Master’s in Health Science Online

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-health-science-online/">Health Science</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611	$10,770	91%
#2 University of Central Florida 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32816	$6,916	75%
#3 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218	$58,720	95%
#4 University of South Florida 4202 East Fowler Ave, Tampa, Florida 33620	$8,350	75%
#5 Rutgers University 83 Somerset St, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901	$18,180	84%
#6 Cleveland State University 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115	$10,419	51%
#7 Florida Gulf Coast University 10501 Fgcu Blvd S, Fort Myers, Florida 33965	$6,974	56%
#8 Northern Kentucky University Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, Kentucky 41099	$9,900	48%
#9 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 1201 W University Dr, Edinburg, Texas 78539	$7,002	51%
#10 Western Carolina University Highway 107, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723	$4,435	61%
#11 University of Missouri-Columbia 105 Jesse Hall, Columbia, Missouri 65211	$9,950	73%
#12 Lock Haven University 401 North Fairview Street, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania 17745	$9,288	54%
#13 Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis 420 University Blvd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202	$9,228	57%
#14 University of Central Arkansas 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, Arkansas 72035	$5,063	49%
#15 Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314	$21,153	61%
#16 University of Memphis Southern Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38152	$9,378	54%
#17 Oregon Institute of Technology 3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601	$13,209	56%
#18 University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne 2701 Spring St, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808	$12,418	56%
#19 University of Maryland Global Campus 3501 University Blvd East, Adelphi, Maryland 20783	$9,072	21%
#20 Excelsior College 7 Columbia Cir, Albany, New York 12203	NA	NA

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

An online health science degree prepares individuals to work as health science educators. It builds on the student’s bachelor’s degree and gives them more credentials as health professionals to pursue their careers in academic health sciences. Students will have the opportunity to learn from varied health professionals from diverse backgrounds. The program’s curriculum is between 35 and 45 credit hours, depending on the institution, program format, coursework, and concentration. Most master’s in health science programs employ an intensive pre-med curriculum which would be delivered over several semesters. Apart from the in-depth study in health and life science, students are expected to complete a comprehensive examination in the last semester of their course. These requirements, however, may differ depending on the respective institution’s coursework. Doing the master’s in health science online is preferred by students as it gives them the flexibility to pursue their work and complete their education parallelly.  Some institutions offer in-person, online, and blended or hybrid programs which combine in-person and online classes. Most institutions providing this program use a unique educational approach so their students can get an engaging environment to meet their academic goals with the help of real-time data. 

Master’s in Health Science Online Degree Types

There are four types of online health science master’s programs available for students. They are the Masters of Health Science or M.H.Sc., Masters of Arts or MA in Health Science online, Masters of Science or MS in Health Science online, and the Masters of Education or M.Ed. in Health Science online. These degrees are readily available in institutions across all states.

Specializations in Master’s in Health Science Online Programs

A specialization is a focused area of study of a particular major. Specializations have specific advanced coursework that helps students strengthen their skills in the particular subject. In specializations, the concentrated area of study is linked to the student’s specific major. It enables the student to garner better career prospects, a better salary package, and higher industry recognition. Here are some such health science specializations:  

Area of Specialization	Description
Telehealth	This specialization is also called telemedicine. It is a specific field of health care where students learn how a health care provider provides flexible health care without the hassle of an in-person visit.
Sports Medicine	In this specialization, students deal with physical fitness and treatment and focus on preventing injuries related to exercise and sports. The focus is on restoring the function of injured patients.
Higher Education	In this specialization, students focus on developing essential skills for studying health sciences. They develop logic and reasoning, which are highly regarded in the workplace.
Health Care Administration	This specialization involves health and medical administration. Individuals learn to make decisions that can have long-term implications reflecting the business strategies in the healthcare system.
Health Law	This specialization includes a vast body of law that regulates the provision of services in healthcare. Students will have the opportunity to change and bring improvement to the healthcare system.
Leadership in Healthcare	In this specialization, students are equipped with skills and leadership knowledge that help them make lasting improvements across healthcare systems. It will help students become effective in overcoming crises.
Health Care Risk Management	This specialization gives students an understanding of possible health threats. It helps them gain an extensive and methodological understanding of the varied areas of healthcare risk management.
Reproductive Science	In this specialization, students understand the theory and laboratory aspects of reproductive sciences. The concentration provides a theoretical understanding and skills related to reproductive sciences.
Medical Health	In this specialization, students are provided with an understanding of the method in public and clinical health research. After completing the specialization, one can work in clinical medicine, pharmaceutical research, and so on.
Applied Health Science	This specialization aims to encourage a leadership mindset in health. The curriculum is focused on universal health education and health promotion. Being evidence-based, it researches effective support for individuals.

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master’s in Health Science Online Programs

Master’s in health science online programs require 35 to 45 credits to complete, depending on the institution from which the degree is availed. Students must select varied core courses and concentrations and complete assignments and projects to meet the requirements of their health science master coursework. They are also required to complete a capstone, comprehensive examination, in-depth study in life sciences, and so on, depending on the particular institution’s requirement. Some programs offer their students a thesis or non-thesis option in the curriculum. Students who pursue the non-thesis degree would be required to enroll in classes in addition to their regular coursework to meet the increased credit requirements. There is typically no need for additional courses for masters in a health science program with a thesis. Health science courses are of varying kinds, depending on the overall focus of the institution, program, and concentration. Even similar programs from different institutions would follow different academic paths.  Most of the programs have similar courses in a master of health science; here are a few which students can expect:  

• Educator Competency 
• Quality and Characteristics of Leadership 
• Health Professions Education Across the Higher Education Spectrum 
• Curriculum and Course Design 
• Interprofessional Perspective on Health Disparity 
• Current Trends and Cultural Issues in Healthcare 
• Research Methods 
• Principles of Management in Healthcare 
• The U.S. Health Policy 
• Writing for Allied Health Professionals 
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics 
• Assessment and Evaluation of Teaching And Learning 
• Literature Review and Focused Research 
• Independent Research 
• Medical Ethics 
• Gross Anatomy, Embryology, and Imaging 

On graduating from master’s in health science online degree programs, individuals can take up various roles and responsibilities across healthcare fields based on the foundational knowledge and skills they have gained. Some of the skills that a health science graduate would use are their ability to:  

• appraise and analyze the discipline of health science in the framework of health professions, health education, and learning and teaching; 
• prepare learning theories on higher education for healthcare programs suiting a diverse population; 
• examine and apply theories of research and ethical practices critical to application in healthcare practices in advanced settings; 
• evaluate and design tools for effective leadership in healthcare departments and organizations constituting healthcare professionals; 
• strategize curricula incorporating education models that apply to current healthcare systems; 
• establish developing skills and expertise in policies of health, health communication, and global advancement of healthcare; 
• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the subject matters pertaining to the healthcare field.; 
• use leadership skills in various healthcare-related organizations and leading healthcare teams across multiple systems of healthcare; 
• demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the subject matters that pertain to the field of healthcare; 
• make critical judgments and rationally solve problems based on data collected from various institutions of healthcare; and 
• demonstrate top-notch standards of professionalism associated with achieving success in the field of healthcare.

Accreditation for Master’s in Health Science Online Programs

Accreditation is a process of evaluating institutions providing higher education to maintain standards of educational quality. It is led by non-governmental processes based on peer evaluation. An accredited program could determine if students can transfer their credits between programs and if they are eligible for federal financial aid. Students should evaluate if the institution where they want to study the program has been granted national or regional accreditation. Some of the bodies responsible for accreditation in the United States are:  

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) 
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) 
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) 
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) 
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Accredited master’s in health science colleges could be regulated by the department of education of the respective states. They may also attain institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools -ABHES.  Students could also refer to the Accreditation Guide to understand why accreditation is important.

Timeline for graduation from Master’s in Health Science Online Programs

Masters of health science online degree programs generally require 35 to 45 credits and 1 to 3 years to complete. The coursework, thesis, concentration, Synchronous vs. Asynchronous classes, program structure, and other factors determine the duration of the program. Students could complete their studies in full-time or part-time mode: 

1. Full-time: full-time students can earn their online master’s in health science in two or less than two years. 
2. Part-time: some students take 2 to 4 years to complete their degrees since they have full-time jobs or family obligations. For such students, a part-time master’s in health science is a more flexible option.

Master’s in Health Science Online Programs Admission Requirements

An online health science master’s would have a set of requirements that any aspiring student would have to meet to get admitted to the program. Students will have to closely evaluate if they meet these criteria to understand the acceptance level of the college. Each institution would have different requirements and criteria depending on the program’s structure. However, our team at Online Master’s Colleges has evaluated the admissions requirements of several master’s in health science courses in different states and listed the most common master’s in health science online admission requirements:  

• Application fee and application form 
• Official transcripts of universities attended  
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with a GPA of 3.0 (more is preferred) 
• At least two letters of recommendation 
• A Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement 
• A Graduate Résumé 
• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores (depending on the specific institution requirement)

Students applying for graduate programs must take the GRE and submit the scores when applying to college. However, some institutions might waive this requirement of the GRE under certain stipulated circumstances – such as when students have a GPA higher than 3.0 and some years of experience in the field of health science or related fields. Here are examples of some master’s in health science online no GRE programs:  

• Saint Francis University 
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 
• Western Carolina University 
• Lock Haven University 

Students who want to complete their master’s program at a faster pace or within a lesser time frame could choose an accelerated master’s degree. To do so, they can determine if they want to transfer their credits and fast-track their programs to earn this degree rapidly. Those who pursue an accelerated program could finish their master’s in about one year. Examples of colleges offering accelerated master’s in health science online programs include The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Spelman College.

There are no free online master’s in health science courses available for students. However, a few free courses on health science-related topics are available online, which could enhance one’s skill set. Such free courses are not accredited and cannot be used on official transcripts as a replacement for a master’s degree. Here are some free master’s in health science online courses to explore: 

Course	Provided by	Description
Courses on Instructional Methods in Health Professions Education	Coursera	Coursera provides courses to educate members of the health profession to help them understand the various methods used across different health settings.
Course on Higher Education in Healthcare Practice	The Open University	The Open University provides a course that enables healthcare workers to develop skills and knowledge and understand effective practices.
Course on Health in Numbers: Quantitative Methods in Clinical & Public Health Research	Harvard University	Harvard University provides online free courses in the principle of biostatics and epidemiology used for clinical research and public health.

There are various ways graduate students could fund their education, the most common and popular one being scholarships. Scholarships help ease the burden on students by reducing educational expenses. Here are some graduate school scholarships for a master’s degree in health science: 

After earning a health science online master’s degree, graduates can work as healthcare providers in various settings. They can take up leadership roles in hospitals, design healthcare policies, work in managerial positions at big healthcare institutions, and so on. Graduates also have the option to work in government healthcare bodies as health officials or administrators.  

Apart from working in hospitals, there are many roles in the health industry where graduates can use their online master’s in health science knowledge, such as: 

• Health Educator 
• Community and Public Health Organizer 
• Health Science Writer 
• Pharmacy Technician 
• Health Informatics 
• Medical and Health Service Managers 
• Audiologist 
• Health Researchers 
• Clinicians 
• Epidemiologist 
• Program Manager 
• Program Administrators 
• Social Entrepreneurs 
• Health Policy Analysts  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), healthcare occupations have a job outlook of 13% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This increase is also expected to raise an average of 1.9 million openings in this field every year.  

The list below highlights statistical data on a few career options students can consider after earning an online master’s in health science, as reported by the BLS: 

Occupation	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2030)	Job Description
Athletic Trainers	$48,420	17% (much faster than average)	Athletic trainers diagnose, prevent, and treat bone and muscle-related injuries and illnesses. These professionals work in educational settings like universities and elementary and secondary schools.
Genetic Counselors	$80,150	18% (much faster than average)	Genetic counselors evaluate individuals or families at risk of diverse inherited conditions like congenital disabilities and genetic disorders.
Occupational Therapists	$85,570	14% (much faster than average)	Occupational therapists work with patients with illnesses, injustices, and disabilities through the therapeutic usage of everyday activity. These professionals work in occupational therapy offices or hospitals.
Orthotists and Prosthetists	$75,440	17% (much faster than average)	Orthotists and prosthetists design medical supportive devices and measure and fit them for patients. They work in various industries, including health and personal well-being, manufacturing, etc.

Professional certifications are essential credentials to validate skills in one’s occupation. Some occupations require specific professional certificates to practice; however, individuals can earn certifications to gain industry expertise and become prospective candidates for lucrative jobs. Understanding different certifications and how employers value them could help individuals gain competence in specific skills. Licenses are required by law, and the geographical location of work could be a critical factor in licensure.  

Each state has its certification and licensure; their requirements differ. However, they will have some common specific requirements, which are: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. 
• Completion of a set number of semester hours in subjects related to the subject of accreditation. 
• Completion of a set number of semester hours in the specific field. 
• Passing certification exams that examine fundamental skills. 

Those who wish to teach health science must obtain health science teacher licensure. However, it is worth noting that teachers usually only need a bachelor’s degree to become state-certified teachers educating lower grades.

A master’s in health science online graduate can benefit from a wide range of resources if they join a professional organization. Career aid and certification programs are some common features offered by these organizations. One can also look to other resources that provide deeper insights into healthcare management, healthcare policies, etc. Here are a few resources to get started:  

1. American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) – The American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management  (AAHAM) is one of the leading professional organizations for healthcare administrative management. It is an essential connection for students in the healthcare sector to have. The organization’s mission is to “provide healthcare workers and professionals with education, networking, advocacy, and certification.” 
2. National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) – The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) focuses on promoting high standards and maintaining best practices to establish matters of expertise among healthcare professionals. They provide varied opportunities for their members, which include network functions and educational opportunities. 
3. American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) – The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) caters to individuals by providing both national and regional support. Members have enrolled in over 80 regional chapters of the institution, which are responsible for providing them with local education programs, resources for career advancement, and volunteering opportunities to be more involved as healthcare leaders in their communities.  
4. American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) – The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is beneficial for individuals in the field of health science and prospective students. The organization aims to deliver quality healthcare by giving professionals the appropriate tools and resources to raise their standards of practice.  
5. American Medical Association (AMA) – The American Medical Association (AMA) is one of the largest and only national associations that caters to different stakeholders in the field of health sciences. It aims at providing healthcare professionals with a better future in medicine, advocating for various issues in the health setup, removing obstacles to patient care, and confronting the greatest health crises.  

Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed on this page are those of Online Masters Colleges’ (OMC’s) researchers and teams. Unless specifically indicated, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the people, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s provided content is solely for informational purposes. OMC or its employees make no guarantees of the accuracy or completeness of any information on this page or found by following any link. OMC will not be held liable for any mistakes or omissions in this material, nor will it be held liable for any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the material on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, reader discretion is always advised because part or all the provided information may have changed over time, potentially leading to inaccuracies.