An online master’s in health science equips you with the specialized expertise, business acumen, and ethical grounding needed to step into leadership roles that shape how healthcare is delivered in your community. This guide breaks down the top online health science master’s programs, covering required coursework, program costs, and the career opportunities waiting for you after graduation.The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
Author: Kenya McCullum
Expertise: Graduate EducationStudent SuccessOnline LearningEditor: Kristin Marino
- Which Student Are You?
Choosing the Right Health Science Program for You
Read more - Spotlights
School Spotlights: Popular Master's in Health Science Online Programs
Read more - Benefits
4 Advantages of Earning an Online Master's in Health Science
Read more - What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in an Online Health Science Master's Program
Read more - Accreditation
Accreditation for Online Health Science Master's Degree Programs
Read more - Salary/Pay
What Can You Earn with a Master's in Health Science?
Read more - Top Programs
Today’s Top Health Science Master’s Degrees Online
Read more
Choosing the Right Health Science Program for You
Maybe you’re aiming for a clinical leadership role, maybe you’re headed toward research or public health policy instead, and a health science master’s built for one path rarely serves the other well. Getting this wrong means extra semesters and extra tuition. The rundown below can point you toward the program built for your direction.
Health Science Students: Which Type Is Most Like You?
The Career Starter
You’ve recently earned your bachelor’s degree in a health-related field and want a broad, interdisciplinary graduate credential — whether as a stepping stone to a doctoral program or to open up general health-sector roles.
An interdisciplinary program spanning research methods, health policy, and applied health topics gives you a flexible foundation, whichever direction you take afterward. A full-time, hybrid format lets you move through coursework quickly while still getting in-person access to faculty for research or recommendation-letter support.
The Career Changer
You’re moving into the health field from an unrelated bachelor’s degree and want a generalist program that doesn’t require you to have already specialized in a specific health discipline.
Look for a program that explicitly welcomes students from outside health-related undergraduate majors and covers foundational health science coursework from the ground up. A fully online format lets you complete your coursework while you transition out of your current job.
The Promotion Seeker
You’re already working in a health-adjacent support role and want a broader graduate credential — with a research or leadership emphasis — to qualify for more advanced positions.
Coursework in research methods and health leadership builds on the on-the-job knowledge you already have, rather than starting you over. A part-time, hybrid format lets you keep working while still getting periodic in-person access to faculty and peers.
The Working Balancer
You’re working full-time while managing family or other responsibilities, and need a health science program that fits around your life rather than the other way around.
A fully online, part-time format gives you control over when you study, while a cohort-based structure keeps you moving through coursework with built-in accountability — both of which matter when you’re not going through the program full-time.
The Pre Career Student
You’re using this degree as a bridge toward a doctoral-level professional program — like PA school, medical school, or physical therapy school — and need coursework and a GPA boost that will strengthen your application.
Look for a program with coursework that overlaps with common professional-school prerequisites and, ideally, a research or thesis option you can point to in your application. Because admissions committees for many professional programs value demonstrated research experience, a hybrid format that still gives you access to faculty-mentored research opportunities matters here.
The Global Health Advocate
You’re drawn to global health work — addressing health disparities, working with underserved populations, or contributing to international health initiatives — rather than a clinical or hospital-based career.
A global health concentration gives you focused coursework in health disparities, cross-cultural health systems, and global health policy that a generalist health science curriculum may only touch on briefly. Because this work often involves fieldwork or applied projects with community or global health organizations, look for a program that builds structured fieldwork opportunities into an otherwise fully online curriculum.
School Spotlights: Popular Master’s in Health Science Online Programs
When considering an online health science master’s degree program, understanding what programs have to offer is important. To help you understand what is available, we’ve compiled a list of popular accredited schools to take a closer look at. Let these spotlights give you a better idea of what these programs look like and what appeals to you as you hone in on the right school for you.
Saint Francis University
The online master of health science degree program at Saint Francis University requires 30 hours of coursework. It is designed for those wanting to develop leadership and research skills to help them create healthcare policies at a facility and develop healthcare education programs for the community. The program takes about a year and a half to complete and includes a core curriculum that covers healthcare communication, research methods, healthcare policy strategies, and leadership skills. Students can also customize their education through a specialty track in health education or health leadership.
Prospective Saint Francis University master’s in health science students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school and at least a 2.75 grade point average. Applicants are expected to submit two professional letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a statement of purpose. Students may also be asked to participate in a virtual interview.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Trident University
Trident University’s online master’s in health sciences program requires a bachelor’s degree and at least a 2.50 grade point average. Students in the program gain skills needed to take a leadership role in a healthcare facility. Those skills include the ability to understand healthcare theories and models and to apply them to real-world situations; to use qualitative and quantitative research to solve healthcare problems; to effectively communicate in general and specialized healthcare settings; and to apply ethical and legal tenets to the daily operations at a healthcare facility.
Students enrolled at Trident University can also choose one of three concentrations. The environmental and occupational health and safety concentration is for those wanting to pursue careers related to occupational and environmental health sciences. The health education specialization focuses on teaching students how to become health educators. The public health concentration is for those wanting to develop their knowledge and skills in a community health career.
University of Cincinnati
The online master of health science degree program at Nova Southeastern University admits students on a rolling basis that begins on one of four starting dates, which makes the program a great choice for those unable to begin their studies in the fall or spring semesters. To be admitted, prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.75 grade point average and professional healthcare administrative or managerial experience.
The fully online program provides coursework in epidemiology, healthcare management principles, and trends in the healthcare profession. It also allows students to choose one of seven areas of concentration: telehealth, sports medicine, higher education, healthcare administration, health law, leadership in healthcare, and healthcare risk management. After completing the core and concentration classes, students participate in a practicum where they demonstrate the knowledge and skills they gained throughout the program.
4 Advantages of Earning an Online Master’s in Health Science
Students who choose an online health science master’s degree program benefit in many ways from the advanced subject matter they study and from the nature of online learning itself. The following benefits are gained from these programs.
1. Preparation for leadership roles
Health science master’s degree programs build on previous healthcare experience and prime students for managerial positions in healthcare. Classes developing leadership skills and advancing knowledge of healthcare allow graduates to advance in their careers.
2. Flexibility
Students in online programs can take courses at their own pace. This gives busy professionals the flexibility they need to both earn their degrees and work full-time.
3. Affordability
Online schools often charge students per credit instead of per semester. This helps them save money, especially if they are taking a part-time course load. These programs also save on travel expenses.
4. Increased earning potential
Those wanting to increase their earning potential can use a master’s degree as a steppingstone. Whether graduates are seeking promotions or new opportunities altogether, an advanced degree shows they are serious about their careers and willing to gain the knowledge needed for advancement.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Health Science Master’s Program
An online health science master’s degree program develops the leadership skills needed to take a managerial role in a healthcare setting. Those skills include an advanced understanding of health policy, communication, research, planning, and professional ethics. The following are examples of the classes students may find in their programs.
Sample Courses
Epidemiological Methods
This course teaches how epidemiologists study health patterns to determine the needs of different populations in a community. Students learn how to collect and interpret health data as well as how to use that information to make decisions about the services a community needs.
Health Policy Strategies
A health policy strategies course covers how healthcare policy is drafted and implemented. Students learn about the policymaking process and the role healthcare providers play in it from start to finish.
Health Program Evaluation
This course gives the tools needed to evaluate healthcare programs for their effectiveness, and, after measuring how well the programs are doing, to make the necessary changes. Students learn models for program evaluation, how data is collected about programs, and how reports about findings are drafted.
Social Determinants of Health
A course on the social determinants of health familiarizes students with population health and healthcare inequities that people experience because of structural, psychological, or behavioral issues. Students also learn how healthcare workers can bridge the gap between access to care and the communities unable to get the help they need.
Conflict Resolution for Health Leaders
A class on conflict resolution for health leaders teaches the conflict management and dispute resolution strategies needed to be an effective leader in a healthcare setting. Problems studied include internal and external conflicts.
Specialization Options
Although health science is a specific part of the larger health academic discipline, some online master’s in health science programs allow students to further specialize through a concentration. Concentrations give the expertise needed to pursue a specific type of job after graduation, which can go a long way toward impressing employers and allowing graduates to earn more money. The following are examples of concentrations a master’s degree in health science may offer.
Health Education
The health education specialization gives the tools needed to create healthcare education programs that are taught in the community or in schools. Students learn how to design a curriculum, assess the educational needs of a community, and implement an education program.
Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety
This specialization focuses on the environmental regulations and laws in place to keep workers safe. Courses cover the biological, chemical, and physical factors that may affect occupational and environmental safety.
Sports Medicine
Those interested in working with recreational and competitive athletes to help them with injuries and illnesses can get the skills they need through this specialization. Classes cover types of sports injuries, sports nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and the characteristics of athletic performance.
Healthcare Law
This specialization is for students who want to become experts on the healthcare laws that govern the field. Coursework covers patient rights, legal research methods, risk management law, pharmaceutical law, and healthcare ethics.
Health Leadership
Students enrolled in this concentration become thoroughly trained on the leadership and administrative techniques needed to manage in a healthcare environment. The program offers courses about healthcare management issues, conflict resolution, performance assessments, and healthcare financing.
Accreditation for Online Health Science Master’s Degree Programs
Accreditation is crucial to consider when looking for a health science master’s degree online program. Accreditation is awarded based on quality, the credentials of faculty members, research interests of the school, and the ability of a program to prepare students for the realities of the workplace. To ensure you have the skills and knowledge employers need, only consider schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education, the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions, the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, or the Accrediting Commission of Education for Health Services Administration.
What Can You Earn with a Master’s in Health Science?
A master’s in health science provides a broad foundation for careers in public health, healthcare administration, community health, and health education. Graduates work as health education specialists, program managers, community health workers, and policy analysts — serving public health departments, hospitals, nonprofits, and government agencies. The degree is particularly valued for roles that bridge clinical settings and community health initiatives.
Compensation in health science careers varies by role and employer, with healthcare system and government positions typically offering stronger salaries than community-based or nonprofit roles. Specialization and geographic location also play a significant role.
Browse the salary table below to see what health education specialists earn across states, and benchmark health science career pay in your area.
Health Education Specialists
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $64,070 | $87,130 | $118,200 |
| Alabama | $65,210 | $78,760 | $97,180 |
| Alaska | $71,940 | $81,750 | $100,760 |
| Arizona | $63,390 | $84,020 | $134,630 |
| Arkansas | $62,270 | $81,700 | $96,780 |
| California | $63,610 | $85,000 | $113,170 |
| Colorado | $74,150 | $98,740 | $117,170 |
| Connecticut | $66,870 | $88,720 | $115,540 |
| Delaware | $63,300 | $76,530 | $99,360 |
| District of Columbia | $103,330 | $132,620 | $170,980 |
| Florida | $46,360 | $64,950 | $94,040 |
| Georgia | $99,400 | $133,720 | $153,630 |
| Hawaii | $63,740 | $73,680 | $99,130 |
| Idaho | $61,330 | $71,400 | $90,120 |
| Illinois | $60,120 | $77,100 | $105,660 |
| Indiana | $58,170 | $79,360 | $96,010 |
| Iowa | $75,750 | $85,260 | $95,750 |
| Kansas | $62,990 | $79,130 | $97,430 |
| Kentucky | $65,370 | $79,650 | $98,030 |
| Louisiana | $57,840 | $74,900 | $91,490 |
| Maine | $58,300 | $66,990 | $82,490 |
| Maryland | $104,470 | $140,670 | $161,470 |
| Massachusetts | $57,510 | $85,740 | $142,860 |
| Michigan | $56,360 | $70,370 | $89,050 |
| Minnesota | $78,400 | $99,130 | $106,780 |
| Mississippi | $51,020 | $69,610 | $76,490 |
| Missouri | $57,050 | $75,640 | $97,800 |
| Montana | $51,200 | $62,760 | $82,990 |
| Nebraska | $56,800 | $71,220 | $83,520 |
| Nevada | $62,120 | $85,690 | $111,840 |
| New Hampshire | $69,990 | $91,580 | $108,210 |
| New Jersey | $73,740 | $115,420 | $130,100 |
| New Mexico | $57,990 | $72,700 | $94,220 |
| New York | $62,560 | $77,560 | $95,980 |
| North Carolina | $58,080 | $74,670 | $99,140 |
| North Dakota | $59,650 | $75,640 | $90,660 |
| Ohio | $64,860 | $81,810 | $98,110 |
| Oklahoma | $62,440 | $83,540 | $103,780 |
| Oregon | $75,500 | $94,870 | $111,860 |
| Pennsylvania | $80,670 | $98,010 | $120,640 |
| Rhode Island | $75,360 | $98,240 | $110,780 |
| South Carolina | $64,720 | $86,820 | $99,290 |
| South Dakota | $57,370 | $72,780 | $78,360 |
| Tennessee | $49,630 | $69,470 | $110,450 |
| Texas | $59,340 | $81,370 | $112,320 |
| Utah | $59,790 | $82,850 | $110,430 |
| Vermont | $68,140 | $81,640 | $97,430 |
| Virginia | $64,040 | $93,040 | $137,980 |
| Washington | $77,420 | $84,600 | $95,680 |
| West Virginia | $62,760 | $83,150 | $106,710 |
| Wisconsin | $74,040 | $84,960 | $96,940 |
| Wyoming | $62,750 | $72,270 | $97,980 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/health-educators.htm
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Health Science Master’s Degrees
Financial concerns make earning an advanced degree challenging, but they don’t have to get in the way of career aspirations. Financial aid options, like the ones presented on our financial aid page, can help defray the cost of your online health science master’s degree to help you get the education you need to move forward in your career.
What Your Online Master’s in Health Science Could Cost
The cost of your health science master’s degree depends on the specific school chosen. To give a glimpse of cost, tuition data from three specific schools below is provided below.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nova Southeastern University | 31-43 | $440/credit | $18,920 |
| Saint Francis University | 30 | $675/credit | $20,250 |
| Trident University International | 40 | $567/credit | $26,850 |
FAQs About Online Health Science Master’s Degrees
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s degree in health science?
Each school offering a master’s in health science online degree has specific criteria for admissions; however, most schools generally want prospective students to:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Have at least a 2.50 grade point average
- Submit a statement of purpose
- Have some healthcare work experience
- Submit letters of recommendation
- Participate in an interview
How long will it take to finish my master’s in health science online?
While the specific timeframe for completing a health science master’s degree largely depends on the specific school, full-time students can generally expect to complete their studies in one and a half to two years. Part-time students can take up to four years to finish their degree.
Can I earn a master’s in health science 100% online or do I need to visit campus?
An online master’s degree in health science can be earned entirely online. However, in some cases, schools require students to complete special coursework on campus. For example, capstone course requirements often expect students to participate in person rather than online.
Today’s Top Health Science Master’s Degrees Online
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Sul Ross State University
Best for: working students
Arkansas State University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Liberty University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Charter Oak State College
Best for: advancement-focused students
Wilmington University
Best for: advancement-focused students
Texas A&M University-Victoria
Best for: advancement-focused students
Northeastern State University
Best for: working students
University of West Georgia
Best for: advancement-focused students
Ashland University
Best for: working students
