Health Science, B.S.

On-Campus and On-Campus w/Online Courses

Program Available

Bachelor's

Program Type

Total Credits

120

Affordability

Private School Education At State School Prices

Why Study Health Science?

The Health Science major prepares students for interdisciplinary problem-solving and the application of best practices for impactful health education, health programming, and allied health service delivery. This dynamic bachelor’s degree empowers students to make a difference in diverse communities, including community-dwelling elders, low-income populations, and individuals with specific diseases or disabilities, through two distinct academic tracks tailored to their career goals.

Community Health Track

This track is ideal for students passionate about public and community health. Aligned with the Community Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification, it prepares graduates for careers as health educators, community health program managers, and public health professionals. Students gain the skills to design and implement health-related programs that promote wellness and reduce disparities in underserved populations. This track is especially suited for those interested in working in public health departments, nonprofit organizations, and community-based initiatives.

Pre-Professional Track

Designed for students planning to pursue graduate or professional training in allied health fields, this track provides a strong academic foundation for careers involving direct patient care and clinical practice. It is well-suited for those seeking entry into programs such as:

  • Occupational Therapy
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Medical Therapy

Students in this track are prepared to continue their education in specialized health-related professions, with coursework that supports success in graduate-level study and clinical environments.

What You’ll Learn

  • A bachelor’s degree in health science will prepare you to communicate effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders to develop and implement impactful health programs. Tailoring communication strategies and interventions ensures that goals are met and communities are truly reached.
  • Park’s online health science degree examines the models and strategies behind health education, promotion, and advocacy, aiming to support equity in healthcare access and outcomes. You’ll apply these frameworks to real-world challenges, creating solutions that improve public well-being.
  • The health sciences program will enable you to develop essential program management skills, including securing funding, training staff, marketing services, and managing both quality and communication efforts. These skills are crucial for running effective and sustainable health initiatives.
  • A health sciences degree equips you with a strong foundation in data analysis and community health assessment to guide program planning and evaluation. By interpreting both primary and secondary health data, you’ll be able to design evidence-based strategies that address real community needs.
  • With a health science degree, you will gain insight into a wide range of health science career options by exploring the scope of practice, job opportunities, certification pathways, and key professional organizations. You’ll also engage in career planning and professional development to prepare for long-term success.

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Rebecca Kudrna

Dr. Rebecca Kudrna


Associate Professor, Parkville Campus
rebecca.kudrna@park.edu

Mike Swoboda

Dr. Mike Swoboda


Program Coordinator, Gilbert Campus
mswoboda@park.edu

Ashley Bloodgood

Ashley Bloodgood


Assistant Teaching Professor, Gilbert Campus
ashley.bloodgood@park.edu

Park University logo placeholder image

Gini Fite


Adjunct Instructor and Program Coordinator, Parkville Campus
gfite@park.edu

Tuition & Fees

Park University offers a transparent and student-focused approach to tuition and financial aid. Our tuition structure is designed to be competitive and manageable, and our financial aid counselors are available to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding your cost breakdown to exploring funding options, we ensure that financial planning is clear, personalized, and aligned with your educational journey.

Explore Tuition

Admission Requirements

Ready to take the next step in your education? Park University welcomes applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent who meet our undergraduate admission standards. Bachelor’s degrees require 120 credit hours, including coursework tailored to your major and core academic skills. To graduate, you’ll need to maintain a 2.0 GPA in your major and complete at least 30 credit hours at Park to meet the residency requirements, 15 of which must be earned in the major core. Whether you’re starting fresh or transferring in, we’re here to help you build a strong foundation for your future.

Visit Admissions Policies and Procedures to learn more about admission requirements at Park University.

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Health Science Career & Future Opportunities

Health Educator

Health educators develop and implement strategies to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities. They assess health needs, create educational programs, and provide resources that promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease. Graduates of the Community Health track within the Health Science major are eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam, the preeminent national certification for health education professionals. Earning this credential demonstrates advanced competency in health education and opens doors to impactful roles in public health, nonprofit organizations, and community-based health initiatives.

Community Health Worker

Community health workers serve as a bridge between healthcare providers and the communities they support, helping individuals access care and understand health information. They often work directly with underserved populations to promote wellness, provide education, and address social determinants of health.

Community Health Researcher

Design and conduct studies to evaluate the health status of groups of people in the community and studies the impact of additional community resources or targeted interventions. They collect and analyze data to understand best practices to improve health & quality of life.

Health Coach

Health coaches help clients make sustainable lifestyle changes to improve their overall health and well-being by focusing on behavior change in areas such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management and habit formation.

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*General salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education and opportunities for employment that are outside of Park University’s Control. The labor market and average salary range can be explored further at the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

FAQs: Health Science Degree, B.S.

A health science degree can lead to careers in public health, clinical research, health education, and wellness coordination. Common health science degree jobs include working in hospitals, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations, or pursuing advanced study for roles in public health, occupational therapy, or physical therapy.

Yes, a health science degree is highly useful for students interested in versatile healthcare careers. It builds a strong foundation in health systems, research, and public health, preparing graduates for jobs in healthcare administration, education, wellness, and for advanced study in clinical or allied health fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade.

The Health Science degree at Park University includes courses in anatomy and physiology, healthcare ethics, health behavior, medical terminology, health policy, and health program design and management. At Park University, students also study topics such as health promotion, research methods, and healthcare law, preparing them for a wide range of roles in both clinical and non-clinical health settings.

Park’s curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary problem-solving and the application of scientific methods to real-world health challenges. Students develop leadership skills through courses like Healthcare Human Resources Management and Planning and Organizing Community Health Services, preparing them to design and manage impactful health programs across diverse communities.

Related programs

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Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Park University is a private, non-profit, institution of higher learning since 1875.