What Is a Health Science Degree?

February 04, 2026

A Health Sciences student in the lab at New England College

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the healthcare industry is projected to see 1.9 million new jobs annually from 2024 to 2034. This broad group includes dentists, massage therapists, medical transcriptionists, and registered nurses, among others. Individuals who can’t decide on a specific medical career may opt to enroll in a health science degree program.

A health science degree is an interdisciplinary program that helps individuals learn how science, wellness, medicine, and healthcare systems work together to improve patient lives. By learning foundational science coursework, graduates can apply their practical skills to various clinical and nonclinical roles.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in health science can open up doors that lead to immediate workforce entry, help meet the minimum requirements for a license, or prepare students for graduate school. Overall, this degree is suitable for individuals who enjoy science-based learning and who want career flexibility.

Overview of a Health Science Degree

Health science is a broad term that includes the study of wellness, medicine, and science. The purpose of a formal education is to help individuals who are passionate about healthcare gain employment in either direct clinical care or a support nonclinical role.

Health science is available at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels, but a bachelor’s degree is the most common entry point. Generally, the programs provide a broad introduction to the healthcare field before delving into specific fields for more concentrated studies. In these areas of concentration, the instruction includes its own set of courses, electives, and practical experiences.

Key Objectives of a Health Science Degree

The primary objective of a health science degree is to equip students with a strong understanding of healthcare and prepare them for their desired career. Students also develop and strengthen their problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, which are transferable to any career.

General Subject Areas Covered in the Curriculum

A standard health science bachelor’s degree program usually consists of at least 120 credits with full-time enrollment. These four-year programs consist of a variety of core math, liberal arts, public health, and science classes. Many schools offer professional tracks with their own set of requirements.

There are also dual-degree bachelor’s and master’s programs that students may complete in about five years, and a more refined curriculum to meet the academic needs of both levels. While specific health science courses vary by school, many bachelor’s degree programs include the following foundational topics:

Core Requirements

Students typically learn about the human body and disease through classes such as nutrition, medical terminology, chemistry, physiology, microbiology, and human anatomy. Programs may offer courses in healthcare ethics, psychology, humanities, and global health. Students are usually required to complete a research thesis, in the form of an independent project, in their junior or senior year.

Major Requirements

Since health science is a broad field with many specialties, the subjects will relate to their chosen area of emphasis. For example, a pre-doctorate student in physical therapy may be required to take courses in kinesiology, physics, and biomechanics. Students should review the school’s course catalog for the full scope of classes.

Electives

The number of required electives can vary, but it’s common to complete 1–3 electives per semester. Some programs have an “open elective” option, meaning students choose their own studies. Other schools provide a preselected list of classes. For health science majors, their electives may support their area of concentration, such as pre-medicine, pre-physician assistant, pre-dental, or pre-veterinary.

Benefits of Completing a Health Science Degree

A health science degree can offer career flexibility and growth. Occupations in healthcare and related fields are growing much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that professionals with a health science degree are likely to find many potential career opportunities.

Another benefit is the scope of learning, which ranges from understanding the functions and structure of the human body to learning how the environment influences a person’s wellbeing.

Potential Professional Outcomes

Health science degree programs train students for a wide range of careers in medicine, public health, communication, technology, and engineering. This degree may also be used as a steppingstone toward advanced education. Some career paths to consider are:

Health educator
Public health analyst
Nutritionist
Paramedic
Speech pathologist
Respiratory therapist
Athletic trainer
Clinical research coordinator

Graduates may seek employment in environments such as:

Hospitals
Clinics
Nonprofit organizations
Federal government agencies
Insurance companies
Medical laboratories

Launch Your Health Science Career with a Bachelor’s Degree

A health science degree is a potential steppingstone for careers that combine medicine and wellness. Students can pursue a wide array of careers that promote holistic wellness and improve quality of life for patients.

New England College (NEC)’s Bachelor of Science in Health Science degree program has six pre-professional tracks: physician assistant, pharmacy, nursing, veterinary medicine, physical therapy, and medicine. Nursing, physician assistant, and pharmacy students who maintain a certain GPA in required classes may be eligible for an interview for an advanced program. This opportunity is due to the agreement between NEC and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Learn more about how New England College can prepare you for one of many health science careers.