Online Health Science Degree Programs: Top School Breakdown
Health science is a great starting point for those of you interested in healthcare, but not sure which field of healthcare to enter. Whether you end up pursuing dentistry, healthcare administration, or clinical research, an online health science degree can provide you with the necessary foundational knowledge for any healthcare career. Keep reading to learn about top schools, types of online health science degrees, costs, and the career outlook for this adaptable educational path.
How They Work: Online Health Science Degree Profiles
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 number of online classes will depend not only on the particular program but on the area of specialization. Additionally, there will be varying degrees of flexibility. Some students will have almost complete control over how and when they take their classes, while others will have more structure in completing their academic requirements.
The right program for you will depend on your career timeline and interests. If you want to gain a solid foundation in the health science field while still exploring more specific educational paths, an associate’s degree in health science is a great first step. However, if you want to meet the basic educational eligibility requirement for most healthcare positions while keeping graduate school an option, a bachelor’s degree might better suit your needs. 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.
Associate Degree in Health Science – Northwest Technical College
Northwest Technical College offers an Associate of Science (AS) in the Healthcare Sciences Broad Field. This 60-credit program allows students to complete their coursework online or in person. The specific courseload includes general education courses in writing, public speaking, biology, chemistry, psychology, sociology, and more. After completing the general education requirement, students will select a concentration of 10 technical elective credits suited to their intended health sciences major. The program prepares students for transfer to baccalaureate programs or additional associate degrees, providing flexibility with online or on-campus coursework. Northwest Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Duration: 60 credits (2 years)
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $22,062
Admissions Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Completion of the online application
- Official high school transcripts sent directly to the admissions office
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 13 Credits in writing, psychology, ethics, and statistics
Major Courses: 17 Credits
- Principles of Nutrition
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Introduction to Health Careers
Technical Elective Credits: 30 credits that define your concentration in the program
Best For: Students looking to gain a basic understanding of the health care field, yet want to keep the option of earning a bachelor’s degree later on.
Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science – Purdue University Global
Purdue University Global offers an online Bachelor of Science in Health Science, tailored for individuals aiming to begin their careers in healthcare or pursue further graduate studies. The program emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of health science topics, including research methods for health science, biostatistics, practices in public health, environmental health, and social determinants of health behaviors. In total, students will complete 180 credit hours, which averages to about four years in school. However, Purdue allows students a three-week free trial for classes to make sure that you can commit to this degree program. There are even multiple start dates to give you flexibility in balancing work, personal, and educational obligations. After graduating from the program, graduates are prepared to work in a variety of field from clinical lab analysts to community health workers.
Duration: 180 credits (4 years)
Mode: Online
Cost: $66,780
Admissions Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Completion of the Enrollment Agreement
- Complete the electronic Identity and Document verification process
- Official high school transcripts sent directly to the admissions office
- Criminal background check and drug screening
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
- Speak, read, and write English fluently
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 45 Credits in writing, humanities, statistics, and introductory-level sciences
Major Requirements: 60 Credits
- Social Determinants of Health and Human Behavior
- Research Methods for Health Sciences
- Practice in Public Health
- Biostatistics
- Complementary and Integrative Medicine
- Microbiology for Health Professions
- Environmental Health
- Major Electives I
- Major Electives II
- Bachelor’s Capstone in Health Science
Elective Courses: 75 credits that define your concentration in the program
Best For: Students looking to land a stronger first position in healthcare and who may want to seek upper-level management through experience and/or a master’s degree in the field.
Master’s Degree in Health Science – George Washington University
The George Washington University’s Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS) in Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research Leadership is a 100% online program aimed to prepare healthcare professionals for leadership roles in regulatory strategy and clinical research. The 36-credit curriculum offers two concentrations: regulatory affairs and clinical research administration. The courses address global regulatory strategy, investigational product development, and the business and ethical components of clinical research. The program is developed in collaboration with industry experts and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Duration: 36 credits (2 years)
Mode: Online
Cost: $77,250
Admissions Requirements:
- Completed online application
- 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts from every college and university attended
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Previous healthcare-related work experience preferred
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 21 Credits
- Introduction to Global Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research
- Regulatory Strategy in the Development of Therapeutics
- International Regulatory Affairs and Clinical Research
- Epidemiology
- Leadership Development in Healthcare Systems
- Strategic and Operational Decision Making or Health Care Leaders
Concentration Courses: 15 Credits
There are two concentration options for MS students: Regulatory Affairs (RAFF) and Clinical Research Administration (CRA). The bulk of your program will depend on which concentration you choose. Some courses for students with a concentration in RAFF are Regulatory Compliance and Promotion of FDA-Regulated Medical Products. If you choose a CRA concentration, you can expect to take classes like The Clinical Research Industry and Quality and Risk Management.
Best For: established professionals who want to take the next step in their professional development in a health science field.
Ask Yourself . . .
Pursuing an online health science degree is a big commitment that will require you to review your finances, your ambitions, and your schedule. To ensure that you are prepared to take the next steps, here are some questions to ask yourself:
- Are you self-motivated and able to complete online coursework independently?
- What field of healthcare would you like to pursue after obtaining your degree in health sciences? Nutrition? Dentistry? Healthcare Administration? Clinical research?
- Do you want a career where you work with patients, or do you want a more research-oriented career?
- What level of education are you able to commit to considering your time, finances, and general lifestyle?
- Are you comfortable with the rigorous coursework of biology, chemistry, and psychology?
Answers to Common Health Science Student Questions
Health science degrees are general degrees that prepare you for multiple healthcare-related work environments. Although the broadness of this degree is what makes it flexible and adaptable, it is also what makes this educational path confusing for a lot of students. Common questions range from this degree’s difficulty to potential career pathways. Keep reading to find answers to questions about this broad but useful educational path.
Is a health science degree useful?
Health sciences are useful because they provide the foundational knowledge for multiple aspects of the healthcare industry. Regardless of the level of education you receive, a health science education will prepare you for a wide range of careers from pharmaceutical marketing to clinical research to nursing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1.9 million job openings are projected each year for healthcare occupations. Therefore, health science degrees are a great way to get in on the ground floor of the rapidly growing industry.
Are online health science degrees respected?
As long as you enroll in an accredited online health science degree program, an employer will respect your education. Accreditation means that the program meets a certain level of education standards from a regional or state accrediting agency. To make sure you program is accredited, you can check the school’s website or you can go to the U.S Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE).
What are the five health science career pathways?
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the five health science career pathways are biotechnology, diagnostics, health informatics, support services, and therapeutic services. Careers in biotechnology focus on research and development of new equipment and medicines. Diagnostics centers around providing diagnoses by reviewing blood samples or MRIs. Health informatics is often associated with healthcare administration. This pathway will require that you process patient paperwork and maintain an organized work environment. Support services maintain different healthcare work environments by conducting repairs on equipment, cleaning, transporting patients, and providing necessary materials. People in therapeutic services provide treatment plans and rehabilitative care.
Is health science harder than nursing?
Both programs require dedication and hard work and vary based on academic requirements. Nursing focuses more on patient care, so you will have to have more clinical care hours in order to graduate, whereas health science does not require as many clinical hours. However, both require rigorous courseloads that include biology, chemistry, and various topics in mathematics. Another thing to consider is that health science offers broader career options, while nursing is a specific educational program with the desired outcome of becoming a nurse.
What is the easiest health science degree to get?
The easiest route to earning a degree in health science is an online associate degree in health science because it takes the shortest amount of time to complete. However, if you want to pursue a specific part of health science, the easiest degree or certification to get is in medical assisting, or phlebotomy. Medical assistants support physicians with administrative tasks and these programs can be completed in as little as 6 months. Phlebotomists draw blood for various medical reasons and the training can be completed in under a year.
Health Science Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees
Depending on the level of education you want and your residency the cost of online health science programs varies widely. An associate’s degree can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 while bachelor’s degree can be double or triple the amount of an associate’s 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.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Institute of Technology | AS | $23,940.00 |
| Roanne State Community College | AS | $18,720.00 |
| University of Cincinnati | BS | $36,215.00 |
| Ohio State University | BS | $33,319.80 |
| Liberty University | BS | $54,600.00 |
| Wilmington University | MS | $17,721.00 |
| Northwestern Health Sciences University | MS | $15,450.00 |
Ranking Today’s Best Online Health Science Programs
If you’re looking to earn a health science degree online, you have plenty of options. More and more schools have added online health science to their program lists at all degree levels. But when reviewing these programs, how do you know which are right for you? Which ones have the best combinations of affordability, quality, and flexibility for today’s digitally-savvy students? Using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and from the schools themselves, EduMed.org has researched, analyzed, and ranked the schools with the best online health science degree programs for 2025. Review the colleges and universities that truly stand out.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Public
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, Indiana
Public
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Allen College
Waterloo, Iowa
Private
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
Private
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Public
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Private
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Scottsdale, Arizona
Public
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, Missouri
Public
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Private
Indiana University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Public
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Public
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Public
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Roane State Community College
Harriman, Tennessee
Public
Cerritos College
Norwalk, California
Public
Northwest Technical College
Bemidji, Minnesota
Public
Holmes Community College
Goodman, Mississippi
Public
College of Southern Maryland
La Plata, Maryland
Public
Ridgewater College
Willmar, Minnesota
Public
CUNY Kingsborough Community College
Brooklyn, New York
Public
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, California
Public
San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino, California
Public
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, California
Public
Ogeechee Technical College
Statesboro, Georgia
Public
Are There Certification Requirements for Health Science Degrees?
While no certifications are required as part of the health science educational program, a number of them can increase your employability. In general, certifications show current and future employers that you have certain skills and can add value to a hospital or organization starting day one. This is especially important to consider since health science is such a broad degree. Here are two credentials you should consider if you have a degree in health science and plan to stick your toe in the hiring pool.
National Health Science Assessment Certificate – National Consortium for Health Science Education
Depending on what state you live in and the program you enroll in, you can earn your CCMA certification through the National Healthcareer Association. This exam costs $160 and you will need to pay $179 to renew your certification every two years. Some programs include the exam fee with the school fees, but others will require you to pay for it independently. To be considered eligible for the program, you will need a high school diploma or GED and to have completed a medical assistant training or education program within the last five years. Even though you have completed an educational program, you will need to study for the exam and the NHA provides multiple resources for exam preparation: CCMA Online Study Guide, CCMA Practice Tests, CCMA Preparation Package, CCMA Test Plan.
Certified Health Education Specialist – National Commission for Health Education Credentialing
If you want to use your degree in health science to make a difference in the health behaviors and outcomes of communities, consider becoming a certified health education specialist. The Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam is provided by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). The exam costs $340 for non-students and $290 for current students. After five years you will have to renew your certification and repay the exam fees. To be eligible for the exam you must possess either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution. As with all certification exams, you should prepare thoroughly and the NCHEC offers a study guide to help you succeed on this exam
Salary & Career Outlook for Health Science
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,560 | $48,200 | $75,980 |
| Alabama | $30,640 | $39,740 | $61,650 |
| Alaska | $36,790 | $47,260 | $81,160 |
| Arizona | $35,930 | $46,690 | $73,100 |
| Arkansas | $29,770 | $41,700 | $50,600 |
| California | $39,160 | $52,460 | $83,480 |
| Colorado | $38,200 | $51,790 | $65,270 |
| Connecticut | $42,870 | $59,190 | $81,380 |
| Delaware | $34,230 | $51,120 | $62,050 |
| Florida | $29,570 | $42,980 | $71,630 |
| Georgia | $38,680 | $47,100 | $69,380 |
| Hawaii | $32,170 | $39,140 | $65,490 |
| Idaho | $33,420 | $46,320 | $100,510 |
| Illinois | $34,970 | $46,050 | $62,230 |
| Indiana | $32,120 | $45,790 | $61,560 |
| Iowa | $35,700 | $47,280 | $66,100 |
| Kansas | $34,910 | $45,770 | $56,200 |
| Kentucky | $31,280 | $48,170 | $73,530 |
| Louisiana | $34,390 | $47,390 | $84,490 |
| Maine | $36,640 | $47,130 | $65,280 |
| Maryland | $35,380 | $47,850 | $75,910 |
| Massachusetts | $38,440 | $50,300 | $78,320 |
| Michigan | $35,200 | $46,030 | $69,440 |
| Minnesota | $37,190 | $48,750 | $65,730 |
| Mississippi | $24,580 | $34,850 | $57,780 |
| Missouri | $33,090 | $45,440 | $61,550 |
| Montana | $36,280 | $49,600 | $76,130 |
| Nebraska | $36,650 | $52,880 | $66,610 |
| Nevada | $39,620 | $53,950 | $100,400 |
| New Hampshire | $37,840 | $44,240 | $79,900 |
| New Jersey | $39,190 | $49,080 | $80,270 |
| New Mexico | $37,340 | $65,920 | $80,110 |
| New York | $38,890 | $51,910 | $79,970 |
| North Carolina | $33,320 | $48,540 | $78,010 |
| North Dakota | $40,340 | $52,360 | $80,260 |
| Ohio | $32,570 | $41,600 | $66,720 |
| Oklahoma | $31,020 | $43,430 | $63,910 |
| Oregon | $40,440 | $52,960 | $83,620 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,920 | $47,300 | $66,480 |
| Rhode Island | $37,120 | $49,100 | $101,330 |
| South Carolina | $32,190 | $42,950 | $64,750 |
| South Dakota | $30,290 | $38,250 | $50,560 |
| Tennessee | $37,410 | $44,970 | $57,250 |
| Texas | $34,590 | $43,620 | $58,850 |
| Utah | $38,360 | $52,420 | $68,740 |
| Vermont | $36,180 | $45,900 | $60,570 |
| Virginia | $32,080 | $49,350 | $70,660 |
| Washington | $38,830 | $51,340 | $77,530 |
| West Virginia | $20,220 | $35,810 | $54,490 |
| Wisconsin | $35,120 | $52,190 | $75,000 |
| Wyoming | $35,700 | $47,580 | $73,630 |
Source: Community Health Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 67,200 | 76,600 | 9,400 | 14.00% | 8,000 |
| Alabama | 260 | 290 | 30 | 11.50% | 30 |
| Alaska | 210 | 220 | 10 | 4.80% | 20 |
| Arizona | 1,100 | 1,420 | 320 | 29.10% | 160 |
| California | 8,600 | 10,300 | 1,700 | 19.80% | 1,100 |
| Colorado | 900 | 1,110 | 210 | 23.30% | 120 |
| Connecticut | 580 | 680 | 100 | 17.20% | 70 |
| Delaware | 340 | 390 | 50 | 14.70% | 40 |
| District of Columbia | 390 | 460 | 70 | 17.90% | 50 |
| Florida | 2,150 | 2,670 | 520 | 24.20% | 290 |
| Georgia | 660 | 820 | 160 | 24.20% | 90 |
| Idaho | 330 | 420 | 90 | 27.30% | 50 |
| Illinois | 2,190 | 2,390 | 200 | 9.10% | 250 |
| Indiana | 1,150 | 1,310 | 160 | 13.90% | 140 |
| Iowa | 490 | 580 | 90 | 18.40% | 60 |
| Kentucky | 1,690 | 1,910 | 220 | 13.00% | 200 |
| Louisiana | 290 | 330 | 40 | 13.80% | 40 |
| Maine | 190 | 200 | 10 | 5.30% | 20 |
| Maryland | 2,610 | 3,060 | 450 | 17.20% | 320 |
| Massachusetts | 810 | 920 | 110 | 13.60% | 100 |
| Michigan | 1,710 | 1,940 | 230 | 13.50% | 200 |
| Minnesota | 920 | 1,050 | 130 | 14.10% | 110 |
| Mississippi | 680 | 800 | 120 | 17.60% | 90 |
| Missouri | 3,160 | 3,410 | 250 | 7.90% | 350 |
| Montana | 370 | 450 | 80 | 21.60% | 50 |
| Nebraska | 360 | 420 | 60 | 16.70% | 50 |
| Nevada | 640 | 760 | 120 | 18.80% | 80 |
| New Hampshire | 270 | 310 | 40 | 14.80% | 30 |
| New Jersey | 1,580 | 1,830 | 250 | 15.80% | 190 |
| New Mexico | 1,080 | 1,340 | 260 | 24.10% | 150 |
| New York | 9,000 | 11,070 | 2,070 | 23.00% | 210 |
| North Carolina | 1,380 | 1,690 | 310 | 22.50% | 180 |
| North Dakota | 240 | 260 | 20 | 8.30% | 30 |
| Ohio | 1,830 | 2,040 | 210 | 11.50% | 210 |
| Oklahoma | 720 | 810 | 90 | 12.50% | 90 |
| Oregon | 1,000 | 1,190 | 190 | 19.00% | 130 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,200 | 2,480 | 280 | 12.70% | 260 |
| Rhode Island | 130 | 150 | 20 | 15.40% | 20 |
| South Carolina | 710 | 900 | 190 | 26.80% | 100 |
| South Dakota | 70 | 80 | 10 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Tennessee | 250 | 330 | 80 | 32.00% | 40 |
| Texas | 5,100 | 6,150 | 1,050 | 20.60% | 660 |
| Utah | 850 | 1,040 | 190 | 22.40% | 110 |
| Vermont | 130 | 160 | 30 | 23.10% | 20 |
| Virginia | 1,270 | 1,530 | 260 | 20.50% | 160 |
| Washington | 3,610 | 4,150 | 540 | 15.00% | 490 |
| West Virginia | 420 | 490 | 70 | 16.70% | 50 |
| Wisconsin | 1,000 | 1,130 | 130 | 13.00% | 120 |
| Wyoming | 130 | 140 | 10 | 7.70% | 20 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
