Health science is a broad and rapidly growing field that encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including community wellness, exercise physiology, audiology and clinical nutrition. It offers many opportunities for students interested in improving lives through health care, especially when undergraduate and graduate pathways are thoughtfully connected.
“Students who pursue health science degrees or follow a pre-health pathway are afforded opportunities to prepare for graduate education through participation in on-campus clinics, pre-health advising and job shadowing,” said Kelly Lootz, Pacific’s director of graduate enrollment. “These opportunities open the door for students to explore graduate and professional education options early, giving them time to ensure they apply to the right program and fit the prerequisite requirements into their undergraduate studies.”
Some universities offer structured pre-health pathways to guide students through their undergraduate degrees and into graduate-level training in fields such as physical therapy, dentistry, pharmacy or other health sciences. Students can even accelerate their programs of study, allowing them to graduate early and begin professional school sooner.
“The biggest mistake I see students make is not working with the on-campus pre-health adviser or academic counselor,” Lootz said. “These professionals will work to ensure you meet the prerequisite requirements for your chosen graduate or professional program. By meeting with them early in your undergraduate career, you can plan your program of study to fit in the prerequisites needed for your intended program.”
Undergraduate degrees
Undergraduate health science programs tailored to specific areas of interest in health, wellness and medicine include:
Health and exercise sciences: This program combines biology, physiology and kinesiology to prepare students for careers in physical therapy, athletic training and medical school.
Human performance: Focused on optimizing movement and health, this major explores exercise science, performance coaching and rehabilitation science.
Public health and community wellness: Students learn how to design and promote health programs for diverse communities, providing ideal preparation for work in public health, nonprofits and social services.
Speech-language pathology: This bachelor’s degree is the foundation for becoming a speech-language pathologist. Students are introduced to communication sciences and disorders.
Entry-level jobs for a bachelor’s degree in health science
Health science majors who enter the workforce directly after their undergraduate degree can find meaningful work in clinical, community and business settings. Typical entry-level roles include:
- Occupational therapy assistant: Assist patients in developing or recovering the skills necessary for daily living and working under the supervision of an occupational therapist.
- Medical lab technician: Perform laboratory tests and procedures that assist physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases.
- Audiology technician: Support audiologists by conducting basic hearing tests and maintaining equipment.
- Medical assistant: Perform administrative and basic clinical tasks in hospitals, clinics, or physicians’ offices.
- Community health specialist: Educate communities about healthy behaviors and connect people to local health resources.
- Health care social worker: Assist patients in understanding diagnoses, navigating care systems, and accessing support services.
- Health science writer: Create content on health topics for websites, medical publications or public health campaigns.
- Pharmaceutical sales representative: Educate health care professionals about new medications and medical products.
- Patient care advocate: Support patients by helping them understand treatment options, coordinate care and navigate insurance issues.
Job outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in health care occupations will grow 13% from 2021 to 2031, significantly faster than the average for all occupations, resulting in approximately 2 million new jobs. This growth is driven by an aging population and increased demand for health care services.
TIP: The last thing you want to do is arrive at your graduate program and discover that this isn’t your career goal. “During your undergraduate degree, shadow or volunteer at several health facilities,” said Lootz. “Some campuses make this even easier with on-campus clinical sites where health students work or volunteer their time. This will give you real-world experience and expose you to various career options and clinical sites so you can make the best choice for your future career.”
Master’s degrees in health science
Many students pursue a master’s degree to specialize or meet licensure requirements in their desired field. Popular graduate programs include:
- Master of Science in Athletic Training
- Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition
- Master of Science in Emergency Management
- Master of Science in Nutrition Science
- Master of Science in Nursing
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies
- Master of Social Work
- Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Doctoral degrees
Some health science students pursue doctoral-level training, especially in clinical fields or research-intensive areas:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Doctor of Audiology (AuD)
- Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
- Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
Why study health science at Pacific?
At University of the Pacific, students in health science majors benefit from hands-on learning, dedicated pre-health advising, and early exposure to clinical and professional environments.
Pacific combines small classes, experienced faculty and industry partnerships with extensive hands-on learning. Students in Pacific’s health science programs are guided by faculty who care about their success and connect them with real-world opportunities.
Students benefit from:
- Experiential learning in on-campus clinics and research labs
- Clear pathways from undergraduate to graduate education
- Specialized scholarships for students who commit to working in the region after graduation (available in fields such as social work and clinical nutrition)
Pacific’s undergraduate graduates have been admitted to top graduate and professional programs in these fields, including PharmD, DDS and physician assistant studies.
Learn more about Pacific’s pre-health options.