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Health Sciences

The demand for healthcare professionals is expanding rapidly. Earn a degree that helps you meet industry needs.

York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Sciences degree program is designed to increase students’ career opportunities across the healthcare industry. 

Many fields within healthcare are growing rapidly. With three degree concentrations to choose from, our B.S. in Health Sciences program trains students interested in professional medical careers like physical therapist or pharmacist, those interested in administrative healthcare positions, and students seeking careers in community settings and human services.

Designed to help students meet the demand of the industry, our bachelor of Health Sciences program develops the skills graduates need through hands-on experience and close mentorship. If you’re seeking to enter the field or advance your career as a healthcare professional, York’s Health Sciences major can lead to secure and fulfilling employment and admission to graduate programs.

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A young man takes notes on a clipboard during a community health event. He wears a stethoscope around his neck.

About the B.S. in Health Sciences

  • Key Courses

    Health Sciences Course Requirements

    The traditional four-year B.S. in Health Sciences program is available to new undergraduate students, while a 2+2 degree completion option is available to current healthcare professionals holding a previous associate degree.

    Our three major options offer a customized approach to learning that fuels entrance to the healthcare field. For four-year program students, a minimum of 120 credits include general education courses, core health sciences courses, and courses in your chosen concentration area. Transfer students with previous college credits may have some general education requirements waived.

    The core courses you take may include:

    • BIO220: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
    • BEH 260: Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
    • PHL 340: Ethics in Theory and Practice
    • MGT 380: Leadership and Change in Organizations
    • BHA 414: Research and Evidence Based Practice

    Whether you are focused on healthcare administration, working in community spaces, or pursuing advanced degrees, prepare for rewarding professions with our interdisciplinary, self-directed program.

    On-Campus/Online Degree Completion Option

    Those working in the healthcare industry with an associate degree can enhance their education and discover advanced opportunities in various fields, from admission to graduate programs to leadership positions at work, through York’s online or on-campus 2+2 degree completion option.

    What 2+2 means is that you can complete the B.S. in Health Sciences degree requirements in less time than the traditional four years, after applying your previous educational credit. This option, designed for working healthcare professionals, can be pursued completely online or through taking on-campus courses, whichever is convenient for you.

    If you currently work in a position such as a respiratory therapist, radiology technician, phlebotomist, or physical therapy assistant, and have an associate degree, the B.S. in Health Sciences 2+2 program could be the most convenient way for you to advance or pivot your career.

    Professional Concentration

    The Professional Health Sciences degree concentration is a pathway to pursuing advanced healthcare careers such as physical therapist, occupational therapist, physician assistant (PA), and pharmacologist.

    If you are planning on applying to medical school or PA programs after earning an undergraduate degree, the program’s Professional concentration tailors your health sciences education to include advanced courses such as:

    • BIO 240: Genetics
    • BIO 354: Immunology
    • CHM 136: General Chemistry II
    • PHY 110: General Physics I

    Business Concentration

    The business side of healthcare is an in-demand field with many advancement opportunities. In our Business concentration, you’ll learn administrative and marketing skills in preparation for careers in areas such as medical equipment sales, healthcare marketing, organizational leadership and management, and more.

    Courses in this concentration introduce you to essential business concepts. You may take courses like:

    • ACC 220: Financial Accounting
    • BHA 415: Administration of Healthcare Systems
    • MKT 100: Principles of Marketing
    • MKT 335: New Product Planning and Marketing

    Social/Behavioral Concentration

    Education in the social and behavioral sciences helps students get ready for careers in community health, from helping citizens navigate medical services to educating the public about wellness. We enable students to excel in this sphere by including topics such as:

    • SOC 302: Sociology of Health and Illness
    • PSY 230: Abnormal Psychology
    • GER 312: Psychological Aspects of Aging
    • SOC 302: Sociology of Health and Illness

    Select the Social/Behavioral concentration if you find yourself drawn to practice in community settings.

    Earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at York College of Pennsylvania

    York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree program is designed for any student seeking career opportunities in the healthcare field.

    With concentrations in sought-after health and wellness areas, and a convenient online and accelerated option for working professionals, the B.S. in Health Sciences degree can position students for fulfilling and lucrative careers they are passionate about.

    Take the next step toward majoring in health sciences at York. Learn about admissions, request more information, or begin your application today.

  • Career Opportunities & Benefits

    Health Industry Career Preparation

    As a Health Sciences student, you’ll graduate uniquely equipped with broad industry knowledge and specialized experience in your major, ready for numerous potential career paths. In the field of health and wellness, you could qualify for roles such as:

    • Medical Sales Representative
    • Wellness Manager
    • Public Health Advocate
    • Clinical Researcher
    • Genetic Counselor
    • Nutritionist
    • Dental Hygienist
    • Community Health Specialist
    • Healthcare Marketer
    • Product Designer or Manager 

    The B.S. in Health Sciences can also prepare undergraduates for future professional training and education in pursuit of advanced careers in medicine and health, such as:

    • Health Educator
    • Registered Dietitian
    • Physical Therapist
    • Occupational Therapist
    • Physician Assistant
    • Doctor of Pharmacology
    • Doctor of Medicine
    • Doctor of Dentistry

    Career Outlook for Health Science Majors

    The degree concentrations within the B.S. in Health Science degree—Professional, Business, and Social/Behavioral — result in vast job opportunities in the most sought-after and fast-growing fields in healthcare. 

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for health occupations will grow 13% in ten years by 2031, a rate much higher than that of other fields. This change-making industry expansion will add approximately 2 million jobs in that time frame.

    The BLS also reports that management-trained professionals in healthcare and services will see a 28% growth in employment by 2031, much higher than even the industry average. The specialized field of health education and community health is predicted to see 12% growth, faster than the average across all occupations.

    Learn more about different careers in the health sciences.

    Health Sciences Degree Salary

    The earning potential for those trained in health sciences varies depending on their path. We’ve gathered some figures to illustrate the various average starting salary levels with a bachelor’s in Health Sciences:

    Healthcare practitioners, credentialed physicians, and advanced healthcare management professionals often find greater earning potential due to their highly specialized graduate and doctoral training.

    Pathway to Graduate Study

    It’s important to note that some kinds of careers in health sciences require additional completion of graduate degrees or professional training programs. The three B.S. in Health Sciences pathways lay strong foundations for continued education in medicine, public health, education, nursing, and more.

    In addition to covering the necessary coursework, the hands-on experience you gain in the B.S. in Health Sciences program gives you an edge when demonstrating your value and readiness to graduate programs.

    Visit the Career Development Center
  • Internships & Work Experience

    Local Healthcare Internships

    The healthcare industry in York and the surrounding areas is on the rise. Not only do local employers in nearby metropolitan areas of Baltimore, D.C., and Philadelphia need students to work in internship capacities, but they are also looking to hire graduates.

    Our long-standing relationships with major healthcare providers make us uniquely positioned to aid in your career development. We’ll help you develop your network and build your résumé, transforming your classroom learning into an in-person workplace experience. 

    York’s dedication to facilitating internships results in real-world opportunities to train in your specific field, whether it’s learning about healthcare administration, helping market a medical device, or becoming familiar with clinical settings and practices. In the BHA 490 course — Healthcare Administration Internship — you'll have additional opportunity to earn academic credit for internship experience.

    Explore York’s Career Development Center, home to internship services, study abroad information, and more.

    Specialized Training

    While you may gain experience off-campus through working with our community partners, as a Health Sciences major, you’ll regularly practice the technical and scientific procedures you learn about in York’s top laboratory facilities.

    An interdisciplinary and career-driven approach to Health Sciences also emphasizes professional development and ethical practice in healthcare roles, ensuring that graduates are prepared for entry-level positions and/or graduate study in fields such as business and education.

  • Mentorship & Community

    Faculty and Alumni Mentorship

    Students in the B.S. in Health Sciences program benefit from a strong community network of local and regional partner organizations, faculty experts, and Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions alumni who are now employed throughout the industry.

    The B.S. in Health Sciences is designed to allow students to follow their interests and research topics important to them under the guidance of a close academic advisor and career mentor. As you progress through the program, your academic advisor will help you identify your career aspirations and the area of study most conducive to those goals.

    Campus Clubs and Organizations

    Another way York College supports students seeking healthcare careers is through our range of peer and campus organizations that build relationships and develop leadership skills. For Health Sciences majors, joining clubs like the Pre-Med and Allied Health Society, Best Buddies, or the Psychology Club could complement your learning and connect you with students and alumni.

    Review York’s student clubs and organizations and explore resources available through the Pre-Medical Studies program.

  • High-Demand Skills

    Learn Skills for Health Careers

    When you earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from York College, the benefits of your education extend far beyond the classroom. You’ll graduate and enter the workplace or apply for professional programs equipped with a versatile set of skills that will position you for success. 

    The technical skill and scientific knowledge you gain will include:

    • An understanding of ethics in healthcare
    • Critical thinking
    • Working knowledge of professional lab and medical equipment
    • An understanding of the business and organizational structures of healthcare
    • Specialized abilities tailored to your specific area of concentration

    In addition to the skill sets specific to your future career path, you’ll acquire high-value “soft skills” through York College’s general education curriculum. You’ll graduate as a well-rounded individual by learning about broad subjects that go beyond the standard topics of the major, from global perspectives to creative writing.

    Add a Minor to Your Health Sciences Degree

    You can differentiate yourself from the crowd and enhance your résumé according to your career goals by declaring a minor in addition to your health sciences major. York College offers the following minor programs to complement a health sciences education:

    Our major and minor offerings go beyond this list. Explore our programs to discover your path.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are health sciences?

    The “health sciences” is a branch of study that covers a broad spectrum of topics related to health and wellness. Generally, degrees in health science are interdisciplinary and expansive, instructing students in the natural sciences, as well as in social sciences and the humanities, as is relevant to the fields of healthcare and public health.

    York’s Health Sciences curriculum imparts to students the industry-specific knowledge necessary to excel in traditional healthcare settings and empowers students to discover the various intersections between human lives and health and wellness.

  • Is the Health Sciences major the same as a nursing major?

    No. Health sciences is a field that can include direct patient care, but you cannot typically meet the requirements needed to become a nurse with a B.S. in Health Sciences. Because registered nurses need both specialized knowledge and documented experience in clinical practice settings, students interested in becoming nurses should look into a nursing-specific degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you are interested in nursing, perhaps an accelerated BSN or RN to BSN program would best match your goals.

  • What jobs can you get with a bachelor’s in health sciences?

    What you learn in the Health Sciences program at York College of Pennsylvania can be applied to a wide range of career paths. Careers in nutrition, health education, health services administration, healthcare marketing, and even medical technician roles can be attained with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences.

    Earning a bachelor’s degree in this field is an ideal jumping-off point for students who want to pursue professional, specialized medical careers, but further study and advanced credentials (such as attending medical school or completing rotations in a training program) are required to become a physician or care provider.

    Learn more about the careers available in the field of health sciences.

Program Requirements

Required Courses and Degree Requirements for Graduation
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2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog

Related Programs

Contact Us
Department of Health Professions
Elizabeth Shearer, M.S.
Department of Health Professions, Chair
Diehl, Room 207
Phone: 717.815.1740
healthprofessions@ycp.edu