Best Online Master's In Health Science Degrees

Learn about the best online master's in health science degrees and take your career in healthcare to the next level.
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The healthcare sector continues to boom because of an aging population and increasing healthcare needs. The pandemic creates new opportunities for healthcare professionals to help communities meet new mandates and promote public health and safety. Prospective students can take advantage of these conditions by pursuing an online health science degree.

A master's degree in health science program enrolls students with diverse career goals, including those interested in nonclinical healthcare careers. Programs provide a broad education that students can tailor to meet their specific healthcare career aspirations. Those interested in clinical positions need additional training specific to their field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 15% job growth for healthcare workers between 2019-2029. While pay depends on occupation within this cluster, healthcare practitioners earn a median annual wage of $68,190, much higher than the $39,810 for all occupations. This guide provides more information for those exploring online health science degrees and careers.

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What Are the Goals of a Health Science Degree?

A health science master's degree offers customization to meet individual career objectives. The degree provides a healthcare field overview and develops students' understanding of population health issues. Enrollees apply scientific knowledge to address real-world challenges. Many programs offer clinical experience and research opportunities.

Some schools design programs for those interested in doctoral or professional programs such as medical or dental school. Many master's degrees in health science focus on specialized training in nonclinical domains such as healthcare administration, public health, and environmental health. Students pursuing an online health science degree can expect to explore core topics such as epidemiology, public health, and health policy.

Why Get a Health Science Degree?

Some students seek advanced credentials for more job opportunities and higher pay. Others want to advance their existing healthcare careers. Below, we list five benefits of earning an online health science degree.

A master's degree in health science provides an interdisciplinary curriculum and the customization opportunities for individualized career goals. Each school offers different specializations that may include healthcare administration, sports medicine, and biostatistics.

February 2021 Payscale data notes a $76,111 average pay for master of health science degree-holders. Those with just a bachelor of health sciences earn a $63,708 average.

Practicing healthcare professionals wanting to move up the career ladder need advanced knowledge in certain areas. A health science degree provides knowledge and specialized training that may include invaluable clinical experience.

Healthcare workers in general enjoy good job prospects, with some subsectors doing even better. Medical and health services managers enjoy a 32% job growth rate.

An online health science degree often requires research culminating in a thesis or capstone project. The program may also require a supervised field placement or internship component providing hands-on experience.


What Are the Requirements for a Health Science Degree?

Individuals interested in a health science master's program need a regionally accredited bachelor's degree. Some programs require one in health science or a related field. Learners without this background can explore programs offering foundational coursework or a bridge program to the master's degree.

Schools typically require a minimum 2.75-3.0 GPA and may need GRE scores. Many institutions offer standardized test score waivers during the pandemic, or for students meeting certain academic requirements. Depending on the student's health science specialization, the college may want healthcare work experience.

Once enrolled, students complete 30-60 credits including practicum or internship experience. Students culminate the online health science degree with a research capstone project or thesis.


How Much Will an Online Master's in Health Science Cost?

The cost of an online master's in health science varies by institution. Depending on where you study, tuition prices can range from $350-$900 per credit, totaling $11,000-$60,000 for the degree.

Factors that impact program cost include school prestige, school type (public vs. private), and student residency (in-state vs. out-of-state). Out-of-state learners typically pay more to attend public institutions, while private schools charge the same rates to all students regardless of where they live.

In addition to tuition, online health science students also need to budget for fees, textbooks, supplies, and cost of living. Students can significantly reduce graduate school expenses by pursuing scholarships, fellowships, and grants, which provide financial support and do not require repayment. Learners can also take out loans, but these require repayment with interest.

Learn more about paying for college:


Choosing the Right Health Science Master's Program

Our rankings provide a great starting point, but many other factors can also impact your health science master's program selection. Consider the following:

Attending an accredited school ensures you earn a high-quality education. Accreditation can also affect your eligibility for financial aid. Make sure to attend a regionally or nationally accredited institution.

Popular master's in health science concentrations include sports medicine, healthcare administration, healthcare education, and public health.

Before selecting a master's in health science, learn about the school's graduate health faculty. Seek out programs that employ instructors with extensive real-world experience and accomplishments in the field.

All health science master's programs cover research concepts, but hands-on research opportunities vary by school. At the program's culmination, students may be required to complete a thesis or major research project. Find the degree best aligned with your academic goals.

FAQ on Health Sciences

What can you do with a degree in health sciences?

A health science master's program provides training for careers in public health, research, and healthcare administration. With additional training, graduates pursue careers in fields such as occupational therapy and radiologic technology.

How much money do you make in health science?

Pay in the health science field varies by occupation. Those interested in careers as medical and health services managers earn a median $100,980 annual salary and enjoy 32% job growth.

How long does it take to get a master's degree in health science?

Full-time students typically earn a master's degree in 18-24 months. Learners may prefer a part-time program to extend the completion timeframe and allow them to continue working.

What skills do you need for a health science degree?

Students interested in a health science degree need an aptitude for subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology. They should also possess quantitative skills such as statistics.


Best Online Master's in Health Science Degrees 2022

#1 Best Online Master’s In Health Science Degrees

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online

The online master of health science in one health at the University of Florida is one of the nation’s top-ranked programs for health science students. The master’s degree equips enrollees with advanced training valued by employers in their profession. The master of health science in one health lays the foundation for even more advanced education, such as a doctorate.

Learners like the fact that this program’s format helps them more efficiently manage their time. Students can fit in other responsibilities, such as work, caregiving, and family life, because of the program’s flexibility. Enrollees also like the fact that faculty serve as mentors, and that they can study in an environment that sees each learner’s potential.

For consideration, applicants usually need to have a bachelor's degree. The admittance rate to this school is 32%, with some differences possible across programs. Students can help fund their education through grants, loans, and scholarships.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$3,358
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
63%
Acceptance Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
3,926
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Master’s In Health Science Degrees

University of South Florida-Main Campus

  • Tampa, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The University of South Florida’s academic catalog includes rigorous graduate education available online. The master of science in medical sciences with a health sciences concentration has a lot of the qualities people with a bachelor’s in health science need to advance their education in this field. The degree provides the rigorous education expected from a graduate program using a flexible online format.

A 23-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio facilitates faculty mentorship opportunities and collaboration in this health sciences master's program. Learners complete a strong curriculum in health science delivered by faculty with industry expertise. The training students receive is an important step for career advancement or a doctoral degree in this field and related ones.

Making tuition competitive is a school priority; Florida residents pay an average of $8,350 per year, and out-of-state residents pay $19,048. Many degree-seekers qualify for financial aid, such as grants and scholarships, from the school and third parties. Another popular way to fund their education is to take out student loans, a method used by about 35% of enrollees at the school.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,559
Out-of-state
$15,473
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,350
Out-of-state
$19,048
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
44,246
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Master’s In Health Science Degrees

Johns Hopkins University

  • Baltimore, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

An emphasis on accessibility is a key part of Johns Hopkins University’s mission, as it delivers programs for prospective graduate students pursuing programs such as health science master's degrees. Remote learners have access to the Baltimore, Maryland, school’s catalog of 30 online master's degrees, including the master of health science program. People who may have had challenges pursuing graduate school because of their hectic schedules can appreciate this degree’s flexibility.

The admissions criteria for a master's varies depending on the degree, but applicants typically need a bachelor’s in a related major. A bachelor’s alone cannot provide the kind of advanced training students receive in a master’s program, such as the master of health science, and that is a key feature that attracts them. This credential lays the foundation for a doctorate or other terminal degree.

The current tuition rate stands at $55,350 per year. If they qualify, enrollees can use grants and scholarships to help fund their education. In addition to financial aid that doesn't require repayment, degree-seekers may also want to consider federal or private loans.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$55,350
Out-of-state
$55,350
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$55,350
Out-of-state
$55,350
Retention Rate
97%
Acceptance Rate
11%
Students Enrolled
27,079
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online Master’s In Health Science Degrees

University of Missouri-Columbia

  • Columbia, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public college, the University of Missouri-Columbia is a leader in online graduate education, with 21 master's degrees available remotely. Health science students can pursue the master of health science in clinical and diagnostic sciences from among the many options.

Online education's flexibility and adaptability attract many graduate degree-seekers to this master's program. Busy enrollees may have access to recorded videos that facilitate viewing at any time and can complete their assignments within a reasonable timeframe as faculty allow. The program does not sacrifice the rigor one expects from a graduate degree for flexibility, thereby providing advanced preparation for higher-level work and further education.

The school accepts an average of 81% of applicants each year, though this number can vary between programs. It’s typical for learners to need a bachelor's degree in the major or a related one to apply to a master’s program. All of the application details are available on the program webpage or from the admissions department.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,120
Out-of-state
$26,991
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,264
Out-of-state
$25,363
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
30,014
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Best Online Master’s In Health Science Degrees

Lock Haven University

  • Lock Haven, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Lock Haven University is a public college with many programs to offer from the Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, campus. The institution’s six master's degrees available from a distance help make the college a leader in online graduate education. Health science students can pursue the master of health science from among the options.

Logistics is no barrier to earning this degree, which was designed with adaptability and flexibility in mind. Learners can earn the degree by attending sessions and completing coursework at convenient times that often do not require real-time interaction. Enrollees receive the rigorous academic preparation they expect without sacrificing quality.

Overall, about 95% of applicants get admitted each year, with some variations to be expected depending on the program. Degree-seekers usually need a bachelor’s in the major or a related field for entry into a master’s program. Contact the program department, or admissions, to determine entrance and application requirements like transcripts and recommendation letters.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,716
Out-of-state
$17,290
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,288
Out-of-state
$13,932
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
3,158
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
43% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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