Health Sciences
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Health Sciences, B.S. (General) Overview
With the online Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree from the University of West Florida, you will prepare to excel as a health professional who provides services to individuals and communities. As you acquire the skills needed to promote positive health outcomes for the population you serve, you will learn from faculty who are experienced in the field. Through the program’s convenient online format, you can study for your health sciences degree courses anytime and anywhere. Ranked number four on BestColleges.com’s list of Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Science Programs in 2022, our program will put you on the path to an in-demand career at a hospital or insurance company. In fact, the healthcare field is expected to grow much faster than other occupations at 13% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Some of the key topics covered in the bachelor of health sciences online degree include:
- Trends and issues in the health sciences field
- An overview of the field and healthcare-related topics
- Fundamentals of the healthcare system in the United States
- Vocabulary used in the medical and health professions
- Laws regulating healthcare and public health practices
- Health informatics and the related computer applications used
- Technology used to analyze medical information
- Current epidemics of infectious diseases
- Ethical issues in clinical and administrative decision-making
As part of the online health sciences degree, you will complete a capstone course that focuses on modern research in the health sciences, including the scientific method, research ethics and data collection.
Candidates for the Health Sciences Program Include:
- Students wanting to advance their career in the health sciences
- Students who wish to pursue a specialized graduate degree in areas such as healthcare informatics, healthcare administration or physical therapy
- Students who want to seek careers at hospitals, insurance companies, medical laboratories and more
Learning Outcomes
- Address issues in public health and healthcare through the research, collection and analysis of medical information
- Make informed and ethical decisions in order to promote the well-being of a community
- Conform to the regulations that affect the healthcare and public health fields
Courses and Requirements
UWF’s online health sciences bachelor’s degree includes a total of 120 credit hours. Through the major’s 60 credit hours, you will explore the fundamentals of general health science topics. Included in the health science major are 12 credit hours of your choice of approved elective courses.
Students must satisfy 60 credit hours of general education requirements. The general education requirements are the basic studies that provide students with a broad educational foundation and are essential requirements for all baccalaureate degree programs. Included in the general education requirements are subjects in communication, mathematics, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, multicultural studies and lower-level electives.
Common Prerequisites (13 credit hours)
These courses are common prerequisites for the online health sciences degree and can be used to fulfill general education requirements.
- BSC 1005+L - General Biology for Non-Majors (plus lab)
4 Credit Hours
General Biology for Non-Majors (plus lab)
Survey of abiotic and biotic principles as they apply to basic structural and functional topics at the cellular, organismal, population and community levels; and the application of these principles to issues of current interest. Meets general education requirement in natural sciences. Lab correlating with BSC 1005. Material and supply fee will be assessed. Satisfies Florida common core natural sciences requirement.
- MAC 1105 - College Algebra
3 Credit Hours
College Algebra
Provides the concepts and techniques of algebra that are needed to understand subjects such as statistics and economics which contain a considerable amount of quantitative reasoning. Is additionally a preparatory course for the study of calculus. Major topics include: the concept of functions, graphs of functions and relations, operations on functions, rational functions, exponentials and logarithms, systems of equations and inequalities and applications. Prerequisite course or appropriate score on placement test is required. Meets general education requirement in mathematics. Meets Gordon Rule theoretical mathematics requirement. Prerequisite: MAT 1033 OR 123 PERT Math OR 22 ACT Math OR 520 SAT Math.
- PSY 2012 - General Psychology
3 Credit Hours
General Psychology
A survey of methods, theories and body of knowledge of contemporary psychology, including such topics as learning, motivation, sensation and perception, development, thinking, personality, social behavior, psychological adjustment and methods of therapy. Meets general education requirement in social sciences.
- STA 2023 - Elements of Statistics
3 Credit Hours
Elements of Statistics
This course covers descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory and basic statistical procedures, estimation and inference. In addition to provide basic concepts in the mentioned areas it prepares the student for other more advanced statistical courses that are necessary for research. Meets general education requirement in mathematics. Meets Gordon Rule applied mathematics requirement. Prerequisite: MAC 1105 OR MAC 1105C OR MAT 1033 OR MGF 1106 OR MGF 1107 OR 22 ACT Math OR 520 SAT Math OR 123.
- BSC 1005+L - General Biology for Non-Majors (plus lab)
- HSC 3034 - Career Essentials for Healthcare
3 Credit Hours
Career Essentials for Healthcare
This course provides an overview of the field of health sciences and introduces students to essential skills required for career success in various healthcare professions. Content will also cover important issues facing today's healthcare environment.
- HSC 3535 - Medical Terminology
3 Credit Hours
Medical Terminology
This course is designed to familiarize students with the vocabulary used in the medical and health professions. Students will employ a systematic, word-building approach to master the complex terminology of the medical field. An emphasis is placed on word dissection of compound medical terms and inferring word meanings from their prefixes, suffixes, and stem words. Credit may not be received in both HSC 3535 and HSC 3534.
- HSC 2622 - Introduction to Global Health Sciences
3 Credit Hours
Introduction to Global Health Sciences
This health sciences course considers the influence of factors such as access to healthcare, biology, infectious diseases, societal status, culture, the environment and the management of healthcare resources, on the well-being of people around the globe. The course will also examine the role of equity, social justice and ethics in healthcare. Case studies demonstrating how various actors have cooperated across national borders to solve problems like pandemics, healthcare access challenges and disease eradication will be analyzed. Students will integrate ideas from different disciplines to identify problems affecting society in the international context. Meets multicultural requirement.
- BUL 4602 - Legal Fundamentals of Healthcare
3 Credit Hours
Legal Fundamentals of Healthcare
This course provides an overview of laws most affecting healthcare practices. The legal basis for government involvement in healthcare is examined with an analysis of the laws controlling the provision of healthcare industry and professional regulations. This course provides an in-depth overview of healthcare law, allowing students to acquire skills to confirm their actions to legal requirements and ethically analyze daily healthcare situations.
- HSA 3111 - Understanding U.S. Healthcare
3 Credit Hours
Understanding U.S. Healthcare
This course provides an orientation to the characteristics and foundation of the U.S. healthcare system including a review of health professionals, technology, financing and reimbursement, delivery systems, vulnerable populations, process improvement and health policy.
- HSA 4192 - Current Topics in Health Informatics
3 Credit Hours
Current Topics in Health Informatics
Provides an overview of the multifaceted, interdisciplinary nature of health (medical) informatics. Fundamentals of computer applications in medicine, health data classification and coding and legal and ethical issues (including documentation, security and regulatory requirements). Additional avenues for further credentialing will be covered. Credit may not be received in both HSA 4192 and HSA 4190. This course was formally known as Introduction to Medical Informatics.
- PCB 4703 - Human Physiology
3 Credit Hours
Human Physiology
Physiological mechanisms of various organ systems in the human body. Emphasis on transport mechanisms, renal function, hormones, respiration, cardiac function, muscle physiology, digestion and immune systems.
- GEY 4001 - Gerontology
3 Credit Hours
Gerontology
This course addresses the biological impacts of the aging process on the older adult; it enhances the knowledge and understanding of biological changes associated with aging in humans and their manifestations for healthcare professionals who work with older adults; it addresses many biopsychosocial issues older adults may face in society today and in the future.
- MCB 4276 - Epidemiology of Infectious Disease
3 Credit Hours
Epidemiology of Infectious Disease
The basic principles of epidemiology as they apply to infectious disease and the impact of infectious disease on human civilization will be addressed. The causes and distribution of current epidemics of infectious disease, including newly emerging and reemerging diseases and the approaches being applied to defeat these diseases will be discussed. Offered concurrently with MCB 5273; graduate students will be assigned additional work.
- HSC 3510 - Data Analysis in the Health Sciences
3 Credit Hours
Data Analysis in the Health Sciences
This course focuses on the application of computer technology and software in conducting analysis of data, including how to retrieve, clean, organize and analyze data using computational methods, as well as report findings using existing general purpose software. Additionally, students will acquire skills in data presentation through using tables, charts and written reports. Prerequisite: STA 2023.
- HSA 3551 - Health Ethics and Professionalism
3 Credit Hours
Health Ethics and Professionalism
This course includes an overview of ethical issues facing today's healthcare practitioners in addressing clinical and administrative decision-making. This course will also focus on the importance of professionalism and effective communication skills in dealing with healthcare consumers and other medical professionals in the healthcare industry.
- HSC 4404 - Medical Disaster Management
3 Credit Hours
Medical Disaster Management
Introduces students to facets of natural and technological disasters while integrating public health research designs and practices. Class lectures and discussions utilize recent and historical case studies as a basis for developing the critical thinking and leadership skills needed by healthcare professionals in crisis situations. International, domestic and regional settings are addressed, as well as the social, economic and political aspects of disaster planning, preparedness, and mitigation. Basic public health concepts and methodologies as they relate to course material. Permission is required.
- HSC 3147 - Pharmacology for Health Professionals
3 Credit Hours
Pharmacology for Health Professionals
This course will focus on the general principles of drug action and pharmacology of therapeutic agents. The general principles of pharmacology, including drug absorption, distribution and metabolism along with receptor theory will be covered. The course will also focus on mechanism of action of specific drug classes and their effective use in different diseases.
- ENC 3213 - Professional and Technical Writing
3 Credit Hours
Professional and Technical Writing
Students will learn an overview of professional and technical writing principles, current communication issues, research practices and emerging technologies. This course focuses on communications skills essential for success in technical and professional communication, including audience analysis, collaboration and document design. Students will create documents such as letters, manuals, reports and proposals used in a variety of workplace environments. Students who have already passed ENC 3240 or ENC 3250 must receive instructor permission to enroll in this course. Meets Gordon Rule writing requirement. Prerequisite: ENC 1101 AND ENC 1102.
- HSC 4502 - Principles of Human Disease
3 Credit Hours
Principles of Human Disease
The course introduces students to the mechanisms of human disease, disease etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, prognosis and epidemiology. Diseases and disorders of each of the body's systems will be covered. Special attention will be paid to disease prevention. Prerequisite: PCB 4703 OR (BSC 1085 AND BSC 1086) OR (BSC 2085 AND BSC 2086) OR PCB 4098.
- HSC 4050 - Health Sciences Capstone Course
3 Credit Hours
Health Sciences Capstone Course
This capstone course will focus on contemporary research in the health sciences. The course will cover topics such as the scientific method, research study designs, critical evaluation of the literature, technical writing, research ethics, data collection and analysis. As part of an ongoing semester project, students will design a research proposal on a specific topic in health. A capstone exam will be given.
Approved Electives (12 credit hours)
- HSC 3034 - Career Essentials for Healthcare
Admission Requirements
Prior to applying to UWF’s online health sciences degree, you must:
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all previously attempted college work
- Successfully complete all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better
- Be at the level of a sophomore or higher
How to Apply
To apply for admission to this program, you first need to submit an application for undergraduate admission (plus a $30 application fee) and be accepted for admission into University of West Florida. In addition, you must:
- Submit official transcripts from all institutions previously attended whose accrediting agency is included on the list of UWF-approved accrediting agencies
- Submit ACT or SAT scores
- Complete the residency application form for tuition purposes
- Complete the Health Sciences application form
Have questions about this program or the admissions process? Connect with one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| In-State Tuition | $218.98 per credit hour | $26,277.60 |
| In-State Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 90) | $218.98 per credit hour | $6,569.40 |
| Full Out-of-State Tuition | $648.37 per credit hour | $77,804.40 |
| 75% Out-of-State Tuition Waiver | $341.67 per credit hour | $41,000.40 |
Tuition waivers cover up to 75% of the non-resident portion of your tuition and are available to non-Florida residents (including international students) admitted to online programs and registered for online courses in active pursuit of that degree or certificate. You must pay all other assessed tuition and fees. Review Tuition Waiver Information to learn more.
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes up to approximately 48 months to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 844.372.9390 or request information.
Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Differential Out-of-State Tuition
Residents of Alabama are eligible for Alabama Differential Tuition, a reduced out-of-state tuition rate. For more information and to verify residency status for tuition purposes, new undergraduate students should contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and new graduate students should contact the Graduate School. Current enrolled students should contact the Office of the Registrar.
Active Duty Military
All active-duty members of the U.S. military who are residing or are stationed outside the state of Florida shall have all (100%) out-of-state fees waived by the university. Contact the Military & Veterans Resource Center to apply for the Active Duty Military Out-of-State Waiver.
UWF Short-Term Financial Assistance
The University of West Florida provides eligible students with an alternative to paying the full amount of tuition at the beginning of each term in the form of an installment payment plan or a short-term loan.
Military Students
UWF proudly serves active duty U.S. military members and veterans. As UWF has been a participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program since 2011, you could be eligible to receive free tuition with your military benefits.
See How We Can Serve YouFinancial Aid
Funding your college education should not empty your wallet. We offer various financial aid options for our online students, including loans, scholarships and grants for degree-seeking students.
Learn More About Financial AidCareer Outcomes
Upon completion of our online health sciences degree, you can pursue a variety of careers within the field.
* Salary and job outlook information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Assisted Living Facility Administrators
Assisted living facility administrators, also known as nursing home administrators, manage a facility’s admissions, finances, staff and care of the building and its residents. These administrators made a median salary of $83,550 in 2021. Overall, job growth for medical and health services managers is projected to grow much faster than average at 28% from 2021 to 2031.
Medical Group Practice Office Managers
Also called a medical and health services manager, a medical group practice office manager plans and directs services within a healthcare institution. In office settings, these managers made a median salary of $98,230 in 2021. Job growth for medical and health services managers, as a whole, is projected to grow much faster than average at 28% from 2021 to 2031.
Medical Records Specialists
Medical records specialists manage and organize medical records. They use various systems to classify patient information for insurance purposes, databases and treatment histories. These professionals made a median salary of $46,660 in 2021, and occupations are expected to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031.