Best Online Master’s in Health Science

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By Dr. James Barham
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Find top-ranked online master’s in health science degree programs for students and professionals wanting to continue into advanced doctoral studies or apply their chosen concentration in corresponding fields, such as athletic training, health informatics, education, regulatory science, and clinical research.

Top 10 Online Master's in Health Science Degrees

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  1. University of Michigan
  2. University of Alabama
  3. University of Houston
  4. Radford University
  5. Florida International University
  6. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  7. Nova Southeastern University
  8. A.T. Still University
  9. Western Kentucky University
  10. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  1. University of Michigan
  2. University of Alabama
  3. University of Houston
  4. Florida International University
  5. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  6. Nova Southeastern University
  7. Western Kentucky University
  8. Radford University
  9. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  10. Florida Gulf Coast University
  1. Western Kentucky University 97%
  2. Radford University 93%
  3. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 88%
  4. Bellarmine University 88%
  5. University of Nebraska at Kearney 86%
  6. University of Alabama 80%
  7. Nova Southeastern University 76%
  8. Florida Gulf Coast University 74%
  9. Lindenwood University 74%
  10. University of Houston 66%
  1. Florida International University 24 to 1
  2. University of Houston 21 to 1
  3. Florida Gulf Coast University 20 to 1
  4. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 19 to 1
  5. University of Alabama 19 to 1
  6. Western Kentucky University 18 to 1
  7. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  8. University of Nebraska at Kearney 13 to 1
  9. Lindenwood University 13 to 1
  10. University of Michigan 12 to 1
  1. Bellarmine University $46,030
  2. Nova Southeastern University $36,300
  3. Lindenwood University $19,300
  4. University of Michigan $17,454
  5. Western Kentucky University $11,112
  6. University of Alabama $11,100
  7. University of Houston $8,685
  8. Radford University $8,156
  9. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley $7,857
  10. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,270
  1. A.T. Still University $37,062
  2. University of Michigan $25,894
  3. Nova Southeastern University $22,062
  4. Bellarmine University $13,785
  5. Western Kentucky University $12,140
  6. University of Alabama $11,100
  7. Radford University $9,182
  8. Florida International University $9,119
  9. University of Houston $8,713
  10. Lindenwood University $8,475
  1. University of South Florida Sarasota–Manatee
  2. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
  3. Bellarmine University
  4. Lindenwood University
  5. Florida Gulf Coast University
  6. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  7. Western Kentucky University
  8. A.T. Still University
  9. Nova Southeastern University
  10. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  1. University of South Florida Sarasota–Manatee
  2. Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
  3. Lindenwood University
  4. Bellarmine University
  5. A.T. Still University
  6. Florida Gulf Coast University
  7. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  8. Radford University
  9. Western Kentucky University
  10. Nova Southeastern University
  1. University of Michigan 18%
  2. Florida International University 64%
  3. University of Houston 66%
  4. Lindenwood University 74%
  5. Florida Gulf Coast University 74%
  6. Nova Southeastern University 76%
  7. University of Alabama 80%
  8. University of Nebraska at Kearney 86%
  9. Bellarmine University 88%
  10. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 88%
  1. University of Michigan 12 to 1
  2. Radford University 12 to 1
  3. Bellarmine University 12 to 1
  4. University of Nebraska at Kearney 13 to 1
  5. Lindenwood University 13 to 1
  6. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  7. Western Kentucky University 18 to 1
  8. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 19 to 1
  9. University of Alabama 19 to 1
  10. Florida Gulf Coast University 20 to 1
  1. Florida Gulf Coast University $4,191
  2. Florida International University $4,721
  3. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,270
  4. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley $7,857
  5. Radford University $8,156
  6. University of Houston $8,685
  7. University of Alabama $11,100
  8. Western Kentucky University $11,112
  9. University of Michigan $17,454
  10. Lindenwood University $19,300
  1. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,216
  2. Florida Gulf Coast University $6,974
  3. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley $7,002
  4. Lindenwood University $8,475
  5. University of Houston $8,713
  6. Florida International University $9,119
  7. Radford University $9,182
  8. University of Alabama $11,100
  9. Western Kentucky University $12,140
  10. Bellarmine University $13,785

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Science Degrees

Why get a master’s in health science?

A master’s in health science provides students with the opportunity to focus on a specific area of study while advancing leadership skills and qualifications.. In addition to core courses, most programs allow students to choose from an array of specializations including epidemiology, community health, clinical research administration, and athletic training.

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How long does it take to get a master’s in health science?

Programs typically consist of about 30 credits, and can be completed in roughly two years. Students and professionals can also choose either online or on-campus degrees based on individual needs.

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What can you do with a master’s in health science?

After program completion, graduates can continue into advanced doctoral studies or apply their chosen concentration in corresponding fields, such as athletic training, health informatics, education, regulatory science, and clinical research.

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in medical science.

Best Online Master's in Health Science Degree Programs
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Best Online Master’s in Health Science Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    52K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/32

    Career Outlook for Health Science degree at University of Michigan

    Cost of Degree: $26,226
    Expenses: $16,820
    Starting Salary: $80,279
    Salary after 4 years: $97,525
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Population and Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 42
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/27

    Career Outlook for Health Science degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,790
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $52,435
    Salary after 4 years: $63,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Population Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #4 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Health Science degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,333
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $52,842
    Salary after 4 years: $64,193
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MPH in Public Health

    Concentrations

    • Environmental Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    Edinburg , TX
    #1 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024 #3 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs #6 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/19

    Career Outlook for Health Science degree at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    Cost of Degree: $8,333
    Expenses: $13,704
    Starting Salary: $44,915
    Salary after 4 years: $54,564
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Health Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Nutrition
    • Clinical Laboratory Sciences
    • Health Care Informatics
    • Health Care Administration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #10 Best Research Universities in Florida 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Health Science degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $23,911
    Expenses: $20,570
    Starting Salary: $45,133
    Salary after 4 years: $95,731
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MHS in Health Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Health Law
    • Health Care Administration
    • Health Care Risk Management
    • Sports Medicine
    • Higher Education
    • Required Credits: 43
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in General Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Applied Health Science Track
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    A.T. Still University

    Kirksville , MO
    #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs) #9 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs #9 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #13 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for Health Science degree at A.T. Still University

    Cost of Degree: $38,212
    Starting Salary: $173,307
    Salary after 4 years: $367,601

    Online Degrees

    MS in Health Sciences

    Concentrations

    • Leadership and Organizational Behavior
    • Fundamentals of Education
    • Global Health
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    Western Kentucky University

    Bowling Green , KY
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1075/21

    Career Outlook for Health Science degree at Western Kentucky University

    Cost of Degree: $12,140
    Expenses: $14,336
    Starting Salary: $39,225
    Salary after 4 years: $47,651
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Environmental and Occupational Health Science
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Florida Gulf Coast University

    Fort Myers , FL
    #5 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024 #8 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs) #11 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024 #16 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/22

    Career Outlook for Health Science degree at Florida Gulf Coast University

    Cost of Degree: $8,961
    Expenses: $14,372
    Starting Salary: $46,541
    Salary after 4 years: $56,540
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    Bellarmine University

    Louisville , KY
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Kentucky 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Kentucky 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/24

    Career Outlook for Health Science degree at Bellarmine University

    Cost of Degree: $13,785
    Starting Salary: $41,074
    Salary after 4 years: $87,122

    Online Degrees

    MS in Health Science

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Leadership
    • Health Promotion and Social Change
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania

    Lock Haven , PA

    Online Degrees

    Master of Health Science

    Concentrations

    • Healthcare Management Concentration
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Health Science Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Health And Wellness

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,331
  • Avg. Expenses*: $15,638
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $57,821
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $70,243
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
  • Job Growth: 10.82%
  • Number of Jobs: 127,600
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Health Education Specialists7.28%$56,172
Community Health Workers13.99%$44,730

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$35,200$52,229$82,440

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 Georgia13% higher than average$68,065
#3 Kentucky14% higher than average$58,905
#4 Michigan15% higher than average$51,570
#5 New Mexico7% higher than average$55,540
#6 Pennsylvania5% higher than average$56,610

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Health Education Specialists$56,172
Community Health Workers$44,730
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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