Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Completion Degree

Biology I is a four credit course incorporating an at-home laboratory component. This course is designed for individuals with a baccalaureate degree who need Biology as a prerequisite to apply for admission to various health professions’ programs, such as, but not limited to, graduate programs in dietetics, nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, nurse anesthesia, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dental medicine and medicine. The emphasis of the course is on providing a conceptual framework for understanding the basics of modern biology so that the student will be well equipped to apply this knowledge in his or her further studies.

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This course introduces the major theories of normative ethics, with emphasis upon consequentialism, non-consequentialism, and virtue ethics. Further emphasis is given to application of these theories to perennial ethical dilemmas such as abortion, the death penalty, euthanasia, and war. Students will complete weekly discussions, a midterm examination, and final project. Upon completion of the course students should be able to navigate the various ethical theories, apply them critically, and articulate a vision of ethics, happiness, and the good life.

This course introduces the students to both descriptive and inferential statistics. Emphasis is placed on the practical use of statistics in the collecting, organizing, analyzing and interpreting of data. Students will learn standard topics such as sampling, bias, organization of data, measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation and regression, probability, normal and standard normal distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing.

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The course is an overview of the key concepts in psychology and research methods used to investigate these and the psychological processes underlying human behavior. Students in Introduction to Psychology will become familiar with psychology’s five core domains: biological, cognitive, developmental, social/personality, and mental/physical health and learn skills that are core to scientific reasoning and problem solving, being a critical consumer of information and empirical research, and understanding psychological processes, and interpreting behavior. The course takes a highly integrated approach and domains and research will be explored through multiple lenses, with special attention being given to ethical considerations, cultural and social diversity, individual variance, and real world applications.

This abnormal psychology course will explore basic concepts and theories related to abnormal psychology and how psychopathology is classified. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the history of abnormal psychology, the negative impact of stigma related to the diagnosis of mental health disorders, strategies for clinical assessment, the biopsychosocial model for explaining mental illness, as well as the classification, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the major disorders. Upon completion, students should be able to distinguish between normal and abnormal behavior patterns as well as demonstrate knowledge of etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders.

This course will explore basic concepts and theories of human development with a focus on the nine major periods of life from prenatal development to death and dying. The nature of interactions between an individual’s biology and their environment will be examined by integrating information from a wide array of research studies. These studies consist of, but are not limited to, ground-breaking historic studies to recent studies of physical, neurological, and cognitive development.

This introduction to sociology course introduces students to the three main sociological perspectives, the sociological imagination, social construction, and how to think like a sociologist. Topics such as deviance, social control, culture, stratification, socialization, social movements, and other social issues that society faces are explored and discussed. This course will require students to think critically about human actions and interactions. Students will gain an understanding on how people’s lives are shaped by society.

This public speaking course will examine the core principles and contexts of communication, specifically in oral presentations. You will learn to recognize the interrelationships among speaker, listener, context, organization, language, and delivery. The course will include information on proper techniques for research, writing, and delivering oral presentations, as well as the preparation of audio visuals to enhance semester presentations. Students will also learn and demonstrate skills in argumentation, listening, and critical thinking.

English Composition I is a three-credit college writing course to prepare students for the fundamental knowledge and skills of college-level expository writing and critical thinking. Areas of focus include idea presentation and organization, audience, point of view, voice and tone, paragraph and essay coherence, precision and word choice, and technology-mediated evaluation of grammar, mechanics, and originality. Students are introduced to strategies for rhetorical writing, writing-as-process and product, and thinking-as-writing. An introduction to argument structure and writing from sources culminates in an academic essay as a comprehensive course assignment.

This is the first of a series of two courses in Anatomy and Physiology. It is designed to provide the foundation for students that intend to pursue a career in healthcare or seek admission into a professional school.

This course is structured to teach the anatomy and physiology of the human body by organ systems and includes a laboratory component that reinforces concepts learned in the theory component of the course, while simultaneously providing opportunities to master skills that are commonly used in healthcare practice. Emphasis is placed on clinical applications, structure and function, integration of body systems, homeostasis, and critical thinking.

Topics covered in this course include an overview of anatomy concepts, levels of organization of the human body (molecules to organismal), histology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, human development, and reproductive system. Delivery method: fully online.

Desirable background: Basic biology and chemistry.

This is the second of a series of two courses in Anatomy and Physiology. It is fast-paced and designed to continue to provide the foundation for students who intend to pursue a career in healthcare or seek admission into a professional school. This course is structured to teach the anatomy and physiology of the human body by organ systems and includes a laboratory component that reinforces concepts learned in the theory component of the course, while simultaneously providing opportunities to master skills that are commonly used in healthcare practice. Emphasis is placed on clinical applications, structure, and function, integration of body systems, homeostasis, and critical thinking. Topics covered in this course include the nervous system, cardiovascular system, Immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, fluid, electrolyte and acid balance, metabolism, and nutrition.

Delivery method: fully online. Desirable background: A&P I

Pathophysiology is the study of disordered physiological processes associated with disease.

This course is an introduction to pathophysiology designed especially to meet the needs of students preparing for careers in the health professions – for example, Physician Assistant, Pharmacy, Medicine, Nursing, and Dental Hygiene.

This course focuses on the changes in cellular and systemic physiology that occur in prevalent or important medical conditions. At the cellular level we will cover the responses to tissue injury, abnormal cell growth and the immune system. From there we will investigate the physiological basis of problems associated with most of the major organ systems. In each case we will discuss the effect upon whole body homeostasis. This course will build on prior knowledge of anatomy and physiology as we explore body functions in altered health conditions. The primary teaching methods will be online video lectures with slides, textbook reading, and online assessments, supplemented with multi-media resources including interactive tutorials and animations.

Online General Chemistry I with Lab is designed to give the student an introduction to general chemistry and chemistry lab techniques. The concepts covered in this course include components of matter, atomic theory, stoichiometry, chemical reactions and bonding, thermochemistry, quantum theory, electron configuration, models of bonding, theories of covalent bonding, shapes of molecules, and gasses. Labs are performed concurrently with lecture topics, with an emphasis on reinforcing topics covered in the textbook and learning basic lab procedures. The hands-on labs will be performed in the home of the student using a designated lab kit. Course Pre Req: One semester of College Algebra.

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This is a science-oriented, introductory course that focuses on basic principles of human nutrition. Emphasis is placed on the nutrient requirements of healthy individuals, nutrient categories and their characteristics, physiological functions, metabolism, and food sources. The role of nutrition in health promotion and disease prevention will be discussed in relation to personal health choices and with applications for students contemplating careers in health professions.

This online course is a 3-credit hour course delivered at a distance and designed to provide the student interested in health care, health care delivery, or graduate study in some aspect of medicine or health care a broad and comprehensive understanding of the unique language of medical terminology.

This course is designed to meet the microbiology prerequisite for students who are applying for admission to health profession programs. Most students taking this course will have an undergraduate degree and will be in the process of a career change. Online Microbiology is a one-semester course. It will emphasize the concepts that are a necessary groundwork for courses the student will take in his/her professional program.

Topics covered in this course include: the history of microbiology, microbial morphology and physiology, bacterial metabolism, genetics, ecology, and the classification of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Therapeutic agents used to disrupt and control microbial growth are considered and a body systems approach is utilized in the coverage of diseases.

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This online course serves as an introduction to the fundamental principles of biochemistry, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. Students will explore the structure, function, and regulation of biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This course will cover topics including metabolic pathways, enzymology, metabolism, and the integration of biochemical processes in cellular functions.

Topics Covered:

1. Structure and functions of proteins and enzymes.
2. Enzymes: kinetics, mechanism, and regulation.
3. Bioenergetics.
4. Metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids.

In this course, learners will be introduced to core concepts that shape our knowledge of the workings of the human body. Cell-cell communication and membrane dynamics will first be studied as central themes that govern coordination in individual cells and tissues, and within and between organ systems. Structure/function correlates will introduce the study of each system and the regulation of each system will be illustrated via lecture presentations, laboratories, discussions, and journal clubs. Students will learn to address problems in physiology, and to apply their knowledge and new understandings to case studies similar to those they may encounter in clinical settings.

This is a one-semester course, with a laboratory, designed for individuals with a baccalaureate degree who need first semester physics as a prerequisite to apply for admission to health professions’ programs. These may include graduate programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, dental medicine, nursing, physical therapy and physician assistant.

ANTH 1011: Cultural Anthropology introduces you to the study of human cultural patterns and learned behavior. You will explore the discipline through weekly topics that include linguistics and religion, social and political organization, race and ethnicity, culture and personality, culture change, and applied anthropology. The study of cultural anthropology helps to provide you with a more open and sensitive attitude toward persons of other cultures and ethnic backgrounds by exploring commonalities of belief and life intention and reflecting on the role of enculturation in shaping the lives of societies and individuals.

Biology II is a four-credit course incorporating an at-home laboratory component. This course is designed for individuals with a baccalaureate degree who need Biology as a prerequisite to apply for admission to various health professions programs, such as, but not limited to, graduate programs in dietetics, nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, nurse anesthesia, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dental medicine and medicine. The emphasis of the course is on providing a conceptual framework for understanding the basics of modern biology, ecology and biodiversity so that the student will be well equipped to apply this knowledge in his or her further studies.

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This course will introduce and explore basic concepts and theories of cell biology with an emphasis on its application in understanding human health. Topics include an introduction to cell theory, the chemical composition of cells, cellular functions and cell signaling, reproduction, and genetics. Each of these topics will be explored through course readings, video lectures, and demonstrations, discussions, and a variety of experiential activities, including a course project. Students will demonstrate their mastery of cell biology concepts through quizzes and a cumulative final exam. Students will also have the opportunity to apply the concepts learned in this course to evaluate a human disease.

This course will introduce and emphasize on the basic concepts of molecular biology and the application of these concepts in the medical field. The knowledge attained in the course will be used to understand human diseases. Topics include knowing about biomolecules like DNA, RNA and proteins, central dogma, DNA replication, DNA repair and regulation of gene expression. Each of these topics will be explored through course readings, video lectures, case studies, journal clubs, discussions forums and digital concept mapping. Students will demonstrate their knowledge of molecular biology concepts through quizzes and a cumulative final exam.

This immunology course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the human immune system. It first introduces students to the structure, functions and capabilities of immune cells, tissues, and organs. Globally, the course informs students of different modes of action and the ability of immune effector populations in combating various types of infections. This course will also emphasize current immunological techniques such as recombinant antibody, flow cytometry, and ELISPOT technology. Further, issues related to vaccine development and therapeutics will also be included in the course. Finally, students will develop disciplinary appreciation through reviews of case studies, research articles, and current perspectives in the field of immunology.

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Online General Chemistry II with Lab is designed to give the student an introduction to general chemistry and chemistry lab techniques. The subjects covered in this course include properties of liquids and solids, solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, organic nomenclature, and nuclear chemistry. Labs are performed concurrently with lecture topics, with an emphasis on reinforcing topics covered in the textbook and learning basic lab procedures. The hands-on labs will be performed in the home of the student using a designated lab kit. Course Pre-req: One semester of College Chemistry and College Algebra.

This is the first semester course of a two semester sequence of organic chemistry. This course is designed to give the student a general understanding of how science contributes to their future profession and will prepare students for entrance exams in the health professions. In addition, this course will lay the groundwork for more advanced understanding of the chemical reactivity topics covered in Online Organic Chemistry II and/or Biochemistry courses required for health-care professions.

Students will be introduced to organic structures (functional groups, nomenclature, stereochemistry, and conformations) and then learn carbonyl reactions (nucleophilic additions to ketones/aldehydes and nucleophilic substitution to acid derivatives). Finally, the course ends with an introduction to spectroscopic analysis. The corresponding laboratory experiments will introduce laboratory techniques covered on most professional entrance exams and will reinforce key classroom concepts in the context of separation and purification techniques and an introduction to spectroscopy.

The course is designed to take lecture and lab concurrently for four credits.

Course Prerequisite: Two semesters of college level general chemistry.

This course is designed to give the student, interested in the health professions, the depth of a second semester of organic chemistry exploring reactivity and synthesis. The goals of this course are to provide students with the logic and foundation to organic chemistry topics that will be needed in his/her professional studies. Students will be introduced to a wide range of organic chemistry reactions. Students will learn to predict reaction outcomes and build an understanding of how molecules are synthesized. The course also incorporates a laboratory experience that places an emphasis on understanding the concept of the labs and the scientific method, since today’s healthcare professionals are expected to have a general understanding of how science and the scientific method contribute to their profession.

The course and labs will introduce the student to important laboratory techniques covered on most professional entrance exams.

Course Prerequisite: One semester of college level organic chemistry with lab.

This course provides a thorough introduction to microeconomic theory. This course begins with an analysis of opportunity costs and trade offs. These concepts are then used as the foundation for studying producer and consumer behavior. Next, consumer and producer behavior theory are combined and used as the building blocks for an analysis of supply, demand, consumer surplus, producer surplus, and elasticity. The course concludes with an overview of the four market structures commonly studied in microeconomics and how they rely on the concepts and theories that have provided the foundation for the course. Recommended prerequisite: College Algebra.

This course introduces students to macroeconomics, the study of the economy as a whole. Students will learn about the key macroeconomic indicators of GDP, unemployment, and inflation, and then apply these concepts to analyze economic behavior. The topics covered in this course include choice and scarcity; supply, demand, and its applications; GDP and economic growth; unemployment and inflation; the aggregate demand-aggregate supply model; Keynesian economics and Neoclassical economics; fiscal policy; money and banking; monetary policy; policy applications; globalization and trade; exchange rates and international finance; and Inequality, Poverty and Discrimination.

Exercise Physiology is a fully online course that provides students with a solid theoretical basis of exercise physiology as it relates to human movement, health, wellness, sport, and performance. We will focus on the practical application of exercise physiology principles including biomechanics, neuromuscular, metabolic, pulmonary, cardiovascular and endocrine responses to exercise and training. Additionally, we will also focus on practical applications of performance enhancement techniques, interaction within a multidisciplinary team, and human adaptive responses to exercise. Utilizing interactive technology, through a series of knowledge assessments, reading assignments, interactive discussions, real-world application analysis, and research projects, students will demonstrate both exercise physiology core-concepts and exercise physiology applications.

You will be asked to perform physical activity at various points during this online course. With the majority of our testing in this course, this will involve physical exertion and you should check with your medical professional before attempting any of these exercises to determine if you are well enough for physical exertion. If there is any concern, reach out to the instructor during the first week for alternate assignments for these activities (in Weeks 8 and 9).

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This course serves as an introductory course for pre-health professions students and non-science majors, covering basic chemical principles of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. This foundational course is a systematic survey of measurements, atomic structure, periodic table trends, chemical bonding and equations, nomenclature, structures of organic compounds, and biochemicals. Altogether, this course will develop the critical thinking skills and self-confidence within the introductory sciences that come with foundational understandings.

This course is designed for health science majors needing to review essential mathematical concepts and skills. Topics include basic arithmetic operations on real numbers, systems of measurements, use of formulas, conversions, dimensional analysis, percents, decimals, fractions, ratio and proportion, linear and exponential equations and graphing, geometry, and basic trigonometry.

This course was designed to provide students with the quantitative skills necessary to model and analyze real-world problems. With just a handful of different algebraic tools and modeling techniques, students will be able to interpret, visualize, and describe a vast array of mathematical relationships that arise in ecology, economics, medicine, and many other fields. This course will emphasize using algebraic principles to strengthen problem-solving skills and enhance communication of quantitative concepts. Topics include polynomial functions, rational functions, absolute value functions, piecewise functions, logarithmic and exponential functions, solving systems of equations and inequalities, and elementary mathematical modeling and applications.

Precalculus was intentionally designed to prepare students for subsequent college level Calculus courses. This course will review a variety of the prerequisite mathematical concepts necessary for Calculus. Topics include rational functions, trigonometric functions, polar coordinates, sequences and series, probability, and a brief introduction to continuity. Each of these topics will be applied to real-world situations that can be modeled mathematically. In this course, students will practice communicating the realistic applications of each of these topics.

It is recommended that students have completed College Algebra, Algebra 2, or Intermediate Algebra within the last five years before enrolling in this course.

This course focuses on single variable calculus through graphical, analytical, and numerical techniques. Differentiation and its applications are thoroughly discussed. Basic integration techniques are introduced. Mathematical manipulation and computational competence is equally weighted with the ability to analyze, evaluate, synthesize and form accurate decisions using relevant information in applied settings.

This course continues the study of calculus. More techniques of integration will be investigated in this course. The concepts of limits, differentiation, and integration will be applied to problems in differential equations, sequences, series, and Taylor series. Parametric equations, polar coordinates, and vectors will also be introduced. (Calculus 1 is a prerequisite for this course).

This algebra-based online course is a four credit-hour course that includes a hands-on physics laboratory. The overall goal of this online course is to provide the student, interested in the health professions, with a continuing introduction to physics that emphasizes additional concepts than those covered in PHYS 1010 that are the foundation of science and which the students may encounter in their professional studies. These topics include thermodynamics, waves and sound, electrostatics, circuits, magnetism, light and optics, and atomic and nuclear phenomena. Course pre-req: one semester of college algebra. PHYS 1010 or equivalent physics course is highly recommended.

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The BSHS Degree Completion program is for students that started an academic program or have prior college credits but have not yet completed their Bachelor’s. It is designed to fit into the busy lives of adult learners and provide the ultimate flexibility in completing coursework and reaching their goals.

This program also accommodates a range of health related career goals. The flexibility in curriculum allows you to develop an individualized course of study to prepare you for the health care or medical program of your choice.

UNE Online offers some of the most affordable tuition rates available. With a rate of $455 per credit, the BSHS program is competitively priced, making it a cost-effective choice compared to many other programs. Additionally, because all of our courses are delivered 100% online, you won’t need to worry about travel or relocation expenses to complete your program. (*Note: Tuition is subject to change and does not include fees, books, or any additional credits that may be required.)

Federal Financial Aid is available for qualified applicants. For those looking to pay out-of-pocket, payment plans are also available. Third party payments can also be accepted. Contact Student Financial Services for more information.

The BSHS program has three start dates per year, but courses follow a structured A/B/Semester schedule.

The UNE Online BSHS courses are 100% online. You are not required to be in your course at a certain time each day.

The time to complete the BSHS program depends on the number of transfer credits (30 – 90 credits). It can take as little as three semesters or up to two years.

The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) course is a 3-credit offering designed to guide students in earning credit for college-level learning gained through life, work, or other non-traditional experiences. Through personalized instruction and advising, students will learn how to develop comprehensive portfolios that document their prior learning in various content areas. Portfolios will be evaluated by faculty experts, with the opportunity to earn up to 18 credits toward degree completion based on demonstrated knowledge and skills aligned with program requirements. This course empowers students to accelerate their academic journey by bridging past experiences with their educational goals.

Each semester is divided into two terms (A & B). Most students take one course per term, while lab courses last the full semester (AB) Students must be enrolled in 6 credits per semester to be considered part-time. Motivated students may take more courses if they choose.

This varies depending on the student and their own familiarity with the material being covered; however, we encourage students to budget approximately 15 hours each week per course to ensure you can complete your class in the required timeline.

Typical activities include lectures, readings, and group discussions. Assignments include creating online discussion posts, videos, and papers. Our online lab courses have lab kits that will ship directly to your home. Additional materials needed for the course can be found on the syllabus for your course. Any books, subscriptions, etc. will be listed on the syllabus.

UNE Online accepts up to 90 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 30 credits required to attend the UNE Online Bachelor of Science Completion program. The number of credits accepted depends on accreditation, course equivalencies, and degree requirements. Fill out our Transfer Credit Evaluation Form for a preliminary credit review.

To earn a degree from UNE Online, you must complete at least 30 credits of the 120 required. 

We accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. Some nationally accredited coursework may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Generally, general education credits do not expire. However, certain courses—especially in technology, healthcare, or sciences—may need to have been completed within the last 5 years.

Our team reviews transcripts, course descriptions and/or syllabi (if needed), and accreditation status of the prior institution(s) to determine equivalency with our courses.

Our process for requesting transfer credit is the following:

• Step 1: Apply 
  • Apply to the UNE Online BSHS program through our application portal
• Step 2: Request Transfer Credit Evaluation
  • Complete the Transfer Credit Request Form  
• Step 3: Submit Documents
  • Upload or send all required documents, including unofficial transcripts for an initial review.
• Step 4: Get Your Evaluation
  • You will receive your credit evaluation results via email within 14 days.
• Step 5: Meet With an Advisor
  • Discuss your transfer credits and degree plan with a UNE Online Representative to ensure a smooth transition.

In most cases, your transcript is enough. However, for courses without a clear equivalent, we may ask for a syllabus or course description.

Yes! If a course is not initially accepted, you may submit additional documentation and request an additional review by our academic team.  Feel free to email onlineadmissions@une.edu for additional questions.

No, only the credits transfer—not the grades or GPA. Your GPA at UNE Online will be based only on the coursework completed here.

Transfer credits may count toward general education, major, or elective requirements, depending on course equivalencies.

Yes! We have agreements with York County Community College, Southern Maine Community College, Central Maine Community College, and Washington County Community College to guarantee a smooth transfer process.  UNE is a participating institution in the Maine Transfer Guarantee program ensuring that eligible students have guaranteed admission to UNE and are able to transfer seamlessly. Please reach out for additional details with onlineadmissions@une.edu.

In most cases, a completed associate degree from a regionally accredited college fulfills general education requirements.

Yes, if they are equivalent to courses in your major and meet our grade and degree requirements.

No. As long as they are from an accredited institution and meet our transfer criteria, online and in-person courses are treated equally.

Yes! Transfer students are eligible for honors if they meet the GPA and credit requirements at UNE.

It typically takes 1-2 weeks after receiving your official transcripts.

Yes, we offer a preliminary credit review based on unofficial transcripts. However, a final evaluation requires official transcripts.  Submit a Transfer Credit Request Form to have your credits evaluated.