Wichita State University
Bachelor of Science in Health Science
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Establish a strong foundation for your future in clinical healthcare
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) curriculum offers a broad interdisciplinary education with foundational courses in natural and social sciences, alongside application-based coursework in aging studies, public health, and healthcare management. The Scientific Foundations Division in the College of Health Professions builds the essential knowledge and skills for future clinical healthcare providers. This unique blend of science and healthcare prepares you for various professional and graduate programs.
The department offers unique experiences, encouraging campus and community engagement. Involvement in the HEALTH student organization fosters leadership in health promotion and policy change. The required applied learning professional portfolio helps build experiential reflections and educational outcomes, giving you an edge in clinical program applications.
About the program
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science is a pre-professional degree that prepares students for admission to clinical programs like physical therapy, physician associate, occupational therapy, and medical school. It provides a competitive edge by integrating healthcare systems knowledge into clinical training.
How much will it cost?
Health Science students pay tuition based on their geographic location.
Learn more about tuition and fees
| College/Department | Description | Fee | Each 3-credit hour course |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Health Professions | for all courses taught by a department in the College of Health Professions | $20 | $60 |
| College of Health Professions - Public Health Sciences (PHS) | for all courses with a PHS prefix | $35 | $105 |
| College of Health Professions | for course instructional method of HYO, OHY, OLA or OLS | $72 | $216 |
| Total | $55 - $127 per CrHr |
$165 - $381 Each 3-credit hour course |
How long will it take?
Completing the Bachelor of Science in Health Science depends on your schedule and transfer credits.
What will transfer?
Credits from other regionally accredited colleges and universities will transfer to WSU, including community colleges and technical schools. Credits will also be evaluated by your program of interest to see how many credits will count towards your major and how many will count as elective credits. Please note that if you have attended more than one higher education institution, you will need to submit an official transcript for each one.
For undergraduate students: Try the Transfer Gateway tool to help estimate how many credits will transfer over to Wichita State.
Class structure
The BSHS is a hybrid degree program that includes in-person and asynchronous online courses.
Why Choose Wichita State
Clinical programs
BSHS to WSU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Pathway
The physical therapy (PT) field is projected to grow by 15% from 2022 to 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To support this demand, the Department of Public Health Sciences and WSU's Physical Therapy Department have developed a specialized curriculum for pre-PT students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. The HS to DPT Pathway is available to all students, including transfer students. Eligible students who meet DPT admission standards and specific criteria can compete for one of 6 reserved spots in WSU's DPT Program each application period.
Applied Learning Portfolio
At Wichita State University, applied learning is a key component of the student experience, especially for those pursuing healthcare careers. Students are encouraged to work at least part-time in a healthcare setting to gain valuable hands-on experience, which is essential for strengthening applications to clinical programs. This practical experience is heavily incentivized through the Applied Learning Portfolio, which serves as the Applied Learning requirement for the degree. The portfolio awards points for participation in activities outside the classroom that enhance students' knowledge and skills. Students must earn a total of 10 points prior to graduation.
Program features
- Acquire health knowledge. Health science differs from the basic sciences (biology, chemistry, physics) because those disciplines often explore topics unrelated to health. Students will gain knowledge on health problems and health outcomes, providing broad interdisciplinary education that encompasses both natural science and behavioral science.
- Flexible schedule. Courses in the health science program are offered online and in the evening. This allows students time for science courses typically offered during the day.
- Prepare for clinical studies. Students who complete the Health Science program are prepared to continue to a clinical program in nursing, medical laboratory sciences, dental hygiene, medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, chiropractic, etc.
- Caring professors. Compassionate, experienced and student focused faculty.
- Scientific Foundations. Provides building blocks to develop the knowledge, skills and abilities critical to a career in clinical healthcare.
PHS departmental honors
Departmental Honors allows students the opportunity to explore their chosen area of interest in greater depth, with the guidance of a faculty mentor. The foundational goals for the Departmental Honors program are:
- to allow students the opportunity to explore their chosen area of interest in greater depth and with greater personal ownership;
- to extend the departmental or disciplinary vision into individual student work in new and creative ways; and
- to facilitate mentorship and scholarly guidance from a faculty adviser.
This program is an excellent compliment for students pursuing a career in clinical healthcare.
Career Pathways
The Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) is ideal for those who want a flexible foundation in healthcare, providing pathways to a range of professional and clinical roles or advanced studies.
Career areas
Employment in healthcare occupations is expected to grow significantly faster than the average for all jobs between 2023 and 2033. On average, about 1.9 million job openings are projected each year in this field, driven by both new job growth and the need to replace workers who leave permanently. In May 2023, healthcare practitioners and technical occupations, including roles like dental hygienists, physicians, surgeons, and registered nurses, had a median annual wage of $80,820, well above the median wage for all occupations of $48,060. In contrast, healthcare support occupations, such as home health aides, medical transcriptionists, and occupational therapy assistants, had a median annual wage of $36,140, which was below the overall median.
Students from the health science program go on to a variety of clinical education programs preparing them for a different healthcare careers.
Common programs include:
- Nursing
- Dental Hygiene
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapy
- Audiology
- Medical School
- Occupational Therapy
- Chiropractic School
-
Optometry
- Genetic Counseling
- Veterinary School
About our student alumni
Graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) program pursue a wide
range of careers in both clinical and administrative roles. Many of these graduates
further their clinical practice by continuing their education at Wichita State University,
where they may earn degrees in fields such as Medical Laboratory Science, Dental Hygiene,
Physician Associate studies, Nursing, and Physical Therapy.
Additionally graduates work in non-clinical positions as patient account managers, clinical research managers, program coordinators, and operations managers. They contribute to public health as health educators and vaccine management analysts or work in healthcare technology as EHR/EMR training consultants. Many also advance to leadership roles, including operations manager, assistant director, and project manager. This variety of career paths showcases the program’s versatility, equipping graduates for vital roles in patient care, public health, and healthcare administration.
Are you thinking about graduate studies?
Graduates who pursued further education in non-clinical fields most often earned business-related degrees such as a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), Master’s in Health Administration (MHA), Master’s in Health Services Administration (MHSA), or Master’s in Healthcare Leadership. These programs provide advanced management and leadership skills specific to healthcare.
Additionally, some graduates earned a Master’s in Public Health (MPH), focusing on areas like epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and community health. The MPH prepares professionals to tackle public health challenges and improve population health.
Overall, these advanced degrees enhance graduates' abilities to take on senior roles in healthcare organizations and public health.
Certifications to Enhance Your Career
Professional certifications enhance resumes, demonstrate specialized skills, and provide a competitive advantage in the healthcare job market. Although not required for graduation, certifications are strongly recommended and can be selected based on individual career goals and areas of interest.
Physician Coding
Medical coding is a highly valuable skill and a great way to strengthen your healthcare resume—especially if you're planning a career in health management or clinical settings.
WSU students enrolled in relevant health or pre-clinical programs (like Health Management) are eligible to participate in a streamlined pathway to earn a Professional Medical Coding Certificate through Butler Community College. This unique opportunity allows you to bypass traditional prerequisites and complete just the three core coding courses:
- Beginning Coding (3 credits)
- Advanced Coding (3 credits)
- CPC Test Prep (1 credit)
The program is fully online and leads to a professional certificate and eligibility to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) national exam. Passing the CPC exam earns you the CPC-A credential—the gold standard for outpatient coding professionals—and qualifies you for entry-level coding positions throughout the healthcare industry.