Going to major in health science? Here’s what you should know

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Key takeaways about majoring in health science

A health science major blends science, healthcare, and critical thinking.
It’s ideal for students aiming for clinical or non-clinical health careers.
Common classes include anatomy, public health, and ethics.
You can use this major to prep for med school or allied health programs.
Career options range from health educator to physician assistant.

So, what is a health science major anyway?

If you're drawn to healthcare but aren’t sure whether you want to treat patients or support the system behind the scenes, a health science major might be your sweet spot. It’s a flexible, interdisciplinary degree that covers the science of human health, healthcare systems, and the social factors that affect well-being.

What is health science?

Health science is a field focused on understanding how human health works—from biology and disease prevention to healthcare delivery and wellness. It blends subjects like biology, psychology, and public health to prep students for a wide range of careers or advanced study in health-related fields.

What will I study as a health science major?

Your course list might look different depending on your school or concentration, but here are some classes you can expect:

Human anatomy and physiology
Medical terminology
Public and community health
Healthcare ethics
Research methods in health
Nutrition science

Concentrations for health science majors

Health science majors often let you pick a concentration (that's your main area of focus) like:

Pre-med or pre-PA (physician assistant)
Public health
Healthcare administration
Health education
Clinical research

What skills do health science majors build?

This major is heavy on both science and soft skills. You’ll walk away with strengths in:

Critical thinking and data analysis
Understanding healthcare systems
Scientific writing and communication
Ethical decision-making
Problem-solving in clinical or public health settings

Am I a good fit for this major?

If you’re passionate about helping people, curious about science, and interested in how healthcare works on a broad level, this major could be right for you. It’s a great fit for students who want a flexible path to explore both clinical and non-clinical careers in health.

Popular double majors and minors

Health science pairs well with minors or double majors like:

Biology or chemistry (especially for pre-med students)
Psychology or sociology
Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL) for future patient communication)
Public policy or business for those leaning toward healthcare management

What are the top jobs for a health science degree?

Wondering what you can do with this degree? Here are some options:

Health educator
Community health worker
Clinical research coordinator
Occupational therapy assistant
Healthcare administrator
Physician assistant (with additional grad school)

How much can I earn with a health science degree?

Salaries in health science fields vary widely based on role and education. For example:

Health educators earn around $60,000 annually.
Physician assistants can earn over $120,000 a year.
Clinical researchers may make $70,000 to $90,000.

Roles that require grad school (like physical therapist, physician assistant, or occupational therapist) usually come with higher salaries but also require more schooling.

Is this a good major for pre-med or pre-health?

Many health science programs offer a pre-professional track. These are designed for students planning to apply to:

Medical school
Dental school
Pharmacy programs
Physical or occupational therapy schools
Physician assistant programs

These tracks include all the required coursework you’ll need for admissions tests and applications.

Notable schools for health science majors

Some well-known schools with strong health science programs include:

Still searching for the right school? Try the Scout College Search to search by major, cost, location, and more.

Is health science the right major for me?

If you’re excited about the intersection of science, people, and health systems, and want options after graduation—this is a great place to start. And don’t forget, there are tons of ways to help pay for your degree.

Explore scholarships for health science majors, and more scholarships by major. Use Scholly Scholarships to search and filter more scholarship opportunities. And be sure to enter our easy $2,000 No Essay Scholarship