positions. It also delivers a well-rounded general education to accompany the more specialized coursework. And finally, it sets the stage for further learning later on, such as with a master’s degree. The core curriculum provides an extensive amount of healthcare training, with students learning basic knowledge from microbiology to health informatics to public health. When done with their degree, students should be prepared for taking on a number of roles in teaching, administration, management, and healthcare delivery.
Best for … someone who wishes to begin their career at more advanced levels, including teaching and management.
Program Requirements
Total Credits:
120 or 180
Other Common Requirements:
Students will encounter an extensive general education curriculum. Some programs may require a final capstone project that applies classroom knowledge to a real-world situation.
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 5-6 Years
Full-Time Program: 2-4 Years
(Note that the time to completion depends upon whether the student already has an associate degree)
Popular Career Options
Community Health Worker
National Median Salary (2018):
$39,540
National Job Growth (2018 to 2028):
13%
Job Level:
Entry-Level
Health Services Manager
National Median Salary (2018):
$99,730
National Job Growth (2018 to 2028):
18%
Job Level:
Mid-Level
Online Master’s Degrees in Health Science
Online health science master’s programs cover theoretical and strategic topics, such as leadership, policy and ethics. They also help to cultivate advanced skills, such as writing, research, and statistical analysis. Students also have the opportunity to specialize during their master’s program, diving deeper into areas such as environmental analysis, biostatistics, and ethics of healthcare.
Best for … established professionals who want to take the next step in their professional development in a health science field.
Program Requirements
Total Credits:
30 to 36
Other Common Requirements:
Many programs require students to complete a capstone project that contains a practicum element. This may require students to work under the supervision of a faculty member while working within an organizational environment to address a particular issue for a specific community.
Time to Complete
Part-Time Program: 2-3 Years
Full-Time Program: 1.5-2 Years
Popular Career Options
Social and Community Service Manager
National Median Salary (2018):
$65,320
National Job Growth (2018 to 2028):
13%
Job Level:
Mid-Level
Health Educator
National Median Salary (2018):
$54,220
National Job Growth (2018 to 2028):
10%
Job Level:
Mid-Level
Financial Aid for Your Online Health Science Degree
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 to pay for them. If you’re ready to apply for an online health science degree, explore health science scholarships and research financial aid before you get started.
Health Science Degree & Career Resources
To make the most of your health science degree, it helps to know the right people and have access to helpful resources. Establishing connections in school can provide a valuable head start for professional development.
Professional Health Science Organizations
Connecting with the right professional organization can provide guidance on not just choosing the most appropriate academic path while in school, but can also make it easier to achieve your professional goals. These organizations can introduce you to areas of practice you never considered or open doors to job prospects you wouldn’t otherwise have.
- American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management
- American College of Healthcare Executives
- American Health Information Management Association
- American Medical Informatics Association
- American Public Health Association
- American Society for Microbiology
- Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology
- Association of Public Health Laboratories
- Council on Education for Public Health
- Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society
- Health Sciences Association
- National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
- National Consortium for Health Science Education
- National Environmental Health Association
- Society for Public Health Education
Resources for Health Science Students & Professionals
Whether you’re looking to succeed in school or in your chosen field of work, having access to information and individuals who know something you don’t is priceless. Numerous websites and organizations have a wealth of information to help you ace that next exam, understand course material, learn about a potential career or provide a few ideas on making the most of your upcoming networking event.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Delta Omega
- Healthcare IT News
- Health Resources & Services Administration
- Health Science Journal
- HOSA-Future Health Professionals
- National Health Association
- MERLOT-Health Science Community Portal
- National Healthcareer Association
- National Institutes of Health
- O*Net
- Quizlet