Online Health Science Degree Program | WGU

Online Health Science Degree Program | WGU
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Bachelor of Science
Health Science
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OVERVIEW
An Online Health Science Degree to Jump-Start Your Healthcare Career
Earning a bachelor’s in health science can open doors in the healthcare field, no matter your path. Whether you plan to grow your current career in the allied health professions or pursue further education,
this health science program is an excellent starting point for many health-related jobs.
The versatile Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree provides a solid foundation that helps prepare students who want to apply to
clinical-based programs or pursue a career in the health sciences field.
The subject matter pulls from the fields of business, health science, and healthcare and includes
training on the professional skills
needed for
leadership positions
in the healthcare arena. In this program you’ll learn about:
Cognitive psychology
Public health approaches
Epidemiology
Biopsychosocial health models
63%* of graduates finish similar programs within
24 months
WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance when you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.
*WGU Internal Data
Flexible Schedule
Tuition per six-month term is
$4,210
Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps students reduce the ultimate cost of their degrees. Finish faster, pay less!
Cost & Time
Average salary increase
$11,059*
Leavitt School of Health undergraduates see an average salary increase of $11,059 after finishing their degree programs.
WGU Internal Data
Career Outlook
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COURSES
Health Science Courses
Program consists of 28 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff. This program features scaffolded learning throughout the standard path, requiring the standard path order to be followed for optimal student success outcomes.
Program Guide
WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science curriculum was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from the professionals on our Health Professions Program Council, ensuring that this degree teaches important healthcare best practices and keeps up with the latest trends in the industry. The courses you’ll complete will help you gain the expertise you need for a successful healthcare career.
Part of this health science program includes project-based learning. The capstone course requires students to think deeply and use their creative problem-solving skills to propose an evidence-based strategy to address a real-world issue related to the health sciences.
The health science degree program prepares students for lifelong learning by helping them develop vital research, analysis, and communication skills that will benefit them in any career they choose. Students will also gain discipline-specific knowledge and skills as they delve deeper into psychology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, public health, and other areas of study related to health science.
The B.S. Health Science program is an all-online program that you'll complete by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty. You may be able to accelerate through coursework based on your prior knowledge and hard work.
Program consists of:
28 courses
An unofficial estimated 14 courses are fulfilled by your associate degree leaving 27 courses.
I Have an Associate Degree
Estimate My Transfer Credits
Courses Fulfilled By Your Associate Degree
This is an unofficial estimate of your transfer credit. You may recieve more or less credits depending upon the specific courses taken to complete your degree and other credits you may have.
Below are the anticipated courses that will be fulfilled based on your indication that you have earned an associate degree. During the enrollment process this information will be verified.
General Education
Introduction to Chemistry
In Introduction to Chemistry, learners will discover the impact of chemistry on everyday life. They’ll learn about the structure of the atom, study periodic trends, analyze the structure of molecules and their properties, and describe the importance of common functional groups within the periodic table. They’ll identify balanced chemical equations, describe types of chemical reactions and predict their products, and examine intermolecular forces and describe their impact on the properties of substances. Finally, they’ll study the properties of acids, bases, and buffer systems, and properties unique to liquids and gases.
Introduction to Sociology
This course teaches students to think like sociologists, or, in other words, to see and understand the hidden rules, or norms, by which people live, and how they free or restrain behavior. Students will learn about socializing institutions, such as schools and families, as well as workplace organizations and governments. Participants will also learn how people deviate from the rules by challenging norms and how such behavior may result in social change, either on a large scale or within small groups.
Applied Algebra
Applied Algebra is designed to help you develop competence in working with functions, the algebra of functions, and using some applied properties of functions. You will start learning about how we can apply different kinds of functions to relevant, real-life examples. From there, the algebra of several families of functions will be explored, including linear, polynomial, exponential, and logistic functions. You will also learn about relevant, applicable mathematical properties of each family of functions, including rate of change, concavity, maximizing/minimizing, and asymptotes. These properties will be used to solve problems related to your major and make sense of everyday living problems. Students should complete Applied Probability and Statistics or its equivalent prior to engaging in Applied Algebra.
Critical Thinking: Reason and Evidence
In this course you will learn key critical thinking concepts and how to apply them in the analysis and evaluation of reasons and evidence. The course examines the basic components of an argument, the credibility of evidence sources, the impact of bias, and how to construct an argument that provides good support for a claim. The course consists of an introduction and four major sections. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the four competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.
Composition: Writing with a Strategy
Welcome to Composition: Writing with a Strategy! In this course, you will focus on three main topics: understanding purpose, context, and audience, writing strategies and techniques, and editing and revising. In addition, the first section, will offer review on core elements of the writing process, cross-cultural communication, as well as working with words and common standards and practices. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to check your learning, practice, and show how well you understand course content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to gain proficiency in the seven competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge or experience, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.
Integrated Physical Sciences
This course provides students with an overview of the basic principles and unifying ideas of the physical sciences: physics, chemistry, and earth sciences. Course materials focus on scientific reasoning and practical, everyday applications of physical science concepts to help students integrate conceptual knowledge with practical skills.
Introduction to Communication: Connecting with Others
Welcome to Introduction to Communication: Connecting with Others! It may seem like common knowledge that communication skills are important, and that communicating with others is inescapable in our everyday lives. While this may appear simplistic, the study of communication is actually complex, dynamic, and multifaceted. Strong communication skills are invaluable to strengthening a multitude of aspects of life. Specifically, this course will focus on communication in the professional setting, and present material from multiple vantage points, including communicating with others in a variety of contexts, across situations, and with diverse populations. Upon completion, you will have a deeper understanding of both your own and others’ communication behaviors, and a toolbox of effective behaviors to enhance your experience in the workplace.
Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab
This is Anatomy and Physiology I, a six-section, 4 CU course that enables students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and function of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems in the human body. This course will involve laboratory activities, simulated dissections, textbook material, models, and diagrams. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the four competencies covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 40–60 hours on the course content.
Introduction to Psychology
In this course, students will develop an understanding of psychology and how it helps them better understand others and themselves. Students will learn general theories about psychological development, the structure of the brain, and how psychologists study behavior. They will gain an understanding of both normal and disordered psychological behaviors, as well as general applications of the science of psychology in society (such as personality typing and counseling).
World History: Diverse Cultures and Global Connections
This is World History: Diverse Cultures and Global Connections. In this course, you will focus on three main topics—cultural and religious diversity; pandemics; and the relationship of empires and nation states—as well as the skills of identifying root causes, explaining causes and effects, and analyzing complex systems. This course consists of an introduction and four major sections. Each section includes learning opportunities through reading, images, videos, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to practice and check how well you understand the content. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the four competencies covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.
Applied Healthcare Statistics
Applied Healthcare Probability and Statistics is designed to help develop competence in the fundamental concepts of basic mathematics, introductory algebra, and statistics and probability. These concepts include basic arithmetic with fractions and signed numbers; introductory algebra and graphing; descriptive statistics; regression and correlation; and probability. Statistical data and probability are now commonplace in the healthcare field. This course will help candidates make informed decisions about which studies and results are valid, which are not, and how those results affect your decisions. This course will give candidates background in what constitutes sound research design and how to appropriately model phenomena using statistical data. Additionally, this course guides candidates in calculating simple probabilities based on events which occur in the healthcare profession. This course will prepare candidates for studies at WGU, as well as in the healthcare profession.
Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab
This is Anatomy and Physiology II, a six section, four CEU course that enables students to develop an understanding of the relationships between the structures and functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and lymphatic systems in the human body. This course will involve laboratory activities, simulated dissections, textbook material, models, and diagrams. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the four competencies covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 40–60 hours on the course content.
Microbiology with Lab: A Fundamental Approach
Microbiology with Lab: A Fundamental Approach explores the science that microorganisms are everywhere, and they have positive and negative effects on the community. The course examines the structure and function of microorganisms, disease transmission and progression, and immune responses and other interventions, and it identifies key global diseases. The course consists of an introduction and four major sections. Each section includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities for students to check their learning, practice, and show how well they understand course content. To assist students in developing an applied, evidence-based understanding of microbiology, this course integrates several lab experiments to help determine the specific characteristic of an unknown microbial sample and a treatment plan. Because the course is self-paced, students may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as needed to gain proficiency in the four competencies that will be covered in the final assessment. Students who have no prior knowledge of or experience with this topic can expect to spend 48–60 hours on the course content. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Human Growth and Development
This is Human Growth and Development, a three-module course that examines the entire human lifetime, from conception to death. Presented chronologically, the course focuses on three key areas: physical, cognitive, and psychosocial growth, along with other important issues such as cultural influences, emotions, and resilience. Because the course is self-paced, you may move through the material as quickly or as slowly as you need to, with the goal of demonstrating proficiency in the four competencies covered in the final assessment. If you have no prior knowledge of this material, you can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.
Global Arts and Humanities
This is a Global Arts and Humanities course that contains three modules with corresponding lessons. This course is an invitation to see the world through the humanities, examine the humanities during the Information Age, and explore the global origins of music—essentially questioning what makes us human, and how people are connected across culture and time. Each module includes learning opportunities through readings, videos, audio, and other relevant resources. Assessment activities with feedback also provide opportunities to practice and check learning. With no prior knowledge or experience, a learner can expect to spend 30-40 hours on the course content.
Introduction to Research Methods
Introduction to Research Methods familiarizes students with the foundations of research, guiding students through selecting topics, forming research questions, engaging with relevant and reliable literature, and designing a research project. This course provides an overview of how researchers form questions and hypotheses, which different types of methodologies can be used to address these questions, and how existing literature and data are used to support or reject hypotheses. The methods presented in this course can be applied to many fields and disciplines, and they provide a baseline for students to use in their chosen area of study and future work.
Health, Fitness, and Wellness
Health, Fitness, and Wellness focuses on the importance and foundations of good health and physical fitness—particularly for children and adolescents—addressing health, nutrition, fitness, and substance use and abuse.
Psychology
Career and Lifelong Learning
Career and Lifelong Learning supports students in taking their first steps in a lifelong journey of development as a professional. Students will explore career pathways, plan how best to achieve their desired professional future, and take tangible steps toward that future by creating career growth materials that adhere to today’s best practices. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Understanding Substance Abuse & Addiction
Understanding Substance Abuse and Addiction provides an overview of substance abuse causes, impact, prevention, and treatment. Students will understand the signs and symptoms of substance abuse and addiction and its impact on individuals, groups, and the community. Students will analyze relevant factors that initiate and reinforce substance abuse and addiction and describe evidence-based strategies for prevention, intervention, and treatment. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive Psychology examines human mental processes, including how humans sense, interpret, think about, and respond to information, and how they integrate new information with prior experience. This course examines mental operations, attention, pattern recognition and other perceptual processes, memory, problem-solving and decision-making, categorization and concept formation, language acquisition and use, and contextual-interpretation. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Health Psychology
Health Psychology provides a basic overview of the biopsychosocial model of health and other holistic models of wellness. The course draws from diverse cultural perspectives as well as the theory and practice of human health behavior change to explore the relationship between psychosocial experiences and health. Topics include the impact of social and cultural factors on health, the relationship between stress and physical health and disease, the psychological experience of illness, and how lifestyle patterns and behavior influence chronic disease. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Cultural Awareness and Ethics
Cultural Awareness and Ethics provides students with the understanding of what it means to have personal, explicit and implicit cultural biases and how these can affect interpersonal interactions. The course will explore strategies for responding to personal biases and for promoting cultural awareness and ethical actions. Through critical readings, videos, and interactive activities, the student will gain knowledge in these essential subjects. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health
Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health examines the social determinants of health (SDOH) as underlying factors that contribute to health inequity in populations and communities and their effect on health outcomes. This course will help students understand the evidence-based strategies and approaches that promote health equity.
Health Sciences
Health Sciences Capstone
The Health Sciences Capstone is a culminating experience for the BS in Health Sciences program. In this project-based course, students will apply their skills obtained through the program to an issue of personal interest in the health sciences. This course requires students to think deeply and use their creative problem-solving skills and understanding of diverse perspectives to identify a research topic and conduct research on it. Upon completion of the capstone, students will have proposed an evidence-based strategy to address a real-world issue related to the health sciences. Students must complete all other courses in this program before attempting the capstone. This course is eligible for an In Progress grade. Please see the Grading Scale Policy for more information.
Public Health
Foundations in Public Health
Foundations in Public Health introduces learners to the nation’s public health systems including an overview of the core functions of Public Health and the 10 essential public health services. Learners examine a variety of strategies to promote health, prevent disease, and prolong life among populations and communities, including behavioral, population, and policy change, mass media approaches, and community-based interventions. This course also provides learners with a foundational and historical orientation to the field of public health by examining the philosophy, history, purpose, organization, terminology, and function.
Health and Human Services
Introduction to Epidemiology
Introduction to Epidemiology provides an overview of the determinants of communicable, viral, and chronic diseases. Students also will study various other conditions and the impact to public health. Using problem-based inquiry, students will analyze real-world public health problems by examining the distribution and patterns of data, selecting the methods to gather evidence, interpreting the information, and analyzing the trends to support decision making. There are no prerequisites to this course, but students are highly encouraged to adhere to the standard path, whose content is scaffolded to enhance the learning experience of this course.
Foundations of Success
Learning Strategies in Higher Education
Learning Strategies in Higher Education provides students with a toolbox of skills that will support student academic growth as they advance in their academic journey. Students will be introduced to the WGU Library; how to use it and best practices for research strategies. Students will learn how to be professional in written communication and how to properly integrate and cite source materials in academic papers. In this course, students also will learn about setting goals, time-management, study strategies, making and keeping appointments, professional decorum, and test-taking skills. Learning these skills, strategies, and methods will establish an academic foundation for students to be successful in higher education. There are no prerequisites for this course.
28 Courses
Program consists of 28 courses
At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.
Program Guide
Capstone Project
Special requirements for this program
At the end of your health science program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your study and effort.
Request Info
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Apply Now
Traditional Universities
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors
SUPPORT
Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
TIME TO FINISH
Approximately 4 years, minimal acceleration options
TIME TO FINISH
As quickly as you can master the material, typically less than 3 years
TRANSFER CREDITS
Few accepted, based on certain schools and specific courses
TRANSFER CREDITS
A generous transfer policy that is based on your specific situation
Apply Now
Why WGU?
You Aren't On Your Own
WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.
HOW WE DO IT
Flexibility You Need
Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.
A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
Strong Alumni Network
When you enroll in this healthcare program at WGU, you join an impressive network of healthcare professionals. This network is key in helping boot credibility and respect for your degree from WGU.
CAREER OUTLOOK
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality is institutionally recognized.
COST & TIME
An Affordable Health Science Degree
By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.
Apply FREE
Tuition Calculator
Pay less by completing your program faster
TOTAL COST:
YEARS
Cost Breakdown
Tuition
4,210
E-Books and Resources Fee
200
TOTAL (per 6-month term)
6-month terms
Total Cost
A Health Science Bachelor's Degree Is Within Reach
There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:
The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.
Responsible Borrowing Initiative
Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits.
Financial Aid
Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.
Scholarships
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
A Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science—Designed to Fit Your Life
Online. Flexible. Student-focused. These are just some of the qualities that make our programs a great fit for today’s working students—and make WGU a different kind of university.
Our degree programs allow you to speed up your progress—
no waiting for other class members to catch up or for a new semester to start
. Taking a course covering concepts you’ve been applying for years? Review the online course material, take the online assessment, and move on. Taking a course in a subject you’ve never tried? Maximize all available resources to ensure you’re comfortable with the material by the time you take the assessment.
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" I had a great educational experience at WGU, and the course instructors had a positive impact on the study curriculum. Each course was very organized, easy to follow and learn, and the educators are very attentive. I gained a greater understanding of research that is aimed at establishing facts and quality improvement.”
—Nasiba Ruziyeva
WGU Healthcare Graduate
CAREER OUTLOOK
A Health Science Degree is a Pathway to Multiple Careers
Earning your bachelor’s in health science can get you started in a healthcare-focused career or qualify you to pursue employment in areas like care coordination, public health education, patient advocacy, or community health management. This program contains coursework that will help you learn about various elements of health science, including:
Cultural awareness and ethics
Research methods
Applied healthcare statistics
Pathophysiology
Substance abuse and addiction
After earning your health science degree, you may want to pursue a master’s degree or additional certifications. Whether you want to become a specialist or a researcher, starting your education with a B.S. Health Science degree provides a solid foundation for future learning.
MORE ABOUT CAREERS
Return on Your Investment
Many WGU graduates may see an increase in income post-graduation
Average income increase in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary from all degrees. Source:
2024 Harris Poll
of 1,655 WGU graduates.
Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.
7%
The number of positions for health education specialists is projected to
increase 7% through 2033
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Apply Your New Knowledge and Skills to Excel in Your Chosen Career
WGU’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science is designed to provide you with a comprehensive set of skills that can be applied across industries. This program incorporates several career-boosting competencies, including courses in the areas of substance abuse, research methods, epidemiology, public health, and cognitive psychology.
Possible Jobs
Patient educator
Clinical technologist
Wellness specialist
Community health worker
Residential care coordinator
Possible Work Settings
Community care facilities
Research facilities
Health insurance providers
Government agencies
Hospitals
WGU Grads Hold Positions With Top Employers
Hospitals and clinics around the country know the benefit of a degree from WGU, so your healthcare degree is valuable.
More About Career Growth
ADMISSIONS
Bachelor of Health Science Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent AND demonstrate program readiness through one of the following:
Option 1: Submit transcripts documenting completion of college-level coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Option 2: Possess a bachelors or associate degree (A.A or A.S. acceptable) from an accredited post-secondary institution.
Option 3: Submit high school transcripts for review with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Safety Notice:
WGU and the Leavitt School of Health are committed to the health, safety, and well-being of all patients, community members, and key stakeholders that interact with WGU students at various clinical/host sites. Interactions might include direct patient interaction, observation experiences, laboratory experiences, project development, or conducting research.
GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Get Your Enrollment Checklist
Download your step-by-step guide to enrollment.
VIEW CHECKLIST
Get Your Questions Answered
Talk to an WGU Enrollment Counselor.
CONTACT AN ENROLLMENT COUNSELOR
Transfer Credits
If you’ve taken courses, have earned certifications, or received a degree from a community college or another university, you're likely already well on your way to a WGU degree.
You can almost always transfer credits when you send accredited bachelor's or asociate degree transcripts.
WGU’s curriculum structure is competency-based, allowing you to apply your existing knowledge and skills to your education.
Students with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree usually qualify for upper-division standing at WGU.
Depending on your degree program, you may qualify for additional requirement waivers.
If you have completed some college coursework but have not earned a degree, WGU will conduct  a transcript evaluation.
Your experience may waive some of your requirements.
TRANSFER INFORMATION
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