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.
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.
CAREERS IN HEALTH SCIENCES
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
In this spotlight, John reflects on seeing public health beyond his own specialty, the connections that hold Alaska’s public health community together, and how others may recognize leadership in us before we recognize it in ourselves.
A team led by University of Alaska Anchorage researcher Philippe Amstislavski is exploring how mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be grown into biodegradable materials that hold similar properties to Styrofoam.
Micah Hahn, M.P.H., Ph.D., associate professor of environmental health in UAA’s Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, is the principal investigator and a co-author on a scientific paper published last month in the journal Environmental Research: Health.
In May 2026, the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS) proudly co-sponsored the Pathways to Recovery Conference hosted by the State of Alaska’s Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention (OSMAP).