Inside California's Online Health Science Degrees
You know you want to work in healthcare, but you’re not sure how. After all, between administration, business, and clinical roles, there are various healthcare paths to choose from. Earning an online health science degree can provide an introduction to all things healthcare, with coursework in biology, social science, and strategic planning.
If you live in California and think a health science program might be right for you, the following EduMed guide offers key details on how they work, how much they cost, and which schools stand out (and why).
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Inside Online Health Science Programs in California
Health science programs blend sciences and humanities to give you a well-rounded perspective on healthcare. You’ll take hard-core science classes such as human anatomy and chemistry, humanities courses such as healthcare ethics and healthcare communication, and electives that allow you to put your own stamp on your studies. Except for labs, most health science programs can be completed online. A health science program is a great option if you’re interested in healthcare but aren’t sure exactly which aspect you want to pursue, if you already have a certificate or associate degree and want to take your education to the next level, or if you want a broader healthcare education in preparation for graduate school.
Carrington College
The Associate in Health Studies program at Carrington College allows you to build on your prior education and earn a degree that you can leverage in the professional world. To be admitted, you’ll need a prior healthcare-related certificate (at least 24 semester credit hours) from an accredited institution. Since the program is both online and asynchronous, you’ll be able to balance academics with work and other responsibilities. Carrington College participates in federal and state financial aid programs. The school also provides academic and career services, such as library access, resume building, interview preparation, externships, and career fairs. Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
Duration: As few as 10 months, depending on how many credits you’ve already completed
Mode: Online
Cost: $16,187
Admissions Requirements:
- Certificate in a healthcare field from an accredited institution
- Minimum of 24 credits
- 2.0 GPA
- Reliable Internet and email access
Curriculum:
- Nutrition
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Interpersonal Communication
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Sacramento State University
Sacramento State’s Bachelor’s in Health Science is designed for students who want a career in the allied health professions. The program allows students to tailor their studies to meet their specific goals, so graduates are equipped with all necessary prerequisites to pursue clinical or nonclinical professions including occupational therapy, nursing, physician assistant, and public health. The degree consists of 120 units. Health science students at Sacramento State are eligible for merit- and need-based Health and Human Services scholarships. The school supports scholars through robust student services, including a student health and counseling services, Veterans Success Center, and a career center. Sacramento State is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Duration: Four years
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $1,764 for one to six units; $3,042 for more than six units
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma, GED, or passing score on the California High School Proficiency Examination
- Completion of the 15-unit comprehensive “a-g” college prep courses with a grade of C- or better
- Transcripts
Curriculum:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Chemistry
- Health Psychology
- Nutrition and Food
Southern California University of Health Sciences
When it comes to versatility, the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree completion program at Southern California University (SCU) shines. In addition to its flexible asynchronous online format, the program features eight concentrations; fully online options include health promotion, human genetics and genomics, functional anatomy, and integrative nutrition and wellness. Students even have the option to work with the program director or their academic advisor to create a customized concentration. Graduates planning to become physician assistants (PAs) are guaranteed an interview with SCU’s PA program if they meet certain requirements. The SCU program includes a fixed-rate tuition guarantee. The school offers scholarships and participates in various financial aid programs. SCU holds institutional accreditation through the WASC.
Duration: About two years
Mode: Online
Cost: $27,975
Admissions Requirements:
- At least 60 credits from an accredited U.S. college
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Residency in any state except Delaware or the District of Columbia
Curriculum:
- Biology
- Health issues and policies
- Information literacy
- Critical thinking
- Cultural and social understanding
Health Science Program FAQs
A health science degree might feel like the right fit for you, but you probably still have some unanswered questions. Below we’ve compiled the questions students typically have — and provided the answers that will help you take the next step toward your online health science degree.
Does it matter if the health science program I choose is accredited?
Yes, accreditation matters.Accreditation is a seal of quality granted to a school or program by a sanctioned accrediting agency. It ensures that your education meets certain standards. Accreditation also affects whether your credits will transfer and if you can access federal financial aid. There are two types of accreditation, programmatic and institutional. Health science programs don’t have programmatic accreditation, so you’ll be looking to make sure the school you attend holds a solid institutional accreditation. The foremost regional accreditation agency in California is the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
How much do health science degrees cost in California?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. First, are you pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree? Second, do you have college credits from a certificate program or previous studies to apply to your degree? If you’re going for an associate degree, community colleges offer the biggest bang for your buck. California community colleges have the lowest community college tuition in the nation, at $46 per unit.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my health science degree in California?
Yes, you’ll have a variety of financial aid options to choose from. Grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans are available to help make tuition affordable. If you’re already working in healthcare, check to see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement. Minimizing the amount of time you spend in school — and the corresponding expenses for parking, meal plans, and activity fees — cuts expenses too. Look for fast-track programs designed to get you out of school quickly.
What types of classes will I take in a health science program in California?
The topics covered in a health science degree are wide-ranging. Most programs cover the basics, including anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, and psychology. You’ll also probably take at least one math class, such as introduction to statistics (and if you end up in a field like health informatics, you’ll be glad you did). Electives give you the opportunity to customize your health science program to match your interests. For example, if gerontology appeals to you, then courses such as Aging Issues in Contemporary America or Strategies for Optimal Aging will be appealing.
What can I do with a health science degree?
A health science degree gives you lots of choices. Once you’ve graduated, you may need to obtain licensure or certifications. A license is a credential required by a governmental entity to work in certain professions. Most require prospective practitioners to pass an exam and submit an application for licensure. Certification proves you have expert knowledge in your field. To become certified, you must pass an exam facilitated through a third party. Heading into the workforce and attending graduate school are strong options as well.
Career & Salary Outlook for Health Science Graduates in California
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $37,930 | $51,030 | $78,560 |
| California | $45,200 | $57,560 | $89,920 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $41,970 | $50,980 | $78,500 |
| Chico, CA | $38,070 | $43,660 | $58,590 |
| Fresno, CA | $41,810 | $50,750 | $78,220 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $45,370 | $51,390 | $74,310 |
| Modesto, CA | $42,180 | $47,840 | $78,180 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $45,670 | $56,320 | $64,720 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $37,430 | $49,230 | $79,730 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $45,620 | $54,800 | $85,360 |
| Salinas, CA | $47,310 | $56,060 | $72,370 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $43,410 | $51,610 | $77,420 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $52,120 | $72,030 | $134,620 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $52,600 | $73,310 | $99,050 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $40,950 | $51,590 | $82,060 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $49,200 | $60,120 | $75,950 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $43,110 | $50,300 | $78,680 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $45,530 | $54,880 | $77,580 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | $43,680 | $51,420 | $68,660 |
| Vallejo, CA | $43,210 | $65,610 | $85,360 |
| Visalia, CA | $42,640 | $59,990 | $96,560 |
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 |
| California | 8,600 | 10,300 | 1,700 | 19.80% | 1,100 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Online Health Science Programs in California
In a state as large as California, a quick search will show you dozens of health science degree programs in the state. How can you possibly investigate them all and find the one that’s right for you? That’s where our rankings come in. Our system takes into account the most important criteria, starting with accreditation, online components, and the availability of academic counseling and career placement services. Drilling down further, it also factors in the number of online programs and student participation, tuition, graduate rates, financial aid, and student-to-faculty ratios. What you see below is the result of all that data collection and analysis — a quick and convenient way to see which California health science programs rise to the top.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $20,787 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fresno Pacific University
- The Pre-Health Sciences B.A. at Fresno Pacific University offers guaranteed fulfillment of lower-division general education and major co-requisites through an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), enabling a streamlined pathway to degree completion.
- Students in the Pre-Health Program benefit from structured, semester-by-semester academic advising and career exploration courses (HHS 18A and HHS 18B) designed to help refine their specific health career goals before applying to majors, enhancing program fit and success.
- The program emphasizes applying socioeconomic and ethical perspectives to analyze current healthcare issues, providing a distinctive interdisciplinary approach that deepens critical thinking about the health field.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $20,787 Avg. Aid Amount
- 66% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 8/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $2,035 Avg. Aid Amount
- 76% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected San Diego State University
- SDSU's Health Science program offers a seamless online degree completion pathway designed in partnership with the School of Public Health, allowing students to advance their careers with a respected, fully online curriculum.
- The program includes a supervised field practicum providing invaluable hands-on experience through 120 hours of work with research, nonprofit, or public health organizations in students' communities.
- Students benefit from access to world-renowned faculty who are active public health researchers, ensuring high-quality instruction and exposure to cutting-edge public health knowledge.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $2,035 Avg. Aid Amount
- 76% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 22/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
California State University-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CAProgram Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,146 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Los Angeles
- Cal State LA's Health Science program offers specialized career tracks including Community Health, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, and Health Policy for focused professional development.
- The program prepares students for leadership roles and graduate study while facilitating practical skills for employment in diverse public health sectors such as government, hospitals, nonprofits, and research.
- Students benefit from tailored coursework and experiential learning that develop expertise in health promotion, global health, and health communication, enhancing job readiness and professional networking opportunities.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,146 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CAProgram Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $6,098 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Northridge
- The Health Science program at CSUN offers an accelerated cohort-based Health Administration certificate with guaranteed enrollment and sequential courses for focused, efficient learning.
- Students benefit from faculty committed to student-centered active learning, scholarship, and strong community alliances fostering innovation and diversity within health promotion and disease prevention fields.
- The program provides extensive mentorship, community partnerships, and research opportunities, especially in the Master of Public Health Community Health Education concentration, supporting professional growth in diverse public health settings.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $6,098 Avg. Aid Amount
- 54% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 21/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CAProgram Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,721 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-San Bernardino
- The Health Science program at CSUSB offers extensive hands-on field experience where students work directly with community organizations, gaining real-world healthcare practice through flexible, project-based internships tailored to individual skills and interests.
- CSUSB's Environmental Health Science program trains local students to serve their own communities with specialized expertise in environmental health challenges, delivering workforce-ready graduates who impact regional public health and sustainability.
- The Bachelor of Science in Public Health curriculum is competency-based and aligns with national certification standards, enabling graduates to qualify for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) examination for professional credentialing.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,721 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
California State University-Channel Islands
Camarillo, CAProgram Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $7,472 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Channel Islands
- The CSU Channel Islands Health Science program offers a fully online degree completion option designed specifically for working adults to balance education with work and family commitments.
- The program provides tailored guidance on applying for professional licensing and accelerated graduate pathways in physical therapy and nursing, supporting advanced career progression.
- CSUCI addresses critical workforce demand by serving military families and partnering with Naval Base Ventura County, ensuring flexibility despite deployment transfers.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $7,472 Avg. Aid Amount
- 58% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
California State University-Dominguez Hills
Carson, CAProgram Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,052 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Dominguez Hills
- The Health Science program at CSUDH offers specialized options allowing students to tailor their upper division coursework to specific career interests within health sciences.
- Students benefit from leadership-focused coursework that applies theory directly to healthcare settings, enhancing professional readiness in health leadership roles.
- The program is housed within a comprehensive College of Health, Human Services, and Nursing, facilitating interdisciplinary networking and collaboration opportunities with related health fields.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,052 Avg. Aid Amount
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CAProgram Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,787 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Stanislaus
- The Health Science program offers an accelerated degree completion track designed specifically for allied health professionals seeking career advancement or professional certification.
- Students gain proficiency in in-demand health data analytics tools like SQL, R, and Python, preparing them for specialized roles in health informatics and data management within healthcare settings.
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from highly qualified faculty, enhancing student support and learning flexibility through hybrid course delivery formats.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,787 Avg. Aid Amount
- 57% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,920 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected California State University-Chico
- The Health Science program at CSU Chico offers students a multidisciplinary, competency- and service-based curriculum that prepares them to work effectively in diverse communities and healthcare systems, ensuring practical, real-world readiness.
- Students in the Health Services Administration option can engage in competitive team activities such as the College Bowl Team, which has won state competitions four consecutive years, fostering excellence and networking within healthcare management.
- The program provides extensive community partnerships and service-learning opportunities through collaborations with schools, shelters, hospitals, and other organizations, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and strengthen professional skills in various health settings.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $5,920 Avg. Aid Amount
- 65% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $6,608 Avg. Aid Amount
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected San Jose State University
- The Health Science program at San José State University offers specialized career tracks with concentrations such as Community Health Education and Population Data Science, allowing students to tailor their education to their professional goals.
- The program is enhanced by active faculty advising, peer mentoring, and online tutorials, providing strong academic support and fostering student success throughout the degree.
- Students benefit from interdisciplinary learning opportunities and collaboration with community organizations, preparing them for real-world public health challenges and improving professional networking prospects.
Program Details
- WSCUC Accreditation
- $6,608 Avg. Aid Amount
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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