Bachelor of Science in Health Science
Lawrence Township, USA
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 61,215 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for international applicants studying in country | international applicants studying out of country: 15 june 2025
** for living on campus | living at home: 43,515 USD per year
Key Summary
Rider’s health sciences major provides a foundation in the life sciences and other coursework, preparing you to join the workforce or to attend professional or graduate schools in health-related fields.
- #1 leading employment sector in the U.S.
- 1.9M mprojected industry job growth by 2028
- $66,440 median annual wage for health care practitioners
Program Overview
The Health Sciences major educates the next generation of health professionals by providing students with a foundation in the life sciences and other coursework, preparing them to join the workforce or to attend professional or graduate schools in health-related fields. Rider achieves this through small class and laboratory sizes allowing direct, hands-on instruction, and faculty accessibility. Students also have opportunities to do research with faculty via work study or independent study.
Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who provides academic advice and career guidance tailored to the student's needs. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in its curriculum while allowing flexibility for subsequent studies in allied health programs such as physical therapy, athletic training, occupational therapy, nursing, radiological science, optometry, podiatry, epidemiology and public health. It prepares students for graduate studies leading to advanced degrees in the life sciences; and for entry-level positions in hospitals, health insurance, pharmaceutical sales, community health agencies and other related areas.
Graduates of the health sciences program have pursued their professional or graduate studies at prestigious institutions such as Rutgers University, Moravian University, Emory University, University of Utah, NY College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Widener University, among others.
Your pathway to a rewarding career
Rider health science students learn by doing. They take part in the intensive internship opportunities offered through our program with the Capital Health System and fellow partnering health care professionals, benefit from field trips to area medical schools, and enjoy related opportunities for applied learning.
Rider’s financial aid office works with families to ensure an undergraduate education is affordable at every income level. Scholarship and aid award offers are customized to fit your unique financial circumstances.
To get a full picture of the scholarships, grants, and other aid that you may be eligible to receive, apply to Rider and transmit your FAFSA using federal school code 002628. Merit-based scholarships and aid are automatically awarded when you apply, and once we receive your FAFSA, the Office of Financial Aid can help identify additional resources to fund your education.
Scholarships and Awards
The scholarships below are competitive and are typically awarded based on a comprehensive review of the student's academic record, including cumulative high school GPA, rigor of academic course selection, test scores, and auditions (if applicable), and other supporting credentials.
| Scholarships Awards | Award Range | Maximum value over 4 years |
| Merit-based scholarships | $14,000 - $27,000 annually | Variable based on financial aid offer. Students who meet the criteria and qualifications for a scholarship automatically receive the award upon admission to Rider. No additional scholarship application is required. |
To be considered for a merit-based academic scholarship, you must:
- Apply to Rider: Submit your completed application for admission, including official transcripts, standardized test scores (unless applying test-optional), essay, and one letter of recommendation by January 15. (Note: the final deadline is November 15th for all Musical Theatre and Acting applicants.)
- Rider offers Test-optional Admission, which means SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission and most scholarships at Rider. Test-optional applicants will be given full consideration for most merit-based scholarships.
- Are you a high achiever? Students with a 4.0 GPA and 1300+ SAT/28+ ACT score may be eligible to receive the maximum merit-based scholarship offer of $27,000. You must submit your SAT/ACTs to Rider in order to qualify for this award level.
- Complete an audition, if required (audition results are a factor in scholarship awards).
- Be regularly admissible to the University as a full-time student.
- Have a minimum cumulative academic 2.7 GPA (unweighted) on a 4.0 scale.
For New Jersey residents, the Rider Tuition Guarantee:
Rider guarantees free tuition for qualified in-state students! If you're a New Jersey resident with a GPA of 3.5 or above based on a 4.0 grading scale, an adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less, and are receiving both full TAG and Pell grants, you may be eligible to attend Rider University tuition-free when you apply as an undergraduate student for the fall 2025 or spring 2026 start terms. Terms and conditions apply.
Visit our website to learn more about the scholarships and aid opportunities.
The curriculum for Health Sciences majors is structured to prepare students for a life of learning in the sciences. Students are expected to master content, develop technical skills, analytical skills, and competency in oral and written communication. Foundational courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and psychology prepare students for the rigor of upper-level science and math courses, complemented by a broad base of health-related coursework in other disciplines. Capstone experiences allow students to explore one area of the life sciences in depth through internships and seminars, as well as opportunities to engage in independent research with Rider’s science faculty. Students also have the opportunity to take part in a three-week internship course through the Capital Health System Hospitals.
Academic Plan of Study
The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Rider students who do not declare a major during their freshman year, who are in a Continuing Education Program; who change their major; or who transfer to Rider may follow a different plan to ensure a timely graduation. Each student, with guidance from their academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.
Year 1
Fall Semester
- BIO 115 Principles of Biology I & 115L Principles of Biology I Lab
- MTH 105 Algebra and Trigonometry 1
- PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology
- CMP 120 Seminar in Writing and Rhetoric
Spring Semester
- HSC 105 Introduction to Health Professions
- BIO 116 Principles of Biology II & 116L Principles of Biology II Lab
- CMP 125 Seminar in Writing and Research
- HSC Category 3 Elective #1 of 3
- Social Perspectives
Year 2
Fall Semester
- BIO 221 Human Anatomy & Physiology I & 221L Human Anatomy & Physiology I Lab 2
- CHE 120 Principles of Chemistry & 120
or CHE 110 Survey of General Chemistry & CHE 110L Survey of General Chemistry Lab - Foreign Language
- Social Perspectives
Spring Semester
- BIO 222 Human Anatomy & Physiology II & 222L Human Anatomy & Phys II Lab
- CHE 122 Intro to Chemical Systems
or CHE 225 Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry & CHE 225L Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry Lab - Foreign Language
- HSC Category 3 elective #2 of 3
Year 3
Fall Semester
- BNS 250 Biostatistics & 250L Biostatistics Lab
- HSC Category 1 Elective #1 of 2
- HSC Category 2 elective with lab, #1 of 2
- Social Perspectives
- HIS 150 Pre-Modern World: Evolution to Revolution
Spring Semester
- HSC Category 2 elective with lab, #2 of 2
- PSY 345 Health Psychology
- HIS 151 World in the Modern Era: Exploration to Globalization, or Contemporary World: Historical Perspectives, or Cold War: A Global History
- Aesthetic Perspectives: Literature
- HSC Category 3 elective #3 of 3
Year 4
Fall Semester
- HSC 490 Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression
or HSC 491 Internship in Health Sciences - Three Elective Courses 3
- HSC Category 1 Elective #2 of 2
Spring Semester
- Aesthetic Perspectives: Fine Arts
- Four Elective Courses 3
1 For course placement information, contact us
2 Scientific Perspectives general education requirements are included in the major.
3 Elective credits may be used to complete requirements in a second major or minor.
Graduates of the Health Sciences major will be able to:
- Explain foundational concepts in biological sciences.
- Apply scientific methods of inquiry through testing of newly formed hypotheses with observation and experimentation.
- Apply concepts from other disciplines in the analysis and interpretation of biological information.
- Demonstrate the ability to locate, critically analyze, and communicate relevant scientific information.
- Explain the ethical practice of scientific research and its societal applications.
Find your niche in the industry.
Rider’s health sciences program provides the academic foundation needed for clinical and non-clinical roles in hospitals, community agencies, and the insurance and pharmaceutical industries.
Alumni graduate programs
- Drexel University
- Columbia University
- New York Medical College
- Moravian University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Touro College
- Rutgers University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of the Sciences
- University of Utah
Common careers
Careers you could pursue with a degree in health science are listed below. Click on the career titles to watch professionals in the field share their personal career experience and advice.
- Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Research Assistant
- Optometrist
- Nurse
- Health Care Management
- Health Care Administrator
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