A masters in health science can help you prepare for advanced roles in the medical field. It covers a wide array of healthcare subjects so that you can gain a nuanced, broad perspective of the field.
A master degree program in health science aims to make students more employable by helping them develop greater insight into the medical field as a whole.
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Health science students typically have a passion for helping others as well as the desire to thrive or lead in the healthcare industry.
Masters in Health Science Programs Online
The role of skilled medical professionals is essential to a functioning society. In recent years, the medical industry has seen an influx of demand for healthcare professionals. Graduating with a master’s degree in health science could allow you to advance your knowledge of the healthcare industry and apply your skills to a valuable, in-demand market.
Health sciences master’s programs are intentionally broad so that students can learn essential and versatile skills that allow them to fill advanced positions across the medical field. This flexibility means that graduates can be found in many corners of the healthcare industry, including in clinical and administrative roles.
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Some graduates choose to go on to medical school or to pursue further education for other clinical roles. Other professionals earn a masters in health science to enter the healthcare field or advance their current healthcare career.
Graduates can often be found working in fields like:
- Clinical research
- Healthcare administration
- Health education
Health science graduate programs expose you to many subjects. If you were to enter a health sciences program, you could expect to take courses in:
- Epidemiology
- Environmental health
- Health administration
- Biostatistics
Health sciences master’s programs also offer a wide range of concentrations. Choosing a specialty track can help you expand your understanding of a certain area of the healthcare field and help you prepare for your preferred career path.
Common Online Master in Health Science Concentrations
A master’s in health sciences program offers many concentrations. A concentration track can help you focus your studies and demonstrate your specialty in a given field.
Here are some common health science concentrations:
- Leadership in Health Care. This track teaches you how to manage a healthcare team and become a stronger leader overall.
- Generalist. This track places an emphasis on cultural issues in healthcare, scientific writing, US healthcare policy, and more.
- Health Risk Management. You’ll be taught how to mitigate medical errors and launch safety initiatives.
- Health Education. A health education track prepares students to become health educators or trainers.
- Sports Medicine. This specialty focuses on biomechanics, training, coaching, and nutrition.
These are only a sample of the many concentrations you may choose from as a health sciences major. When researching schools, you can view the varying specializations they have to offer.
Health Science Careers and Salaries
A master’s in health science program is more robust than many other healthcare programs. Rather than giving you specific knowledge of a certain aspect of the healthcare industry, a health science major will give you a foundation in all facets of the healthcare field.
You can also choose a concentration track, though, in order to take specialized coursework in a specific area that matches your interests and career goals. Because of the broad nature of this degree, students may enter numerous corners of the medical field. Some go on to manage hospitals or local practices, open their own practice, or advance in a clinical role.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some potential careers related to health science, along with their median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| Statisticians | $95,570 |
| Project Management Specialists | $94,500 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 |
| Epidemiologists | $78,830 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $77,560 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists | $76,530 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Health Education Specialists | $60,600 |
| Athletic Trainers | $48,420 |
The above list isn’t a complete list of potential careers, and earning a health science degree also doesn’t guarantee any of these positions. The hiring process is influenced by a number of factors, and your prior education and experience could impact your qualifications as well.
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The broad approach of a masters in health science curriculum is designed to make graduates more employable. For many prospective students, the primary benefit of health science master programs is that they can lead to opportunities in many healthcare settings.
MS in Health Sciences Curriculum & Courses
The coursework in a health science masters program can expose you to different aspects of the healthcare industry.
Below is a list of some of the courses you might encounter in a master’s in health sciences program:
- Research Methodology: This course prepares you for research assignments by teaching you how to assess sources and form research questions.
- Health Science Leadership: You’re taught leadership practices so that you can better qualify for leadership positions post-graduation.
- Health Professionals as Educators: This course teaches you how to become an educator in the healthcare field.
- Healthcare Systems Management: You’re taught about the US healthcare system from a modern lens, and you can also learn about the management of personnel and finances.
- Conflict Resolution in Health Leadership: This course teaches you how to resolve conflicts within an organization in order to be a stronger leader.
- Statistical Methods: You’re taught both qualitative and quantitative research methods and how to apply them to healthcare challenges.
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare: This course focuses on the legal and ethical issues that are faced in healthcare and how to make ethical decisions.
- Cultural Diversity and Disparities in Healthcare: You can learn about how minority groups suffer from certain health conditions disproportionately.
- Health Services, Issues, and Trends: This course teaches you how theory, research, and practice are involved in US healthcare delivery.
- US Health Policy: This course teaches you about the history of US healthcare policy.
Courses vary depending on the school, program, and specialization. It helps to research the specific programs you’re interested in to ensure they offer courses that match your interests and goals.
MSHS Degree Admissions Requirements
Masters programs can have a different set of admissions requirements at different schools, but here’s a list of common requirements for a masters in health science program:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, on average
- GRE or MCAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Resume
- Letters of recommendation
- Online application
Since admissions requirements can vary depending on the school you choose, it’s beneficial to check the admissions criteria for each prospective program. Some schools require bachelor degrees in the medical field, while others do not.
Online Masters in Health Science Programs Accreditation
Obtaining a masters degree is an accomplishment in itself, but receiving one from an accredited college or university ensures that your degree is widely recognized by employers and institutions alike.
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A school can receive regional accreditation if it passes a series of exams administered by a regional accrediting agency. This accreditation status signifies that the institution meets a high standard of education. In some cases, employers give preference to candidates who’ve graduated from an accredited university. In addition, a number of financial aid opportunities are only offered to students who attend an accredited school.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
When it comes to meeting the upfront costs of a master degree in health science, there are a number of financial aid options available for students who qualify.
One of the most common forms of financial aid is student loans through the federal government. To determine your eligibility for federal aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can see what aid options your state offers as well. You can also pursue scholarship and grant opportunities from your school or outside organizations.
Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement or professional development programs for those who want to further their education.
What Is a Health Science Master’s Degree?
A health science master’s degree is a graduate-level program that teaches students about numerous aspects of the healthcare industry. Unlike many other health degree programs, this a masters in health science gives you a broader foundation across the medical field.
The goal of this program is to make graduates well-rounded healthcare professionals. This degree path may be well suited for students whose interests don’t perfectly fit within another program. There are a range of specialization tracks within a health science program as well. Many graduates go on to become leaders in the healthcare field.
What Can I Do with a Masters in Health Science?
Both clinical and non-clinical professionals may pursue a master’s degree in health science. This degree path is common for those who want to advance their careers and grow their qualifications for senior or leadership roles.
Many graduates pursue work in clinical research, healthcare administration, or health education. Some even go on to pursue medical school or further education to qualify for advanced clinical roles. A health science masters can also offer a wide range of concentration options. Your chosen specialization may influence your career path.
Examples of careers related to health science include biostatistician, epidemiologist, health education specialist, health policy analyst, occupational health and safety specialist, and athletic trainer.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree in Health Science Online?
A master’s degree program will usually take 1 to 2 years to complete with full-time study. That said, this could depend on both your schedule and the specific program. If you were to take a Master of Health Science program online, you might be able to finish sooner, as some online programs offer accelerated tracks.
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Programs that comprise of 30 to 36 credits may be completed in 1 year with full-time, year-round study, including during the summer term. A thesis requirement could potentially extend your completion time, as could enrolling only part-time.
What’s the Difference Between Public Health vs. Health Science Masters Programs?
Here are some of the differences between masters programs in public health and health science.
| Master’s in Public Health | Master’s in Health Science |
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The degree path that’s best for you will likely depend on your interests and professional goals.
Is a Master of Health Science Degree Worth It?
Yes, a Master of Health Science degree is worth it for many professionals. This degree path can help you gain a better understanding of the health industry and allow you to tailor your studies to the specialty of your choosing.
A health science masters can be quite broad in its scope, so there’s also a wide range of career opportunities related to health science. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for healthcare occupations is expected to rise 13% over the next ten years, which is much faster than average.
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A masters in health science can help you enter the healthcare field, advance your current career, or pursue further medical education.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Health Science Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Bellarmine University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
CSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Excelsior University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
FGCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Lock Haven University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
MCPHS is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Northern Illinois University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Otterbein University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Saint Francis University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior Colleges and University Commission.
Trident University International is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Central Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Missouri – Columbia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
UTRGV is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Western Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Master’s Degree in Health Science Online
An online master’s degree in health science can help you further your professional qualifications and increase your earning potential. Health professionals are generally able to help others in a meaningful way, either directly or indirectly.
Many graduates of health science degree online programs pursue opportunities in clinical research, health education, or healthcare administration and leadership. Others advance in their current careers, grow in a new specialty, or choose to further their medical education, such as in an on-campus or online Doctor of Health Science program, for example.
If you’re wanting to take your knowledge, skills, and career to the next level, you could start researching accredited universities today to find the health science program and specialty that’s right for you.
