From administrators to financial professionals, a degree in health science can provide the necessary knowledge for a position in the nonclinical side of healthcare. If this sounds like the career path for you, keep reading for a rundown of the best online health science degrees in Texas. In this guide, EduMed experts detail the cost, curriculum, and duration of multiple programs, plus answer FAQs about the salary and career prospects in Texas. Take your first step towards a healthcare career today. Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values. Jump To SectionOnline Health Science Degrees in Texas: TX School Compare
Inside Online Health Science Programs in Texas
Not all online degrees are the same. Some programs allow you to complete your work at your own pace and on your own time. Other programs have specific class times and due dates, much like a traditional on-campus course. While health science programs don’t generally require clinical hours, some have internships, which usually must be completed in person.
You’ll even find accelerated programs that allow you to fly through your studies on an intensive full-time schedule. As you review your options, consider your personal schedule and learning style to determine which type of online degree is the best fit for you. Keep reading to discover several standout options.
West Texas A&M University
The Health Science program at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) provides a broad understanding of the healthcare industry, along with an opportunity to specialize in the areas of most interest to you. The online option is the Healthcare Administration program and includes electives such as Psychology of Education, Public Relations and Publicity, Critical Issues in Human Resources Management, and Principles of Marketing. The program is also a strong choice for students who have an associate degree in a healthcare field and want to advance their skills. WTAMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Duration: 120 credits
Mode: Online
Cost: $50/credit in state, $80/credit out of state
Admissions Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA, top 35% of high school class, or 21 ACT/1070 SAT composite score
- For Texas residents, successful completion of Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Foundation High School Program (Algebra II required)
- Official transcripts
- Vaccination records
Curriculum:
- Legal Aspects of Healthcare
- Health Promotion
- Biostatistics in Healthcare Research
- Medical Terminology for Healthcare Providers
- Principles of Management
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
University of the Incarnate Word
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at the University of the Incarnate Word offers two options for you, the administrative track and the general track. The administrative track gets you started in an allied health career, while the general track is for students who already have an allied health certification. You’ll also have the option to take the certification exam to be a cardiac rhythm analysis technician, certified billing and coding specialist, certified electronic health record specialist, or certified medical administrative assistant. Students must have 45 hours of community service to graduate. Classes are offered in eight-week terms with six start dates. The University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by SACSCOC.
Duration: 120 credits
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,090/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- High school transcript or GED scores
- AP/Achievement of CLEP test scores (if applicable)
- Dual credit transcripts (if applicable)
Curriculum:
- Health Science
- Applied Management Practice
- Biostatistics and Health Science
- Information System for Health Science
- Legal Aspects of Business
- Legal Issues in Healthcare
- Health Science Research
- Organizational Behavior
Angelo State University
The Bachelor of Health Science Professions at Angelo State University (ASU) offers three specializations for your degree: Physical Therapy and Allied Health Professions, Public Health, or Healthcare Administration. Since the program is hybrid, you can take advantage of modern on-campus labs, research opportunities, and Health Science Society student organization events and networking opportunities. Online tutoring and supplemental instruction are available, as well as the ASU Honors Program. The school offers more than 600 scholarships, including Texas Leadership Scholars and ASU Distinguished Scholarships, plus grants, loans, and work-study. ASU is accredited by SACSCOC.
Duration: 120 credits
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $187.30/credit in state, $597.30/credit out of state
Admissions Requirements:
- Official high school transcript
- ACT/SAT scores (or indicate you are test optional)
- Texas Success Initiative documentation
Curriculum:
- Biology
- Health Science Professions
- Chemistry
- Communications
- Psychology
Answering Common Questions About Online Health Science Degrees
With so many health science programs to choose from, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the details. In addition, you may still have questions about these programs. We’ve summed up the most common questions below to help you choose the school that’s best for you.
Does it matter if the health science program I choose is accredited?
Yes, accreditation is important.Accreditation is a seal of quality granted to a school or program, demonstrating that your education meets specific standards of quality. Accrediting agencies grant two types of accreditations: programmatic and institutional. Health science programs don’t have programmatic accreditation, so you’ll want to make sure the school you choose has institutional accreditation. Otherwise your credits may not transfer and you may not have access to some types of financial aid.
How much do health science degrees cost in Texas?
You’ll find a range of per-credit prices for health science degrees in Texas. For example, ASU charges $187.30/credit for Texas residents, while the University of the Incarnate Word charges $1,090/credit. However, tuition prices don’t paint the full picture. As you evaluate programs, take note of fees, scholarships, financial aid, and requirements to travel to campus. Then add it all up to see what your health science degree will cost.
Can I get financial aid to help pay for my health science degree in Texas?
Most schools offer a range of financial aid options. Typically, your first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as the FAFSA. That will put you into consideration for grants and work-study opportunities. Student loans are a popular way to finance your education, but these loans need to be paid back. However, grants and scholarships don’t need to be paid back and can significantly ease your financial burden. At ASU, you can apply for general scholarships and degree-specific scholarships with the same application. At the University of the Incarnate Word, 99% of full-time, first-time students receive a grant or scholarship.
Is the bachelor’s degree a terminal degree in health science?
No, a bachelor’s degree in health science isn’t your only option. You can continue your education to get a master’s in health science or even a doctorate in health science. On the flip side, you can work your way up to a bachelor’s degree in health science by starting with a certificate program or associate degree. Each new degree brings new opportunities and responsibilities, allowing you to stretch to the level that meets your career goals.
After I complete my degree, will I need a license to work in health science?
Maybe. 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 or higher. You’ll find eligibility requirements and details on how to apply on the Texas Education Agency website.
Career Pathways & Salary Trends for Health Science Graduates in Texas
Solid earnings and strong career growth potential await Texas health science students upon graduation. To illustrate this point, we've gathered recent salary and job growth data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for community health workers in Texas, which you'll find in the tables below. The long-term (2022-2032) job growth projections of 14% for the U.S. overall and 20.6% for Texas specifically far outpace, by five and seven times respectively, the 2.8% projection for all U.S. jobs across all occupations combined. This bodes well for job security and advancement opportunities for community health workers in the state for years to come.
Regarding earnings, average salaries for Texas community health workers range from the mid-$30,000s (10th percentile) to nearly $60,000 (90th percentile) per year. You'll find variations of these averages in specific areas within the state, mainly due to differences in costs of living. Other factors that will affect your actual earnings in your health science career include specific occupation, college degree level, and amount of professional work experience.
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $34,590 | $43,620 | $58,850 |
| Abilene, TX | $34,510 | $38,690 | $51,060 |
| Amarillo, TX | $31,050 | $41,600 | $48,550 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $34,210 | $45,610 | $64,760 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | $29,010 | $38,020 | $43,770 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $30,880 | $39,620 | $52,280 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $29,620 | $41,990 | $48,380 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $40,040 | $45,000 | $59,130 |
| El Paso, TX | $34,980 | $36,000 | $39,960 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $36,000 | $45,100 | $63,630 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $33,760 | $40,120 | $53,040 |
| Laredo, TX | $29,030 | $29,030 | $46,590 |
| Longview, TX | $36,370 | $39,120 | $51,050 |
| Lubbock, TX | $36,260 | $39,460 | $50,860 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | $28,080 | $39,100 | $47,790 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $37,850 | $41,970 | $51,070 |
| Tyler, TX | $35,830 | $40,510 | $47,240 |
| Waco, TX | $36,260 | $42,340 | $65,160 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $24,410 | $37,940 | $50,120 |
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 |
| Texas | 5,100 | 6,150 | 1,050 | 20.60% | 660 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
List of the Top Online Health Science Programs in Texas
You might be curious about how our rankings system works and why some schools rise to the top. First off, our data scientists at EduMed analyze data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Some of the biggest factors that impact our rankings are the school’s accreditation, availability of online programs and student participation, availability of academic counseling and career placement services, and tuition. Keep reading to see the schools with the highest rankings and visit the “About the Ranking” pop up for more information on our ranking methodology.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, Texas
Why We Selected The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley:
- The program offers an accelerated completion option, allowing students to finish in as few as 12 months.
- The UTRGV program is highly affordable, with an estimated total tuition of $16,000.
- The program is fully online, providing flexible learning opportunities for working professionals.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$7,857
- Average Institutional Aid$2,116
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course80%
- % of Students Receiving an Award44%
- Student/Faculty Ratio20/1
Parker University
Dallas, Texas
Why We Selected Parker University:
- Parker University offers a hybrid Doctor of Chiropractic program with online and in-person learning options.
- The program emphasizes business training, equipping students to operate successful practices and develop patient acquisition plans.
- Students gain extensive real-world experience through placements in private practices, health centers, and international clinics.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$23,760
- Average Institutional Aid$7,779
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course49%
- % of Students Receiving an Award66%
- Student/Faculty Ratio9/1
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, Texas
Why We Selected Texas Woman’s University:
- Eligible students can pursue the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) national exam upon completion.
- The program allows students to leverage workforce education credits for a more streamlined degree completion.
- Students develop marketable skills in health education and promotion, enhancing professional responsibilities and communication.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$5,616
- Average Institutional Aid$3,849
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course75%
- % of Students Receiving an Award43%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
Why We Selected Stephen F Austin State University:
- The program offers specialized career tracks in health administration.
- Faculty expertise in health services research enhances the learning experience.
- Networking opportunities with regional health services organizations are available.
Program Details
- AccreditationSFA
- Average In-State Tuition$7,842
- Average Institutional Aid$4,600
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course87%
- % of Students Receiving an Award52%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
West Texas A & M University
Canyon, Texas
Why We Selected West Texas A & M University:
- The Health Sciences program offers specialized career tracks in areas like Healthcare Administration and Health Promotion.
- The program is available both on-campus and online, providing flexibility for diverse student needs.
- It prepares students for management roles, ideal for those with an Associate's degree seeking career advancement.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$6,211
- Average Institutional Aid$2,702
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course85%
- % of Students Receiving an Award44%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
University of Houston
Houston, Texas
Why We Selected University of Houston:
- The program offers expert faculty with strong ties to the Texas Medical Center.
- The program provides practical skills in instruction and technology for immediate job application.
- It offers a nationally ranked online M.Ed. program with personalized support and mentorship.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$8,685
- Average Institutional Aid$4,742
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course73%
- % of Students Receiving an Award61%
- Student/Faculty Ratio21/1
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, Texas
Why We Selected University of the Incarnate Word:
- The program offers credit for prior training experience, allowing students to transfer credits from allied health fields or military training.
- The degree provides opportunities to prepare for four nationally accredited healthcare certifications, enhancing career prospects.
- Students can choose between administrative and general tracks, catering to diverse career aspirations in healthcare.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$31,800
- Average Institutional Aid$17,915
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course62%
- % of Students Receiving an Award49%
- Student/Faculty Ratio13/1
Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Why We Selected Angelo State University:
- The program offers hands-on experience through research projects and community service opportunities.
- The Health Science Professions degree provides specialized career tracks in public health and allied health fields.
- Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and networking opportunities through the Health Science Society.
Program Details
- AccreditationSACSCOC
- Average In-State Tuition$4,495
- Average Institutional Aid$2,727
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course41%
- % of Students Receiving an Award40%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 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 counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services 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.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
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 2024
