Discover Texas’ Best Health Science Degrees Online for 2024
Launching a successful career in the health sciences starts with completing the right degree program. Keep reading to discover top programs and the keys to success after completing one.
A health science degree in Texas can lead to a stable and satisfying career with strong earning potential. Like California, New York, and Florida, Texas employs a vast number of healthcare practitioners and technicians — more than 500,000 according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
While many degrees prepare students to work in allied healthcare, a health science degree is designed specifically for students who want to work as community health workers, healthcare administrators, or health educators. As a result, it provides foundational knowledge in healthcare practice, research, and education, as well as the skills to communicate that knowledge to the public or other healthcare workers.
If this degree sounds interesting, keep reading. In this guide we’ll outline the best schools for earning a health science degree in Texas, different resources for current or future health science majors, and a look at the career field once you graduate. We’ll also unpack how to launch a successful career after getting your health science degree online in Texas.
Program Profiles: Health Science Degrees Online in TX
Let’s say you want to get your degree, but don’t have the time to commute to and from campus. Or maybe you’re looking for a more affordable or convenient option. In each of these scenarios, getting your health science degree online in Texas can be an excellent option.
With so many online programs to consider, it can be confusing to know which ones truly stand out in terms of affordability, accreditation, and curriculum. That’s why we’ve done some of the legwork for you. Use the three reputable online health science programs highlighted below as quality barometers as you continue researching other programs.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The Health Science and Human Services graduate degree at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) provides students with a unique perspective that equips them to approach health science problems in a more holistic and nuanced way. Required courses include legal and ethical issues in healthcare and healthcare research. Students also have the option to specialize, with concentration options that include health informatics, clinical laboratory sciences, health professions education and technology, and nutrition.
All programs are facilitated online, meaning students can complete their degree from the comfort of their own home. To enroll in this graduate degree program students must have — or be completing — an undergraduate degree in health science or a related field. Certificate programs are also available for those who want to dip their toes into graduate health science courses before diving into an entire degree program.
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth
One of the best online master’s in health science programs available is offered at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. In this program, students focus on lifestyle science. The ideal candidates for this program are those who see health as both a passion and a way of life. The program provides access to some of the top faculty in lifestyle health and health coaching. When students sign up for this online program, they receive access to five virtual workshops, an interactive learning platform to engage with faculty and other students, and courses in health science and coaching.
Course topics include health literacy, nutrition for health and chronic disease, wellness program planning, and health and wellness coaching. The program also provides professional development resources to help students connect with top employers and find jobs in industries such as corporate health coaching, health insurance, and community outreach for public health initiatives.
West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University offers both Bachelor of Art (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Health Sciences. The Bachelor of Science program is perfect for those with a strong background in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biology, but no prior undergraduate degrees. Applicants with an associate degree may be able to complete the degree faster than the projected four-year timeline.
The program’s curriculum consists of foundational courses on the healthcare industry and the health sciences. It also provides space for students to specialize in a particular area. Concentration options include pre-health professional, healthcare administration, health sciences, and family and community health. While all include the option to take some courses online, health sciences focus is available in a 100% online format. To make the degree more affordable, the school also offers financial aid opportunities and scholarships.
What to Look for in Texas Health Science Programs
When deciding where to complete your health science degree in Texas, there are some key factors to consider. While all of these are important, some weigh heavier than others. Before applying for a health science degree online in Texas, consider accreditation, community partnerships, the alumni network, and research opportunities.
Accreditation
Without accreditation, a degree may not be recognized by employers or other academic institutions. The best type of accreditation is regional, and the regional accrediting body for most schools in Texas is the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
School Spotlight: West Texas A&M University
Alumni Network & Employment Outcomes
Finding a top school at which to earn your degree is the first step in your career. Choosing a program is about more than academics, though. Online health science degree programs in Texas that foster a large alumni network and good employment outcomes is paramount. When looking at programs, see how many alumni currently work in Texas and in what capacity. Next, look at job statistics like the percentage of graduates employed within six months.
School Spotlight: The University of North Texas
Community Outreach & Partnerships
A central tenet of health science is community engagement. For hands-on experience in community outreach, find a health science degree in Texas that provides students with the opportunity to engage, educate, and learn from the community. Often, programs will list community partners on their website and may feature community outreach projects previous students have completed.
School Spotlight: UT Health San Antonio– Students can network and complete projects with community partners such as the San Antonio Fire Department and Schertz EMS.
Research Opportunities & Innovation
While most graduates with health science degrees work with the community, some work in research. If this is of interest to you, find a health science degree online in Texas with research opportunities. Sometimes, these are required components of a program in the form of a capstone project. Other times, they are optional. When optional, explore a program’s research page, and don’t be afraid to ask an admissions counselor what opportunities exist for students.
School Spotlight: the University of Texas San Antonio – Students can conduct research as early as their freshman year.
After Graduation: Prepare & Prosper in the TX Health Science Sector
In addition to choosing a health science degree in Texas with strong employment outcomes, there are several things you can do to set yourself up for professional success. We’ve outlined three of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your career below.
Continuing Education & Skill Development
Health science is a field that changes quickly and that requires continuous education. Learning new skills opens you up to more career opportunities, including the chance to spearhead interesting and innovative projects. Many workplaces offer continuing education programs or stipends for their employees. If your employer doesn’t, consider low-cost opportunities, such as LinkedIn Learning or reputable books on health science.
Certifications
A certification is a more formal way to continue your education and to show employers you are committed to your field and your advancement within it. Often, certifications take one to two semesters to complete and focus on a specific area of health, such as health education or community outreach. For graduates with a health science degree online in Texas, some of the best certificates include the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Health Professions Education and Technology Certificate; the University of Texas San Antonio’s Health Science Certificate; and the University of Texas Austin’s Pre-Health Professions Certificate.
Licensure
The Texas government oversees licensure for health science professionals. A license provides greater career opportunities and is required for some positions. Most licensure exams require applicants to have completed an associate health science degree in Texas or higher. More eligiblity requirements and details on how to apply can be found on the Texas Education Agency’s website.
Salary & Career Outlook for Health Science Graduates in Texas
The beauty of a health science degree in Texas is that you can cater your degree to your professional interests. Want to educate the public about healthy living? You can qualify for entry-level roles in public health communications. If health administration or healthcare management is your thing, you can apply to jobs in those fields as well.
While there are many career paths students with a health science degree online in Texas can pursue, the most common is community health. Since it’s so popular, this field provides a solid baseline expectation for both earning potential and job growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, community health workers make $42,220 a year on average, though those in the highest earning percentile make over $73,000 a year. This career is also in demand, as outlined in the table below:
| Area | Occupation | Base (2022) | Projection (2032) | Change | Percent Change | Average Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Community Health Workers | 3,550 | 4,450 | 900 | 25.4% | 500 |
Source: Projections Central
Keep in mind, though, location can impact your expected salary. The city where your employer is located influences the salary that may be available to you as a professional with a health science degree in Texas. For a better idea of how much you can make in popular metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin — as well as smaller cities — explore the table below:
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $29,200 | $38,500 | $60,320 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $30,600 | $38,830 | $60,320 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $25,490 | $30,550 | $50,400 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $15,080 | $31,110 | $46,640 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $30,510 | $40,130 | $61,330 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $30,440 | $38,500 | $60,300 |
| El Paso, TX | $30,340 | $36,750 | $38,980 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $29,240 | $41,770 | $61,040 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $34,380 | $37,200 | $63,570 |
| Laredo, TX | $28,940 | $29,200 | $46,990 |
| Lubbock, TX | $29,010 | $37,900 | $52,920 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $22,360 | $37,430 | $55,150 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $30,550 | $38,850 | $61,920 |
| Tyler, TX | $29,370 | $37,340 | $53,600 |
| Waco, TX | $30,780 | $36,750 | $59,280 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $22,700 | $33,490 | $56,090 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources & Support for Texas Health Science Students
Resources and scholarships for health science degrees online in Texas can set you up for academic, financial, and professional success. While your school should have some additional options, the 15 below are a good starting place for students in Texas to consider.
Academic
- Texas A&M Health Science Center – To explore different career fields and study resources, check out Texas A8M’s health science center.
- Texas Health Science Libraries Consortium – Have a research project or need to access additional resources for a class? Check out this library consortium devoted to health science materials available to Texas students, faculty, and researchers.
- UTHealth Houston – This organization provides continuing education opportunities, mental health resources for students, and more for those in the Houston area.
- UTHealth San Antonio – San Antonio students can take advantage of UTHealth San Antonio’s healthy living resources, continuing education courses, and more.
Financial
- Bordering States Waiver – If you live in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Orleans, or Oklahoma and want to attend school in Texas, this waiver program allows you to pay in-state rates instead of out-of-state rates.
- David P. Green Family Scholarship Endowment – This endowment provides scholarships to students at UT Health San Antonio who demonstrate financial need.
- Greater Houston Community Foundation – Are you using your health science degree to help others? Consider this nonprofit’s scholarships for Houston-based students who are improving their community, including through health initiatives.
- Houston Mayor’s Office of Education – Residents in Houston can access the financial aid resources curated by the mayor’s office. These include privately funded scholarships from organizations in Houston, state-funded scholarships, and other financial aid options.
- State of Texas Financial Aid – This site provides information on financial aid opportunities sponsored by the state government. These include loans, scholarships, and grants.
- Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board – This organization connects residents in Texas with different financial aid opportunities, including private and public scholarships, grants, and student loans.
Professional
- Texas CTE Resource Center – Those getting a career and technical degree in health sciences may benefit from the online resources from the Texas CTE Resource Center. These include work-based learning courses and career cluster information.
- Texas Education Agency – Looking to become a licensed health science professional? The Texas Education Agency outlines the requirements and process of applying.
- Texas Health Occupations Association – Those who want to network with health science professionals and learn more about opportunities and occupations in the field should consider joining the Texas Health Occupations Association.
- Texas Public Health Association – If you’re interested in a career in public health, such as health education or wellness program development, consider joining this organization. Benefits include access to networking events, educational seminars, and research in the field.
- Texas Tech University Health Science Center – This center provides a list of different organizations and associations that may be of interest to health science majors.
