Is a health science bachelor's degree worth it?

A health science bachelor’s degree can be worth it for those who want to pursue a career in the healthcare field, such as healthcare administration, communication, or advocacy. Some positions you can get with a health science bachelor’s degree may also pay well. For example, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the top 10% of health education specialists earned more than $107,920 in 2023.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's degree in health science?

Just like many other bachelor’s degrees, a bachelor’s in health science can take up to four years (eight semesters) to finish. If you wish to finish your program sooner, you may want to ask about pursuing an accelerated curriculum.

What are the benefits of getting a bachelor's degree in health science?

A bachelor’s degree in health science can prepare you for many different roles within the healthcare field, which can give you flexibility in your career. Additionally, you may qualify for more senior or higher-paying roles when you have a bachelor’s degree than an associate’s degree. Finally, completing coursework for a bachelor’s degree can ensure you have essential skills for your career, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and working with the scientific method.

How to choose a bachelor's in health science

By: Sarah Edwards, Edited by: Arthur McMahon

Published: March 5, 2025

Are you interested in helping people become the best versions of themselves? A bachelor's degree in health science can equip you with the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to lead individuals and communities to better health outcomes.

Discover the tools to help you choose a degree program that can propel you to professional success.

Guide to choosing a bachelor's degree in health science

Do you know how to choose a bachelor's in health science that works for your needs and goals? Considering the following five factors can lead you to the degree program that can help you build the career you desire.

Consider the program's accreditation

There are two levels of accreditation for bachelor's degree programs — institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation aims to ensure high-quality programs across the college or university, while programmatic accreditation covers specific programs.

A bachelor's degree in health science is often accredited at the institutional level. Institutions can be accredited by regional oversight organizations approved by the Department of Education.

If you plan to apply for federal or state loans and grants, be aware that many of them require you to attend an accredited institution. In some cases, employers also prefer candidates with degrees from accredited schools, as they can feel more confident that you have been well-prepared for the role with rigorous coursework.

Ask for a breakdown of the degree program curriculum

When it comes to learning how to choose a bachelor's in health science, it's important that your degree introduces you to a broad range of coursework. Your program may require you to take classes in:

Anatomy and physiology
Health and wellness
Health systems and policy
Cultural competence
Community advocacy
Health information technology

You may also want to choose a curriculum that provides ample opportunity to participate in hands-on research projects and internships. This can ensure you gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field, both of which can be essential for success in many health-related careers.

Understand available specializations or concentrations

If you have specific career goals in mind, a specialization or concentration can help you gain the knowledge you need to fulfill them. If your degree program gives you enough room for elective courses, you may be able to pursue a minor in another field.

Some common concentrations and minors you may want to consider with a bachelor's in health science include:

Public health
Healthcare administration
Psychology
Sociology
Environmental science
Foreign language

Many of these specializations can help you hone your skills in one specific area and may make your resume more appealing to hiring managers and recruiters in that field.

Ask about university resources

As a health science student, it can be critical to have opportunities for hands-on learning. For example, if you wish to work in an IT role within the healthcare field, you may need access to healthcare-related computer applications to build skills for your future career.

Before you enroll in any classes, ask to speak with a program administrator about your options when it comes to hands-on coursework. If you are pursuing your degree online, you may also want to ask about in-person or hybrid options that may give you access to science labs and other materials to complete your courses.

Evaluate your future certification opportunities

A bachelor's in health sciences is often offered as an integrative degree, which means it may encompass coursework from a variety of disciplines. Some programs may give you the option of taking courses designed to prepare you for a career in an allied health role.

In these professions, you can support the healthcare system by applying scientific principles to help identify, evaluate, and prevent diseases and disorders. Examples of these careers include:

Pharmacy technician
Ultrasound technician
Hearing aid specialist

Entering one of these careers may require additional education and certification. If you wish to pursue an allied health role upon graduation with your bachelor's in health science, choose an accredited program that can ensure you get the proper coursework and training to be eligible to sit for your certification exams.

Common questions about getting a bachelor's degree in health science

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