A health studies degree is a versatile academic pathway for students who want to deepen their understanding of health, wellness and the U.S. healthcare system — without pursuing preparation in a specific health profession such as public health, nursing or health education. Because it blends science, research, policy and patient-centered concepts, graduates gain the knowledge and skills to be informed consumers of health information and to critically assess personal health behavior, health status and associated health risks.
The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Studies program from William Paterson University (WP) offers working adults an accessible route to building that foundational health knowledge through a flexible, fully online format. Read on to explore who this degree is designed for, what skills it develops and the long-term benefits of this dynamic program.
Who Is the Health Studies Degree For?
The BS in Health Studies is a general program — it is ideal for students who want to learn more about health and wellness but who do not wish to pursue preparation in a specific health profession. This distinguishes it from degrees like a Bachelor of Science in Public Health or a Master of Public Health (MPH), which are specifically designed to prepare graduates for defined careers in public health, health education or clinical fields.
Health studies is instead designed for students who want a strong grounding in how the healthcare system works, how to evaluate health information and how to understand and manage their own health and associated risks. That breadth makes it a meaningful fit for a wide range of learners: working adults in allied health or administrative settings who want to deepen their health knowledge, individuals navigating complex personal or family health situations, and students who plan to pursue graduate study in a health-related field and want a solid academic foundation before doing so.
Because the degree is not tied to a single profession, it also appeals to career changers and students who are still exploring their interests within the broader health and wellness space. The flexible nature of the curriculum allows students to develop a well-rounded perspective on health that spans individual behavior, community contexts and systemic factors — without locking them into a narrow vocational track.
What Does a Health Studies Curriculum Cover?
WP’s online BS in Health Studies builds foundational health knowledge through coursework that spans the physical, social, emotional and intellectual dimensions of health. Core courses cover topics including human biology, nutrition, human disease, substance abuse from a biopsychosocial perspective, concepts and issues with aging, human sexuality and healthcare delivery in the U.S. Students also complete coursework in health informatics and counseling skills for health professionals, developing the practical tools needed to evaluate health information, navigate healthcare systems and apply that knowledge across a range of personal and professional contexts.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with healthcare-related degrees are employed across healthcare practitioner roles, management, education, and business and financial operations — reflecting how broadly health knowledge applies across industries and settings. For health studies graduates, this context underscores the value of building general health competencies that translate across many different roles and environments.
The curriculum also examines the relationship between culture and health behavior through a dedicated course in cultural dimensions of health, helping students develop the cultural sensitivity and competence relevant to understanding health across different populations. Students may also elect to take a course in health disparities, which reviews the social, political, cultural and ethical factors that shape unequal health outcomes in the United States. Woven throughout the program is an emphasis on health informatics and the ability to critically evaluate health information — a skill that is increasingly essential given that, as Science Insights notes, health research directly shapes the treatments and guidelines people rely on, making the ability to assess that research a meaningful life skill.
For students who plan to pursue advanced studies in a clinical health science profession, the BS in Health Studies can serve as a preparatory step. According to WP, the program is designed in part for those who wish to earn a health-related bachelor’s degree before pursuing further study in a clinical field.
How Does WP’s Online Format Support Health Studies Students?
Because the program is fully online, working adults can build their health knowledge without interrupting employment or personal responsibilities. WP’s curriculum supports flexible scheduling and is designed around real-world health challenges, so the material connects to situations students are already navigating — whether in their careers, their communities or their personal lives.
For allied health professionals who work in clinical or administrative settings, the degree offers an opportunity to formalize and deepen health knowledge that may have been gained through experience but not yet through academic study. For students coming from outside healthcare entirely, the online BS in Health Studies provides an accessible entry point into a field that touches nearly every aspect of modern life.
WP’s program is also designed with long-term flexibility in mind. Students who complete the degree may choose to enter or advance in roles where general health knowledge is an asset, or they may use the credential as a stepping stone toward graduate study in a more specialized area. Either way, the program is built to meet students where they are and support them in moving forward.
Take the Next Step
The BS in Health Studies from WP offers a practical, high-value pathway for students who want a strong grounding in health and wellness — on their own terms, without committing to a specific health profession. With flexible online coursework and a curriculum built around understanding the healthcare system, evaluating health information and thinking critically about personal health behavior, this degree is designed for students who are ready to invest in their health knowledge.
Learn more about WP’s online BS in Health Studies program.
