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.
- Specialization Options:
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.
- Higher Pay:
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.
- Career Advancement:
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.
- Job Growth:
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.
Hands-On Experience: 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:
- Accreditation:
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.
- Available Concentrations:
Popular master's in health science concentrations include sports medicine, healthcare administration, healthcare education, and public health.
- Faculty Credentials:
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.
Research Opportunities: 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.
