The Bachelor of Arts degrees normally have a stronger emphasis on the liberal arts compared to Bachelor of Science degrees, which typically have a heavier math and science requirement. Graduates from health science programs work for hospitals, corporations, non-profits and government agencies. Depending on the emphasis and coursework, a health science graduate can work in health care management, education, or continue on to graduate and professional programs to become physical or occupational therapists, speech therapists or physician's assistants.
A Bachelor of Arts degree is also an option for allied health professionals who hold certifications or associates degrees in fields such as radiology, phlebotomy or ultrasound. The flexibility of the health science degree makes it a good complement to professional experience and certification.
A Bachelor of Arts degree in health science may include classes in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics or physiology, as well as major coursework in areas such as public health, kinesiology or nutrition, depending on the emphasis or concentration of the program. Graduate programs, such as physical and occupational therapy, have entrance requirements that you may satisfy through an undergraduate degree. To find out if a Bachelor of Arts in health science will meet those requirements, talk to both the graduate school you are interested in attending and your undergraduate institution to ensure your coursework is acceptable at meets the prerequisites of your program.
Many degree plans give students the option to choose elective courses that meet the requirements of the graduate or professional programs health science students may apply to after graduating from their undergraduate degree program. Programs and degree plans designed for health care management preparation may include business and management coursework and the science courses required by some graduate professional programs.