Bachelor of Health Sciences

Your Pathway to a Versatile and Rewarding Healthcare Career

Earn your bachelor’s degree in just 20 months with our flexible BHS program, designed to build a strong foundation for both clinical and non-clinical roles.

Locations

Oakland

Duration

20 Months (5 Trimesters)

Format

Hybrid

Upcoming Deadline

Rolling Admission, Summer and Fall 2025

Why Select SMU’s BHS Program?

Discover your perfect career path with our BHS degree. Whether you’re aiming to enter the workforce with a bachelor’s degree, dreaming  of advancing as a top-tier clinician, or aspiring to lead in healthcare management, our program equips you with the tools to succeed.

Path 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Earn your bachelor’s degree in just 20 months (five trimesters) and start building an impactful career in areas like:

Health Education
Community Health
Healthcare Technology
Pharmaceuticals
Healthcare Administration

Path 2: Advance to a  Clinical Pathway

SMU graduates can pursue advanced degrees in fields such as:

Family Nurse Practitioner
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Physician Assistant
Podiatric Medicine
Social Work

Path 3: Advance to a  Leadership Pathway

Certain BHS courses count toward SMU’s Master of Health Administration (MHA) program, allowing you to:

Earn your BHS and MHA in less than three years.
Choose from a 1-year full-time option or a 2-year part-time option for your MHA.
Save time and money while gaining the advanced credentials you need for leadership roles in healthcare.

Plus, alumni are eligible for a 20% discount for the MHA program.

Quick Facts

Format
Hybrid

Locations
Oakland

Duration
20 Months (5 Trimesters)

Upcoming Deadlines
Rolling Admission, Summer and Fall 2025

Accreditations
WSCUC

Prerequisites Snapshot

To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following criteria:

A minimum of 60 semester/90 quarter units of transferable coursework.
A minimum recommended GPA of 2.5 in all prerequisite coursework.
A personal statement explaining a desire to attend SMU and how it relates to career and life goals.

Need More Information?

Schedule your one-on-one session to learn about the Bachelor of Health Sciences program. Get answers to your questions and explore the curriculum, career opportunities, and more.

Our Campuses

Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at three campuses in Northern California and online.

Our Campuses

Samuel Merritt University offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and nursing certificate programs at three campuses in Northern California and online.