by our College Data Analytics TeamIf 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.
In 2020-2021, health sciences and services was the 34th most popular major nationwide with 35,945 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 4,297 over the prior year, a growth of 12.0%.
Our 2023 Best Health Sciences & Services Schools ranking analyzes 491 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for health sciences and services students. Explore this or one of our many other custom health science rankings further below.
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.
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Once you obtain your degree, additional health science certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Health Science degree levels vary. Health Sciences & Services programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest health science degree you can get. Depending on the health sciences and services degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| 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 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. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in health sciences and services have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the health science career you are seeking.
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.
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% |
Recently graduated health sciences and services students earned an average of $35,887 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $7,704 to as high as $119,817. As you might expect, salaries for health science graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for health sciences and services graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers health science grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Community Health Workers | $43,480 |
With over 1,105 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 is one of 30 different types of Health Professions programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| General Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences | 29,840 |
| General Health & Wellness | 6,105 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 322,592 |
| Health & Medical Administrative Services | 89,359 |
| Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 84,492 |
| Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants | 84,274 |
| Allied Health Professions | 82,308 |
Image Credit: By Sandra M. Palumbo under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
