Program Overview

Community Development: Health Sciences Program

The Community Development: Health Sciences program is designed to prepare students for careers in community-focused roles in government, non-profits, and private companies, with a focus on health science. This program will help students become strong leaders in community organizations, such as health departments, clinics, and non-profits.

Program Overview

The program offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree with a concentration in Health Sciences. The program is available in both on-campus and online formats, allowing students to choose the format that best suits their needs.

Program Details

• Degree Type: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
• Format: On Campus, Online
• Credit Hours: 120 Credit Hours
• Start Dates:
  • Spring 2026: January 12
  • Fall 2026: August 21

Why Study Community Development and Health Science?

The program is designed to help students dedicate their career to improving the health of their neighbors. Students will learn how communities work through courses in sociology, social work, and public policy, and then specialize in one of three concentrations:

• Public Administration: Focuses on government, human resources, economics, and policy-making.
• Community Services: Focuses on helping individuals and families, the core of every community.
• Health Sciences: Helps people live healthier lives through community programming.

Health Science Concentration

A health science focus will prepare students to educate communities on healthy living and support legislative efforts to improve public well-being. Students will study health issues affecting communities with courses in:

• Anatomy
• Alcohol health education
• Drug abuse
• Stress reduction
• Nutrition
• More

Program Highlights

• Flexible learning formats: Take classes online or on campus.
• Easy transfer process: Transfer credits from a previous college or university to save time and money.
• Accredited programs: Earn a degree from a regionally-accredited program by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Credit for prior learning: Earn academic credit for what you already know with prior learning credit or certification-to-credit pathways.
• Path to an accelerated Master's Program: Apply up to 12 credits from this bachelor's degree toward a Master's in Science Administration.

Careers in Health Service

The Community Development degree will prepare students for community-focused roles in government, non-profits, and private companies. With a focus in health science, students will be uniquely qualified for roles at hospitals, health services, and more. Some potential careers and their projected salaries include:

• Community Health Worker: $51,030
• Health Care Administrator: $117,960
• Public Service Administrator: $78,240

Nationally Recognized

The 2025 U.S. News & World Report named Central Michigan University as among the Best Online Bachelor's Programs in the nation. This distinction recognizes the university's commitment to distance learning through student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technology.