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.
Are you ready to find your fit?
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.
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
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.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | New Brunswick, NJ |
2 | George Washington University | Washington, DC |
3 | Nova Southeastern University | Fort Lauderdale, FL |
4 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Meyers, FL |
5 | Bellarmine University | Louisville, KY |
6 | Saint Francis University | Loretto, PA |
7 | Touro University Worldwide | Los Alamitos, CA |
8 | University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR |
9 | MCPHS University | Boston, MA |
10 | University of Mississippi | Oxford, MS |
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Brunswick, NJ
$$$$$
The oldest (and flagship) campus of Rutgers University, Rutgers University—New Brunswick is a public research university that ranks among the top 70 national universities in the country (U.S. News and World Report). The University has a history extending back to the colonial period, but today offers cutting-edge graduate programs, including highly ranked programs in Health Sciences.
Program FeaturesRutgers School of Health Professions offers an online Master of Science in Health Sciences for practicing healthcare professionals who wish to work in education. Designed for those with established healthcare careers, the program will prepare students to become teachers in health professions education programs, continuing education programs, or provide staff development and in-service training. Courses include:
Rutgers University-New Brunswick’s online M.S. in Health Sciences is a 31-credit program that blends online courses with competency-based education—students complete core coursework as well as a Capstone project. And throughout the Health Professions curriculum, students build an individualized Teaching Portfolio which includes a major graded project from each course. Students complete the program on a part-time basis, in a 100% online format.
Washington, DC
$$$$$
Founded in 1821 in downtown Washington, D.C., The George Washington University is a private university which ranks among the top 60 national universities in the United States. The University has a reputation for being a good value in higher education (according to U.S. News and World Report) and their Health Science programs are nationally renowned.
Program FeaturesThe George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences offers a Master of Science in Health Sciences in Clinical Management and Leadership. Designed for professionals from various clinical disciplines, the program provides necessary management and leadership skills. Graduates are ready to take on mid- and upper-level management positions in the healthcare sector. Courses include:
The George Washington University’s online M.S. in Health Sciences is a 36-credit program comprised of mostly required courses in Research, Strategic Leadership, and Clinical Management & Leadership. Students can transfer in up to six credits of applicable graduate-level coursework. And the program is delivered in a flexible, asynchronous format to meet the needs of busy professionals.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$$$$$
Located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Nova Southeastern University is a relatively young, private research institution that specializes in the physical and social sciences. Founded in 1964, the University is becoming a big name in online learning—providing a rich variety of nationally-ranked degree programs which use creative classroom formats and cutting-edge technology.
Program FeaturesNova Southeastern University offers a Master of Health Science intended for students of diverse healthcare backgrounds. The curriculum provides training in a variety of practical and nonclinical areas, delivering the theoretical and practical training necessary for career mobility and professional advancement. Students can also tailor the program to their career goals through concentrations, including:
Nova Southeastern University’s online M.S. in Health Science is comprised of between 37 and 43 credits, depending on the chosen concentration. The program is offered entirely online with no on-campus time. All coursework is guided by Nova Southeastern’s highly qualified faculty and utilizes state-of-the-art, web-based delivery systems. Electives and practicum courses also allow students to tailor the program to their needs and professional interests.
Fort Meyers, FL
$$$$$
Situated in southwest Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University is a young institution, having only opened its doors in 1997—but it already ranks among the top 30 public regional universities in the South. And FGCU’s Marieb College of Health and Human Services provides collaborative, academically rigorous programs that benefit both students and the community.
Program FeaturesFlorida Gulf Coast University’s Marieb College of Health and Human Services offers an interdisciplinary, online Master of Science in Health Science. As a student, you’ll acquire skills and expertise in planning, developing, and implementing innovative and quality health care services. Graduates will be prepared to serve as healthcare leaders in a diversity of healthcare situations. Courses include:
Florida Gulf Coast University’s online M.S. Health Science is a 36-credit program that is comprised of a set of required core courses, restricted electives, and a capstone project or internship. The course is designed to be manageable for working students and is offered on a part-time basis with no campus visit requirements.
Louisville, KY
$$$$$
Consistently ranking among the country’s best colleges and universities, Bellarmine University is a private, Catholic university located on the edge of downtown Louisville, Kentucky. The school emphasizes both educational excellence and ethical awareness—and offers a diversity of program options, all rooted in the liberal arts tradition.
Program FeaturesBellarmine University offers an online Master of Health Science that takes an interprofessional approach to graduate study. The recently-revised M.H.S. curriculum integrates findings from the sciences and humanities to improve health care across diverse settings. Students will gain essential leadership and decision-making skills, as well as ethical awareness. Core courses include:
Bellarmine University’s Master of Health Science is a 30-credit program comprised of core courses in the area of health sciences combined with courses in a chosen area of specialization (Health Care Leadership or Health Promotion and Social Change). Bellarmine’s online program takes two years to complete and provides both academic excellence and extensive student services, even at a distance.
Loretto, PA
$$$$$
One of the top-ranking regional universities in the North, Saint Francis University is a private university—and one of the oldest Catholic universities in the country. The University’s Franciscan focus creates an inclusive learning community that provides academic rigor as well as experiences that prepare students to lead a meaningful life.
Program FeaturesSaint Francis University’s School of Health Sciences offers a multidisciplinary, online Master of Health Science that moves students into leadership positions in the healthcare field. Students use research to develop evidence-based regimes and gain leadership skills specific to the field of healthcare. The program is flexible and customized to your professional goals with concentrations in:
Saint Francis University’s online Master of Health Science degree is a 30-credit program comprised of 21 credits of core coursework and nine credits in your chosen specialty. The program is designed to accommodate the needs of working students—with asynchronous coursework that students can complete entirely on their own schedule. And you can complete the entire program in 18 months.
Los Alamitos, CA
$$$$$
A member of the private, non-profit Touro College and University System headquartered in New York City, Touro University Worldwide provides a liberal arts education in a global-minded setting. Touro University Worldwide offers a variety of online programs at the undergraduate and graduate level that prepare students for careers in leading-edge fields like Health Sciences.
Program FeaturesTouro University Worldwide offers an online Master of Science in Health Sciences with two concentration options. The program prepares students to help solve community health issues by designing educational programs that promote healthy behaviors. Students graduate ready to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate health education programs in a variety of healthcare settings. Concentrations include:
Touro University Worldwide’s online M.S. in Health Science is a 36-credit program comprised of 12 courses (eight core, four electives). Notably, the TUW program aligns with the competencies published by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) and Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES). Graduates will be prepared to sit for both these exams.
Conway, AR
$$$$$
Located in the city of Conway (near Little Rock), AK, the University of Central Arkansas is a small public research university that ranks among the top 26 public regional universities in the South. The University prides itself on both excellence in academics and affordable tuition—both on campus and in their highly ranked online programs—which keeps a UCA education accessible to all students.
Program FeaturesThe University of Central Arkansas offers an online Master of Science in Health Science degree that prepares students to be upwardly mobile in their healthcare careers. Graduates of the program will be ready to take the the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam and to become a certified health education specialist. And it only takes four semesters to complete all the necessary coursework. Courses include:
The University of Central Arkansas’ M.S. in Health Science is a 33-36 credit program, depending on whether students choose the thesis option or the non-thesis option. Both tracks include 18 credits of required courses and at least nine credits of electives. It’s worth noting that if you live in a state that borders Arkansas, there is no out-of-state tuition, making this degree an extremely affordable option.
Boston, MA
$$$$$
Located in Boston, MA, MCPHS University (or Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences) is a private institution that specializes in professional health education. The school has a reputation for high-quality programs and an exceptionally high return on investment. In their 2018 ranking, The Wall Street Journal ranked MCPHS University as the #1 University for earning power in the U.S.
Program FeaturesMPHS University’s School of Arts & Sciences offers an online Master of Health Sciences which equips students to advance their careers in academic health sciences. Students come from a diversity of healthcare backgrounds creating a rich, collaborative learning environment with a wide range of voices and perspectives. Graduates are ready to link education, research, and practice in transforming systems of healthcare.
MCPHS University’s online Master of Health Sciences is a 36-credit program comprised of eight core courses, three graduate electives, and a three-credit, independent research component. The program is delivered 100% online, in a part-time format—students generally complete the entire program in about two years. And the school offers three start times per year—in Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Oxford, MS
$$$$$
Located in in the college town of Oxford, Mississippi, the University of Mississippi is the flagship public research university—and the largest—in the state. The school ranks among the best value schools in the country (U.S. News and World Report), and is also home to highly ranked graduate programs in health sciences.
Program FeaturesThe School of Health Related Professions at the University of Mississippi offers an online Master of Health Sciences which provides advanced education in healthcare leadership. This broad-based program covers topics that relate specifically to healthcare administration and organizational behavior, as well as topics like resource management and program development. Other required courses include:
The University of Mississippi’s online Master of Health Sciences is a 36-credit program comprised of 12 required courses. Unlike some programs, there is no thesis or research component to this practice-oriented degree. The program is designed for students to complete on a part-time basis, usually in two years. And while courses are delivered online, there are two mandatory campus visits—for orientation and capstone presentations.
Cleveland, OH
$$$$$
A public university located in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland State University is part of the Cleveland State University system and offers more than 200 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. The school has several programs that have ranked nationally, including their high-quality, online Business, Nursing, and Education programs (US News and World Report).
Program FeaturesCleveland State University’s School of Health Sciences offers an online Master of Science in Health Sciences. Designed for practicing health care professionals who want to prepare themselves for emerging leadership roles, the program emphasis is on independent, self-directed learning. Students learn from accomplished faculty who represent a variety of health care disciplines and basic sciences. Courses include:
Cleveland State University’s online M.S. in Health Sciences is a 36-credit program comprised of 15 credits of core courses, nine credits in an area of emphasis, as well as a number of electives. Students can also choose to combine the M.S.H.S. degree with one of CSU’s Graduate Certificate programs—this option allows students to gain deeper knowledge in a specialized area.
Highland Heights, KY
$$$$$
Located near Cincinnati in the town of Highland Heights, KY, Northern Kentucky University is a public university with a liberal arts focus. The school is the youngest member of the Kentucky State University system, ranks among the top 75 regional universities in the South and among the top 30 public schools in the region (U.S. News and World Report).
Program FeaturesNorthern Kentucky University offers an online Master of Science in Health Science for healthcare professionals. The program is interdisciplinary and innovative and promotes a view of comprehensive healthcare for the benefit of the broader community. With three options for study focus, the program combines a broad-based core with the ability to use guided electives to focus your studies on what most interests you. The categories for electives are:
Northern Kentucky University’s online Master of Science in Health Science is a 35-credit program comprised of 26 credits of core courses and guided electives in a chosen area of specialization. Students enter the M.S.H.S. program in the fall and spring semesters—working with an advisor to create a plan of study—and have the option of completing the degree as a part-time or full-time student.
Flagstaff, AZ
$$$$$
Located in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a large public research university. The school prides itself on student-centered programs and a commitment to research, public service, and creative endeavors. And NAU is committed to making their programs accessible through their strong online presence—which includes several nationally-ranked programs at the graduate level.
Program FeaturesNorthern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services offers an online Master of Administration with an emphasis in Health Sciences. The program, designed for health care professionals, equips students with the professional and personal skills to make a difference at the local, regional, and global levels―and enter well-paying fields where healthcare professionals are in demand. Courses include:
Northern Arizona University’s online Master of Administration in Health Sciences is a 36-credit program available entirely online. Courses are divided into 15 required core courses in the area of administration, with 18 credits in the area of emphasis, and a three-credit capstone. Students should have a bachelor’s degree and five years of professional work experience for admission to the program.
Edinburg, TX
$$$$$
Located in the Rio Grande Valley region of the lone star state, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)is a public research university. The University has multiple campuses across the region and is home to a new medical center. UTRGV also has the distinction of being one of the largest universities in the country to have a majority Hispanic student population.
Program FeaturesThe University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online Master of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Nutrition. This unique program equips students with the skills and confidence to move into management positions in the field of nutrition. The curriculum covers topics like the prevention of obesity and health maintenance—as well as diseases associated with nutrition (such as eating disorders). Courses include:
UTRGV’s online M.S.H.S. in Nutrition is a 36-credit program comprised of six core courses in Health Sciences and 18 credits in the Nutrition concentration. The program is offered in an accelerated format (the only one of its kind in Texas) and students can complete the entire degree in as few as twelve months of intensive study. This is also one of the more affordable M.S.H.S. programs available.
Terre Haute, IN
$$$$$
Located in Terre Haute, Indiana, Indiana State University is a nationally-ranked public research university that consistently ranks among the best schools in the Midwest. The school blends research and teaching, providing space for personal and intellectual growth. And Indiana State’s commitment to accessible higher education has translated into high-ranking online programs in several areas of study.
Program FeaturesIndiana State University offers an online Master of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health. As a student, you’ll gain a general mastery of public health at the graduate level and be ready for positions of leadership and organizational responsibility in the field. The program is also an excellent choice for those wishing to continue with doctoral studies. Courses include:
Indiana State University’s online M.S.H.S. in Public Health is a 39-42 credit program depending on the courses chosen as well as whether students choose to complete a research project or a Master’s thesis. The program is comprised of 24-27 credits of core classes in Health Sciences, 15 credits in the Public Health concentration, and 3-6 credits in the culminating experience (thesis or research project).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Professional organizations provide students with invaluable professional development, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Professional organizations vary for students interested in a health science master’s programs depending on their specialization. The following list provides three diverse organizations for students interested in a health science master’s program.
Scholarships provide students with funding for tuition and other expenses. The funders award scholarships based on academic achievement or need. They also award scholarships to underrepresented populations such as women and minorities. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for students pursuing online health science degrees.
Who Can Apply: The Christie Foundation promotes medical education, knowledge, and medical services. The Foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing degrees in various medical fields. The Foundation awards funding based on academic performance. Students must upload school transcripts and evidence of college enrollment to qualify.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: HOSA’s membership consists of future healthcare professionals attending secondary and postsecondary institutions. The organization awards scholarships to members interested in diverse healthcare careers, including allied health and public health. Students join HOSA and create a free Tallo account to apply for a HOSA scholarship.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: The American College of Healthcare Executives offers this scholarship to minority students in their final year of a healthcare management graduate program. Healthcare administration students in a master’s in health science program qualify. Applicants submit college transcripts and must demonstrate financial need.
Amount: $5,000
Helping you prepare and gain the most out of your educational experience.
A complex global economy drives the need for business leaders who can navigate a fast-changing economic landscape. Students interested in learning how to effectively run an organization should consider pursuing...
Nursing degrees give learners the skills and experience they need for a career as a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Nursing programs confer...
Medical assistants apply clinical and clerical skills to keep doctors' offices, clinics, and hospitals running smoothly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects in the healthcare sector than any other...
Search schools to find the program that is right for you.