Online MS in Health Science Programs - MSHS Degrees
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“Graduating from the MSHS program has surpassed my expectations, opening numerous opportunities.”
Virginia M. Miller, MSHS, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
As the demand for quality healthcare professionals continues to rise, several universities now offer special courses and degrees that focus on delivering instruction in health services. An online master of science in health science (MSHS) can be a lucrative option for healthcare professionals wishing to acquire specialized skills and pursue leadership roles.
These programs focus on healthcare strategy, data-based decision-making, research, and evaluation. Students learn how to analyze data, influence healthcare policies, and ensure patient safety. Many of these degrees provide specializations in areas such as nutrition, clinical laboratory science, rehabilitative science, and sports performance. Along with a specialization, each program includes a set of core health science courses such as healthcare leadership, ethical and legal issues in healthcare, clinical chemistry, and health policy.
This advanced degree can prepare students for a successful public or private healthcare organization career. Graduates can take on management-level positions in a laboratory, teach at universities, or conduct research. Many MSHS-holders have gone into roles such as clinical director, healthcare administrator, and healthcare quality analyst, among many others.
This guide features accredited online MSHS degrees and an expert’s perspective.
Meet the Expert: Virginia M. Miller, MSHS
Virginia M. Miller is a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Recognizing the importance of advanced education for career advancement in management or administration, she chose the online format of the master of science in health sciences (MSHS) program to balance her full-time work commitments with her academic goals. Before enrolling in the MSHS program at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, she earned a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science.
MHAOnline.com: How has graduating from an MSHS program enhanced your career?
Virginia M. Miller: Graduating from the MSHS program has surpassed my expectations, opening numerous opportunities. It enabled me to transition into a new role as a clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where I contribute to a program aligned with my professional expertise. This role has advanced my career from a fresh perspective and allowed me to give back to the university and the community.
MHAOnline.com: What is one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring MSHS program student?
Virginia M. Miller: As an alum, I advise prospective students to balance academic responsibilities with other priorities carefully. Many MSHS program students manage full-time careers and family obligations, so finding an effective balance is crucial to achieving your goals.
Featured Online Master of Health Sciences Programs
The online master of science in health science (MSHS) degree from George Washington focuses on healthcare quality. It was designed to prepare students for research and management positions in healthcare organizations. Upon completing the program, graduates can evaluate and develop quality healthcare initiatives, measure and analyze data, and conduct research for better decision-making. The program is designed for working professionals who wish to cover a rigorous curriculum from a distance.
Notably, the MSHS course was created in partnership with the National Committee for Quality Assurance, and it includes core health science topics such as building a quality culture; quality improvement science in healthcare; and patient safety systems. Students also get an overview of health information, quality and outcomes, topics in healthcare leadership, and the healthcare enterprise. Through these specialized courses, students review healthcare issues, quality improvement processes, and patient safety initiatives.
The practical skills acquired in the program can open up several doors for graduates in public and private healthcare. They can work in clinical research, data management, and analysis. Graduates have gone into roles such as clinical director, healthcare quality analyst, quality assurance consultant, and healthcare administration manager.
In addition, George Washington University offers several more MSHS degree programs. These include:
An online 36-credit MSHS in biomedical laboratory science program. This program offers three unique concentration options in medical laboratory sciences; immunohematology and biotechnology; and translational microbiology. Courses include research ethics and scientific integrity; biostatistics for clinical and translational research; current topics in MLS; and leadership in biomedical sciences.
An online 36-credit MSHS in clinical and translational research program. Exploring clinical administration, biomedical science, health policy, and community health, students in this program will learn to develop best practices for bringing the latest findings in medical science. Courses include critical analysis of clinical research; clinical investigation; foundations in clinical and translational research; and grantsmanship in translational health science.
An online 36-credit MSHS in clinical microbiology program. Preparing students to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Microbiology exam, the program delivers the skills needed for identifying and investigating human infectious diseases. The curriculum includes courses such as biostatistics for clinical and translational research; advanced molecular diagnostics; advanced immunology and serology; and microbial pathogenesis.
An online 36-credit MSHS in clinical operations and healthcare management program. Providing students with core competency knowledge in operational leadership, this online program is aligned with the National Center for Healthcare Leadership and its Health Leadership Competency Model. Additionally, the curriculum follows the Competencies Assessment Tool Model developed by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Courses include leadership and change in clinical management; population health for healthcare innovators; informatics for operational leadership and healthcare quality; and healthcare systems operations.
An online 36-credit MSHS in clinical research administration program. Preparing students to lead the science and business of clinical research, this program emphasizes strategic leadership. Courses include medicines development; partnerships with human subjects; quality and risk management; monitoring, auditing, and oversight in clinical research; and epidemiology translational research.
An online 36-credit MSHS in integrative medicine program. Students through this program will be able to discover how to use systems thinking for evaluating and treating their clients. The curriculum of this program is accredited by the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM). Notably, the program also offers an optional concentration in nutrition to prepare students to sit for the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) exam from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). Courses include foundations in integrative medicine; nutritional metabolism & environmental exposure; metabolic networks in integrative medicine; and legal & medical ethics in integrative medicine.
An online 52-credit MSHS in laboratory medicine program. Combining online coursework with a hands-on practicum, students in this program will obtain the experience and knowledge they need to sit for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) board certification exam. Courses include advanced parasitology, mycology, and virology; advanced hematology; advanced immunohematology; and advanced molecular diagnostics.
An online 35-credit MSHS in molecular diagnostic science program. Preparing students to sit for the ASCP Technologist in Molecular Biology (MB) exam, this degree program examines the latest nucleic acid-based technologies to provide students with the practical experience and skills to solve complex clinical pathology and molecular diagnostics issues. Courses include microbial pathogenesis; advanced laboratory management and operations; molecular pathology; and genetics.
An online 36-credit MSHS in regulatory affairs program. Developed in partnership with regulatory affairs professionals in the field, this master’s degree incorporates global regulatory strategy across the curriculum to equip students with the critical thinking skills needed in today’s international and domestic job markets. Courses include regulatory drug biologics; regulatory device diagnostics; regulatory affairs compliance; and leadership in regulatory affairs.
Notably, George Washington University also has the following four dual degree options: BSHS in clinical operations and healthcare management / MSHS in healthcare quality (87 credits), BSHS in clinical research administration / MSHS in clinical and translational research (87 credits), BSHS in clinical research administration / MSHS in regulatory affairs (87 credits), and BSHS/MSHS in clinical research administration (87 credits).
- Location: Washington, DC
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: MSHS (two to 2.5 years); dual degree programs (four to five years)
Lindenwood University offers both a fully online master of science in health sciences (MSHS) program as well as an online master’s in healthcare administration (MHA) program. The 36-credit online MHA program builds on the student’s current expertise in healthcare and helps them in gaining a well-rounded approach to leadership in healthcare.
With Lindenwood University’s 33-credit online MSHS program, graduates will examine key areas such as fitness, public health, nutrition, and exercise physiology. The MSHS program specializes in fitness and wellness, providing students with a solid scientific basis for seeking advanced degrees in therapeutic recreation, wellness, and various allied health professions.
- Location: Saint Charles, MO
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: MSHS (two years); MHA (14 to 24 months)
Bellarmine offers a completely online master’s of health science degree. It consists of a core health science curriculum and a specialization in health promotion and social change or healthcare leadership.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The 30-semester-credit program teaches students how to use science and humanities findings to improve healthcare, develop leadership and decision-making skills, and evidence-based methods. The core courses include health policy; current trends and issues in health; bioethics; and communication and technology in health.
If students opt for the healthcare leadership track, they get a chance to explore healthcare systems organization and administration; patient safety; and issues in healthcare leadership. This subfield preps students for management-level roles in healthcare.
On the other hand, the health promotion and social change track includes instruction in health behavior theory; community wellness; program evaluation and statistics; and designing and planning health promotion programs. Students completing the program learn how to analyze environmental effects on health, quality of life across the world, and social changes. At the end of the program, they may be well-versed in promoting a healthy lifestyle and policy-making.
- Location: Louisville, Kentucky
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
This professional MSHS degree from Cleveland State University prepares students for clinical, educational, and administrative healthcare roles. The program is well-suited for working professionals or those who have a bachelor’s degree in healthcare and wish to advance.
Comprising 36 credits, the program includes four core courses, four electives, three health science-focused courses, and one capstone research project. Students gain an understanding of leadership in health sciences, evolving technologies in healthcare, occupational/physical therapy in schools, environmental health, human anatomy, and pathology. Courses include principles of evidence-based practice; physiology for the clinical sciences; functional performance of older adults; and principles of management for health sciences.
Completing this program is intended for healthcare professionals who can help them advance their careers, pursue promotions, or perform better in their current roles. Courses are offered online or in the evenings, allowing students to continue working while earning their degree. To be eligible for admission candidates must already hold a bachelor’s degree with a 2.75 GPA, provide a personal statement, submit three letters of recommendation, and complete an online application.
The MSHS degree can also be combined with Cleveland University’s myriad graduate certificate programs, including the advanced study in bioethics, healthcare administration, culture, communication and healthcare, and gerontological studies. These courses can equip students with specialized knowledge and skills.
Graduates will be prepared for roles such as clinical department managers, research associates, and community health promotion specialists.
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
Florida Gulf Coast University’s online MSHS program is for students who wish to take up advanced professional roles in healthcare. The 45-credit program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Students learn how to teach and train students, healthcare consumers, and clients and how to develop a curriculum, plan lessons, and design assignments. Overall, this curriculum trains students to become clinical educators of health professionals at universities, community colleges, diagnostic corporations, and technical schools.
The health science-focused courses in the program include the legal and ethical aspects of healthcare; human resource management for healthcare managers; management of healthcare organizations; healthcare delivery systems; healthcare economics; healthcare policy; healthcare quality improvement; and decision analysis in healthcare. Upon completion of the MSHS program, students may be well-equipped to analyze healthcare problems, evaluate legal issues, interpret data, and formulate solutions.
- Location: Fort Myers, Florida
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
The online MS in health sciences program by Georgia State University offers a specialization in nutrition. The curriculum aims to enable students to research problems, evaluate results, and take up professional roles in the field.
The health sciences core includes courses such as trends affecting health policies, practices, and laws; leadership and ethics in healthcare; and research methods for health and human science professions. The nutrition coursework provides an overview of research methods and issues in the field of nutrition, including nutritional intervention, nutritional genomics, and advanced topics in nutrition.
There are also elective courses that students can choose after consulting the graduate program director. They can opt to do a thesis or pursue a non-thesis option (e.g., a master’s project). Please note that the non-thesis option includes additional courses in pediatrics, public health, and sports.
Notably, Georgia State University also offers a 36-credit master of science in health sciences degree with a concentration in health informatics.
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 credits (two years)
The UT Rio Grande Valley MSHS program is an online degree specializing in clinical laboratory services. This program is tailored for certified medical laboratory scientists and medical technologists looking to advance in their careers.
While the program is focused on laboratory medicine, it also includes lessons on management and leadership that can boost a lab technician to a middle management position in hospitals or laboratories. Graduates may pursue consulting positions in private labs or physicians’ offices or teach in university medical laboratory science programs.
This 36-credit program explores fundamental concepts such as healthcare policy, organization, and financing; legal and ethical issues in healthcare; and professional proposal writing. Students gain an insight into the working of healthcare organizations. The clinical laboratory sciences track includes topics such as the pathophysiology of disease; advanced practice in clinical chemistry; and advanced clinical practice in hematology. The program also includes laboratory techniques and research methods.
Overall, this MSHS can equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a career in diagnostics, pathology, research, or medical lab technology.
Notably, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley also has several MSHS programs with concentrations in health professions education and technology; healthcare administration; healthcare informatics; and nutrition.
- Location: Rio Grande, Texas
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: One year
Aspiring healthcare leaders and researchers can elevate their careers with an online doctor of philosophy in health sciences program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. This online PhD program caters to working professionals by offering a flexible, blended curriculum. Students can pursue in-depth knowledge in one of six concentration areas, including healthcare leadership and administration or pediatric science. The program equips graduates to conduct research, disseminate findings, and ultimately shape the future of healthcare practice through teaching and scholarship.
- Location: Provo, Utah
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Expected Time to Completion: Four years
The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers an online, part-time MS in academic health science program. It is designed for healthcare professionals who wish to pursue or advance their careers as health educators. Notably, the program is taught by health professionals with impressive backgrounds.
This 30-credit program includes courses such as health professions education across the higher education spectrum; educator competencies; qualities and characteristics of leadership; principles and theories of teaching and learning; and evidence-based practice. Upon successful completion of the program, students may be well-equipped to translate theoretical concepts, promote excellence in teaching, and form a strong link between education, research, and practice.
Students graduating from the program tend to pursue leadership roles in training programs related to public health, medicine, and nursing. They can serve as training directors, faculty members, department chairs, curriculum coordinators, or continuing education professionals.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
At Excelsior University, students can complete an online master of science program in health science. This comprehensive, flexible, and efficient program allows working professionals the opportunity to complete further education without relocating or quitting their jobs. The program prepares students for career advancement and teaches them how to motivate and lead teams. Graduates will learn to effectively use data to improve healthcare quality. They will be able to access, propose, and analyze policies that address ethical situations, promote health equity, and use best practices and innovative strategies for solving problems in healthcare settings.
In addition to the general track, students in this 36-credit program can choose from concentrations in public health or cannabis control. All students must complete core coursework, which includes ethical leadership, strategic talent management, data-driven decision-making, healthcare policy, politics, and power, contemporary issues in healthcare delivery systems, and informatics for healthcare leaders. In order to graduate from this program, students must complete a capstone in health sciences.
The concentration in public health includes courses in behavioral health and the social environment, critical issues in public health, epidemiology, vulnerable populations, and program planning and evaluation for public health.
Courses in the cannabis control concentration include policy and compliance; risk assessment; commerce; and communication strategies for the healthcare leader.
- Location: Albany, NY
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
The Saint Francis University School of Health Science and Education was one of the first schools in the country to offer an online master’s in science in health sciences. The mission of this program is to positively impact the healthcare industry by producing passionate students with strong leadership skills. The required 30 credits can be completed in a flexible format and at a student’s own pace as all classes are taught asynchronously. Most students graduate in just 18 months.
This program has three specialty tracks: health education, health leadership, and clinical. Students can complete all tracks, but it will require more time than a single-track program. At the end of their studies, students are required to complete a capstone experience in which they identify an unmet need in healthcare and then develop a solution to the problem with measurable outcomes.
The core curriculum includes courses such as research methodology; ethical issues in practice; communication for healthcare professionals; leadership; strategies in health policy; and diversity in healthcare.
- Location: Loretto, PA
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Expected Time to Completion: 18 months
The online master of science in health sciences at Western Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Sciences offers four concentrations: emergency medical care, health education, health management, and nutrition. The program is designed for professionals already working in healthcare administration, health education, or clinical practice. Earning this degree will help professionals move into leadership roles or apply for more senior positions.
Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher, three letters of recommendation, and a goal statement.
This 33-credit program includes courses such as health systems policy; principles of epidemiology; biostatistics for health sciences; research methodology in the health sciences; a research seminar in health sciences; and a project in health sciences.
The emergency medical care concentration includes courses such as quantitative methods for decision-making; EMS system reimbursement and finance; ethics in EMS education; and EMS system design and operations.
The concentration in health education includes courses such as principles of clinical education; educational technology in health sciences; program planning & evaluation in health sciences; and health communications.
The health management concentration includes courses such as Medicare and Medicaid, healthcare marketing, healthcare organization problem solving and decision making, quality performance in healthcare organizations, and healthcare informatics.
The concentration in nutrition includes courses such as nutritional biochemistry; advanced medical nutrition therapy; and leadership strategies for healthcare organizations.
- Location: Cullowhee, NC
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
The College of Health and Human Services at Trident University offers a master of science degree program in health sciences with several concentration options. This program aims to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for effective leadership and managerial careers in several health fields.
Students in this MSHS degree may choose to complete the program without a concentration. The program comprises 36 credits without a concentration and 40 credits with a concentration. Concentration options include environmental and occupational health and safety, health education, and public health.
The curriculum includes courses such as cultural diversity in health sciences; scholarly writing in the health sciences; health care delivery systems; research methods for the health sciences; health promotion, program planning, design, and evaluation; public health law and policy; biostatistics; and fundamentals of environmental and occupational health.
- Location: Chandler, AZ
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Two years
