The study of Health Science is a broad subject area which may lead to a variety of allied health careers for those interested in mostly non-clinical healthcare careers. Career options for those holding a Master of Science in Health Science (MSHS, MSHSc, MHS, etc.) include, but are not limited to, healthcare administration, epidemiology, medical laboratory technicians, occupational or physical therapy, biomedical engineers, nutritionists, emergency management, dental hygienists, radiology technology, etc.
Advanced Health Sciences degrees are often considered as post-professional studies designed for those currently working in healthcare wanting to advance their education. Typically, these MS programs may be completed within 1-2 years of part-time or full-time study. Online programs may be general or specialized in design and often include core curriculum requirements in epidemiology, biostatistics, informatics, leadership, ethics, etc.
25 Best Online Master of Science in Health Science Programs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), includes Health Science in its Career Clusters and Pathways report, which links occupational statistics with career profiles. According to this report, 12.2 million jobs are added in the Health cluster with health sciences included in the figures, indicating a robust job market for this career. The employer surveys conducted by PayScale places the median salary for a Masters prepared Health Science major at $77,00. This figure will be influenced by the health sciences specialization. Employment opportunities for this degree are wide-ranging and include hospitals, private clinics, government healthcare agencies, laboratories, and others.
Methodology
Best Medical Degrees has conducted an internet search for online Master of Science programs in Health Science to develop a preliminary list of the Best Online Master of Health Science Programs. While the term "best" is subjective, we used the following criteria to create this ranking: 1) program accreditation (regionally, Department of Education approved accrediting agencies, 2) program length by credit hours and admission tests (GRE, MAT, etc.) required, 3) school recognition from national publications such as The Princeton Review, Forbes, or U.S. News and World Report, etc., 4) overall institution graduation rates as reported to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and 5) estimated program costs. Ideally, this information will help you determine which program is best for you, your career, and educational goals.
1. George Washington University
George Washington University (GWU) has an impressive range of online health sciences concentrations offered in its Master of Science in Health Sciences program: Clinical Operations and Healthcare Management, Healthcare Master of Business Administration (MBA)Clinical Research Administration, Clinical Translational Research, Healthcare Quality, Regulatory Affairs, Immunohematology, Biotechnology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Translational Microbiology, and Integrative Medicine. GWU consistently is nationally ranked. Forbes ranks GWU as one of America's Top Colleges, U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top 100 of National Universities, as well as in the top 50 of Most Innovative Schools and Best Colleges for Veterans. The Princeton Review ranks GWU as one of The Best 384 Colleges and a Best Northeastern College.
Program Length Average: 36 Credit HoursAccreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)Estimated Program Cost: $47,340Overall School Graduation Rate: 82%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:George Washington University
2. Indiana Unive0rsity Online
Indiana University Online offers an online Master of Applied Health Science degree with a Safety Management concentration. The degree includes studies in safety management in business and industry, safety performance measures and leadership, professional risk management, management of occupational safety programs, safety standards in construction and industry, etc. Applicants must hold a baccalaureate, submit official transcripts and other documentation for admission. Indiana University is named in Forbes' America's Best Value College and a Top Public School by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 30 Credit HoursAccreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)Estimated Program Cost: $13,530-$16,230Overall School Graduation Rate: 74%Admission Test Required: Not DeterminedSchool Website:University of Indiana
3. University of South Florida
The University of Florida (USF) in Tampa, has a 100% online Masters in Health Science degree offered through the Morsani College of Medicine. This is a generalist's degree and covers basic graduate studies in histology, microbiology, anatomy, pathobiology, ethics, pharmacology, etc. The program provides a solid preparation degree for further graduate studies in healthcare or medical school. Forbes ranks USF in the top 40 schools in its Public Colleges, Research Institutions, as well as one of its America's Best Value Schools rankings. Additionally, U.S. News and World Report rank USF in its Top Public School ranking.
Program Length Average: 32 Credit HoursAccreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)Estimated Program Cost: $11,136Overall School Graduation Rate: 73%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:University of Florida
4. MCPHS University
The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) University offers a general degree program with an emphasis on education. Courses cover topics in healthcare education, educational leadership, course and curriculum design, as well as research methods. Graduates of this program will be able to design and evaluate healthcare educational models using higher education theories. Forbes considers this university as one of the top 5 colleges that provides high value for the money school. The Wall Street Journal ranked MCPHS as the #1 University for Earning Power in 2018. MCPHS is one of the oldest colleges in Boston and is the second oldest college of pharmacy in the U.S., having been established in 1823.
Program Length Average: 36 Credit HoursAccreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)Estimated Program Cost: $44,460Overall School Graduation Rate: 72%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website: MCPHS University
5. Rutgers University
Rutgers University's School of Health Professions in Newark, New Jersey has an online Master of Health Sciences with a gerontology specialty track. The program uses an evidence-based research approach to prepare graduates to work with the rapidly growing geriatric population (estimated to grow from 42 million in 2019 to 89 million by mid-century). Subject matter covered in this program includes management, nutrition, disease processes, pharmacology, and ethical issues, etc. Forbes rates Rutgers University in the top 50 of its Top Public Colleges and one of America's Best Value Schools. U.S. News & World Report rank Rutgers University #52 in Top Public Schools.
Program Length Average: 33 Credit HoursAccreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)Estimated Program Cost: $17,000-$29,000Overall School Graduation Rate: 64%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Rutgers University
6. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UN-L) has an online Master of Science in Nutrition and Health Science. The program has three options, which has varying degrees of requirements, such as thesis requirements and the number of credit hours needed for graduation. The MS degree has three nutrition specialties in Community Nutrition & Health Promotion, Dietetics (only Registered Dieticians may choose this specialty), or Nutrition and Exercise. The school also offers an online Ph.D. in Human Sciences. Forbes includes the UN-L in its top 100 Public Colleges and Top Colleges rankings, while The Princeton Review recognizes the school as one of its The 384 Best Colleges, Best Midwestern Colleges, and Best Value Colleges.
Program Length: 30-36 Credit HoursEstimated Program Cost: $10,710-$12,852Overall School Graduation Rate: 69%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:University of NebraskaLincoln
7. Saint Francis University
The Master of Health Science (MHS) at Saint Francis University has three tracks: Health Education, Health Leadership, and Generalist. Founded in 1847 by the Franciscans, Saint Francis University is located in Loretto, Pennsylvania. Saint Francis University offered one of the nation's first online MHS degree. The program utilizes the Canvas Learning Management System to provide students the ability to participate in discussion forums, streaming video, as well as collaborative cohort software providing students the ability to interact in a real-time group. Saint Francis University is on Forbes' America's Top Colleges list as well as named a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton Review.
Program Length: 30 Credit HoursAccreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)Estimated Program Cost: $20,050Overall School Graduation Rate: 69%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Saint Francis University
8. Bellarmine University
Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Bellarmine University has an online Master of Science in Health Promotion and Social Change. This degree concentrates on community wellness, health promotion program design, and includes a capstone project. Bellarmine University is ranked in the top 40 of U.S. News & World Report's Best Value Schools, and Forbes considers it one of its Top Colleges. The Princeton Review also names it one of The 384 Best Colleges and a Best Southeastern College. Bellarmine University was established in 1950 by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville.
Program Length: 30 Credit HoursAccreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)Estimated Program Cost: $23,100Overall School Graduation Rate: 64%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Bellarmine University
9. Western Carolina University
There are three MS in Health Sciences concentrations available through Western Carolina University (WCU). Students may choose between Emergency Medical Care, Health Education, or Health Management. This may be a good program for those with previous healthcare experience, either in administration, health education, or clinical experiences. Studies have a public health focus and include research, organizational structure, and planning theories. Students submit undergraduate transcripts (demonstrating a 3.0 GPA), letters of recommendation, a personal goal statement, etc. Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC, and was established in 1888. WCU makes Forbes' list of America's Best Colleges and recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of its Top Public Schools.
Program Length: 33 Credit HoursAccreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)Estimated Program Cost: $8,151 (NC Resident); $24,981 (Non Resident)Overall School Graduation Rate: 62%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:Western Carolina University
10. Lock Haven University
This online Master of Health Science degree is offered by Pennsylvania school, Lock Haven University (LHU). The program has a Healthcare Management concentration, which may be taken either full-time or part-time. The curriculum includes studies in research and assessment, leadership theories, organizational behavior, healthcare informatics, etc., and requires a capstone project or field experience for graduation. Lock Haven University is named one of U.S. News and World Report's Top Public Schools. LHU was founded in 1870 and has been part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education since 1982.
Program Length: 36 Credit HoursAccreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)Estimated Program Cost: $12,384-$18,576Overall School Graduation Rate: 54%Admission Test Required: UndeterminedSchool Website:Lock Haven University
11. Oregon Institute of Technology
The Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) may not be the best-known school outside of Oregon, but it ranks in Forbes' America's Best Value Colleges and Top Public Colleges. U.S. News and World Report also rate OIT as one of its Top Public Schools. OIT offers an online Master of Science in Allied Health (MSAH) that is specifically designed for working allied health professionals, offering a curriculum in three professional tracks: Dental Hygiene, Respiratory Care, and Administrative/Healthcare Leadership. Core coursework covers foundational work in leadership, information technology, research methods, assessment and evaluation for healthcare leaders, and offers either a capstone project or thesis presentation.
Program Length: 49 Credit HoursAccreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU)Estimated Program Cost: $16,807Overall School Graduation Rate: 52%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:Oregon Institute of Technology
12. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, has several online offerings in its online Master of Science in Health Science (MHSc). The university has degree concentrations in Generalist, Sports Medicine, Higher Education,Health Law (this concentration requires two on-campus Institutes), or Leadership in Health Care, Risk Management. Application to this post-professional program requires prior healthcare management or administrative experience, as well as completion of a baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 GPA. Forbes ranks the university in its America's Top Colleges rating as in its Top College and Private Colleges designations.
Program Length: 37 Credit HoursAccreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (CCSACS)Estimated Program Cost: $15,870Overall School Graduation Rate 50%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:Nova Southeastern University
13. Touro University Worldwide
Touro University Worldwide was founded in 1998 as a nonprofit, online university. The school has a HealthEducation focused Master of Science. Core coursework involves studies in health research, legal and ethical issues in public health, health education program administration, and a capstone project. Electives offered include community health studies, public policy, environmental health, epidemiology, and others. An undergraduate degree with a 2.5 GPA and submission of academic transcripts are required for admission. Forbes includes Touro University in its Top Colleges and Best College in the Northeast rankings.
Program Length: 36 Credit HoursAccreditation: WASC Senior College and University CommissionEstimated Program Cost: $18,000Overall School Graduation Rate: 50%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Touro University
14. Liberty University
Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, has an online Master of Arts in Medical Science with specialty areas in Biopsychology, Business Management, Health Informatics, Molecular Medicine, and Public Health. The Molecular Medicine concentration does require on-campus intensives. Admission to the MA in Medical Science degree requires students to hold a bachelor's degree with a 2.75 GPA, submission of academic transcripts, an admission application, and other documents. Organized in 1971, Liberty University is an evangelical, liberal arts university which is considered one of Forbes' America's Top Colleges and one of U.S. News and World Report's Best National Universities. Niche ranks the university as being #1 Best Online College in America.
Program Length: 34 Credit HoursAccreditation: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC)Estimated Program Cost: $19,210Overall School Graduation Rate: 50%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Liberty University
15. University of Memphis Global
The University of Memphis Global (UMG) offers among its 60 online degrees, a Master of Science in Health Promotion degree. Coursework in this degree covers topics in research and statistics, epidemiology, management and leadership of health promotion programs, and applied project in healthcare promotion. UMG is listed on U.S. News and World Report's Best Global Universities and is named one of Forbes' Top Public Colleges. Admission to this program requires submission of an online University of Memphis application, undergraduate transcripts, and test scores.
Program Length: 30 Credit HoursAccreditation Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)Estimated Program Cost: $19,410Overall School Graduation Rate: 48%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:University of Memphis Global
16. Florida Gulf Coast University
The Marieb College of Health & Human Services at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has an online MS in Health Science, which is general. Coursework for this degree includes core courses in statistical analysis, legal and ethical issues in healthcare, research, and a capstone project. Students may choose from a variety of electives in healthcare management and operations, quality management, healthcare informatics, educational measurement, and evaluation, among others. Admission requires submission of baccalaureate transcripts, completion of an FGCU application and a supplemental application to the College of Health and Human Services, etc. U.S. News and World Report rank FGCU as one of its Top Public Schools and Forbes also ranks the university as a Top Colleges.
Program Length: 36 Credit HoursAccreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)Estimated Program Cost: $10,476Overall School Graduation Rate: 48%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website: Florida Gulf Coast University
17. Excelsior College
This online Master of Science Health Science degree is offered by Excelsior College in Albany, New York. Students may choose from two degree options in Public Health or a non-specialized plan of study. Coursework for this program involves core studies in healthcare ethics, leadership, research, healthcare delivery systems, etc. Students are required to complete a capstone project. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree and provide official transcripts for admission. Forbes, citing information from College Factual, described Excelsior College as an excellent choice for adults returning to school.
Program Length: 36 Credit HoursAccreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)Estimated Program Cost: $23,200Overall School Graduation Rate: 46%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Excelsior College
18. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has four online Master of Science in Health Science concentrations in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Health Care Informatics, Health Care Administration, and Nutrition. Before taking concentrations courses, students are required to do core studies in healthcare information systems, healthcare systems, and quality improvements, health sciences research, healthcare policy, proposal writing, and healthcare organization and financing. Admission documents include verification of an undergraduate degree and submission of academic transcripts, letters of reference, documentation of professional licensure (depending on the concentration), etc. U.S. News and World Report recognize UTRGV as a National University, and Forbes included UTRGV as one of its Top Public Colleges.
Program Length: 36 Credit HourAccreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)Estimated Program Cost: $15,984Overall School Graduation Rate: 46%Admission Test Required: Not DeterminedSchool Website:University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
19. Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University has been providing online degree programs for over a decade and offers a post-professional degree in Master of Science Health Science intended for those currently working in healthcare. This is a generalist degree and explores evidence-based research, outcome assessment, anatomy, management for health sciences, etc. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in a health-related field. Other admission requirements include academic transcripts and letters of recommendation. Cleveland State University has been named one of Forbes' Top Colleges and has also been ranked for its online program offerings by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length: 36 Credit HoursAccreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)Estimated Program Cost: $19,116Overall School Graduation Rate: 45%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:Cleveland State University
20. East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has an online Master of Science in Allied Health (MSAH) degree for allied health professionals currently working in the fields of dental hygiene, medical laboratory technology, respiratory and/or radiology technology, etc., who wish to advance their education and careers. The curriculum includes core studies in assessment, leadership, research methods, information technology, etc. with electives in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical teaching, assessment, and others. Students may choose between a thesis or non-thesis option. Besides meeting general school admission requirements, applicants must hold a professional, allied health license as well as provide three letters of professional recommendations. ETSU is ranked as one of The 384 Best Southeastern Universities by The Princeton Review.
Program Length: 36 Credit HoursAccreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)Estimated Program Cost: $25,920Overall School Graduation Rate: 45%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:East Tennessee State University
21. Texas Woman's University
The Texas Woman's University (TWU) in Denton, Texas has a 100% online MS in Health Studies intended to provide students with skills to become leaders in health promotion and health education. The program has three options: thesis, non-thesis, and a dental hygienist emphasis (see website for additional information). TWU also offers an online dual Master of Library Science/Master of Science in Health Studies This program is accredited by American Library Association Committee on Accreditation (ALACA), and graduates will be prepared for leadership positions as information specialists in a variety of healthcare settings. Applicants will be asked to hold an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA, submit academic transcripts, reference letters, etc. TWU is an America's Top Colleges as well as an American Best Value Colleges as ranked by Forbes.
Program Length: 36-42 Credit HoursAccreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)Estimated Program Cost: $9,972-$25,128Overall School Graduation Rate: 43%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Texas Woman's University
22. Northern Kentucky University
Established in 1967, Northern Kentucky University offers an online Master of Science Health Science which can be completed in two years. Studies will examine current healthcare trends, research methods, healthcare policy, informatics, as well as a capstone project. Students may also choose electives in topics in healthcare education and healthcare management. Elective options include subjects such as assessment of healthcare programs, curriculum development, healthcare finance, ethics, etc. Forbes considers Cleveland State University as one of its Top College picks.
Program Length: 35 Credit HoursEstimated Program Cost: $22,400Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSSCC)Overall School Graduation Rate: 42%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Northern Kentucky University
23. Indiana State University
This is a Master of Science in PublicHealth with a general, public health concentration. Students will study statistical methods in health sciences, epidemiology, theories in health behavior, applied communications, health policy leadership, etc. Students have the choice between a thesis option or a final project in health sciences. Indiana State University is one of Forbes' America's Best Value Colleges and a Top College. The Princeton Review names the university one of its Best Midwestern Universities.
Program Length: 39-42 Credit HoursAccreditation: American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS)Estimated Program Cost: $16,341-$19,476Overall School Graduation Rate: 41%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:Indiana State University
24. University of Mississippi
This is an online Master of Science Health Science (MHS) which centers around healthcare leadership and administration. Students will take courses in healthcare ethics, strategic management, organizational organization, health policy, quality improvement, healthcare finance, etc. The program has been created to be taken part-time (but students may attend fulltime) and to appeal to the non-traditional student. Although an online program, there is a campus orientation required at the Jackson, Mississippi campus. U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Mississippi as one of its Top Public Schools. Forbes also rates the university as Top Colleges and one of America's Best Colleges.
Program Length: 36 Credit HoursAccreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOCO)Estimated Program Cost: $26,184Overall School Graduation Rate: Not ReportedAdmission Test Required: YesSchool Website:University of Mississippi Medical Center
25. University of Maryland Baltimore
Students interested in the MS in Health Science degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore have seven concentrations from which to choose in the areas of Research Ethics, Aging and Applied Thanatology, Research Administration, Global Health Systems, Science Communication, Implementation, and Dissemination Science, and Integrative Health and Wellness. Students will be required to complete a core curriculum which includes coursework in legal and ethical issues in healthcare, communication and leadership, biostatistics, research, and others. Graduate students are required to submit undergraduate academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume, personal essay, and other support materials. Forbes considers this university as one of its Top Colleges as well as one of America's Best Value Colleges. The Princeton Review rates the school as one of The Best 384 Colleges and a Best Northeastern University.
Program Length: 30 Credit HoursAccreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)Estimated Program Cost: $21,330-$29,130Overall School Graduation Rate: Not ReportedAdmission Test Required: YesSchool Website:University of Maryland Baltimore