Online Health Sciences Degrees

Why We Chose This Superlative: Flexible, Competitively-Priced Degree Completion Program That Doesn't Require an Associate Degree

Ohio State offers a fully online, asynchronous BS in health sciences for working professionals with at least 30 transfer credits. Admission requires six prerequisites and a minimum 2.5 GPA. The program can be completed in about three years, though students with an associate degree can finish sooner. This program prepares you for entry-level careers in health administration, public health, pharmaceutical sales, and nonprofit health organizations.

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,379 (part-time) – $6,658 (full-time)
Out-of-State | $3,579 (part-time) – $6,858 (full-time)

Why Students Choose OSU:

• Graduation Time: You can finish the program in about three years without an associate degree or even sooner if you start with an associate degree.
• Expert Faculty: Learn from physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, and other professionals who bring real-world health care experience.
• Fully Online: The asynchronous format makes it highly flexible for working professionals.

Know Before You Enroll:

• This program is not designed for current high school graduates because you'll need prior college credits.
• An associate degree isn’t required, but it shortens your time to graduation.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Designed for Students Aiming to Pursue a Graduate Degree in Healthcare

UC’s online BS in health sciences offers a solid science foundation and a clear path to graduate study. Designed with associate degree holders in allied health fields (nursing, medical assisting, therapy assisting) in mind, it helps you strengthen your academic background, complete a capstone research project, and receive one-on-one guidance from UC’s pre-professional advising team.

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,642 (part-time) – $7,063 (full-time)
Out-of-State | $3,732 (part-time) – $7,243 (full-time)

Why Students Choose UC:

• Grad Prep: This program includes a capstone project, research training, and pre-professional advising geared toward competitive programs (PT, OT, PA, MSN, and public health).
• Career Advancement: Advance your career into leadership and management roles with median salaries of $98,000-$100,000.
• Flexible Format: Study in a fully online, part-time-friendly program, with most semesters under 10 credits and multiple start dates (spring, summer, fall).

Know Before You Enroll:

• This program is best suited if you already hold an associate degree in an allied health field. 
• The UC program is a stepping stone to graduate school or management roles and not direct entry into patient-care positions like physician, RN, or PT. 
• The typical completion time is 2-4 years, depending on transfer credits and study pace.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Clinically-Focused Health Science Degree Option That Can Be Completed Entirely Online

Ferris State's allied health sciences (AHS) bachelor’s lets you transfer up to 50 credits from your associate degree. The program builds on prior clinical training, serves as a pathway into graduate study or advanced clinical programs, and offers a customizable curriculum aligned with career goals. Ferris State's clinical programs include nursing, dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography and radiography.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $515-$563
Out-of-State | $515-$563

Why Students Choose FSU:

• High Credit Transfer: FSU accepts up to 50 credits from your associate degree, a faster and cheaper path than many competitors.
• Healthcare-Specific Focus: The program is tailored to allied health professionals.
• Customizable Pathways: FSU offers a flexible curriculum that lets you design courses around your career goals.

Know Before You Enroll:

• This degree advances you toward leadership or graduate programs but does not provide direct clinical licensure.
• Admission requires new students to have at least a 2.70 high school GPA (or 2.50 with approval) and meet ACT/SAT minimums, while transfers must have at least a 2.50 college GPA plus college-level English and math placement.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Lowest Tuition Rates for All Online Students Among Private Colleges

Bellevue's online BS in health science is a 127-credit, non-licensure program designed for broad healthcare careers and preparation for graduate or medical school. It stands out for affordability among private schools ($459 per credit), a pre-medical certificate option, generous credit transfer (including military experience), and one-on-one support from a student coach.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $459
Out-of-State | $459

Why Students Choose Bellevue:

• Pre-Med Focus: An optional pre-medical certificate can strengthen your medical school application. 
• Transfer Policy: Bellevue accepts full associate degrees (including AAS) and military training credits, letting you finish faster with fewer repeats.
• Military Discount: Active-duty service members (including Guard and Reserves) and their spouses get almost half off tuition, paying only $250 per credit hour.

Know Before You Enroll:

• This program does not lead to professional licensure. 
• This program is 127 credits, while most programs are 120, so plan for a slightly heavier course load, even with transfer credits. 

Why We Chose This Superlative: Clinically-Focused Health Science Degree Combining In-Person and Asynchronous Online Courses

Wichita State offers a BS in health science with a hybrid format that combines in-person and online courses. Designed as a pre-professional degree, the program can prepare you for competitive admission to WSU's own clinical programs in nursing, PT, PA, OT, dental hygiene, and medical school. It also includes direct BSHS-to-DPT pathways, certificates, and a strong emphasis on applied learning.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $280
Out-of-State | $280

Why Students Choose WSU:

• Direct Clinical Pathways: Complete prerequisites for WSU’s nursing, dental hygiene, PA, PT, and other clinical programs, or take the BSHS-to-DPT track.
• Hybrid Flexibility: The program includes a mix of online (asynchronous) and in-person courses, with evening options for science-heavy schedules.
• Career-Boosting Certification: Earn a medical coding certificate and become eligible for the CPC exam.

Know Before You Enroll:

• This program requires significant in-person participation. 
• The degree does not include professional licensure.
• WSU’s clinical programs are competitive, and admission is not guaranteed.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Lowest Tuition Rates for All Online Students Among Public Colleges

Missouri Southern State University offers one of the most affordable online BS in health science programs at $360 per credit, the lowest among public institutions on this list. If you are a licensed allied health professional, you can transfer clinical credits directly toward the degree and save time. The program is fully online, with options to finish concurrently with a clinical program and flexible tracks in health education, public health, or healthcare management.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $360
Out-of-State | $360

Why Students Choose MSSU:

• Credit Transfer Efficiency: Licensure and board certification allow clinical coursework to count toward major requirements. 
• Flexible Tracks: MSSU offers specialized and flexible pathways in health education, population/public health, or healthcare management.

Know Before You Enroll:

• The program is intended for graduates of the following allied health programs: dental hygiene, paramedic, radiologic technology, and respiratory therapy. 
• This program does not grant clinical licensure.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Comprehensive Health Science Education Built Around a Wellness Promotion Focus

UCCS offers an online BS in healthcare science with asynchronous courses, small class sizes, and extensive student and career support. The program centers on health and wellness promotion, preparing students to plan, implement, and evaluate programs using health behavior theory. It also provides pathways to certifications, generous financial aid options, and strong military-friendly benefits.

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $544
Out-of-State | $743

Why Students Choose UCCS:

• Health and Wellness Focus: Coursework emphasizes health promotion theory and practice.
• Certificate Opportunities: You'll have options to pursue the PAPHS certificate and health coaching certification exams.

Know Before You Enroll:

• The average completion time is four years.
• Colorado residents may qualify for the College Opportunity Fund (COF) tuition stipend.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Yellow Ribbon School With Max Funding and Military Tuition Discounts

Mizzou's online bachelor of health sciences (BHS) stands out for military affordability and flexibility. Combat veterans pay no more than $50 per credit hour, all veterans get a 10% tuition discount, and military service may translate into course credit. The program is fully online, requires no campus visits, accepts up to 64 transfer credits, and includes virtual internships.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $544 (full-time) – $680 (part-time)
Out-of-State |$544 (full-time) – $680 (part-time)

Why Students Choose Mizzou:

• Military-Friendly Benefits: Tuition caps at $50 per credit hour for combat veterans, while veterans receive a 10% tuition discount and potential military credit transfers.
• Custom Degree Planning: Mizzou offers a personalized course planner with academic advisors along with a generous transfer credit policy.
• Experiential Learning: Complete service-learning opportunities, a leadership-focused capstone, and virtual internship options.

Know Before You Enroll:

• You must pay a one-time fee of $150 as an online undergraduate student, while out-of-state students may face extra fees.
• Tuition can drop to $448 per credit hour through the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), a partnership with other public universities.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Most Flexible and Best Value Degree Completion Program That Requires an Associate Degree

Northern Kentucky offers an online BS in health sciences designed with two tracks: degree completion (if you have an associate degree) and transdisciplinary (if you're interested in health careers without a clinical background). The program is delivered in an accelerated, fully online format, with optional on-campus classes for transdisciplinary students. NKU’s generous credit transfer (up to 90 credits) and prior learning credit options reduce both time and cost. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $359
Out-of-State | $359

Why Students Choose NKU:

• Flexible Tracks: Choose degree completion (for associate degree holders) or transdisciplinary (for non-clinical health careers).
• Credit Policy: Transfer up to 90 credits or earn credit for prior learning to finish faster and save money.
• Experiential Learning: Access co-op and internship opportunities to build real-world skills.

Know Before You Enroll:

• Tuition for returning students is $504 per credit hour.
• An associate degree counts as a built-in minor in the completion track; transdisciplinary students must choose a minor.

Why We Chose This Superlative: Health Sciences Curriculum Rooted in Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Practices

Alaska Pacific offers a flexible BS in health sciences that emphasizes cultural safety, competence, and responsiveness. The 128-credit program provides concentrations in pre-health, pre-nursing, behavioral health, healthcare management, and sports science. With multiple start terms, online, on-campus, and hybrid course options (including day and evening classes), APU’s program fits first-time students, transfers, and working professionals.

Cost per Semester:
In-State | $848
Out-of-State | $848

Why Students Choose APU:

• Cultural Emphasis: APU has a strong focus on cultural safety, awareness, and responsiveness in healthcare training.
• Alaska-Specific Pathways: This program can build on credentials like Behavioral Health Aide certification in Alaska.
• Concentration Variety: Concentration options include pre-health, pre-nursing, behavioral health, healthcare management, and sports science

Know Before You Enroll:

• You need a minimum GPA of 2.5, but APU will still review applications with lower GPAs if you complete an additional step.
• The typical completion time is four years if you're a full-time student.