Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Online Degree Completion

What is the BSHS Online Degree Completion program?

You’re looking at an online bachelor’s degree completion program built for students who already have college credit and want to finish their bachelor’s degree to move into healthcare careers or graduate study.

Do I ever need to come to campus?

No, in most cases. Your courses are delivered online in an asynchronous format, so you can watch lectures and complete coursework on your own schedule each week. A few concentrations may include in person components, so check your chosen concentration’s details for specifics.

How long does it take to complete the program?

If you enroll full time, you can typically finish in five terms, or about 20 months. Most students complete the degree within two years, though your exact timeline depends on how many transfer credits you bring in.

Can I study part time?

Yes. The program is built to work around your schedule, whether that’s full time, three-quarter time, or part time. Your pace will affect your total timeline and per-term course load, so talk with an admissions counselor about what fits your life best.

How many classes do I take per term?

You’ll typically take two courses per term rather than a full traditional course load, which helps keep the workload manageable if you’re working or have other commitments.

How much does the BSHS program cost?

Tuition is billed per credit hour and is fixed for your entering cohort, so your rate won’t change once you start. For current per credit pricing and full cost breakdowns, visit our BSHS Tuition and Scholarships page.

What type of financial aid can I receive as an undergraduate student?

You may qualify for federal grants, loans, and work study depending on your eligibility. Start by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using SCU’s school code, and visit the Undergraduate Student Aid page for full details.

Are scholarships available for this program?

Yes. SCU offers a range of scholarships you can find on the SCU Scholarships page.

Is there a scholarship if I'm transferring from a partner school?

If you’re coming from a partner college such as Rio Hondo College, Santa Monica College, Saddleback College, Sophia Learning, Straighterline, or Distance Learning Systems, you may qualify for a Partner School Transfer Scholarship that reduces your per credit cost, plus guaranteed admission if you meet requirements.

What GPA do I need to be admitted?

You’ll need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale from your previous undergraduate coursework.

How many college credits do I need to apply?

You need at least 60 completed credits from a U.S. accredited college. If you have 48 credits, you can still work with SCU Admissions to complete the additional credits needed.

What general education courses are required?

You’ll need a minimum of 48 general education credits with a C or better, covering English composition and critical thinking, math, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and physical and biological sciences. Specific credit minimums for each area are outlined on the Admissions Requirements page.

Do you accept AP or CLEP credit?

Yes. AP exams with a score of 3 or higher can count toward general education, and CLEP exams scored 50 or above can cover up to 30 credits of lower division general education, as long as the scores aren’t older than 10 years.

Do you accept ACE Credit Recommendation courses?

These may be accepted for lower division general education, but it’s evaluated case by case, so submit your coursework for review during the application process.

Are there states where I can't enroll in the online program?

Yes. SCU currently cannot enroll residents of Massachusetts, North Dakota, Wisconsin, or the District of Columbia in its online programs, though approval in those states is being pursued. Check the admissions page for the most current list.

Can international students apply?

Yes. You’ll follow the same general admission requirements as domestic applicants, plus additional immigration, educational background, and financial documentation. Visit SCU’s International Students Admissions page to view the full checklist.

What concentrations can I choose from?

You can tailor your degree toward:

• Ayurvedic Science (Online)
• Chiropractic Sciences (On-Campus)
• Eastern Medicine (On-Campus)
• Functional Anatomy (Online)
• Health Education–CHES® Preparation (Online)
• Health Promotion (Online)
• Human Genetics and Genomics (Online)
• Integrative Nutrition and Wellness (Blended)
• Pre-Genetic Counseling (Online)
• Pre-Professional Customized concentration
• Psychology (Online)

Visit our Concentrations page to compare them in detail.

Do you accept ACE Credit Recommendation courses?

These may be accepted for lower division general education, but it’s evaluated case by case, so submit your coursework for review during the application process.

When do I choose or start my concentration coursework?

Your concentration coursework takes place during the final term of the program, after you’ve completed your core requirements.

What careers can I pursue with a BSHS degree?

This degree can prepare you for these roles and more, whether you enter the workforce directly or continue into graduate study:

• Health education
• Public health
• Chiropractic
• Acupuncture
• Physician assistant studies
• Human genomics
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Dentistry
• Epidemiology

Does this degree help me get into SCU's graduate or doctoral programs?

Yes. The BSHS is built with accelerated pathways into several SCU graduate programs, so your credits can apply toward certain certificate, master’s, and doctoral degrees, saving you time and money.

What is the embedded bachelor's doctoral pathway

If you have 90 or more qualifying credits and meet admissions requirements, you can start certain SCU doctoral programs while finishing your BSHS at the same time.

Which doctoral programs accept BSHS credits through this embedded pathway?

Currently, the Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, and the California based Doctor of Occupational Therapy program accept BSHS transfer credit through this option.

Am I guaranteed an interview for SCU's graduate programs?

If you meet admissions standards, you’ll get a guaranteed interview for the Master of Science: Physician Assistant program, the California or Arizona based Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs, and, if you’re in the Pre-Genetic Counseling concentration, the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program.

Am I guaranteed an interview for SCU's graduate programs?

If you meet admissions standards, you’ll get a guaranteed interview for the Master of Science: Physician Assistant program, the California or Arizona based Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs, and, if you’re in the Pre-Genetic Counseling concentration, the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program.

When should I apply?

You’re encouraged to submit your application and all supporting documents 3 to 6 months before your intended start term. SCU admits students on a rolling basis, so earlier is generally better for securing your preferred start date.

How do I apply?

You can submit your application through the SCU Applicant Portal, where you’ll also upload your transcripts and supporting documents.

How can I learn more before I apply?

You can request more information, attend an info session, or speak directly with an admissions counselor about your transfer credits and eligibility. Visit SCU’s Opportunities to Connect page to get started.

Why should I care that SCU is focused on Integrative, Whole Health?

Because healthcare is increasingly moving in this direction. You’ll be entering a healthcare system that places greater emphasis on whole-person care, prevention, and collaboration across disciplines. An Integrative, Whole Health education will prepare you to understand the many factors that influence health, the range of approaches available to patients, and how your profession fits into the bigger picture.

Why should I care that SCU provides an Interprofessional Education?

Because in the real world, healthcare is rarely delivered by one profession alone. Learning with and about other healthcare disciplines will help you understand what other providers do, when their expertise may benefit your patients, and how to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate care effectively.

Will focusing on Integrative, Whole Health take away from learning my own profession?

No. You will still develop the advanced knowledge and skills you need to become an expert in your chosen profession. Integrative, Whole Health adds a broader understanding of the patient, other health professions, and the healthcare system in which you’ll practice—it doesn’t replace professional expertise.

Couldn’t I learn this at any healthcare university?

You may encounter elements of it elsewhere. At SCU, however, this broader perspective is part of the environment in which you’ll learn from the beginning—not simply a topic you’ll encounter in an individual course or elective.