Master of Health Science Online Degree

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The study of medicine, nutrition, and other health-related issues is included in the field of master of health science online study, which is the practical application of sciences to healthcare. A master of health sciences offers the fundamental knowledge and abilities needed to practice medicine while developing the professional abilities desired by employers in the healthcare industry, including critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, information literacy, and information management. Clinical employment with regular patient interaction is one type of position available in the health sciences, as is office work at private businesses. This guide covers all aspects of a master of health sciences online degree course and answers aspiring students’ queries and questions.

Health-Science

Best Master of Health Science
Online Degrees

Selecting which school or institution to attend for the best healthcare masters degrees is one of the most difficult decisions students will ever have to make. It is important to consider the price, placements, starting wage, employment rates, acceptance rates, and other factors when doing so. Each of these matrices was combed through by FBD teams to compile a ranking of the health science masters programs. Accordingly, here is the list of the best health master’s degrees in the United States: *

Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis (commonly referred to as IUPUI) is a public research university established in 1963 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The university offers more than 550 degree programs to over 29,000 students and is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity.”
Univ Address Tuition Grad Rate
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis 420 University Blvd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 $9,228 57%

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page

What to Expect from the Master of Health
Science Online Degree Program

An online health science master’s degree program builds on one’s bachelor’s degree and credentials as a health professional so that one can pursue or advance one’s career in academic health sciences. An online master of health sciences is an integrated, multidisciplinary program in the life sciences with a focus on health care and medical research. This degree produces competitive, well-trained, and socially responsible health science professionals who can advance both laterally and upward as their job interests and ambitions change because healthcare is such a diversified sector.

The MSHS degree program gives students the knowledge and confidence they need to pursue a challenging health-related career. Through rigorous study, they are well-prepared to continue their studies in medical school, clinical research, or other health professions, such as dentistry, veterinary medicine, and chiropractic medicine.

Depending on whether students enroll on a full-time, part-time, or accelerated schedule, most master’s programs include between 30-36 courses and take 1-2 years to finish. Additionally, some degrees provide specializations that allow students to focus on a specific area of interest. From one institution to the next, concentrations may differ, but typical choices include health leadership, health education, public health, health informatics, health policy, and nutrition.

In addition to completing coursework, some programs could also require students to participate in an internship or complete a capstone project that combines all they have studied. Most courses may be finished online. The department normally works with students to find a suitable site close to their residence if they need an internship or field study component. Here are some of the common courses one can expect in this program:

Microbiology and Immunology

The field of biology known as microbiology studies the tiniest forms of life, including bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses. Immunology studies how higher organisms, including microorganisms, react to external chemicals.

Neuroscience

The study of the nervous system concerning the biological underpinnings of consciousness, perception, memory, and learning is known as neuroscience. The physical mechanisms that underlie cognitive behavior are connected to our observations of it via neuroscientific research.

Medical Biochemistry

This course is focused on human medical biochemistry. This course aims to teach the fundamental biochemical principles related to human health and disease, along with concrete examples of their use. The most typical biochemistry reported in medical literature will be analyzed and evaluated.

Histology and Cell Biology

The internal structure of cells, tissues, and organs in the human body is the main topic of this course, which also provides a thorough overview of many of their intricate interrelationships. The cytoarchitecture, histological alterations & their influence on health are highlighted through clinical correlations.

Medical Ethics

Medical ethics concerns the duties that doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers have to patients, society, and other health professionals. The health profession has a set of ethical standards relevant to various organizations of health workers and medical facilities.

Degree Types for Master of Health
Science Online Programs

Choosing the correct degree program is critical if one is eager to succeed in a healthcare job. It is crucial to consider one’s job goals while choosing between master’s programs in health-related subjects and what one would study in each one. Since healthcare is such a vast area of study, there are a host of masters programs for health science majors.

Master of Science in Health Sciences

The Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) is often a research-based graduate program of study that fosters critical inquiry skills through research methodologies, quantitative data analysis, and an evidence-based assessment of scientific literature. Students take a variety of core health science courses, including statistics for health sciences, health behavior, public health epidemiology, research design, and health service administration. The MSHS is designed to accommodate students from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds, and it can serve as a springboard for future Ph.D. studies.

Master of Health Sciences

The Master of Health Sciences (MHS) degree is intended to prepare students for research, advancement in their existing employment, or entry into Ph.D. programs in specific public health disciplines. These degree programs provide a high amount of flexibility, allowing students to design a course of study that includes core courses and electives that correspond to their educational background and professional area of practice. The curriculum broadens to include generalist training in areas such as research methodologies, health policy and administration, health care ethics, biostatistics, and health care trends. Public health, risk management, health policy, health services leadership, health education, and other topics may be covered in the specialized curriculum.

The many options available in the master of health science online degree program include:

  • Master’s in Genetic Counseling
  • Master’s in Health Education
  • Master’s in Orthotics and Prosthetics
  • Master’s in Occupational Therapy
  • Master’s in Health Administration
  • Master’s in Public Health and Nutrition
  • Master’s in Athletic Training
  • Master’s in Health Information Management
  • Master’s in Clinical Laboratory Science
  • MBA in Healthcare Management

Areas of Specialization for Master of Health
Science Online Degree Programs

Within a certain field of study, several distinct subjects and regions may be examined and investigated. Specialization is the term used to describe certain academic disciplines. A specialty frequently calls for in-depth research on the important topic chosen for the study. The following is a list of potential concentrations and degree variations within health science:

Area of SpecializationDescriptionCareer Options
Health Professions Education and TechnologyA demanding program, the MSHS, with an emphasis on Health Professions Education and Technology, offers courses in health science theory, pedagogical techniques, technology, program assessment, leadership, and field mentorship.At all stages of professional preparation, teaching professors, trainers, and leaders in the medical and allied health professions are needed.
Applied Health Science (Master’s in Applied Health Science)Students enrolled in this program will learn biostatistical techniques for study design, data analysis, and statistical reporting for both scientific and lay audiences. Data management, statistical reasoning, the interpretation of numerical data for scientific inference in studies of medicine and public health, and the capacity to effectively collaborate and communicate with scientists and other public health stakeholders across disciplines are among the key skills this degree will train students in.Graduates of the curriculum are qualified to work in a range of fields, including the public sector, academia, the medical field, and business.
Public Health & Health PolicyFuture leaders are prepared to design, examine, and assess policies in a variety of health and public health contexts through the health policy program. With a strong focus on professional practice and chances for first-hand policy experience at the federal, state, and local levels, students in this program build skills and experiences in research methodologies, analysis, and policy formation.Graduates work in various businesses, including government, non-profit, consultancy, advocacy, administration, etc.
NutritionStudents can broaden their job possibilities and get a deeper understanding of nutrition with this concentration. Students are introduced to the health care system, quality improvement, health care policy, and research in core courses.Graduates can work in state health departments as corporate wellness consultants, health coaches, nutrition/health educators, nutrition/health journalists, public health nutritionists, etc.
Microbiology and ImmunologyThis program’s main curriculum focuses on the biology, immunology, and transmission dynamics of the most significant infectious illnesses regarding public health. It is best suited for students who need graduate-level training for professions in medicine, research, or public health.Food science, medical science, environmental science, and biotechnology jobs can all be advanced with this specialty.
Medical Health SciencesWith this program, students may be ready for the next phase of their healthcare careers. The demanding coursework prepares students for master’s degree programs in the medical field, Master of Science in medical health sciences, or advancement in the medical and wellness sectors.Medical school, optometry, podiatry, physician assistant, physical therapy, dentistry, or pharmacy are among the possible professions.
Reproductive Science & Medicine (Master’s in Reproductive Science Online)This program focuses on the biology and medicine of human reproduction. The curriculum includes professional development, reproductive science instruction, and a practical laboratory course.Public health specialists, researchers, laboratory analysts, etc.

Why should I do a Master of Health
Science Online Degree?

A graduate degree that offers extensive coverage of healthcare themes is the masters in health science online degree (MHS). It is a top degree for those looking to work in healthcare. Students can concentrate on the health sector via an online master of health science program. To help healthcare executives enhance their careers, raise their earning potential, and expand their network, they provide a more all-encompassing education.

There is an excellent reason why getting a master’s degree in health science is a popular educational path nowadays. There are more older adults than ever since people live longer, requiring more healthcare services. In addition, healthcare technology is developing quickly, and novel medical procedures are now accessible to individuals and communities in need. As a result, professional opportunities in the field of health sciences that need an advanced degree are growing, and the future is promising. An online master of health science degree can open rewarding higher-level employment prospects that let individuals significantly affect the healthcare industry.

According to experts, those with diverse academic interests are especially well-suited for degrees in the health sciences. Ideal candidates for an online master of health science program are people who sincerely desire to apply their expertise to improve the lives of the communities in which they will practice, whether local, national, or global.

At the end of their graduation, online master’s in health sciences students would have learned the traits of:

  • Critical thinking
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Policy Advocacy
  • Leadership 
  • Organized Thinking, etc.

Free Courses for Master of Health
Science Online Degree Students

When a student enrolls in a master of health science online, there may be a topic that needs a rapid review or revisiting of certain ideas they may not have encountered or practiced after receiving a bachelor’s degree. Students may not have to go very far to find such courses, such as a bridge course or free masters in health science courses. Here are some to explore:

CourseDescriptionProvided by
Well and Able – Improving the Physical Health of People with Intellectual DisabilityThe physical health issues that specifically affect people with intellectual disabilities will be covered in this health course, including oral health, syndrome-specific health concerns, health communication, linkages between the tertiary and primary healthcare sectors, and sexual health.The University of Queensland
Health Informatics Technology in Population Healthcare AnalyticsThis course focuses on operationalizing informatics solutions to solve significant public health concerns affecting individuals, families, communities, and the environment in which they live.Doane Univ
Design in Healthcare: Using Patient Journey MappingThe information, insights, and tools needed to assess and enhance patient experience will be provided by this course to designers and other healthcare professionals. To improve the patient experience, students will learn how to map complicated healthcare settings, identify possibilities, and develop practical solutions.Delft
Mechanical Ventilation for COVID-19A patient undergoing mechanical ventilation will be cared for by critical care respiratory therapists, doctors, and nurses with the assistance of credentialed non-ICU hospital professionals after completing this course.Harvard Univ

How to get into the Master of Health
Science Online Degree Program?

Incoming students are generally required to have completed prerequisites in biology, organic chemistry, physiology, anatomy, genetics, cell biology, physics, etc., before applying to a masters in health science program. Prospective students should pay close attention to the graduate admissions information from programs of their choice because entrance requirements for online master’s in health science programs vary from institution to institution. However, here are the most common master of health science admission requirements:

  • Application form with the application fee
  • A qualifying GPA of at least 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
  • Official academic transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation: one for academic reference from past educational experience and the other for a reference who can vouch for the applicant’s caliber of work as a health science professional
  • Résumé/Curriculum Vitae
  • Interviews may also be necessary for certain programs

Master of Health Science Online
No GRE Programs

Both the GRE general exam and the GRE subject exams must be taken by applicants to master’s programs in business, law, STEM, and other professions. Admission to master’s programs, including the online masters in health sciences program, frequently requires a GRE score. However, a few colleges do not demand GRE results for program admission looking at the profound changes in the demographics of graduate students in the last 50 years. According to several universities justifying this change, many online master’s students are full-time working professionals and do not get the time to prepare for the GRE. Hence, these universities consider GPA and work experience as the primary grading factors for graduate admission. Examples of colleges offering online master of health science no GRE programs are St. John’s University’s Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) and the Drexel Dornsife Master’s degree in public health.

How Long does it take to Complete the
Master of Health Science Online?

A typical curriculum for an online master’s in health science is 24 months and 36 credits. Some part-time online master’s programs in health sciences are available for people working full-time and who want to study at their own pace. For part-time students taking three to nine courses per term, the prerequisites for a degree can be completed in four years. The number of credits needed to complete the course is still 36.

Accelerated Master of Health Science
Online Degree Programs

Enrolling in an accelerated master of health science online program could be helpful for highly driven full-time students with a flair for the subject’s principles and concepts. These accelerated programs are pretty difficult and move swiftly, as one might anticipate. Nevertheless, they allow excellent students who are enrolled in undergraduate programs to get graduate credits. Students should do their homework before applying to these demanding and quick-paced programs because not everyone is suited for them.

Accreditations for Master of Health
Science Online Degree Programs

Institutions can show the caliber of their educational offerings by becoming accredited, which is a voluntary procedure. It may be crucial for students pursuing health sciences degrees to enroll in an accredited master of health science degree program because doing so is required to be eligible for federal financial aid and to transfer credits across educational programs. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website has a list of recognized regional and national accrediting organizations, although no one professional body has the authority to certify health sciences degrees programmatically. Students should confirm that the institution they plan to attend is accredited.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is one organization that evaluates institutions rather than college programs. It is a non-profit membership organization that defines, defends, and promotes educational excellence using a variety of student demographics and resources.

Students can learn more about the accreditation by consulting the Guide to College Accreditation.

How to Pay for a Master of Health
Sciences Online Degree?

Given the present condition of student debt, the cost of education, and the typical amount of debt each student accrues, it is crucial to give the payment alternatives for an online masters in health science program careful consideration. Scholarships are the most sensible way to pay for school. If a candidate is working as a professional, they may ask their employers for tuition reimbursement if they do not satisfy the requirements for a scholarship. Another choice for paying for the online health science degree is to apply for a student loan. Students can also confirm their eligibility for federal student aid.

Consult these guides to understand more about college funding: What is Financial Aid? | How to Pay for College? | Donors for Student Loans | Grants for Student Loans | FAFSA Student Aid.

Scholarships for Master of Health
Science Online Degree Students

Scholarships are financial awards made to students for their education that may consider their financial situation in addition to other factors, such as their academic status. They are given based on merit or need, the two most popular categories. Here are a few online master of health sciences scholarships to explore:

Scholarship Description Amount/AwardApplication Deadline
Ann Winch FellowshipThe Ann Winch Fellowship was designed to encourage and enable students to pursue a graduate degree, as well as to foster graduate-level scholarship and leadership.$1,000February 15, 2024
Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program (AHSP)The Allied Healthcare Scholarship Program (AHSP) expands the number of suitably trained allied healthcare professionals in California who provide direct patient care in a certified facility.VariesOctober 31, 2024
NCPHA ScholarshipsThe North Carolina Public Health Association (NCPHA) offers the Robert S. Parker Leadership Scholarship and Women’s and Children’s Health Section Scholarship in Memory of Dr. Ann Wolfe to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing health science degrees.Up to $2,000Closed for 2024 | TBA for 2024

FAQs Related to the Master of Health
Science Online Degree

What can I do with a master’s in health science?

What can you do with a masters in health science? A master of health science offers students an in-depth education in health and public policy. Students can use this degree for a variety of careers in health service management and education, as well as the possibility for further study in a health science Ph.D. program.

What is the best master’s degree to get in healthcare?

Is a health science major worth it?

Is master of health sciences hard to study?

What do you learn in health science?

 Is health science the same as nursing?

 What is the difference between health science and medical science?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after the
Master of Health Science Online Degree

Depending on their area of study, graduates of master’s degree programs in health science may seek administrative, managerial, or educational jobs in a variety of healthcare sectors.

Healthcare occupations are expected to create around 2.6 million new employees between 2020 and 2030, growing at 16%, a substantially higher rate than the average for all occupations. More employment than any other occupational category is expected to be added in the healthcare sector. The major cause of this anticipated rise is an aging population, which raises the need for healthcare services.

Here are a few masters in health science careers and their corresponding salaries:

Occupation Job Description Skills RequiredMedian Annual Salary Job Growth (up to 2030)
AudiologistsPatients with hearing, balance, or associated issues are diagnosed, managed, and treated by audiologists. Audiologists identify illnesses, including hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ear).Critical-thinking skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, compassion, patience$78,95016% (much faster than average)
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse PractitionersAdvanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), which also refer to nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, manage patient care and deliver both general and specialized healthcare. APRNs can diagnose health issues, order medical tests, and prescribe drugs in most states.Communication skills, interpersonal skills, critical-thinking skills, leadership skills, compassion, detail-oriented, resourcefulness$123,78045% (much faster than average)
Physical TherapistsPhysical therapists assist persons who are ill or wounded with better mobility and pain management. They frequently play a significant role in the prevention, rehabilitation, and treatment of individuals with long-term diseases, injuries, or disorders.Time-management skills, communication skills, physical stamina, detail-oriented, compassion, resourcefulness, dexterity$95,62021% (much faster than average)
Physician AssistantsPhysician assistants, or PAs, collaborate alongside doctors, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to practice medicine as a team. They evaluate, examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision and guidance of doctors.Problem-solving skills, communication skills, compassion, emotional stability, detail-oriented$121,53031% (much faster than average)
ChiropractorsChiropractors treat patients who have neuromusculoskeletal issues, which include nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They handle patients’ health difficulties, including back and neck discomfort, through spinal adjustments and manipulation and other clinical procedures.Organizational skills, interpersonal skills, decision-making skills, dexterity, empathy, detail-oriented$75,00011% (faster than average)

Certifications and Licensing for Master of
Health Science Online Degree Graduates

Science and health sciences involve public health and interaction with patients/people. Therefore, the vocation of health science requires a state-mandated certification to practice the craft. Each state has its certification, and depending on where the student has pursued their online master of health science, they might want to pursue the certification of that state or a certification of the state where they would want to practice.

  • Candidates must fulfill the following prerequisites to receive a Health Science certification:
  • Possess an associate’s or higher degree from a college or university certified or authorized by a state-recognized organization.
  • Hold active certification, licensing, or registration as a health professional/practitioner with an accredited organization on a national level.
  • Have two years of full-time, wage-earning experience working in an area that has received national acclaim from an accrediting body.

(An educator preparation program will check to see whether the candidate may substitute eligible military experience for civilian licensing and wage-earning experience.)

Here are examples of certifications in the field of health sciences:

AHIMA Certifications

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)-certified professionals drive real innovation in healthcare businesses. In an industry that prizes knowledge and experience, AHIMA certifications demonstrate a solid education and a continuing commitment to remaining relevant in a complicated and changing environment. Certifications offered include:

NHA Certifications

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is the biggest allied health certification agency in the United States, with over 1 million nationally recognized certifications given. NHA provides the following certifications:

Additional Resources for Master of Health
Science Online Degree Graduates

After an online master of health sciences, the next important step would be to become a member of a professional organization, get accredited, and be dedicated to the field of health sciences in the chosen concentration. Tapping into the vast resources of professional organizations helps students stay up to date on the most recent business trends and instantaneously links them to their professional counterparts. Here are a few of these professional organizations in the field of health science:

Title/ResourceDescription
The National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE)The National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE) is a membership group made up of academics, industry experts, and organizations dedicated to enhancing health science instruction throughout the United States.
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)More than 100,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy are members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), a professional association with individual membership in the United States.
National Student Nurse Association (NSNA)The National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) is a nonprofit group established in the United States in 1952 to support professional growth and guide nursing students pursuing initial licensure as registered nurses.
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM)Established in 1991, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) is a sizable membership organization for sports medicine that represents over 3,000 doctors in the U.S.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is “a convener, connector, and catalyst for change, increasing the political and economic power of people with disabilities.”

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.