Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Online Degree Completion
Frequently Asked Questions
Program Overview
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.
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.
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.
Tuition and Financial Aid
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.
Yes. SCU offers a range of scholarships you can find on the SCU Scholarships page.
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.
Admissions Requirements
You’ll need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale from your previous undergraduate coursework.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Concentrations and Careers
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.
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.
Your concentration coursework takes place during the final term of the program, after you’ve completed your core requirements.
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
Graduate and Doctoral Pathways
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.
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.
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.
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.
Applying
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.
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.
You can submit your application through the SCU Applicant Portal, where you’ll also upload your transcripts and supporting documents.
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.