Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS)
Build on an allied-health associate degree or start fresh — and finish your bachelor's online, on your schedule. The BSHS at Shawnee State is built for working professionals who want a credential without putting their lives on hold.
Program Overview
At Shawnee State, your education fits your life. Whether you’re building on an associate degree or starting fresh, the online health science degree is designed to move your health science career forward. With flexible coursework and multiple pathways to completion, this BSHS degree is ideal for working professionals and students looking to enter or advance in the ever-evolving field of healthcare.
Our online BSHS program allows you to personalize your degree with a minor that aligns with your goals — all while learning from expert faculty who bring real-world experience into every virtual classroom. No matter where you’re starting from, we’ll help you pave a path to success.
Approved Combination Associate Degrees
Career Outcomes
How to Apply
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Start your application
Free, takes about 15 minutes.
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Send transcripts
Have your high school guidance counselor send them to admissions@shawnee.edu
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File the FAFSA
School code 009942. Required for Free Tuition.
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Get your decision
Most decisions in under 7 days.
At A Glance
Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS)
Degree
B.S.
Length
Typically 7 semesters; varies with transfer credit
Credits
120 total (up to 90 transferable)
Transfer Credits Accepted
90
Class Size
12:1
Next Start Date
6 entry points; next start date October 19
Why Study Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) at Shawnee University
Fully online with 7-week course sessions, so you can balance coursework with shift work and life.
Customizable. Choose a companion minor to focus the degree around your career — healthcare administration, public health, leadership, or others.
Designed for adult learners. You can transfer up to 90 credits, including allied-health A.A.S. coursework, to shorten time to graduation.
Affordable tuition with free tuition available for qualifying students through regional and need-based aid.
A strong stepping stone toward graduate study in public health, healthcare administration, occupational therapy, and related fields.
The BSHS curriculum gives you foundations in health science, ethics, research, and leadership, plus the flexibility to specialize through electives and a companion minor.
- Foundations of health science
- Ethics in healthcare
- Health systems and policy
- Research methods and evidence-based practice
- Leadership in healthcare
- Companion minor and electives chosen to fit your career
The BSHS is fully online, but it's not detached from real practice. Coursework emphasizes case studies, applied research, and project-based assignments. You also have the option to add an elective internship that connects directly to your career goals.
By graduation, you'll be able to:
- Integrate knowledge of health systems and policy into decision-making
- Apply ethical standards and critical thinking in healthcare settings
- Communicate effectively with diverse communities and populations
- Demonstrate leadership and collaboration in healthcare teams
- Analyze health-related research and apply it to practice
Fully online through SSU Online Campus.
BSHS graduates step into or advance toward roles such as:
- Healthcare administration and operations
- Clinical operations management for allied-health professionals advancing their credentials
- Patient navigation and care coordination
- Community health and outreach
- Health insurance and policy roles
- Preparation for graduate study in public health, healthcare administration, or OT
Demand is strong across hospitals, health systems, public health agencies, insurers, and community-based organizations.
- The student will be knowledgeable of legal and ethical decision making and future trends with health related professions and careers.
- The student will be knowledgeable of psychological, social, and physical health science concepts that influence local and global communities.
- The student will be knowledgeable of basic administrative techniques, models and tools, with respect to health care management finance and leadership.
- The students will have the ability to analyze local and global health topics that influence disease treatment, legislation, prevention, and outcomes.
- The student will be able to demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in topics related to the health science professions.
- The student will develop the ability to analyze and interpret research as related to health professions and current trends in health care.
Free Tuition and Financial Aid
Shawnee State's tuition is among the lowest in Ohio, and the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee keeps your rate flat for four years. Scholarships including Choose Ohio First and the Pell-Eligible Free Tuition Program may also apply.
See if you Qualify for Free Tuition
Ohio students can apply to receive a $1,500 scholarship up to full-tuition when you apply and are accepted.
Learn More about Choose Ohio FirstBachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) Frequently Asked Questions
It's a strong fit if you already hold an allied-health associate degree and want to advance, if you're a working professional moving into healthcare leadership, or if you want a flexible entry into the field.
Yes. The online format is built for working adults, with access to library resources, tutoring, advising, and career services
No. The BSHS is delivered 100% online.
Most students finish in seven semesters, but the timeline depends on how many transfer credits you bring in. An enrollment advisor can put together a personalized plan.
Program handbook
Curriculum structure, progression standards, and student expectations are detailed in the BSHS Curriculum and BSHS Curriculum and Check-Sheet (PDF)on the SSU site. Course descriptions live in the Academic Catalog.
Accreditation
Shawnee State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
