Why study applied health science at BGSU in Ohio?
- Strong record of graduate success. BGSU applied health science degree graduates maintain high acceptance rates to competitive professional programs, including pharmacy schools, physician assistant’s programs, physical therapy programs and medical schools.
- Fast track to become a pharmacist. Pre-pharmacy students benefit from our partnership with the University of Findlay. We offer an early assurance bachelor’s-to-Pharm.D. degree – so you can earn your Doctor of Pharmacy in just six years instead of eight.
- Curriculum designed for success. Our applied health science degree curriculum is responsive and future-focused. It undergoes regular updates to meet evolving expectations for graduate programs, healthcare delivery and pharmacy practice. Every course serves a distinct purpose – building the scientific foundation, healthcare knowledge and practical experience that top professional schools seek from top candidates.
- Supportive learning community. Join a cohort of like-minded students with similar goals. Our students form lasting professional connections and friendships. Applied health science majors are encouraged to join the Natural and Health Science Residential Community and get involved with student organizations such as the Delta Delta Sigma Pre-Dentistry Association.
- Expert faculty mentors. Learn from professors who bring real-world healthcare experience into the classroom and maintain active connections with professional schools and healthcare institutions.
- Modern facilities and resources. Gain experience in our research laboratories with essential techniques and technologies and the same tools you’ll use in professional settings. You’ll also have access to extensive health science databases, medical and pharmaceutical journals, drug information resources and specialized reference materials to support research and scholarly development.
- Active industry partnerships. We have a robust alumni network and established relationships with regional industry leaders. Our students have solid connections to arrange advantageous internships, job shadowing, mentoring and eventual employment opportunities.
Tens of millions of new healthcare employees will be needed in the next decade – more than in any other industry – and many of those will be in allied health sciences.
– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Career - what can you do with an applied health science degree?
Most applied health science graduates go on to pursue further study in areas such as:
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Public health
- Health administration
- Physician’s assistant studies
Even when other industries face uncertainty, opportunities in healthcare continue to grow. An applied health science degree positions you to capitalize on this growth and offers the strong potential for:
- Job stability
- Competitive salary
- Geographic mobility
- Career advancement
- Personal job satisfaction
Applied health sciences is not intended as a terminal degree. But graduates with a bachelor’s degree in health science may be qualified for some positions in health education, pharmaceutical sales and health information services.
A bachelor’s degree in applied health science – no matter which direction you take – is the start of a professional path where your skills will always be needed.
Career paths
- Pharmacist
- Nurse practitioner
- Physician assistant
- Dentist
- Clinical research coordinator
- Cardiovascular invasive specialist
- Ultrasound technician
- Public health educator
- Healthcare administrator
- Occupational therapist
- Physical therapist
Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
The median salary for pharmacists is more than double the national average for all occupations.
– Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
The BGSU applied health science degree curriculum meets rigorous academic standards for students eyeing a range of post-baccalaureate healthcare programs.
Whether you’re pursuing pre-pharmacy or the applied health sciences specialization, the common denominator is a strong background in natural and social sciences emphasizing the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. From there, coursework is aimed at expanding understanding of healthcare research and processes to improve the quality of patient care and health outcomes.
Graduates in both the health science and pre-pharmacy specializations will:
- Master fundamental principles of natural science, social science and mathematics, read the scientific literature and critically evaluate research findings.
- Use reference materials, empirical methods and statistical and computing skills to solve occupational problems, detect/resolve problems and errors, and develop/test/validate new models.
- Abide lab safety rules, policies and regulations, recognizing any unsafe conditions and correcting them.
- Instruct others in occupational and/or health and wellness practices and procedures.
- Make decisions based on ethical principles.
Internships
The Department of Public and Allied Health at BGSU helps you chart your path early by offering the credentials top graduate programs expect to see on your resume and application:
- Internships
- Clinical shadowing
- Community service
- Leadership in career-driven student organizations
The Office of Pre-Professional Programs offers further support and ensures students meet requirements, build valuable connections and are poised for success in competitive professional programs.
Sample courses
- Research Methods Public/Allied Health
- Diversity in the Experience of Aging
- Policies in Healthcare
- Introduction to Public Health
- Introduction to Human Disease
- Introduction to Addictions and Substance Abuse
- Health and Aging
- Issues in Healthcare Administration
- Case Studies in Healthcare Admin
- Allied Health Educator
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The applied health science program is part of the Department of Public and Allied Health in the BGSU College of Health and Human Services.
Updated: 05/29/2025 02:02PM