Between an aging population and a global pandemic, healthcare careers are in high demand. But, if you’re just beginning your exploration of college majors, maybe the traditional healthcare jobs don’t appeal to you. Perhaps you want the option to explore a variety of jobs in health and medicine. In that case, you need a degree path that offers flexible career outcomes. Whether you’re a new college student considering your future major, or you’re already in school and wish to transfer into a new program, a bachelor’s in Health Science should pique your interest.
What Does a Health Science Degree Involve?
A bachelor’s of science in Health Science is a four-year degree designed for students who want to enter a career path with the goal of improving the health of both individuals and communities. This degree differs from other science degrees (such as Biology or Chemistry) in that it focuses on combining laboratory science classes with courses that are important for understanding population health.
The coursework in a Health Science program is built on a foundation of 57 general education and liberal arts credits that prepare graduates with a well-rounded worldview. These classes include:
- English Composition
- Social Science
- Algebra
- Psychology
- Fine Arts
- Humanities
- Chemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
In addition, students will take a variety of credits in an area of concentration. These concentration areas can depend on the specific university program. At University of Bridgeport, students are able to select from the following focus areas:
- Community Health Education
- Exercise and Fitness
- Nutrition
- Pre-Professional
Reasons to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science
If a career in STEM or health and wellness interests you, there are a number of reasons why you should consider earning a bachelor’s degree in Health Science.
1. Earn an In-Demand Degree
As is the case of many other STEM degrees, graduates of Health Science programs are highly sought after for their wide-ranging knowledge in the area of science. If you are seeking a career that offers stability and security, the healthcare field is the place to be. Healthcare occupations are expected to grow by 16% over the next ten years, equating to roughly 2.6 million jobs getting added to the field.
2. Choose an Area of Concentration
As noted above, some Health Science programs offer concentration areas to students. University of Bridgeport’s offerings include Community Health Education, Exercise and Fitness, Nutrition, and Pre-Professional. These concentration areas make it possible for graduates to become experts in more specialized areas of Health Science, as well as explore their interests and passion areas. Those who graduate from the Nutrition area of concentration, for example, may pursue a career as a Wellness Program Manager using the expertise gained in their degree program. Alternatively, those who choose the Exercise and Fitness concentration might pursue a career as a Personal Trainer, using the concentration’s courses in Kinesiology, Strength and Conditioning, and Biomechanics as a strong foundation.
3. Earn a Good Salary
Health Science is a particularly useful degree because of the numerous career opportunities available within the field. Better yet, this degree can present the opportunity to earn a good, entry-level salary. For example, Health Education Specialists can earn an average salary of $48,140 per year. Exercise Physiologists can earn $50,280 per year. Those working in Pharmaceutical Sales can earn upwards of $80,000 annually. These are just some of the many examples of career prospects.
4. Gain a Strong Foundation in Science
The BS in Health Science provides students with a strong understanding of all scientific areas as well as research acumen. Students take coursework in biostatistics, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, biochemistry, research methods, and a variety of math courses. Regardless of which concentration area students pursue, these classes can prepare students for whatever goals they may have, whether that be graduate study or a career in a health-related field.
5. Preparation for Graduate Study
Those who are interested in pursuing a long future in health science will likely need to consider graduate study in order to progress in their career. Students in the bachelor’s degree of Health Science program who pursue the Pre-Professional concentration area are well-prepared to pursue graduate study. Students take coursework in a wide swath of science courses that make it possible for graduates to pursue graduate study in a variety of science areas, such as Nutrition, Health Science, Public Health or Epidemiology.
A bachelor’s in Health Science provides students with flexibility, versatility, and upward mobility. Whether you’re interested in an advanced or long-term career, or simply more interested in keeping your career options open, a degree in Health Science can set you up for success. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science can provide students with the means to earn a good starting salary or enter graduate study. The world is your oyster with a bachelor’s degree in Health Science.
Is a degree in Health Science right for you? Learn more about University of Bridgeport’s bachelor’s in Health Science, here!