Are you looking for a career in the health field, but don’t want to go through medical school or get on the nursing track? Health science bachelor degrees offer the opportunity to learn about the science of health in the lab and in the administrative side of health care. The main focus of most health science bachelor degrees is on health problems and their potential outcome. The degree also includes time spent in science labs that relate directly to areas of healthcare as opposed to general biology classes that don’t always relate to human health.
Health science bachelor degrees won’t lock a student into a specific career track of medicine, but does provide a foundational education that enables a graduate to enter the health care field and work to improve people’s lives through medicine.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Health Science Bachelor Degrees
For Bachelor’s Degree Center’s ranking of the best health science degrees, BDC editors researched programs from accredited colleges and universities recognized for making a positive impact on students’ careers. We use data from IPEDS and Niche to score programs according to cost, reputation, and salary potential.
1. University of Florida
The University of Florida’s Public Health & Health Professional College offers a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) with an emphasis in Health Science that is recognized among the best health science degrees in the Sunshine State. The University of Florida’s health science bachelor degrees are offered to juniors and seniors and require the completion of 32 semester units that includes classes in health care leadership, public health concepts, and ethical and legal issues in the health professions, to name a few.
Established in the 1850s under the Morrill Land Act, the University of Florida is now a comprehensive space and sea-grant school with a student enrollment of about 56,550 students. The University of Florida is also home to one of the largest student bodies in the US on a single campus.
What We Like: US News & World Report recognizes the University of Florida as the sixth-best public institution of higher learning in the country.
Degree: Health Science, BHS
University of Florida Health Science, BHS
2. Boston University
The Health and Rehabilitation Sciences College, in conjunction with the Department of Health Sciences at Boston University offers a BS in Health Science that is among Boston’s best health science degrees available in the marketplace. Students enrolled in BU’s health science bachelor degrees are required to complete 128 semester units, which includes a practicum in a Boston-based facility or an international location, for those students wishing to study abroad.
Established by Methodists in the late 1830s, Boston University now operates as a comprehensive, research nonsectarian school. The school’s main campus, alongside the Charles River in Boston, is home to nearly 35,000 students and a faculty staff that exceeds 4,000.
What We Like: Boston University was originally founded to the north of Boston in Newberry, Vermont. It moved to Boston about three decades after its inception.
Degree: Health Science, BS
Boston University BS in Health Science
3. University of Texas at Dallas
The University of Texas at Dallas offers a BS in Healthcare Studies that is recognized among the Lone Star State’s best health science degrees. Students who choose one of the University of Texas’s health science bachelor degrees are prepared for careers in a variety of medical and allied health areas. Degree candidates must complete 120 semester units, of which 51 units must be from upper-division course options.
The University of Texas (UTD) is a multi-campus public school that was established in 1961, initially as a research facility that belonged to Texas Instruments. The University of Texas at Dallas is a member of the state’s university system with a student enrollment of approximately 29,160 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
What We Like: The University of Texas offers nearly 160 academic programs from its eight colleges/schools.
Degree: Healthcare Studies, BS
University of Texas at Dallas BS in Healthcare Studies
4. California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Long Beach’s Health Science Department offers a BS in Health Science with two available academic options – School Health Education or Community Health Education. Each of California State University’s best health science degrees requires degree candidates to complete 120 semester units. Core classes for these health science bachelor degrees from California State University include public health aspects of communicable diseases, contemporary health issues, and physiology and anatomy, to name a few.
California State University (Cal State LB) was founded as a state college in 1949. CSULB’s campus is home to nearly 40,000 students vying for nearly 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The school’s campus covers more than 300 acres and is the 3rd largest of all campuses in the California State University system.
What We Like: California State University Long Beach offers one of the state’s lowest resident tuition rates.
Degree: Health Science, BS
California State University, Long Beach Health Science BS
5. The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University’s Health & Rehabilitation School offers a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) program in Health Science that ranked among Ohio’s best health science degrees – offered on the Columbus and Lima campuses. Students enrolled in Ohio State University’s health science bachelor degrees have the option to complete an internship to apply concepts to real-world situations. Students graduating from Ohio State University’s baccalaureate degree programs are eligible to sit for the CHES (Certified Health Education Specialist) exam.
Established under the Morrill Act in 1870, Ohio State University now operates as a multiple campus school with a student enrollment that exceeds 61,150 students. Ohio State University is the state’s flagship campus and is also a space and sea-grant institution of higher learning.
What We Like: Ohio State University is considered one of the few public ivy league universities in the United States.
Degree: Health Science, BS
Ohio State University Health Science, BS
6. University of South Florida
The University of South Florida’s Public Health College offers a BS in Health Science (BSHS) that offers students five academic concentrations. The concentrations available for USF’s best health science degrees include administration, aging health studies, biological health sciences, health information technology, and social/behavioral health sciences. Each of these health science bachelor degrees from the University of South Florida requires the completion of a minimum of 120 semester credits.
Founded in the mid-1950s, the University of South Florida is also a space-grant school. The University of South Florida is considered one of the Sunshine State’s largest schools, in terms of enrollment, with more than 50,550 students vying for degrees. The University of South Florida is a member of the state’s university system.
What We Like: The University of South Florida offers nearly 200 degrees from its fourteen colleges/schools.
Degree: Health Science, BS
University of South Florida BS in Health Science
7. Drake University
The Pharmacy and Health Science College at Drake University offers a BS in Health Science (BSHS) that offers students one of two academic tracks – Health Care Administration & Public Health, or Clinical and Applied Science. Drake University’s best health science degrees include practicums and internships, which provide important hands-on experiences. Additionally, among these health science bachelor degrees from Drake University, students have the opportunity to complete the Clinical/Applied track in only 36 months or select from a variety of double majors and minors to round out the education and degree.
Drake University is a private space-grant institution of higher education that was founded in 1881. The university is organized into six schools/colleges, with a student enrollment of more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate degree students.
What We Like: The Law School at Drake University is recognized to be one of the 25 oldest law schools in the nation.
Degree: Health Sciences, BS
Drake University BS in Health Science
8. AdventHealth University
AdventHealth University’s Health & Biomedical Sciences offers a BS in Health Sciences that offers degree candidates two academic emphases – the allied health track and the science track. As one of Florida’s best health science degrees, AdventHealth University programs provide real-world situations to apply the highest of professional standards. AdventHealth University’s health science bachelor degrees require students to complete upwards of 32 semester credits in a variety of health sciences like biology, physics, epidemiology, and chemistry, to name a few.
AdventHealth University (AdventHealth) is a member of the Adventist Health System and was founded in 1992. The school is home to about 1,750 students vying for more than 20 degrees offered on-campus and online.
What We Like: AdventHealth University also operates as an academic and learning facility in Denver, which includes sonography and radiography programs.
Degree: Health Science, BS
AdventHealth University Health Science, BS
9. Drexel University
The Nursing & Health Professions College at Drexel University offers a BS in Health Science that is among the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s best health science degrees. Degree candidates who graduate from Drexel University’s health science bachelor degrees find rewarding career opportunities in the rehabilitation professions, training, optometry, audiology, or research, to name a few. This baccalaureate degree program requires the completion of 183 quarter credits but offers an exercise science concentration to interested students.
Established by philanthropist Anthony Drexel, Drexel University now enrolls more than 24,050 students studying for the more than 140 undergraduate & graduate degree programs offered. Drexel University, like Northeastern University, aligns with cooperative education models that allow for students to gain professional, paid experience while earning their degree.
What We Like: Drexel University is ranked among the top innovative, the top-performing, and the best value schools.
Degree: Health Science, BS
Drexel University BS in Health Science
10. University of Missouri — Kansas City
The Nursing & Health Studies School at the University of Missouri — Kansas City offers a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) with an emphasis in Health Science that is among the Midwest’s best health science degrees. Students enrolled in the University of Missouri’s baccalaureate degree are required to complete at least 120 semester units to complete one of the University of Missouri’s health science bachelor degrees. Many grads pursue their master’s while others enter the workforce in occupational health and safety, workplace wellness, or environmental health, to name a few.
The University of Missouri was established under the Morrill Act in the late 1830s. It is a member school of Missouri’s university system and recognized as the first public institution of higher education that was located west of the mighty Mississippi River.
What We Like: The University of Missouri is the Show-Me State’s largest higher learning institution.
Degree: Health Science, BHS
University of Missouri — Kansas City Bachelor of Health Science
11. University of Minnesota — Crookston
The Math, Science & Tech Department at the University of Minnesota Crookston offers a campus-based BS in Health Sciences that requires degree candidates to complete 121 semester units to graduate. Minnesota’s health science bachelor degrees are ranked among the state’s best health science degrees with coursework in anatomy & physiology, health care law, social gerontology, chemistry, physics, and abnormal psychology, plus an internship and capstone project as a member of a health care team, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world examples.
The University of Minnesota (Minnesota Crookston) was founded in 1966. The University of Minnesota’s rural campus in Crookston is home to approximately 1,650 students vying for degrees online and on-campus offers by Minnesota Crookston. The Crookston campus is one of four campuses that make up the state’s university system.
What We Like: The University of Minnesota is recognized among the public ivy league schools in the country.
Degree: Health Science, BS
University of Minnesota Crookston BS in Health Sciences
12. Stockton University
Stockton University’s Health Sciences School offers a BS in Health Science (BSHS) that is considered among New Jersey’s best health science degrees. Students who graduate from Stockton University’s health science bachelor degrees find rewarding career opportunities in the fields of medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, speech, occupational therapy, and pharmacy, among other health-related fields. The school’s health science degree offers a variety of concentrations that include pre-occupational therapy, pre-physician’s assistant, general, pre-physical therapy, and pre-occupational therapy.
Established in 1969 as a state college, Stockton University’s first classes were held in a hotel in Atlantic City. The school’s suburban campus in Galloway is home to about 9,100 students. Stockton also operates a campus at the corner of Albay Avenue and Boardwalk in Atlantic City.
What We Like: Stockton University is named to honor one of the Declaration of Independence’s signers from the state of New Jersey.
Degree: Health Science, BS
Stockton University BS in Health Science
13. Furman University
Furman University offers two of South Carolina’s best health science degrees with its BS in Health Science or its BA in Health Science. Each of Furman University’s health science bachelor degrees follows similar coursework, with the BA degree mandating students complete language classes. The BS in health science from Furman University requires additional math and science classes. Core classes for both degrees include environmental health anatomy & physiology, and wellness concepts, to name a few.
Furman University was established in the mid-1820s as a theological institution and academy by the South Carolina’s Baptist Convention. The school’s student body represents nearly every state and is about 2,850 in total.
What We Like: Furman University is recognized as the oldest of all private higher learning institutions in South Carolina.
Degree: Health Science, BS or BA
Furman University BA or BS in Health Science
14. DePaul University
DePaul University offers a BS in Health Science that is ranked among Illinois’s best health science degrees offering three academic tracks and a dual degree with a master’s program. DePaul University’s health science bachelor degrees offer an academic track in public health sciences, bioscience (as an accelerated degree program), and bioscience (non-accelerated). Core coursework for DePaul University’s baccalaureate degree in health science includes health research literacy, intro to health science, and general biology, plus a culminating capstone project, among others.
DePaul University was established by the Vincentians as St. Vincent’s College in 1898 to educate children of Roman Catholic immigrants. The university operates dual campuses in Chicago, with more than 22,250 students attending classes online and on-campus.
What We Like: The university is named to honor a French Priest from the 17th century.
Degree: Health Science, BS
DePaul University BS in Health Science
15. Florida A&M University
The Allied Health Sciences School at Florida A&M University offers a BS in Health Science that offers several of Florida’s best health science degrees with both clinical and non-clinical tracks. The clinical tracks offered by FAMU’s health science bachelor degrees include a pre-physical therapy track or a pre-occupational therapy. Degree candidates enrolled in Florida A&M University’s bachelor’s degree in health science are required to complete a minimum of 120 semester units.
Florida A&M University (A&M( is an HBCU university that was founded under the Morrill Act in 1909. It is a member of Florida’s state school system and home to more than 10,020 students, the 3rd largest of all HBCU schools in the United States.
What We Like: Florida A&M University ranks second in terms of research & development expenditures of all HBCU universities in the nation.
Degree: Health Science, BS
Florida A&M University BS in Health Science
16. Rhode Island College
Rhode Island College offers a multidisciplinary BS in Health Science that offers degree candidates a variety of concentrations in related fields. RIC’s best health science degrees offer an academic concentration in human services or medical laboratory sciences. Rhode Island College’s health science bachelor degrees can also be used as completion programs for respiratory therapy or dental hygiene degrees. Classes for this baccalaureate degree include health sciences, medical technology, and biology, to name a few.
Established as a teacher’s normal school in the mid-1850s, Rhode Island College now serves approximately 8,950 students from its dual campuses in the state of Rhode Island. Rhode Island College’s athletes compete in Division III sports in the NCAA.
What We Like: Rhode Island College holds the distinction of being the second oldest institution of higher education in Rhode Island.
Degree: Health Sciences, BS
Rhode Island College BS in Health Science
17. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University’s Division of Health & Human Performance offers a Bachelor of Science degree program (BS) in Health Studies (BSHS) that is considered among Kansas’s best health science degrees. These FHSU health science bachelor degrees offer these academic tracks – health promotion, gerontology, leadership, sociology of aging and medicine, grant writing, and health promotion. Degree candidates enrolled in Fort Hays State University must complete at least 120 semester credits to graduate. Core classes include legal issues in healthcare, consumer health, epidemiology in public health, and environmental health, plus a culminating capstone experience.
Fort Hays State University (Fort Hays) was established in 1902 as a branch of a state teacher’s college but now operates as a space-grant institution of higher education with nearly 16,000 undergraduate and graduate degree students.
What We Like: Fort Hays State University is home to the Stenberg Museum of Natural History and the Forsyth Library.
Degree: Health Studies, BS
Fort Hays State University Health Studies, BS
18. New York Institute of Technology
The New York Institute of Technology’s Health Profession School offers a Bachelor of Science degree program (BS) in Health Science (BSHS) that requires students to complete 122 to 124 semester credits, depending on the exact path of study. The New York Institute of Technology’s best health science degrees prepare students for rewarding careers as community health workers, occupational therapists, or health administrators, to name a few. The core classes for New York Institute of Technology’s health science bachelor degrees include community health implications, biomedical ethics, health information management, clinical nutrition, and medical terminology, plus two culminating practicums.
Established in 1955, the New York Institute of Technology maintains dual campuses in Manhattan and another about an hour west on Long Island. The total student enrollment for those studying online and on-campus was approximately 10,000.
What We Like: NYIT is recognized by US News & World Report among the top schools for social mobility.
Degree: Health Science, BS
New York Institute of Technology Health Science, BS
19. Elizabethtown College
Elizabethtown College offers a BS in Health Sciences (BSHS) that students can complete over four years or eight semesters. Elizabethtown College’s best health science degrees require degree candidates to complete core classes in evidence-based practice health & wellness, occupations across the lifespan, molecules, and cells, and neuroscience introduction, to name a few. Students enrolled in Elizabeth College’s health science bachelor degrees have the option of applying to the occupational therapy program at the end of the baccalaureate degree program.
Elizabethtown College (E Town) was founded in 1899 and offers students more than 50 academic major programs. The school’s campus in Elizabeth covers more than 190 acres and is home to approximately 1,750 students.
What We Like: Elizabethtown College’s faculty includes notable contributors to the fields of music, politics, sociology, and anthropology, among others.
Degree: Health Science, BS
Elizabethtown College BS in Health Sciences
20. Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University offers a BS in Health Sciences (BSHS) that is considered among the best health science degrees offered in Ohio. CSU offers a variety of health science bachelor degrees with academic tracks that include – a general track, health promotion, pre-physician assistant, pre-physical therapy, or pre-occupational therapy. Additionally, degree candidates enrolled in Cleveland State University have the option of using this baccalaureate degree in health science as an associate degree completion program.
Cleveland State University (Cleveland State) was established in 1870 as the YMCA School of Technology. Cleveland State University absorbed several existing schools and is now a member school of Ohio’s university system. The student enrollment at Cleveland State University exceeds 15,550 students.
What We Like: During the mid-2000s, Cleveland State University ended its open admission program as it sought to move to a tier II school.
Degree: Health Sciences, BS
Cleveland State University BS in Health Sciences
21. College of Idaho
The College of Idaho’s Health and Human Performance Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree program (BS) in Health Science, with an emphasis in biomedical science that is ranked among Idaho’s best health science degrees. Students enrolled in the College of Idaho’s health science bachelor degrees are required to complete a minimum of 42 credits from the health science curriculum, including biology, genetics, neurophysiology, statistics, endocrinology, molecular biology, and several labs, plus a capstone and final exam, to name a few.
The College of Idaho (C of I) was first conceived in 1884 but finally established in 1891 and recognized as Idaho’s oldest institution of higher education. The college’s suburban campus in Caldwell serves approximately 1,000 students in four primary subject areas – social sciences, natural sciences, professional studies, and humanities.
What We Like: More than 20% of the student enrollment at the College of Idaho hail from international locations.
Degree: Health Sciences-Biomedical Science, BS
College of Idaho Health Sciences-Biomedical Science, BS
22. CUNY York College
CUNY York College offers a BS in Health Science that is considered among New York City’s best health science degrees. The total semester credits required to graduate from York College’s health science bachelor degrees is 120 units, of which 56 credits must be taken from the health sciences’ curriculum. The core curriculum for this baccalaureate degree in health sciences includes health informatics, health, and disease, nursing home administration, health policy, healthcare ethics, plus two field experiences in the health sciences.
CUNY York College is a senior member college of New York City’s university system and the first to be designated as such. The college’s urban campus in Jamaica is home to approximately 8,550 students studying for more than forty baccalaureate degree options.
What We Like: York College is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Degree: Health Science, BS
CUNY York College BS in Health Science
23. Spring Hill College
Spring Hill College offers a BS in Health Science that offers degree candidates four academic concentrations within the degree. The available tracks in Spring Hill College’s best health science degrees. Many students enrolled in Spring Hill College’s health science bachelor degrees go on to enroll in master’s degree programs in athletic training, genetic counseling, clinical laboratory science, nutrition, cytology, medical illustration, and health administration, to name a few.
Established in 1830 as a Jesuit institution of higher education, Spring Hill College remains affiliated with the AJCU and its 3rd oldest member. The college’s campus covers more than 400 acres and serves approximately 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students.
What We Like: Spring Hill College maintains an eighteen-hole golf course on campus.
Degree: Health Science, BS
Spring Hill College BS in Health Science
24. Columbus State University
Columbus State University offers a BS in Health Science that is considered among the Peach Tree’s best health science degrees that include both classroom, labs, and research opportunities to degree candidates. Columbus State University’s health science bachelor degrees prepare students for rewarding careers as health service administrators, pharmaceutical sales, community outreach coordinators, or nutritional specialists, researchers, health education, occupational/physical therapists, to name a few. Students have the option of expanding their experiences by qualifying to become a CHES – a Certified Health Education Specialist.
Columbus State University is a space-grant institution of higher learning that was established in the late 1950s as Columbus College. The school maintains multiple campuses that serve approximately 7,900 students. Columbus State University offers both baccalaureate and master’s level degrees on-campus and online.
What We Like: The original school buildings and classes were housed in a hosiery mill in Columbus, Georgia.
Degree: Health Science, BS
Columbus State University BS in Health Science
25. Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University’s Health Professions College offers a Bachelor of Science degree program (BS) in Health Science that offers two academic tracks and another three concentrations. These best health science degrees from Sacred Heart University offer a radiologic science or health science track. Additionally, SCU’s health science bachelor degrees and concentrations in global health, public health, and healthcare administration. Students are permitted to transfer up to sixty credits from any two-year school or up to ninety credits from an accredited four-year university.
Sacred Heart University was established by the Bridgeport Diocese in the early 1960s. Additionally, this private school offers students the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland or Luxembourg. The university’s campus in Fairfield covers more than 290 suburban acres and serves approximately 5,500 students.
What We Like: Sacred Heart University has been ranked among the happiest of university students and the most engaged in civic duty by the Princeton Review.
Degree: Health Science, BS
Sacred Heart University Health Science, BS
Why Should I Get a Bachelor’s in Health Science?
Just what is a health science major? Health science bachelor degrees are multidisciplinary degrees that draws education from various areas of medical science and health administration. A graduate can work in pharmacy technology, consumer advocacy, medical lab technology, epidemiology, as well as work for public policy think tanks and public health departments. Health science bachelor degrees prepare students to work in areas of the healthcare field that are adjunct to medical care that require some medical and science training alongside administrative education.
Students who have multiple academic interests such as human sciences, mathematics, and research are good candidates for earning a bachelor’s degree in the health sciences. The degree draws upon different areas of skill and aptitudes, something that works well for students who want to put their minds to the test.
How Do I Choose a College for a Health Sciences Degree?
Picking the best college for health science depends on a few different criteria. One way to approach finding the best college for health science is to look at the curriculum to determine if the classes offered reflect your employment goals. Most colleges with health science major programs have similar classes, but some colleges offer classes that give the program a focus on a particular area of the health sciences. The field of health science is multidisciplinary that has pathways into research, administration, clinical trials, management, and more. A student who’s looking at colleges with health science major should identify what degree track appeals to them in terms of their career and continuing education.
Colleges with health science major tend to offer a health science program that prepares a student to work in areas that include:
- Nursing
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical therapy
- Physician assistant
- Medical services manager
- Epidemiologist
- Kinesiology
The best college for health science is one that fits the goals and needs of healthcare professionals. It should offer an undergraduate degree track that aligns with a student’s expectations in terms of their career choice, have a good reputation in terms of educational quality, and a high rate of employment among graduates. They will also include liberal arts in their general education. The health science degree is a relatively new discipline that came into existence during the early 2000s. Since then, the degree has gained in popularity due to its multidisciplinary approach in terms of education and employment opportunities. Many prestigious universities offer a bachelor’s degree in health science which broadens the choice for students who are looking for the best college for health science.
A health science student who wants a higher-paying career should also consider graduate programs. There, they will take on research projects that connect their learning to the real world. Financial aid is also available for graduate students.
Some of the top health sciences schools are in Florida, including Gainesville, Tampa, and Orlando.
Is Health Sciences a Good Major?
Yes, there are many health science majors careers, and the health science major itself is an entry to multiple health-related career pathways. Major in health science jobs are available at hospitals, medical research centers, medical facilities, laboratories, rehabilitation facilities, a college of health science and more. When looking at the question of “what can you do with a health science major?”, you’ll find that there is almost no limit to employment. The flexibility of the degree opens up the doors to many health science majors careers without the need to attend medical school. The health science major allows graduates to learn core competencies of health care, and enter the field of health and medicine. Major in health science jobs range are typically well-compensated, and health science majors careers have room for growth with additional classroom education and on-the-job experience.
One of the jobs for a health science major is the medical records and health information technician. This is an important role due to the federal requirement that all medical records be kept in an electronic database. Physicians create a medical record for a patient, then give it to a health information technician to enter into medical record software. The reason why this role falls under careers with a health science major is due to the fact the technician needs to have working knowledge of medical terminology and possess requisite technical skills to correctly enter the patient’s data into the electronic record database. A health care organization faces serious legal consequences if they fail to properly record patient medical records and has made this one of the ideal jobs for a health science major. The flexibility of the degree helps students build their own career in the medical field, and the medical records technician role is one of many.
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15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Science
