Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – Online Degree Completion
- Overview
- Concentrations & Program of Study
- Message from the Program Director
- Faculty & Advisory Board
- Student Perspectives
- Admissions Requirements
- Tuition & Scholarships
- Career Information
Overview
Overview
Need to complete your Bachelor’s degree to launch or advance your career in healthcare?
SCU’s uniquely flexible, transfer-friendly Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) program makes it possible. With multiple concentrations to choose from, plus unique pathway options that give you a jumpstart on an SCU Master’s or Doctoral degree, our BSHS program will quickly get you on track to the career of your dreams.
Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to pursue new roles or further your education in public health, health education, physician assistant, chiropractic, acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine, ayurvedic medicine, nutrition, human genomics, genetic counseling, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, epidemiology, and more.
Program at a Glance
- Bachelor’s completion program. Ability to enter with 60 or more qualifying college credits.
- Full-time and part-time options, completed in under two years
- Online, with courses delivered asynchronously, meaning that you may watch lectures and complete assignments whenever it works best for you in a given week
- Unique course schedule through which you’ll take a maximum of just 2 classes at a time (each lasting just 7.5 weeks)–optimizing learning while reducing burnout
- Ability to tailor curriculum to your goals through a wide range of concentrations
- Accelerated Pathways that give you a jumpstart on an SCU Master’s or Doctorate degree
- Fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional scholarship opportunities
Upcoming Start Dates
- Summer: June 24th, 2025
- Fall: September 2nd and October 22nd, 2025
- Spring: January 5th and February 25th, 2026
What Sets Our Program Apart?
FLEXIBLE, MANAGEABLE FORMATS
As a BSHS student, courses will primarily take place online and will be delivered asynchronously, meaning that you may watch lectures and complete assignments whenever it works best for you during a given week. In addition, you’ll have the option to attend full-time, part-time, or ¾ time—and to switch between those options if your life and needs change during the duration of your program. No matter which track you are in, you’ll take a maximum of just 2 classes at a time, and each will last just 7.5 weeks. This unique model allows you to truly focus on and master each subject rather than splitting your attention across four or more classes as with many other programs.
TAILORED TO YOUR GOALS
We give you the opportunity to focus in the areas that interest you most, by selecting a concentration in one of the following areas: Health Education–CHES® Preparation, Health Promotion, Human Genetics and Genomics, Pre-Genetic Counseling, Functional Anatomy, Eastern Medicine, Integrative Nutrition and Wellness, Ayurvedic Science, Psychology, Chiropractic Sciences, or a customized concentration. The majority of these concentrations are delivered fully online, while others involve some in-person coursework and experiences. Learn more about our concentrations.
ACCELERATED PATHWAYS TO A MASTER’S OR DOCTORATE DEGREE
Our optional Accelerated Pathway tracks provide a powerful opportunity to get a jumpstart on an SCU advanced degree. You’ll take some of the same courses that our Master’s and Doctorate students take, earning transfer credits into those programs, but at Bachelor’s-level tuition rates.
- Genetics & Genomics Pathway: By selecting the Human Genetics and Genomics concentration, you’ll take the same four courses as our first-year Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics (MSHGG) students. Should you apply for and enter our MSHGG program after earning your BSHS, you’ll enter with 12 transfer credits and advanced standing in the program.
- Eastern Medicine Pathway: By selecting the Eastern Medicine concentration, you’ll take several of the same courses that our Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM) and our Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) students take during the first term of their programs. Should you apply for and enter one of these programs after earning your BSHS, you’ll enter with 12 transfer credits and advanced standing in the program.
- Chiropractic Pathway: By selecting our Chiropractic Sciences concentration, you’ll take several of the same courses that our Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) students take during the first term of their program. Should you apply for and enter our DC program after earning your BSHS, you’ll enter with more than 12 transfer credits and advanced standing in the program.
GUARANTEED INTERVIEWS WITH PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT AND GENETIC COUNSELING PROGRAMS
Students who have completed the BSHS program (and who meet the admissions standards) will be guaranteed an interview for our Master of Science: Physician Assistant (PA) program. Those who complete the Pre-Genetic Counseling concentration will be guaranteed an interview for our Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program.
BROADER INTERPROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
Most of today’s healthcare colleges offer an “interprofessional education” through which students learn with, from, and about other disciplines. But at SCU, our Interprofessional Education is broader and, frankly, we think that makes it better. Unlike other colleges, we teach you about both conventional and complementary disciplines—not just one or the other—because we believe in both and we teach both, all under one roof.
AN INTEGRATIVE, WHOLE HEALTH APPROACH
All too often, healthcare providers “stay in their lanes” rather than building comprehensive care plans that include other disciplines, professionals, and approaches. In addition, they look strictly at the physical body as opposed to all the factors that may be influencing a patient’s health and well-being—genetics, lifestyle, mental health, relationships, physical environments, community support, and beyond. But at SCU, no matter what program you are in, you’ll learn to blend the best of conventional and complementary approaches (integrative healthcare) and to treat the entire mind, body, and spirit (whole health)—for true lasting wellness.
Concentrations & Program of Study
Concentrations
SCU’s flexible curriculum offers multiple concentration choices and three accelerated pathways. The concentrations take place in the last term of the program
Pre-Professional Customized Concentration
Students have the opportunity to work with the Program Director or their Academic Advisor to identify 12 or more credits from a list of elective courses to create a customized concentration. Note: this is also for those students who need to fill a deficiency in the required prerequisite courses necessary to apply to a professional degree program.
Health Education – CHES® preparation (online)
Consisting of four courses (12 credits), Health Education concentration prepares students to collect and analyze data to identify community needs before planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, policies, and environments. Students who complete this concentration will be prepared to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) examination from the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) and, upon passing, will be awarded the title Certified Health Education Specialist.
Learn more about the value of a Health Education Specialist certificate by visiting the Health Educator Career Resource – NCHEC.
Health Promotion (online)
This concentration will provide an introductory background to the concepts of evidence base integrative health and therapies for improving personal and community wellness. Ideal for students with an interest in careers in public health.
Human Genetics and Genomics (online)
The Human Genetics and Genomics concentration, which consists of four courses (12 credits), provides students with an introduction to the principles of human heredity in health and disease with an emphasis on clinical applications. Upon graduation, students may elect to continue and apply their concentration credits directly into the MSHGG program. Accelerated pathway students will be required to apply to the MSHGG program. In addition, students who meet the admissions standards for the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program will be guaranteed an interview with the MSGC program admissions team. Applicants will still be required to participate in the National Match Service for Genetic Counseling (NMS).
Functional Anatomy (online)
Functional Anatomy uses the basic structural knowledge provided in Human Anatomy to develop an understanding of the functional significance of the structures of the musculoskeletal system, within a movement setting (covering mechanical properties and functional characteristics). Ideal for students with an interest in medical careers like Physician Assistant, Chiropractor, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Medical Doctor. Students enrolled in the BSHS program are preferentially provided an interview with the Master of Science: Physician Assistant (MSPA) Program and the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program if they meet all minimum admissions requirements.
Chiropractic Sciences (on-campus)
The Chiropractic Sciences concentration, which consists of four courses (12 plus credits), focuses on the basic sciences to provide an introductory understanding of how the body is organized on a cellular, tissue, and organ level, along with regional interrelationships. Chiropractic procedures and theories are covered providing students an excellent introduction to methods and benefits. The last term (12 plus credits) of the BSHS program is a portion of the credits taken by DC students in their first term. Students will be required to take the last 12 plus credits on the SCU campus. Upon graduation, students can elect to apply their concentration credits directly into the DC program. Accelerated pathway students will be required to apply to the DC program.
Eastern Medicine (on-campus)
The Eastern Medicine concentration, which consists of four courses (12 credits), provides students with an introduction to acupuncture and meridians, Chinese herbology, and Eastern medicine theory. It also provides an introduction to basic sciences, establishing a wide-ranging and comprehensive foundation of the body’s organization on a cellular, tissue, and organ level, along with regional interrelationships. The last 12 credits of the BSHS program are the same as the first 12 credits of the Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM) program. Students will be required to take the last 12 credits on the SCU campus and, upon graduation, can elect to apply their concentration credits directly into the MAcCHM/DAcCHM program. Accelerated pathway students will be required to apply to the MAcCHM/DAcCHM program.
Ayurvedic Sciences (on-campus)
This concentration provides a basic understanding of the foundational principles of Ayurveda, the Ayurvedic approach to diet and lifestyle practices for health promotion and wellness care. These courses are a pathway into the Ayurvedic Wellness Educator Certificate program where students would enter with advanced standing.
PRE-GENETIC COUNSELING (ONLINE)
This concentration is designed by certified genetic counselors for students who aspire to enter a genetic counseling master’s program. The four courses in this concentration introduce students to fundamental concepts in genetic counseling while allowing students to explore the professional field. The Pre-Genetic Counseling Concentration will support prospective graduate-level students as they prepare for competitive admissions applications by enhancing their understanding and broadening their appreciation of the role of a genetic counselor in healthcare.
Students who complete the Pre-Genetic Counseling concentration and meet the admissions standards for the Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (MSGC) program will be guaranteed an interview with the (MSGC) program admissions team.
Integrative Nutrition and Wellness (online & On-Campus)
Integrative Nutrition and Wellness is a blend of traditional nutrition therapy with other approaches that teaches students to look beyond symptoms to investigate the root cause and includes practices not traditionally part of conventional medicine.
Psychology (online)
This concentration emphasizes helping individuals cope with everyday life stressors and challenges. Students in the Psychology concentration learn how to provide guidance and support to clients dealing with personal issues, relationship problems, and motivational interviewing skills.
Program of Study
Program Learning Outcomes
- Biological Science Knowledge: Graduates will apply knowledge of the principles and processes of the basic sciences and scientific methods.
- Integrative Health Knowledge: Graduates will analyze health issues and policies based on an integrated interdisciplinary approach.
- Information Literacy: Graduates will understand technology’s impact on information-gathering and fact-finding and be able to use technology to assess scientific and technical literature.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Graduates will apply basic logic, mathematical reasoning, and statistical analysis to problem solving.
- Critical Thinking: Graduates will engage in critical thinking, reflection, and problem solving through evidence-based practice.
- Communication Effectiveness: Graduates will professionally construct and express their ideas, thoughts, and concepts through written and verbal communication.
- Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate professional ethics, lifelong learning, self-awareness and academic integrity.
- Cultural and Social Understanding: Graduates will demonstrate cultural competence by recognizing the cultural beliefs, values, health equity, and health practices of diverse populations to improve health access and outcomes.
For full program information, view the catalog.
Message from the Program Director
Message from the Program Director
Welcome to SCU’s Health Sciences Department. Our programs are designed to meet the diverse lifestyles and demands of today’s students. Students in the BSHS program receive a high-quality education in the physical, biological, social, and behavioral fields of health education.
Health education is playing a larger role in healthcare because of its focus on preventative care through education rather than treating patients after they’ve fallen ill. The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) program is one of the fastest-growing programs on campus, paralleling the growth of the healthcare sector in the US economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that between 2014 and 2024, healthcare occupations and industries will have the fastest employment growth and will add more jobs than any other single industry in the United States. As the country’s healthcare landscape changes, the education we provide changes to ensure our graduates are optimally prepared to be successful healthcare professionals.
The BSHS program has top-notch faculty in their fields such as epidemiology, genomics, and pathophysiology. BSHS faculty philosophy and goals for their students are building relationships and online community between students and faculty, collaborative learning among students through discussion boards, and offering alternative methods of engagement. The Health Sciences department is dedicated to student success which is demonstrated by excellent faculty, personalized attention through mentorship, and a commitment to excellence.
Toby Spiegel, MA, PSY.D
Program Director, Health Sciences Department
Southern California University of Health Sciences
Faculty & Advisory Board
Faculty
Advisory Board
SCU’s Academic Advisory Board is composed of senior university academics, industry leaders, and content experts from around the world focused on continually improving the SCU Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences programs. Academic Advisory Board associates volunteer their time and are an appreciated and valuable resource to the program and university.
Student Perspectives
Student Perspectives
I love SCU; it was the best academic experience ever. I genuinely miss having back-to-back courses. I graduated from El Camino College and immediately applied to SCU for my bachelor’s in health sciences. I decided to return to school because I want to continue achieving my educational dreams and goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. I am currently applying for SCU’s MSPA program. I am married and have a 4-year-old daughter and a 5-month-old boy. I selected SCU because it was very convenient for me and my schedule. As a parent, I needed a flexible program to spend time with my toddler and be a stay-at-home wife. Also, classes were asynchronous, and working on classwork during my own time was terrific. In 7.5-week courses, there is a schedule for when you must complete assignments, and deadlines and participation points need to be met. One of the biggest tips I can give is not to overthink starting, do it, and go for the career you want.
Karen Galvez
BSHS, Alumni (2022)
I graduated from the Bachelor in Health Sciences (BSHS) program at SCU and entered the Doctor of Chiropractic program one term ahead! With the Bachelor of Health Science program being online, it fit perfectly with my schedule and allowed me to create a study space at home without needing to travel to campus. I took two asynchronous courses every 7.5 weeks, but the flexibility of when I could study, whether on the weekend or during the weeknights, made it more accessible. The professors were also great and personable. When I needed help in a course, they would respond quickly with excellent feedback and helpful tips and relate the course to their learnings. I am happy to now be on my way to becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic and thankful for my time in BSHS program.
Angelica Robles
BSHS Alumni (2022), Doctor of Chiropractic Student
Admissions Requirements
Admissions Requirements
Prerequisite Entrance Requirements
- A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 grade scale from previous undergraduate coursework.
- Successful completion of a minimum 60 credits from a U.S. accredited college.
- Applicants with 48 credits may complete up to 12 credits by working with SCU Admissions to fulfill missing coursework.
- Completion of a minimum of 48 credits in general education with a grade of C or better in all the following areas:
- English Communication, Composition, or Critical Thinking (minimum 6 credits)
- Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (minimum 3 credits)
- Arts and Humanities (minimum 9 credits)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (minimum 9 credits)
- Physical and Biological Sciences (minimum 7 credits)
A grade of Credit or Pass may be used if the transferring college’s policy states that it is equivalent to a grade of C or better. Advanced placement exams may be used to meet the general education requirement; the College Board Advanced Placement Tests (AP) course must fulfill the general education course requirement – and a score of 3 or higher will be accepted for credit. The BSHS program accepts College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations in fulfillment of lower division general education courses. The program requires a passing score of at least 50 on the CLEP exam and accepts up to 30 credits. Credit for Advanced Placement examinations is not included in this limit. CLEP exam scores cannot be older than 10 years.
ACE Credit Recommendation courses may be accepted in fulfillment of lower division general education courses on a case-by-case review.
Application Deadlines
- To ensure an admission decision before the desired start term, applicants are encouraged to submit their application, all application documents, and supporting documents three to six months before their intended start date.
- SCU admits students on a rolling basis.
Applicant State of Residence
- The offering of online courses and programs is restricted in certain states without approval from the respective state’s higher education authority. As of the Spring 2023 academic term, SCU is unable to offer enrollment into our online programs to residents of the following states/districts: Delaware, and the District of Columbia. SCU is in the process of applying for approval in all of the above states. If you are currently a resident of any of these states, we are unable to accept an application from you at this time. We are happy to place you on a contact list to advise you as soon as we are eligible to enroll students in the state where you reside.
International Students
- SCU welcomes applications from qualified students from other countries. The general admission requirements are identical for all applicants, regardless of citizenship. However, immigration regulations, varying educational backgrounds, and financial considerations require additional procedures necessary for international students.
- For additional information please visit our International Students page.
Accessibility and Disability Services
Students seeking reasonable accommodations or support services while enrolled at SCU can do so through the Student Services Office (SSO). We encourage you to register with SSO as early as possible to allow sufficient time for the approval and notification process.
Tuition & Scholarships
Tuition and Scholarships
Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee
$450 per credit.*
SCU’s distinctive Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee for degree programs provides students with confidence in planning for their educational investment.
Fixed Tuition Guarantee Benefits:
- Your per-credit rate is guaranteed for the scheduled duration of your program*
- No tuition price uncertainty
- Plan your finances in advance
If you would like to learn more about fixed rate tuition, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at FinancialAid@scuhs.edu.
You can also visit the Office of Financial Aid website to learn more about available scholarships, loans, and more.
*Tuition rate reflected above represents the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024-2025 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on this website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information.
**Some limitations apply. View the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee page for more information
The student’s actual tuition will be dependent upon the number of transfer credits. The table below represents a possible option. The BSHS program provides two start dates each term, the first is referred to as Block A and the second as Block B. The total tuition does not differ based on when a student starts but the cost per term shown below will be different due to the timing. All tuition shown below is for Block A students (the first start date of the term).
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences – 5 Terms – Block A
| Term | Tuition* | Program Fees** | Petition to Graduate Fee** | Total Term Cost*** |
| 1 | $5,400 | $150 | – | $5,550 |
| 2 | $5,400 | $150 | – | $5,550 |
| 3 | $5,400 | $150 | – | $5,550 |
| 4 | $5,400 | $150 | – | $5,550 |
| 5 | $5,400 | $150 | $225 | $5,775 |
| Totals | $27,000 | $750 | $225 | $27,975 |
Per term tuition amounts listed above were calculated using the current curriculum plan for credit hours in the term shown times the rate per credit hour and assumes that the student stays on cohort and follows the normal academic progression.
*Tuition shown is for 12 credits per term. Tuition is charged at $450 per credit. Tuition is billed by credit hour and rates reflected above represent the fixed rate for a student entering during the 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition rates are subject to change and may not be reflected on the website or other SCU materials. Please contact us for the most updated information. Restrictions on our fixed rate tuition guarantee apply. To remain eligible for the fixed rate guarantee, students must graduate either on time or within one additional term of the published program length they are enrolled in. Refer to the Fixed Rate Tuition Guarantee section of the academic catalog for more information. Actual tuition per term will vary depending upon the number of credit hours enrolled.
**Program fees listed are for the 2024/2025 academic year and are subject to change. Program fees include charges for technology and ASB and are charged every term that the student is enrolled.
***Books, supplies, and other equipment not included in this tuition and fee schedule may be required for this program.
Partner School Transfer Scholarship
Students from select partner schools qualify for a transfer scholarship saving of $100 on every credit hour taken. A reduction of $100/credit hour for all courses taken as part of the BSHS degree and guaranteed admission to the SCU BSHS program provided the student meets all requirements. BSHS partner transfer students are eligible to transfer to SCU once they complete 57 credit hours of approved coursework with some transferable coursework from a partner college. Partner colleges currently include Rio Hondo College, Santa Monica College, Saddleback College, Sophia Learning, Straighterline, and Distance Learning Systems.
Career Information
Career Information
What are career options for graduates?
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) degree provides students a pathway to pursue various healthcare careers such as health education, public health, chiropractic, acupuncture, physician assistant, human genomics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, dentistry, or epidemiology. Students learn the values and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in today’s health settings through a deep exploration of biomedical sciences, integrative health, health education, and human genomics.
The following are career paths you could pursue with a health science degree:
- Certified Health Education Specialist: As a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES® ), you’ll work with individuals and communities to improve or maintain their health by engaging in behaviors that promote positive health.
- Graduate School: For those who want to earn a master’s or doctoral degree before entering the workforce, the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences prepares you to enter graduate degree programs in a variety of fields. They include growing fields such as chiropractic, acupuncture, physician assistant, human genomics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and dentistry.
- Research, Nonprofits, and Government Agencies: Health science graduates can eventually work as medical researchers in private laboratories, such as those in the pharmaceutical industry, or government-run research facilities.
- Healthcare Administration: The need continues to grow for hospital administrators and other healthcare directors and managers.
What are the pathways of SCU’s Class of 2022 BSHS graduates?
- 90% are applying into higher degree programs
- 10% are working in different occupations
What is the career outlook for healthcare?
Employment in the healthcare sector has been growing steadily for years, even during the most recent recession. This upward trend in employment is set to continue over the next decade. The American population is getting older, living longer, and seeking out more treatment for chronic conditions.
As a result, the healthcare field will continue to see increased demand for medical services and medical personnel. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare support occupations, healthcare practitioners, and technical occupations are expected to generate 2 million new jobs through 2031—faster employment growth than any other field.
Graduates of the BSHS health education concentration are able to seek certification as a certified health education specialist through The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).
With this specific credentialing, students can work in such areas as:
- Community Health Education Specialist
- School Health Education
- Business & Worksite Health Education
- Academia & University Health Education
- Government & Health Departments
- Health Education Specialists in Healthcare
Salaries vary based on geography, years of experience and position. Salary data can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Resources
View the resources below for additional job and career information.
The SCU Model of Interprofessional Education
Our approach to Interprofessional Education is unique. In California and across the country. Here modern medicine unites with ancient and traditional healing arts to create an environment of engagement. SCU’s groundbreaking IPE model combines curriculum, clinic, community, and clubs to help you develop a broader base of knowledge and gain a deeper appreciation for different perspectives on care. Which leads to a seamless transition from student to practitioner.
We bring together aspiring students from different disciplines so you can learn and excel side-by-side. The depth and breadth of this dynamic experience will prepare you to one day take the lead in a collaborative, interprofessional practice.
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Financing Your Dreams
We are proud to offer a fixed tuition guarantee, federal financial aid for those who qualify, and a range of institutional and program-specific scholarship opportunities.