Online BS in Health Sciences Degree
- Online
What Is a BS in Health Science?
A BS in Health Science program teaches foundational competencies in health science, such as healthcare compliance, risk management, professional ethics and healthcare quality. This Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree from GCU is designed for working professionals in healthcare fields who are seeking to build on their clinical experience and advance their education.
Healthcare professionals, such as phlebotomists or emergency medical technicians (EMTs), who hold an associate degree or certificate in allied health professions, may choose to return to school with the goal of tackling more responsibilities in the workplace or preparing for graduate-level education.
Online: $490 per credit [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 3.0+ Unweighted GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
What’s It Like Going to GCU for Your Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences?
GCU is proud to promote our Christian worldview in all degree programs, including this health science degree. You will work through faith-integrated coursework as you reflect on how best to serve your patients and community with integrity and a steadfast commitment to professional ethics. You will be encouraged to improve the patient experience while individualizing care according to the unique needs of each individual.
What To Expect in a Health Sciences Major
Online Learning Designed for Flexibility
GCU has developed this degree program with the needs of working allied health professionals in mind. Our digital learning platform provides 24/7 access to course materials and stimulating academic discussions with your peers and faculty. Earn your online degree on a flexible schedule that aligns with your current professional responsibilities.
High Academic Quality Standards
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Comprehensive Student Support
GCU strives to enrich the academic experience through extensive student support. As an online health science major, you can benefit from close faculty guidance, individualized academic advising and the support of the online learning community. You will also receive access to our technical support services to help you stay on track throughout your online courses.
What Will I Study in a BS in Health Sciences Degree?
This degree offers coursework focused on four domains of content: patient care, leadership and management, ethics and emerging trends. You’ll be challenged to consider how to improve patient care while managing risk and tackling emerging issues in healthcare. You’ll study how professional competence is defined in healthcare, specifically in terms of delivering transcultural care, while exploring how to apply evidence-based research in everyday practice. The goal of the coursework in this bachelor’s degree in health science is to graduate forward-looking professionals who are prepared to elevate the standard of practice and the delivery of quality care.
Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences Core Course Topics
This health science degree offers an interdisciplinary approach to the healthcare field. You will study everything from risk management, professional ethics and leadership to research methods, evidence-based practice and quality assurance in healthcare.
This degree program culminates in a capstone project. You will have the opportunity to research a topic on an emerging healthcare issue that is immediately applicable to your professional growth and development. The research can also lead to action items that may be applied to your workplace right away.
Some of the topics you will study in this online health science degree include:
Healthcare Quality and Delivery
Examine the role of healthcare organizations in ensuring quality of care and effective delivery.
Healthcare Leadership
Discover the leadership styles and approaches that can be effective in the modern healthcare workplace.
Healthcare Compliance
Dive into the federal, state and local statutes that are applicable to healthcare practice and consider the ethical and legal responsibilities of healthcare professionals.
Emerging Healthcare Issues
Explore emerging trends in healthcare, including influences on healthcare policy and practice.
Opportunities for Leadership and Continued Education
Graduates of this bachelor’s degree may be interested in exploring supervisory or leadership roles. A bachelor’s degree can serve as a steppingstone to a master’s program in healthcare administration or public health. Explore GCU’s master’s degrees in healthcare while reflecting on your career goals.
What Can You Do With a BS in Health Sciences?
There are various opportunities to explore what you can do with a health science degree. The bachelor’s in health science degree is a versatile choice that can equip you with a firm foundation of health science competencies, from leadership to evidence-based practice. These competencies may be applicable in a wide range of healthcare careers and workplace settings.
As a graduate, you may go on to explore the role of a medical and clinical laboratory technician or technologist.
You may decide to pursue clinical or nonclinical roles in settings such as:(See disclaimer 2)
Hospitals
Hospitals are the largest employers of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, according to the BLS.
Physician Offices
Laboratory professionals may handle medical samples at physician offices that feature their own on-site lab.
Medical and diagnostic labs
Laboratory professionals at diagnostic labs play an essential role in patient care, enabling physicians to provide accurate diagnoses.
Ambulatory Healthcare Services
Healthcare professionals who work in ambulatory settings provide patient care or support services for patients seeking outpatient care.
Median annual salary for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians as of May 2024(See disclaimer 1)
Estimated new jobs for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians each year from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 3)
Online Bachelor’s Tuition
GCU believes that quality higher education should be accessible to all. We’re committed to keeping our academic programs affordable for our students by maintaining competitive online tuition rates and offering millions in institutional scholarships. An education at GCU is an investment in your future.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Don’t wait to move forward. Talk with a university counselor today to discover savings opportunities.
Bachelor’s in Health Sciences FAQs
Before making the decision to become a health science major, explore the following frequently asked questions to start your research.
Is a health sciences degree worth it?
What skills do students develop in an online health sciences degree?
Can you become a nurse with a health sciences degree?
Can I work in healthcare with a health sciences degree?
What is the difference between BS in Health Sciences and BS in Behavioral Health Science?
Is math or science heavily involved in a health sciences degree?
Getting Into GCU
GCU has streamlined the process of applying for admission to the university. We do not require a personal statement or essay and there is no application fee. High school students may meet the admission requirements with either a minimum GPA or SAT or ACT exam scores. Specific requirements can vary, depending on the degree or program.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Core Courses
Step into your purpose; earn your BS in Health Sciences at GCU and turn your passion for helping others into a lasting impact.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, as of May 2024, retrieved April 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, August 28). Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved April 2026.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians, retrieved April 2026.