Health Sciences Programs

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KU’s Bachelor of Health Sciences is a 100% online degree completion program designed for transfer students seeking to enter nonclinical health care occupations. Students receive a broad foundation of knowledge about the career pathways available in the health care industry.

Students will learn about the societal context of various healthcare delivery systems and the major issues and challenges affecting the healthcare industry.

A professional with an educational background in health sciences might apply their knowledge to:

Attend graduate school to concentrate on a specialized area of health care
Research and implement public health initiatives
Advise local or state governments regarding elements of health care or public health policies

The health sciences degree program allows students to explore elective courses that help them concentrate in areas that include health disparities, clinical research, nutrition, public and population health, and health care management and policy. Students who wish to tailor their degree to align with their career goals can select from five minors:

Nutrition

KU’s minor in nutrition provides a useful area of focus for a variety of academic disciplines. Students studying exercise science, social work, public administration, and other related areas may find that a minor in nutrition provides specific areas of insight to their degree.

Clinical Trials Management

An undergraduate minor in clinical trials management is designed to provide a broad exposure to the key concepts of clinical trials management, including trial design, management, and operations, as well as legal, ethical, and regulatory issues specific to clinical trials.

Environmental Studies

A minor in environmental studies gives you a framework for understanding interdisciplinary natural sciences and can help you specialize on major studies for work in an environmental-related field. This could include careers in biotechnology, data analytics, law and society, business, and more.

Public and Population Health

The minor in public and population health provides broad exposure to key concepts that connect behavioral and social factors of health and their role in a broader community. This minor is a useful specialization for students pursuing degrees related to public health, service, and education. Students in academic areas such as social work, exercise science, public administration, and similar areas may find this minor supplements their education.

Health Policy and Management

The field of health sciences covers a variety of in-demand professions, including public health, health care, nutrition, and more. The minor in Health Policy and Management can help you specialize your studies to meet your interests and professional goals.

This might include careers in public policy related to population health, healthcare administration, or pursuing graduate education in a specialized area of health care or medicine.

The Johnson County Education Research Triangle

The health sciences degree program is supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT ) and is structured for students who are not pursuing medical or nursing school.

Helpful Information

Current and prospective undergraduate students may call 913-897-8400.

Career Outlook

Health care is a growing industry that covers occupations in research, leadership, support, patient care, administrative roles, and more. According to data from Lightcast, occupations with the highest growth rate of job openings between 2021-2024 are:

Potential Careers

Health technologists and technicians

Performs diagnostic testing, assists health care providers, provides direct patient care.

Medical and health services managers

Health care administrators who manage budgets, staff, maintains patient records, develops and implements policies and procedures.

Social workers

Evaluates clients' needs, offers counseling, therapy, and other support services and resources.

Medical records specialists

Maintains patient records, assigns codes for diagnoses, procedures, and other medical information.

Clinical lab technicians and technologists

Tests and analyzes body fluids such as blood, tissue, and urine samples to detect abnormalities or diseases.

Medical secretaries

Schedules and confirms appointments, prepares patient charts, compiles and records medical charts, reports, and correspondence.

Community health workers

Advocates for the the health needs of individuals and communities. Helps connect people with the services they need.

Health education specialists

Promotes healthy communities through education, assessing needs and testing the effectiveness of programs and materials.

Education administrators

Sets school budget, hires and manages staff, gathers and analyzes educational performance data, enforces school policies, maintains detailed attendance records.

Social and human service assistants

Helps clients identify needs, and complete paperwork. They may also help develop treatment plans and coordinate services.

Health sciences career data

Helpful information for positions that are possible to obtain with a health sciences degree*

785,051

Current jobs in U.S. (2024)

9.8%

Job growth (2021-24)

91,116

Annual job openings

*Source: Lightcast. The career data provided is not specific to KU students or graduates. There is no guarantee of obtaining these positions or income.

Additional Resources

Admissions

Degree-seeking students must follow the admission process of their program. For details and steps to apply, click below.

Academics

Learn about the degrees and certificates offered.

Resources

Helpful links and program information.

Learn more about the Health Sciences program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.