What is a Health Science Degree?

Health Science DegreeA Health Science Degree provides broad preparation for careers in the health field. It introduces students to major aspects of health care including the life sciences, healthcare management and public health. Most programs require science courses in chemistry, biology and physics as well as social sciences. Students also study environmental health, wellness and health policy. Many programs allow students to focus on a specific area, especially in preparation for graduate or professional school.

The Health Science Degree is an excellent choice for careers in public health and health education. Employers include government, non-profits and schools. For students interested in combining health care with business, healthcare management is a strong career option. Opportunities are also found in medical and pharmaceutical marketing and sales. Students interested in these paths may want to consider taking business courses as electives. Other health science graduates pursue clinical training in fields such as physical therapy. Most clinical programs require specific science prerequisites, so students entering professional training should plan their schedules accordingly. The flexibility of the health science degree allows focused career preparation or a well-rounded general education.

How To Find The Top Health Science Degree Programs

Many schools offer health science degree programs, so prospective students should evaluate choices carefully. Important criteria are school and program reputation, availability of academic healthcare resources, and alignment with particular areas of interest. Schools should be regionally accredited, and sources such as U.S. News & World Report are great tools to obtain rank and profiles of top colleges.

Many of the best Health Science degrees and best online Health Science degree programs are offered by colleges with medical or nursing schools and strong clinical sciences departments. These schools have top-tier faculty, medical facilities and internship opportunities. The strongest programs have close ties with clinical and professional departments so that students have hands-on training. Mentoring is also important to help guide students through the wide range of career opportunities and requirements. The Purdue University School of Health Sciences offers a program built around a strong science and mathematics core. Students can choose a general course of study or specialize in one of several options including environmental health science and pre professional. The University of California at Irvine has one of the top programs in public health. The department offers two degree tracks: Public Health Sciences and Public Health Policy. Students have the benefit of affiliations with the department of epidemiology, the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health and other resources.

Careers and Salaries For Individuals With A Health Science Degree

Health Science careers offer an unusually wide range of options, and the overall employment outlook for health professionals is excellent. Health Science salaries vary considerably depending upon career. One business choice is that of pharmaceutical sales representative responsible for liaising with medical professionals regarding company products. The average salary for an experienced representative is $105,000. For graduates interested in education, the job of health educator involves teaching the community about maintaining wellness. The average salary is $45,830, and employers include hospitals, non-profits and schools. Healthcare administrators are also in high demand and work in a variety of medical settings. Duties range from managing facilities on a daily basis to planning policy and budgeting. The average salary is $84,270, and a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for entry-level positions. Previous work experience in business or health care is also valuable. To open a world of interesting opportunities contributing to the community, a Health Science Degree is an ideal choice.