Division of Professional Studies
Online Health Science, Bachelor of Science
Earn Your Health Science Degree—Online and On Your Terms
The Online Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Saint Francis University is your gateway to a meaningful career. This flexible, interdisciplinary program blends a strong core in health science core with a values-driven general education shaped by the principles of Franciscan Higher Education.
Whether you’re preparing for graduate studies or aiming to enter the workforce, this degree offers personalized pathways to success. You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your learning with health-focused electives and pursue one or more academic minors aligned with your goals.
Program Snapshot:
Delivery: 100% Online
Admission Deadline: Multiple Start Dates Per Year
Flexible Structure: Transfer-Friendly, Degree Completion
Customizable: Tailor electives and minors to your career goals.
Tuition: $485 per credit (25/26 Division of Professional Studies rate)
Scholarships & Aid: Ask us about our affordability initiatives, including Credit for Prior Learning and Employer Partner Discounts. More than 95% of our Division of Professional Studies students receive a tuition discount/scholarship.
Career-Focused Flexibility for Adult Learners
This program is designed for self-motivated learners who need to balance life and school as well as those who want to leverage their previous skills and knowledge to advance more quickly to a degree. This online format is ideally suited for:
- Professionals with some college credits who want to learn new skills, hone their current ones, or expand into new areas of expertise in healthcare
- Healthcare technicians and professionals who need a degree to advance
- Professionals seeking a healthcare management career but need the training and a credential
- Individuals with transferable college credit looking for an opportunity to finish their degree.
- Military-affiliated students (military credit transfers accepted)
Curriuculum
What You’ll Learn as a Health Science Major
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science combines a solid health science core with a general education curriculum infused with Franciscan values. Key courses focus on biology, human anatomy, medical terminology, public health foundations, statistics, ethical/ legal responsibilities, leadership and health policy.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Studies
What Makes It Unique:
- Rooted in Catholic Franciscan values, emphasizing service, humility, and care for underserved communities.
- Students complete a research-intensive capstone (PUBH 430) focused on solving healthcare issues.
- Encourages adding academic minors that support long-term plans (e.g., Psychology, Leadership, Healthcare Admin).
- Capstone course connects your education to real-world applications.
Program Overview
- 100% online courses
- Transfer-friendly for students with prior coursework or an associate degree in a health or science field.
- Up to 98 credits may be transferred into the program.
- Potential to obtain credit for prior learning or work experience.
Total Credits Required: 128 credits
Estimated Completion Time: Typically 4 years of full-time study
Course Requirements: Course Catalog - 25/26 | Plan of Study (New program links coming soon)
Students are encouraged to talk with their SFU academic advisor early to align their studies with future graduate school plans.
The online Bachelor of Science in Health Science is structured to meet common graduate school prerequisite courses like Anatomy & Physiology, Statistics, and Medical Terminology. However, Pre-PA and Pre-OT concentrations are not available online, and students are guided to select electives strategically for graduate readiness. Many graduate programs require additional lab-intensive courses such as Chemistry. Students who plan to apply to graduate school are recommended to carefully review graduate school admissions requirements to ensure that they are taking courses that meet those requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Critical Thinking and Research Skills: Students will learn to apply critical and scientific inquiry to identify and evaluate health-related issues prevalent in today’s society. From this inquiry, students will identify a gap in the literature, design and conduct a research project to solve a pressing health care issue. (Assess through EXPH 375/PSYC 311 and PUBH 430).
- Healthcare Systems and Practices: Students will develop an understanding of the current U.S. and global healthcare systems and foster a vision to bring forth healthcare reform. (Assess through PUBH 101, PUBH 401, PUBH 320)
- Ethical and Legal Responsibilities: Students will apply ethical principles and legal responsibilities to foster effective interventions in the delivery of healthcare. (Assess through PUBH 320, PUBH 430, PHIL 212).
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Students will promote preventative actions and health behaviors to optimize health and wellness across the lifespan. (Assess through PUBH 101,PUBH 202, PUBH 110).
Experienced faculty who love to teach
Division of Professional Studies Faculty
Degree and certificate programs offered through the Division of Professional Studies are taught by an advantageous mix of accomplished SFU faculty and industry experts who are passionate about teaching adult learners.
In our online courses, you will find faculty who:
- bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
- understand adult learners' unique needs.
- are trained in effective online teaching styles and technology tools.
Program Lead
Dr. Theresa M. Horner
814.472.3357
THorner@francis.edu
Career Outlook in with a Degree in Health Science
The career outlook for graduates of the Online Bachelor of Science in Health Science at Saint Francis University is strong and steadily growing, fueled by expanding opportunities across the healthcare sector.
Job Market Demand: National Growth
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that healthcare occupations will grow by 13% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- This growth translates to 1.9 million job openings each year, largely due to an aging population, chronic health conditions, and workforce turnover.
Top Fields Hiring Health Science Graduates
Graduates of the online Health Science B.S. are well-positioned for roles in:
- Public Health & Health Education
- Healthcare Administration & Coordination
- Community Health & Outreach
- Health Informatics & Data Analysis
- Medical Sales & Customer Support
- Clinical Research Coordination
Ready to take the next step?
We’re here to help you succeed. Our team is happy to answer your questions, review your prior college credits, walk you through the application process, or just chat about your goals
Reach out today — we’d love to hear from you!
Division of Professional Studies
professionalstudies@francis.edu
1-800-457-6300
Ms. Shawniece Patterson
Enrollment Advisor
spatterson@francis.edu
Call/Text: 814-379-0303
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Interdisciplinary Healthcare Studies at Saint Francis University
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You can pursue clinical and non-clinical roles with this degree, including health educator, health administrator, clinical research coordinator, public health specialist, and healthcare informatics specialist. Other options include positions like dietitian, nutritionist, and even roles in pharmaceutical sales. You can also use this degree as a stepping stone to a graduate school or professional program in dentistry, pharmacy, occupational therapy, audiology, physical therapy, and much more.
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Yes! The online Bachelor of Science in Health Science is structured to meet common graduate school prerequisite courses like Anatomy & Physiology, Statistics, and Medical Terminology. However, Pre-PA and Pre-OT concentrations are not available online, and students are guided to select electives strategically for graduate readiness. Many graduate programs require additional lab-intensive courses such as Chemistry. Students who plan to apply to graduate school are recommended to carefully review graduate school admissions requirements to ensure that they are taking courses that meet those requirements.
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A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete. It can take considerably less time for students who have an associate degree with eligible transfer credits that transfer. Other students choose to go at a slower pace to balance family and work challenges.
You can pursue clinical and non-clinical roles with this degree, including health educator, health administrator, clinical research coordinator, public health specialist, and healthcare informatics specialist. Other options include positions like dietitian, nutritionist, and even roles in pharmaceutical sales. You can also use this degree as a stepping stone to a graduate school or professional program in dentistry, pharmacy, occupational therapy, audiology, physical therapy, and much more.
Yes! The online Bachelor of Science in Health Science is structured to meet common graduate school prerequisite courses like Anatomy & Physiology, Statistics, and Medical Terminology. However, Pre-PA and Pre-OT concentrations are not available online, and students are guided to select electives strategically for graduate readiness. Many graduate programs require additional lab-intensive courses such as Chemistry. Students who plan to apply to graduate school are recommended to carefully review graduate school admissions requirements to ensure that they are taking courses that meet those requirements.
A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete. It can take considerably less time for students who have an associate degree with eligible transfer credits that transfer. Other students choose to go at a slower pace to balance family and work challenges.