The healthcare industry is booming. Thanks to a combination of demographics (like aging baby boomers) and other industry-wide changes, there are whole fields of work expanding and opening up. Areas like health education, healthcare administration, and research need people who can think across disciplines to make quality care both accessible and affordable.
And more than ever a master’s degree is becoming a necessity for a rewarding career. In a Health Science Master’s program, you’ll fortify your skills in a variety of areas—from biostatistics and evidence-based research, to finances and organizational leadership.
What kind of Health Science degree should you get?
Health Science is a multidisciplinary field, and there are many areas you can specialize in. Whether you’re interested in education, research, administration—or one of the many other areas within Health Science—there’s probably a degree program with your name on it.
And you won’t have to leave home (or your job!) to complete your degree. Many accredited, nationally-ranked universities offer flexible, accessible—and affordable—graduate programs online. And your online degree will be treated with the same respect as if you had earned it on campus.
For more information about online education, check out our College Choice ranking: Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with a Health Science degree?
There is a wide salary range within Health Science professions. But one thing is clear. Getting a master’s degree pays off. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that having a Master’s degree delivers, on average, a $12,000 per year premium.
And that number shoots up in the healthcare field—no matter what area you’re in. For medical and health service managers, a master’s degree delivers a premium of around $29,000 per year. According to the BLS, Medical and Health Service Managers have an average salary of $96,540 per year.
What can you do with a degree in Health Science?
Health Science is a very broad area of graduate study with many specialization areas. Most graduate students have already earned a degree in a related healthcare field—like dental hygiene, nutrition, or radiology technology (just to name a few).
A graduate degree in Health Science expands your skill set, allowing you to move into positions of leadership and responsibility within your field. Some specific areas your Master’s in Health Science can help you move into include:
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- Health Policy
- Environmental Health
- Community Health
What are the requirements for a degree in Health Science?
The first and most common requirement for admissions to a Master’s in Health Science program is a bachelor’s degree—preferably in a health science related program. But if you don’t have an academic background in the health sciences—don’t despair. The school may offer prerequisite courses to bring you up to speed for the graduate program.
Many programs also request GRE scores, and some require applicants to have work experience in the field of health sciences. These requirements vary widely, and some schools will make exceptions if you are missing a component—so look closely at admissions requirements on the program websites.
What are the best Health Science degrees?
At College Choice, we care about both academic excellence and return on investment. And to ensure the legitimacy of programs, the first thing we look at is accreditation. All schools on our rankings are regionally accredited—this guarantees that your credits will be recognized by employers and other institutions.
We collect the numbers—reputation scores, tuition costs, early career earnings, and peer assessments—from a variety of sources. We then weigh the data to come up with a composite score that we believe reflects the quality of program you will experience.
These are the 15 best online Master’s of Health Science programs laid out in a readable format. We hope it helps you find a great program!
2018 Ranking
See our rankings methodology page.
1
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Overview
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 Features
Rutgers 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:
- Teaching in the Health Professions
- Evaluation and Assessment
- Clinical and Community Based Teaching
Notables
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.
2
George Washington University
Overview
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 Features
The 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:
- Topics in Health Care Leadership
- Issues and Trends in Health Systems
- Human Resource Development
Notables
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.
3
Nova Southeastern University
Overview
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 Features
Nova 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:
- Sports Medicine Concentration
- Higher Education Concentration
- Health Law Concentration
- Generalist Curriculum
Notables
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.
4
Florida Gulf Coast University
Overview
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 Features
Florida 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:
- Legal & Ethical Aspects of Health Care
- Research in the Health Professions
- Health Policy Capstone Seminar
Notables
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.
5
Bellarmine University
Overview
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 Features
Bellarmine 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:
- Introduction to Knowledge Translation: Evidence to Practice
- Health Policy
- Communication and Technology in Health
Notables
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.
6
Saint Francis University
Overview
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 Features
Saint 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:
- Health Education
- Health Leadership
- Clinical Practice
Notables
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.
7
Touro University Worldwide
Overview
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 Features
Touro 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:
- Health Education
- Public Health
Notables
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.
8
University of Central Arkansas
Overview
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 Features
The 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:
- Administration of Health Programs
- Foundations in Health Education
- Program Planning and Evaluation
Notables
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.
9
MCPHS University
Overview
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 Features
MPHS 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.
- Health Professions Education Across the Higher Education Spectrum
- Educator Competencies in Academic Health Sciences
- Interprofessional Core Competencies for Health Professionals
Notables
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.
10
University of Mississippi
Overview
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 Features
The 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:
- Health Care Law
- Health Policy and Society
- Personal and Ethical Leadership
Notables
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.
11
Cleveland State University
Overview
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 Features
Cleveland 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:
- Issues in Health Sciences
- Leadership Roles in Health Sciences
- Research and Analysis in Health Sciences
Notables
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.
12
Northern Kentucky University
Overview
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 Features
Northern 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:
- Education
- Management / Leadership
- Health Informatics
Notables
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.
13
Northern Arizona University
Overview
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 Features
Northern 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:
- Principles of Leadership
- Principles of Administration
- Health Services Finance
Notables
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.
14
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Overview
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 Features
The 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:
- Health Care Policy, Organization, Financing
- Health Computer Information Systems
- Research in Health Sciences
Notables
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.
15
Indiana State University
Overview
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 Features
Indiana 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:
- Research Methodology in Health Sciences
- Introduction to Public Health
- Epidemiology
Notables
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).