2021 Health Sciences & Services Degree Guide
If you would like to work with others to ensure health and wellness, consider majoring in Health Sciences and Services.
A degree in Health Sciences and Services will prepare you to pursue an advanced degree in the medical profession or give you the skills and training to work in health services. You will take classes in chemistry, biology, health care systems, psychology, public health, anatomy and physiology, and health services administration to introduce you to the Health Sciences field and help you decide the career you would like to pursue after graduation.
Students have the choice to major in general Health Sciences and Services, or specialize in an area such as Health and Wellness, or Chiropractic.
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Rapid Growth in Health Sciences & Services Degrees Awarded
In 2018-2019, health sciences and services was the 42nd most popular major nationwide with 25,948 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 1,512 over the prior year, a growth of 5.8%.
There are 490 schools offering degrees in health sciences and services in the United States. This year's Best Colleges for Health Sciences & Services ranking compares 76 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom health science rankings further below.
What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Health Sciences & Services
Health Sciences and Services are rooted in science, making a background in subjects such as biology and chemistry helpful. Students who are successful in this career often have strong analytical skills and are detail oriented so they can listen to patients and analyze symptoms to help with recovery. Since you will be working closely with others, strong interpersonal and empathy skills are also required.
A degree in Health Sciences and Services usually leads to a fulltime career in the medical field. Students with a bachelor's or master's degree and technical training will be able to work in care administration or other public health services, while those who pursue a doctorate work as a variety of doctors and care givers. Health Sciences and Services professionals typically work normal work hours, however they may be on call at nights and on weekends.
Students interested in the Health Sciences and Services field should pursue an internship, summer job, or summer field camp position to learn more about the field. You will be able to work closely with public health professionals and learn what types of careers are available to you.
Along with additional schooling, some health care providers must be licensed by the state. It is suggested that you check with the state you want to work in to ensure you are fulfilling all requirements to practice medicine.
Health Science Degree Program Entry Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most health science degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Specific health science careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Health Sciences & Services Degree Types
Health Science degree levels vary. Health Sciences & Services programs offered by schools range from a associate's to a professional practice doctorate, which is the highest health science degree you can get. The type of health science degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to health science, with approximately 42.4% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for health science workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 42.9% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 40.2% |
| Master’s Degree | 10.1% |
| High School Diploma | 5.4% |
| Some College Courses | 1.5% |
51.2% of health science workers have at least a bachelor's. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in health sciences and services careers have.
This of course varies depending on which health science career you choose.
Career Opportunities for Health Science Majors
Graduates with a degree in Health Sciences and Services follow many different paths, while some continue to medical school to become chiropractors, trainers, or other doctors, others students pursue careers as paramedics or work as health administrators or in information technology. With the majority of the population aging, there is a solid demand for medicine professionals. Well-trained health service professionals will always be in demand.
High Growth Projected for Health Science Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your health science degree? Health Sciences & Services careers are expected to grow 17.9% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to health sciences and services.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Community Health Workers | 67,800 | 17.9% |
Health Science Degree Salary Potential
Health Sciences & Services graduates between 2015-2017 reported earning an average of $34,465 in the 2017-2018 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $13,400 to as high as $108,400. As you might expect, salaries for health science graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Health Science Majors
Salaries for health sciences and services graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top 5 highest paying careers health science grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Community Health Workers | $43,480 |
Getting Your Health Sciences & Services Degree
With over 911 different health science degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased health science school rankings to help you with this.
Health Sciences & Services Related Majors
One of 34 majors within the Health Professions area of study, Health Sciences & Services has other similar majors worth exploring.
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 305,309 |
| Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 99,641 |
| Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants | 93,192 |
| Allied Health Professions | 86,697 |
| Health & Medical Administrative Services | 82,868 |
View All Health Science Related Majors >
References
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Image Credit: By Sandra M. Palumbo under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
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