Bachelor of Science

Health Science Degree

Experience a variety of options to turn your passion for healthcare into a rewarding career.


Experience a variety of options to turn your passion for healthcare into a rewarding career.

Learn Online

Health Science Degree

Learn from expert research in a quality health science degree.

At graduation, you will be prepared for many careers in healthcare with the multi-discipline approach of the Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree. Experienced professors, sharing their valuable experience, will guide you through innovative coursework and curriculum, preparing you for medical school, various graduate degree programs, or to build upon your existing career.

doctor going over results using a tablet

Create diverse pathways in the health science major for your chosen field.

Bellevue University partners with top health facilities and organizations, providing you with many opportunities for entry into a quality graduate degree program or a career in the healthcare industry. When you earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree, you will graduate with knowledge in a wide range of healthcare specialties and preparation for your chosen field of study. The Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree is the first step on your path to a career in disciplines such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician assistant, or medicine.

Preparation and guidance for medical school and health careers.

If you plan to pursue a medical school, Bellevue University can help you navigate the application process and prepare you further with a Pre-Medical Certificate when you complete all the recommended courses in our Certificate program.*

*Not all courses in the Pre-medical Certificate are offered online or are required for the BS in Health Science. Please refer to Pre-Medical Certificate program requirements.

Pick your health science degree path. We’re here to help you get there.

Courses

What You’ll Learn

  • Apply critical thinking skills for informed problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Utilize inter-professional collaboration for improved communication and teamwork.
  • Transfer scientific principles to healthcare applications for improved health outcomes.
  • Analyze health, illness, injury and disease prevention across the lifespan for individuals and communities.
  • Employ ethical principles for effective leadership within clinical and non-clinical settings.

*Not all courses in the Pre-medical Certificate are offered online or are required for the BS in Health Science. Please refer to Pre-Medical Certificate program requirements.

Health Science Degree Courses

Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.

Requirements (57 credit hours)

(Click a course name below to view course details)

By the end of this course, students will have a solid understanding of the diverse health science landscape. They will possess the skills and mindset needed to excel as competent and compassionate professionals, being equipped with knowledge, professionalism, and collaboration.

This course introduces basic concepts, anatomical terminology, cell structure and function and histology, followed by an in-depth study of the anatomy and physiology of the following organ systems of the human body: Integumentary, arthrology, muscular, cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. A mandatory laboratory component supports and amplifies the lecture material and allows the student to study microscopic anatomy on slides and to perform dissection on representative animal models. An online component allows the student to practice course content with additional exercises. Prerequisites: BI 100 required for Biology and Kinesiology majors, strongly recommended for Health Science majors.

This course consists of an in-depth study of the gross and microscopic anatomy and the physiology of the following organ systems of the human body: The central and peripheral nervous, endocrine, sensory, respiratory, digestive, reproductive, and excretory systems. A mandatory laboratory component will support and amplify the lecture material and allow the student to perform dissection on representative animal models. An online component will allow the student to practice course content with additional exercises. Prerequisites: BI 201 or Instructor permission (3 credit hrs lecture; 1 credit hr lab)

This course studies chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, atomic and molecular structure, nuclear chemistry, bonding, measurements, the Periodic Table, solids, liquids, gases, and solutions. Also includes qualitative and quantitative analysis. For students majoring in science or in pre-professional programs or allied health fields. Prerequisite: High School Algebra

This course examines the fundamental role of nutrition in healthy living. Emphasis is placed on applying the principles of nutrition in order to achieve, and maintain, optimal health and wellness. Prerequisite HLS 101

This course will present the principles of human growth and development from conception to death. Topics to be included in the course are methods of child study, consideration of individual differences, and analysis of patterns and sequences of development.

This course presents the basic laws which govern the behavior of the physical world, concentrating on the basic mechanics of visible objects. Included in this study are the concepts of velocity, acceleration, force, energy, heat, and angular motion. Late in the course, these principles are applied to wave motion, including the physics of sound waves, and to fluids. Concepts and calculations are presented using algebraic methods. Hands-on laboratory work is an essential element of the course. Prerequisite: MA 102 or placement via ALEKS Placement Exam

This course is an introduction to the scientific foundations of the study of behavior and a survey of basic topics of psychology such as sensation and perception, the brain and nervous system, learning and memory, language and thinking, intelligence, motivation, emotions, personality, development, stress, and abnormal behavior. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in Psychology except PY 200, PY 211, PY 222 and PY 250

This course is an in-depth study of the medical language from an anatomical approach. Students will learn the essentials of medical word building through the study of word roots, prefixes, and suffixes. The course focuses on correct pronunciation, spelling, and use of medical terms within the healthcare setting. Prerequisite HLS 101

This course focuses on general, medical, ecological, and applied microbiology including: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and helminthic organisms. Prerequisites: BI 100, BI 105 required for Biology Majors, strongly recommended for Health Science majors .

This course presents the major theoretical and therapeutic approaches to psychological disorder. The classification, origin, description, and treatment of the chief psychiatric problems are included. Prerequisite: PY 101

This course examines the theory and practice of health communication. Emphasis is placed on interpersonal relationships, social and cultural issues, and mediated messages concerning health communication.

This course provides the theoretical basis and problem-solving experience needed to apply the techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics, to analyze quantitative data, and to improve decision making over a wide range of areas. Topics covered include descriptive statistics, linear regression, data gathering methodologies and probability, as well as confidence intervals and hypothesis testing for one and two samples. Use of technology in solving and interpreting statistical problems is emphasized. Prerequisite: MA 101 or placement via ALEKS Placement Assessment

The focus of this course is on the consumption of healthcare research and the application of evidence-based practice for healthcare professionals. This course introduces types of research methodologies, data collection, analysis of data, and the interpretation and application of best practices in healthcare settings.

This course contrasts normal aging changes with those caused by disease or injury while addressing psychosocial, emotional, physical, and spiritual concerns.

This course examines relevant definitions and topics of medical ethics and the process of decision making within medical environments.

This course focuses on the health science student to utilize previous course work to apply advanced concepts towards an applied health science project. Prerequisite: This course is the final course in the major; all other HLSCTBS courses should be completed.

Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)

(In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series)

This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours

37

Integrative General Education Credits

+
57

Major Requirements Credits

+
33

Elective Credits

= 127 Total Credits*

General Education Courses

Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.

About general education requirements >

Elective Courses

Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.

University Accreditation

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).

Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.

This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.

*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.

Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.

Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.

  • Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
  • You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.

Finish Faster

See how credit transfer works >

Accelerated Icon

*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.

Find out how we work with your previous experience in healthcare.

Format

100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.

Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.

Find out more about the online experience >

See how online learning can make earning an online health science degree possible for you.

Tuition & Financial Aid

It’s more affordable than you think.

Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.

2024 / 2025 Academic Year

Traditional Bachelor's

$449 Online Cost Per Credit $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit

(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)

Only pay for the credits you need.

Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.

Get help with financial aid.

Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.

Learn more about financial aid >

You have the ability to make your health science goals a reality. We’ll help make it happen.

Admissions

Removing barriers to the education you deserve.

College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:

To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:

  • Official high school transcript
  • GED certificate
  • Homeschool letter of completion
  • Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
  • Self-certification on application.

You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:

  • Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
  • If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
  • A one-time $50 application fee
  • Note:
    • International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
    • Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.

Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >

You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:

  • Submitting transcripts from past institutions
  • Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement

If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:

  • A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
  • Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
  • Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.

Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.

  • Get your questions answered about the Health Science Degree
  • Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
  • Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities

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