Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science: 30 Best

An image of a health scientist for our ranking of Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science: 30 Best

Welcome to our ranking Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science: 30 Best, including:

  • sports and health science
  • exercise science
  • kinesiology
  • sports management, or related field.

Health science programs are designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for various positions in:

Featured Programs

  • healthcare
  • coaching
  • sports management

Today, health science degree online programs are available so students do not need to step away from work or family obligations to attend school. Online bachelor’s degrees in health science are available from some of the nation’s top schools.

Methodology

We examined 53 institutions that offer online bachelor’s degrees in:

  • health science
  • exercise science
  • fitness and nutrition
  • kinesiology
  • sports management

We narrowed this field to schools and programs recognized by major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. We then chose the most affordable of these schools based on NCES College Navigator’s most recent undergraduate tuition price. Our chosen schools are listed in order of affordability, with the #1 spot going to the most affordable.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science: 30 Best

#30 – Pacific University

Online Bachelor of Health Science

Forest Grove, Oregon

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $39,858

While Pacific University’s undergraduate tuition is the highest on our list, the school offers significant financial aid packages to those who qualify. Its reputation is hard to match. Even the health science degree online program is highly affordable. It’s designed so that students do not have to leave work to attend school. Online courses make attendance convenient and explore topics in:

  • comparative healthcare delivery systems
  • healthcare finance and accounting
  • information management systems in healthcare
  • leadership and ethics in healthcare

Pacific University is ranked with major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report. The school is known for its health and clinical science programs, and is ranked as the 25th best regional university in the West.

#29 – Azusa Pacific University

Online BS in Allied Health

Azusa, California

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $34,754

Azusa Pacific University’s health science degree online program combines Christian perspectives with the key components of management and science in the healthcare system. Students choose from six areas of emphasis, including:

  • general psychology
  • healthcare leadership
  • healthcare management
  • human services
  • organizations dynamics
  • psychology in the healthcare profession

The program takes two to four years to complete depending on transfer credits. Major requirements include online courses in:

  • chemistry for the health sciences
  • healthcare professions
  • medical sociology

The school and its online programs are ranked with major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Azusa as the 175th best national university.

#28 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Bachelor’s in Sport Management

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $30,386

If you have a passion for sports, whether as a fan or player, an online sports management degree can allow you to get paid for your enthusiasm. Southern New Hampshire University has a 25-year history in preparing students with knowledge of the sports industry. All classes are delivered online and include topics in:

  • fitness management
  • governance and management of sport organizations
  • sport law
  • sport marketing
  • sport sales and promotions

Southern New Hampshire University is an accredited institution. It’s  ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 131st best regional university in the North.

#27 – California Baptist University

Online Bachelor’s in Kinesiology

Riverside, California

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $30,384

California Baptist University’s online bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology are designed to prepare students for career entry and advancement in areas of:

  • coaching
  • fitness
  • training
  • health science

Online courses include:

  • fitness assessments and exercise prescription
  • methods of teaching sports activities
  • movement experiences with children
  • nutrition science
  • organization and administration of physical education

The program also includes foundations of Christian thought and an overview of the Bible. California Baptist is ranked by publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 39th best regional university in the West. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #34 in the country.

#26 – Concordia University

Online Bachelor’s in Exercise Science

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $20,750

An alternative to an online bachelor’s degree in health science is the exercise science degree offered at Concordia University. The program is delivered entirely online with seven-week courses. A 41-credit hour requirement includes classes in:

  • applied nutrition
  • biomechanics
  • exercise physiology
  • health psychology
  • research methods
  • a senior professional seminar

A 12-credit kinesiology internship may be completed in the student’s geographic location. Concordia University is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 99th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #79 in the country.

#25 – Liberty University

Online Bachelor’s in Exercise Science

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $20,109

Liberty University offers an exercise science program that is similar to an online bachelor’s degree in health science. The program focuses on studies in:

  • exercise physiology
  • health
  • physical therapy
  • sports and fitness

Online courses include:

  • analysis of human movement
  • exercise and sports nutrition
  • introduction to exercise science, personal health
  • physical fitness

The program is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. It’s ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Liberty’s online bachelor’s programs #100 in the nation. The school is also ranked as the 80th best regional university in the South.

#24 – Grand Canyon University

Online Bachelor’s in Health Science

Phoenix, Arizona

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $17,050

The College of Nursing and Health Care Professions at Grand Canyon University offers a health science degree online program for those interested in professional development and advanced patient care. It’s for those who want to step into administration or public health. They include:

  • EMTs
  • lab techs
  • phlebotomists
  • radiology techs respiratory therapists

Required online courses include:

  • communication and application of research in practice
  • ethics for healthcare professionals
  • healthcare systems
  • risk management and healthcare regulations
  • spirituality in healthcare

The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.

#23 – Post University

Online Bachelor’s in Sport Management

Waterbury, Connecticut

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $16,510

Post University’s online sports management degree program blends sport management and business courses. It equips students with the skills needed to succeed in a highly competitive industry. The program is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The institution is ranked by major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a top regional college in the North. Online sport management courses include:

  • foundations of sport management
  • sport economics
  • sport law
  • sport marketing

Online students are also required to complete six credits of career and self-awareness courses that include college success and professional success seminar.

#22 – South University

Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences

Savannah, Georgia

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $14,568

South University’s online bachelor’s degree in health science program covers the ever-changing healthcare delivery system by combining studies in:

  • business
  • humanities
  • math
  • science

The program also offers two specializations: generalist track and public health. The program is taught entirely online and includes courses like:

  • ethics of healthcare
  • federal and state healthcare programs
  • health promotion and wellness
  • human pathophysiology
  • medical sociology
  • women and minority health issues

The public health specialization offers courses like healthcare law and management and administration of public health systems. The generalist track explores topics in managed care and medical informatics. South University is accredited and has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the South.

#21 – Kaplan University

Online Bachelor’s in Health and Wellness

Davenport, Iowa

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $14,241

Kaplan University offers multiple start dates for its health science degree online bachelor’s. In fact, several dates are available each term to provide students with greater flexibility while balancing work and life obligations. Also, standard and accelerated tracks are available. The program is offered entirely online and includes courses in:

  • health and wellness programming
  • models for health and wellness
  • and stress – critical issues in management and prevention

The program and school are accredited, and the bachelor’s programs are ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists Kaplan’s online bachelor’s programs #137 in the nation.

#20 – United States Sports Academy

Online Bachelor of Sports Science (BSS)

Daphne, Alabama

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $13,320

Students interested in earning a health science degree online will find a unique option available at the United States Sports Academy. Several specializations are available. These include:

  • sports coaching
  • sports management
  • sports security
  • sports strength and conditioning
  • sports studies

Required courses may include:

  • ethics in sports
  • history of sports
  • psychology of sports
  • scientific principles of human performance

The school and its programs are accredited, and the online bachelor’s degrees are ranked with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the institution as having the 114th best online bachelor’s programs in the country.

#19 – National University

Online Bachelor’s in Sport Psychology

La Jolla, California

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $12,744

An alternative to the exercise science degree online or bachelor’s in health science is National University’s program. The school’s online bachelor’s in sport psychology program is for those seeking entry-level coaching positions or admission to graduate and doctoral degree programs. Required courses include:

  • culture and sport psychology
  • exercise physiology
  • history of sport and sport psychology
  • motor learning
  • social psychology for coaches

Upper division electives include:

  • biological psychology
  • developmental psychology
  • positive psychology

National University’s online bachelor’s programs are ranked with U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 edition of Best Colleges. In fact, the bachelor’s programs are listed as the 114th best online programs in the country.

#18 – Walden University

Online Bachelor’s in Health Studies

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $12,075

Walden University offers a health science degree online program. It incorporates finance, organization, and policies common to the U.S. healthcare system. Students gain a complete understanding of how the healthcare system functions so they can leverage their careers by bringing value to health organizations. Ten concentrations are available so students can better meet their professional goals. Some of the concentrations include:

  • child development
  • disaster and emergency management
  • health and cultural diversity
  • health management
  • health psychology and behavior

There is also a self-designed pathway for students who want to develop their own program of study. Walden University has earned past recognition as a best national university from U.S. News and World Report.

#17 – Kettering College

Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences

Kettering, Ohio

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $10,944

The online bachelor’s degree in health science from Kettering College is for individuals who have completed an associate degree or its equivalent in healthcare. It’s accredited and affordable. Five concentration areas are available. They include:

  • advanced imaging
  • education
  • management
  • respiratory care
  • sonography

Required online health science courses include:

  • concepts of management and leadership in healthcare
  • community health perspectives
  • healthcare economics and finance
  • introduction to health professions research
  • legal and ethical considerations in healthcare

The program is accredited and offered entirely online. Also, there are no additional clinical hours required.

#16 – Ashford University

Online Bachelor’s in Health and Wellness

San Diego, California

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $10,720

An alternative to online bachelor’s degrees in kinesiology are the online health and wellness programs. Ashford University offers an online bachelor’s in health and wellness program. It’s for students who want to explore personal fitness and health evaluation. The program emphasizes the relationship between health status or disease and injury prevention. Courses are delivered entirely online and include:

  • counseling and behavior change
  • exercise and physiology
  • introduction to health and wellness
  • introduction to nutritional concepts
  • musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology
  • personal fitness and wellness for optimal living

Ashford is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission, a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

#15 – University of Wisconsin

Online Bachelor’s in Health and Wellness Management

Madison, Wisconsin

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $10,415

Interested in an online sports management degree? The University of Wisconsin offers an online bachelor’s in health and wellness management. The program is entirely online and prepares students for careers as:

  • health coaches
  • health promotion directors
  • wellness and fitness managers

Required courses include:

  • changes across the lifespan
  • health and medical terminology
  • introduction to human health
  • physical activity and nutrition for wellness managers
  • resource management for wellness managers

The University of Wisconsin is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News lists the school as the 41st best national university. The institution also was named as the 26th best global university for 2016.

#14 – Arizona State University

Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences

Tempe, Arizona

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $10,158

For individuals interested in an exercise science degree online program, Arizona State University offers a unique option. The health science degree online program from ASU combines studies in:

  • health promotion
  • fitness
  • exercise science
  • nutrition

This cross-disciplinary program equips students with a wide variety of skills necessary in health-related positions. The program is offered entirely online and includes courses in:

  • community nutrition and aid
  • family health planning
  • health and wellness studies
  • long-term care plans

ASU is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report both rank the school as a best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #11 in the country.

#13 – University of Missouri

Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences

Columbia, Missouri

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $9,509

The University of Missouri offers an online bachelor’s degree in health science program that is non-clinical. It’s well-suited for those interested in pursuing careers in a health-related field. Required online courses include:

  • clinical ethics
  • healthcare leadership and organization
  • introduction to research
  • introduction to the health professions
  • public health principles and practice

Students are also required to complete an internship or service learning project, a study abroad program, or work in a health-related field. The University of Missouri is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the institution as the 103rd best national university and the 47th top public school. The online bachelor’s programs rank #159 in the nation.

#12 – Northern Kentucky University

Online Bachelor’s in Health Science

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $9,120

Individuals interested in pursuing an exercise science degree online may find the program at Northern Kentucky University a viable option. The online BS in health science program offers three tracks:

  • clinical
  • non-clinical
  • transdisciplinary

The transdisciplinary track is designed for students who want to work in some area of healthcare, with the exception of the clinical arena. Required courses include:

  • aging in today’s society
  • concepts of quality patient care
  • global perspectives of healthcare
  • leadership development
  • statistics for business applications

Northern Kentucky is regionally ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school ranks #80 among the best regional universities in the South.

#11 – Indiana University

Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences

Indianapolis, Indiana

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $9,056

Indiana University offers an online bachelor’s degree in health sciences program. It prepares students for graduate studies in health-related fields or entry-level careers within the healthcare industry. A core set of courses is delivered online. Students have the choice of four tracks of studies. These tracks include:

  • gerontology
  • global health and rehabilitation studies
  • preparation for graduate health professions programs
  • rehabilitation and disabilities studies

Some of the required courses, which may vary depending on the chosen study track, include:

  • approaches to rehab case management
  • disability and society
  • human nutrition lifespan
  • nutrition and exercise

Indiana University is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 199th best national university and the 116th top public school.

#10 – Trident University

Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences

Cypress, California

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $9,000

Trident University’s online bachelor’s degree in health sciences program prepares students for career advancement or graduate studies. Two concentration areas are available: healthcare management or public health. Students also have the option of choosing no concentration and focusing on a general bachelor’s in health sciences degree. The program is offered entirely online, with classes in:

  • cross-cultural health perspectives
  • ethics in healthcare
  • health behavior

The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and has been recognized for its online program offerings.

#9 – University of South Dakota

Bachelor’s in Health Sciences Online

Vermillion, South Dakota

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $8,457

Searching for a health sciences or exercise science degree online? You’ll find a flexible and affordable option at the University of South Dakota. The online health science degree program is offered entirely as a distance education degree with six academic pathways. These help to qualify students for graduate school or specific health professions. Pathways include:

  • healthcare advancement studies
  • healthcare studies
  • pre-professional studies
  • undergraduate clinical informatics
  • undergraduate public health
  • undergraduate research

The University of South Dakota is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges names the school as the 180th best national university. Several of the school’s online graduate programs have also earned recognition.

#8 – University of Iowa

Online Bachelor’s in Sport and Recreation Management

Iowa City, Iowa

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $8,104

Interested in sport and recreation management, fitness management, or an exercise science degree online? The University of Iowa offers an online BS in sport and recreation management for working adults who need a balance between life obligations and education. Online courses are flexible and include:

  • communication and PR in sport
  • contemporary issues in sports
  • managerial operations in sport and recreation
  • sales in sport

Students also have the option of completing nine credits of field experience, which may include guided or independent work. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 82nd best national university and the 128th best global university in the world.

#7 – Eastern Oregon University

Online Bachelor’s in Exercise Science

La Grande, Oregon

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $7,764

Eastern Oregon University offers an online program in physical activity and health. It includes online bachelor’s degrees in:

  • kinesiology (exercise science)
  • health and wellness studies
  • physical education and sport

Core courses include:

  • behavior change theory
  • foundations of physical activity and health
  • human anatomy and physiology

Exercise science concentration courses include:

  • biomechanics
  • motor learning and control
  • nutrition and sport performance
  • physical activity in disease prevention
  • sport psychology

All classes, labs, and research-based seminars are delivered online. Eastern Oregon is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as having one of the best online bachelor’s programs. In the 2016 edition of Best Colleges, the school’s online bachelor’s programs ranked #63 in the country.

#6 – Granite State College

Online Bachelor’s in Health and Wellness

Concord, New Hampshire

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $7,257

Granite State College offers a BS in health and wellness. It’s for students interested in online bachelor’s degrees in:

  • kinesiology
  • health sciences
  • exercise science

The program is offered entirely online with classes that explore topics in:

  • healthcare policy
  • human biology
  • issues in women’s health or diseases
  • law and ethics for healthcare and human services
  • nutrition concepts and controversies
  • the emerging U.S. healthcare system.

The program is for working adults who require flexible course schedules during non-traditional hours. The degree allows a seamless transition from the two-year associate’s to the four-year baccalaureate. Granite State College has been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report for having top-ranked online bachelor’s programs. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs #79 out of over 1,200 similar programs.

#5 – Bellevue University

Online Bachelor’s in Health Science

Bellevue, Nebraska

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $7,050

Looking for an exercise science degree online?  A program that focuses entirely on health sciences and nutrition? Bellevue University offers a good option. The online bachelor’s in health science program equips students with the skills needed in the rapidly growing and changing field of healthcare. Online courses may include:

  • health communication
  • medical ethics and leadership
  • medical terminology and documentation
  • nutrition through the life span
  • wellness for life

An eldercare emphasis is available. Students to explore classes in normal aging and disease changes or skilled nursing care management. Bellevue University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the online bachelor’s programs #72 in the country.

#4 – American Public University System

Online Bachelor’s in Sport and Health Sciences

Charles Town, West Virginia

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $6,880

The American Public University (APU) offers an online bachelor’s degree in health science program. It’s is aligned with the American Sport Education Program (ASEP). All courses are delivered online and include topics in:

  • coaching theories and methods
  • exercise programming
  • human anatomy and physiology
  • nutrition and exercise programs
  • principles and terminology of basic chemistry
  • sports law

There are also four concentration areas so  students may further specialize their degree. These include:

  • coaching studies
  • exercise science
  • fitness and wellness professional studies
  • general sport and health sciences

APU is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school’s online bachelor’s programs are ranked #58 in the nation.

#3 – University of Florida

Online Bachelor’s in Sport Management

Gainesville, Florida

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $6,381

University of Florida offers the accredited online sports management degree program. It equips students with the concepts and skills needed to work in sports administration and management. They include:

  • management
  • marketing
  • finance and other areas

Online courses include:

  • ethical issues in sports
  • introduction to sport psychology
  • legal issues in sport and physical activity
  • sport and business finance, sport marketing
  • various topics in sport management

Prior to graduation, all online sport management degree candidates must complete a 15-hour, full-time internship experience. Online students may complete the internship in their geographic location. The University of Florida is a nationally ranked institution. According to U.S. News and World Report, the school ranks #47 among the best national universities in the country. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #11.

#2 – Excelsior College

Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences

Albany, New York

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $6,120

One alternative to an online sports management degree is the online bachelor’s in health sciences  at Excelsior College. The school offers six areas of emphasis so online students may focus their studies toward their career goals. Areas of concentration include:

  • end of life care
  • gerontology
  • health and wellness
  • healthcare management
  • health education
  • public health

All programs are accredited and require courses in:

  • healthcare delivery systems
  • healthcare informatics
  • healthcare issues in culturally diverse populations
  • research for evidence-based practice
  • writing and communication in the health science professions

In recent years, the school has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Some of the institution’s graduate programs are currently ranked.

#1 – Fort Hays State University

Online Bachelor’s in Health Studies

Hays, Kansas

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $4,654

Fort Hays State University offers an online bachelor’s degree in health science program. It’s ranked among the best online bachelor’s programs. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the online bachelor’s programs at Fort Hays State as the 24th best in the country. The online health studies degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, which include:

  • general education courses
  • health studies core courses
  • 12 credit hours of concentration classes

Available concentrations include:

  • health promotion
  • leadership
  • sociology of medicine and aging

Online health studies courses include:

  • consumer health
  • global health
  • legal issues in healthcare
  • medical terminology
  • principles of nutrition
  • responding to emergencies
  • an independent studies class – culminating experience project

Fort Hays State University offers the most affordable online bachelor’s degree in sports and health science on our list.

Related Resources:

This concludes our ranking Online Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science: 30 Best, including sports and health science, exercise science, kinesiology, sports management, or related field.

Brenda Rufener
Author

Julie McCaulley
Expert

Carrie Sealey-Morris
Editor-in-Chief