Applied Health Science, BS

The field of healthcare is continually evolving. Preventing disease is becoming as important as treatment. Applied health science focuses on prevention. It involves promoting wellness in families, organizations, and society at large through research, health education, policy making, and therapeutic intervention.

The IU Online Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science is an interdisciplinary program for students who have at least 30 credit hours of coursework that can be applied toward a university degree. The degree prepares you for careers or graduate studies in health-related fields.

It offers two tracks: Community Health Education and Health Administration.

Your BS in Applied Health Science prepares you for a high-growth job market in areas related to disease prevention, quality of life, health planning, and therapeutic intervention. Graduates may work in a variety of public health, wellness education, and health organization fields, including:

• Wellness coordinator
• Environmental science and protection technician
• Health specialty teacher
• Occupational health and safety technician
• Community health worker
• Health educator
• Hospital administration (entry-level)
• Nonprofit health agency positions

This 100 percent online, consortia program is taught by IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast. This consortia model allows you to take coursework from several campuses and learn from a wide range of faculty.

Degree Requirements

To graduate with the BSAHS degree, sstudents must complete General Education (varies by campus), 42 credit hour BSAHS core and one 18 credit hour track, either the Community Health Educator or Health Administration, as well as electives to reach 120 credit hours total. Students should choose electives that best support the BSAHS track they are pursuing, and in consultation with their academic advisor. Students must attain a cumulative 2.0 GPA for all courses counting towards the degree and a 2.0 for all AHSC courses. 

1. General education courses (30-42 credit hours)
2. Applied health science core courses (42 credit hours)

Core Courses: (42 cr.)

• AHSC-H 302 Healthcare Delivery Systems (3 cr.)
• AHSC H 303 Leadership and Management in Healthcare (3 cr.)
• AHSC-H 310 Health Policy, Ethics, and Legal Issues (6 cr.)
• AHSC-H 320 Consumer Health (3 cr.)
• AHSC-H 330 Intercultural Health Communication (6 cr.)
• AHSC-H 340 Research in Health Sciences (3 cr.)
• AHSC-H 350 Economics of Health Care (3 cr.)
• AHSC-H 360 Epidemiology/Biostatistics and Population Health (6 cr.)
• AHSC-H 370 Informatics (3 cr.)
• AHSC-H 480 Grant Writing & Internship (6 cr.)

You take applied health science courses that teach you how to:

• Utilize problem-solving, critical-thinking, and decision-making skills in a variety of healthcare settings and situations.
• Utilize effective leadership and management strategies in common healthcare delivery systems and environments.
• Apply evidence-based healthcare practices for optimum health outcomes.
• Demonstrate accountability within the legal and ethical parameters of the healthcare system.
• Integrate communication skills into professional
• Utilize information technology in the delivery of
• Explore the historical and contemporary social determinants of health that shape health status, health behavior, and health inequalities.

3. Applied health science tracks (one required) 18 cr. hours

• AHSC-C 415 Community Health Assessment, Education, and Promotion (6 cr.) 
• AHSC-C 425 Program Assessment, Planning, Evaluation I (6 cr.) 
• AHSC-C 430 Environmental Health (3 cr.) 
• AHSC-C 435 Program Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation II (3 cr.) 

Track 2: Health Administration Coursework will provide instruction in health care organization, planning, budgeting and finance. 

• AHSC-A 420  Health Care Budgeting and Finance (6 cr.) 
• AHSC-A 430  Health Care Organization Supervision and Resource Management (6 cr.) 
• AHSC-A 440  Health Care Administration and Strategic Planning (6 cr.) 

Student Services

IU Online provides quick and easy access to tools, tips, and IU resources to help you succeed, including:

• Admissions: Personalized application support for the program that is right for you
• Onboarding: An interactive orientation to online learning and all things IU
• Student Financial Services: Tailored resources for financial aid and money management
• Success Coaching: One-on-one support to reach your academic and personal goals
• Math and Writing Support: Direct access to IU- trained math mentors and writing consultants
• Career Services: Interactive tools and coaching to accelerate your career
• Libraries and Research: Online access to IU library resources and research librarians
• Technology: A full suite of software, collaboration tools, cloud storage, and training
• 24/7 Contact Center: Real-time chat, email, and phone support direct from IU

Admissions Application Deadline

Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states.

To apply to this program:

1. Complete application for admission.
2. Submit official transcripts.
3. International applicants may be asked for additional
4. This program is offered by IU East, IU Kokomo, IU Northwest, IU South Bend, and IU Southeast. After applying, you will be assigned a home campus. You will submit application documents to the Office of Admissions of that campus.