Are mushrooms the future of insulation?
Philippe Amstislavski, a scientist with a passion for sustainable innovation, is pioneering the use of mycelium insulation to help Alaska’s remote communities combat extreme cold and climate change.
UAA Alert! Anchorage Campus Inclement Weather Notice for Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025.
Due to unsafe road conditions for Anchorage and surrounding areas, UAA’s Anchorage campus will be on a delayed start today, Thursday, Dec. 4. Campus will open at 10 a.m. to allow for safer travel.
Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Program
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Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Program
Launch your health career with the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. This multidisciplinary program sets you up for a successful career in health education and health promotion, public and community health, disease prevention, rehabilitation, or health care delivery.
bachelor of health science in health sciences (BSHS)
Build a career that makes a difference in your community and beyond.
Are you passionate about health, helping others, and making real change? The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) at UAA is your gateway to a rewarding career in the growing field of health promotion. Whether you're preparing for a clinical graduate program, transitioning from an associates allied health degree, or aiming for a career in public health, this flexible and practical degree is designed for you.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) at UAA builds a strong foundation in population health, disease prevention, health promotion, and health systems. You’ll gain real-world skills that are in demand in clinical, community, nonprofit, and government settings.
Choose from two tracks based on your career goals:
- Pre-Clinical Track - Planning to apply to clinical graduate programs like physician assistant studies, pharmacy, physical therapy, or medical school? This track combines core public health coursework with the prerequisites needed for advanced clinical training.
- Health Educator Track -Want to improve community health through education and advocacy? This track prepares you to design and deliver health programs, implement campaigns, and influence policy. A senior practicum gives you hands-on experience in the field. It's also an excellent option for students planning to pursue clinical graduate programs in occupational therapy or speech-language pathology or a graduate degree in public health.
NEW Fast-Track Degree Pathway for Allied Health Graduates - Already have an associate degree in an allied health field like radiologic technology, dental hygiene, or medical assisting? Our fast-track degree completion pathway lets you apply your previous education toward a bachelor’s degree—helping you meet clinical graduate program requirements and advance your career faster.
Complete the interest form to learn more and connect with a STEP mentor. Ready to apply? Fill out the online application form.
Accelerated MPH in Public Health Practice Option - Interested in public health leadership? BSHS students can apply for the Accelerated Master of Public Health (MPH) in Public Health Practice during their junior year. This option allows qualified students to take graduate-level MPH courses while finishing their bachelor’s degree, saving time and tuition. Talk with a BSHS or MPH academic advisor early to plan ahead. Applicants must meet UAA’s graduate admission and MPH program requirements.
WHY CHOOSE health sciences AT UAA?
After graduation, students in the health education track are eligible to sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist national exam.
Health care employment in Alaska is expected to grow as much as 21% by 2026, according to Economic Trends.
Learn from highly-skilled faculty. Their specialties include public health education, gerontology, maternal and child wellness, disability studies, adolescent health, and more.
Participate in service-learning projects while earning course credit. Many of UAA’s health science classes incorporate activities that facilitate engagement with community partners.
Real Careers, Real Impact
Our graduates are making a difference across Alaska and beyond in roles such as:
- Community health educators
- Physician assistants
- Public health specialists
- Speech-language pathologists
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Wellness and prevention coordinators
- Health promotion specialists
- Health policy and advocacy professionals
Graduates are employed at organizations like:
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium
- Southcentral Foundation
- State of Alaska Department of Health
- Municipality of Anchorage
- Providence Hospital
- Nonprofits and community health centers across the state
NEWS & Stories
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Graduate student spotlight: Keely Livingston
From campus food pantries to statewide health initiatives, Keely Livingston is turning passion into purpose. Keely’s journey into public health began with hands-on work in food security during her undergrad years at Montana State and led her to enroll in UAA's Master of Public Health Program.
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Fungi and spruce may help solve Alaska’s plastic pollution problem
DPHS Public Health Professor Philippe Amstislavski leads research using spruce and fungi to create biodegradable alternatives to plastic, addressing Alaska’s pollution challenges.
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Wildfire smoke and health
Associate Professor Micah Hahn joins the host to discuss the health effects and epidemiology of wildfire smoke, its impact on communities and ways to protect public health.
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Student Spotlight: Ky Martin- Combining public health passion with real-world experience
DPHS student Ky R. Martin is passionate about empowering the community through HIV prevention, education and inclusive public health outreach.
Message from the PROGRAM CHAIR
On behalf of the other health sciences faculty, I want to express how excited we all are in your interest in health sciences. We teach because we are passionate about education, public health, and growing the Alaska health workforce. You will see this enthusiasm translates to the classroom. We encourage you to take one of our introductory courses to find out if the degree is right for you. If you do choose to major in a different field, our health sciences program still offers a minor in public health and a variety of thought-provoking courses (with easy to satisfy prerequisites) that might be helpful to your chosen degree or that you may just want to take because you are interested in the topic. Whatever your interest in health sciences, we are here and happy to help.
-Kristin Stoepler, MSEd, CHES
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Contact Us
Phone: (907) 786-6545
Email: dphs@alaska.edu
Location
UAA Div. of Population Health Sciences
UAA Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Dr., Suite 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
Mailing Address
UAA Div. of Population Health Sciences
3211 Providence Dr., PSB 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
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