How to Earn Your WGU Online BS in Health Science in 9–12 Months

Why WGU’s Health Science Program is Perfect for Degree Hacking

Western Governors University’s health science program is designed for motivated students who aspire to build careers in public health or healthcare administration while balancing work, family, and education.

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Its flexible, competency-based model allows you to study on your own schedule, making it easier to move quickly through material you already know and spend more time on new concepts.

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Here are some more reasons why this degree is hackable:

Competency-Based Structure

• You don’t need to wait for traditional semesters to start or finish—move through each course as soon as you prove you’ve mastered the material

• Focus your WGU time on specialized health science skills instead of basic coursework or retaking general education classes

• Fast-track the program by bringing in up to 90 approved credits and complete multiple courses per term to finish in months, not years

Career-Focused Preparation Employers Value

• Develop research, analysis, and communication skills while deepening your expertise in areas like psychology, anatomy, microbiology, and public health—all through a flexible, fully online program you can accelerate based on your experience

• Experience practical learning through applied projects and real-world case studies in healthcare settings

• Graduates are equipped for roles in health education, community health, and healthcare administration across many states and settings

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Why Most People Take 3Years (And How to Do It in 6–12 Months)

Why most people take 3 years:

 Most WGU students spend about 3years and $26,000 getting their bachelor's in health science because they don't know the system can be "hacked".

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Here's what typically happens:

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• ‍They start at square one: Many students either assume they must earn all 91 credits at WGU or fail to transfer the maximum, missing out on up to 90credits that could save time and money.

• ‍They overlook test-out options: Skipping CLEP or other exam-based credits means adding unnecessary time and cost.

• ‍They stick to a slower pace: Most students follow a traditional semester rhythm instead of accelerating through courses as soon as they demonstrate mastery.

• ‍They pay premium prices for basics: They end up paying $4,410+ per term for general education courses that could cost under $100 elsewhere.

Here's what degree hackers do that others don't:

• ‍Start with 90 transfer credits: Bring in most of your general education and basic health courses from approved and more affordable sources before you start at WGU.

• ‍Finish only the key classes at WGU: Focus on upper-level health science courses and the capstone to wrap up your degree.

• ‍Accelerate with flexible terms: WGU’s competency-based format lets you complete courses anytime you’re ready.

• ‍Result: <12 months, ~$8,420 total for just two six-month terms

The key is not just working harder, but smarter, too! It helps to know which classes you can take for less somewhere else and saving WGU for the ones only they provide.

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Strategy Guide: Tips on How to Hack This Degree

To help get you started, we’ve put together this degree hacking guide with tips from WGU Health Science graduates, industry professionals, and experienced online learners.

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It’s designed to help you plan your coursework efficiently, avoid unnecessary delays, and finish your degree in a way that fits your budget and career goals.

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WGU Health Science Pre-Enrollment Hacks:

• ‍Front-load gen eds through Study.com - Courses like Composition, Intro to Communication,World History, Global Humanities, and Intro to Sociology transfer easily and cost significantly less than WGU credits.

• ‍Submit every possible transcript and record - WGU often accepts credits students forget they have. Include past college coursework, healthcare certifications, military training, or professional licenses.

• ‍Target the 90-credit transfer maximum - Bringing in 75% of your degree can shorten the program from four years to just roughly 9–12 months.

• ‍Create your personalized credit transfer strategy - Use platforms like DegreeHacked.org, which will help you map out which lower-level science and general education courses to finish elsewhere before you enroll. A clear plan helps you reach the 90-credit transfer maximum, line up prerequisites like anatomy and microbiology, and focus your WGU terms on the upper-division health science courses and final capstone—saving time, tuition, and effort.

WGU Health Science Degree Hacking Plan

Health Science Transfer Credits: What Transfers and What Doesn't

Finishing WGU’s 91-credit health science degree isn’t about cramming in more classes; it’s about planning wisely. Take the lower-cost basics elsewhere and keep WGU for the upper-level courses that count the most.

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Here’s the breakdown:

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• ‍~53–56 CUs: General education courses (easily transferable)

• ‍6 CUs: Core WGU courses (some transferable)

• ‍26 CUs: Upper-level health science courses (not transferable)

• ‍3 CUs: Health Sciences capstone (not transferable)

WGU Health Science Requirements: Course Transfer Strategy

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Why Degree Hacking Works for WGU Health Science Students:

• Cut Your Costs Per Class: With Study.com’s $95/month plan, you can complete four courses in a month for about $24 each, saving thousands compared to WGU tuition.
• Leverage CLEP/DSST Exams: You may take the CLEP for $97 plus a small testing fee, and the DSST for around $100. Through these exams, you can test out of entire courses in a single day, instantly reducing your degree requirements.
• Save WGU For the Important Stuff: Keep your WGU terms for upper-level BS in Health Science courses, capstone work, and faculty guidance that directly strengthen your career skills.

Ready for Your Complete Plan?

The complete degree hacking roadmap includes the following:

✓ All 25+course-by-course transfer equivalencies for each required course
✓ Detailed WGU equivalencies with exact Study.com course codes and CLEP exam numbers
✓ Full cost estimate and suggested completion timeline

✓ Backup course and exam options if your first choice isn’t available

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Applying to WGU for the Bachelor’s in Health Science

When to Apply: Timing Your Enrollment Strategically

The best strategy is to finish your transfer credits first before applying to WGU. That way, you can dive straight into the upper-level health science courses once you start.

WGU Admissions & Transfer Logistics

• Complete and submit the online application form

• Send all transcripts, credentials, or score reports directly to WGU

• Feedback for transfer evaluation is typically sent in a few business days

• Start dates are usually on the 1st of every month

Costs, Aid & Ways to Pay Less for Your WGU Degree

• Flat tuition per six-month term: $4,210 per six-month term + resource/tech fee

• FAFSA, WGU scholarships and grants, military and employer benefits

• Knockout Gen Ed/electives externally; bring in cert credits

WGU Bachelor’s in Health Science Career ROI

• Starting Salary: Median annual pay for health education specialists often around $63k with experience

• Degree payback time: ~2–3 years

• Lifetime earnings boost: ~$1.5M–$2.1M over a 40-year career

• Career flexibility, job security, strong foundation for advanced study, geographic flexibility

• Typical Roles: Health Educator, Clinical Research Coordinator, Public Health Analyst, Health Information Specialist, Community Health Worker, Healthcare Administrator, Epidemiology Assistant, Health Program Coordinator

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