Why This Matters

  • 26% OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH SCIENCE POSITIONS REQUIRE A MASTER’S

    According to O*NET , around a quarter of environmental and health science jobs require a master’s degree.

  • 15% JOB GROWTH PROJECTED FOR HEALTH OCCUPATIONS

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects a high level of job growth for occupations across the healthcare industry. Approximately 2.4 million new jobs are expected by 2029.

  • AVERAGE SALARY OF $69,870

    The average salary for those working in healthcare occupations was just under $70,000 in 2020.

Our Research

Common options for this program are a Master of Science in Allied Health, Master of Science in Health Informatics, and Master of Science in Health Sciences. You may also see a few arts programs, such as a Master of Arts in Nutrition.

Most online master’s in health science programs are accredited regionally, which means that a regional organization looks at the curriculum to ensure it meets the needs of those going into these careers. Accreditations to look for include the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSCHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

  • 56 hours to write this article
  • 104 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 115 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Master’s in Health Science Programs

Best Online Master's in Health Science Programs Badge
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What You Should Know About This Degree

If you’re interested in a master’s of health science program, you may also want to consider a health informatics degree or a more hands-on program like a master’s in nursing. Health informatics focuses more on data and how it can be used than other health science tracks.

Most schools that offer an online master’s in health science program are accredited at the regional level or by nationally recognized accreditors such as the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIME).

The job outlook for this occupation is quite strong. Some of the fastest growing health science fields include health informatics and occupational therapy.

The certificates or licenses you will need depends on what health specialty you’re going into. For example, you may want to become a Registered Dietitian or go through the licensure process to be a Physical Therapist.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online master’s in health science programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Before you can be accepted to a master’s in health science program, you will need to have a relevant undergraduate degree. Also, you’ll generally need at least a 2.7 undergraduate GPA to be considered.
  • What tests are required for this online degree? Before going on to graduate school, you will need to take the general GRE test. Depending on the specific health sciences track, you may also need to take the GRE Biology or Chemistry subject tests.

It’s very important to be aware of the specific deadlines for application materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, test scores, and personal statements. Missing the deadline could mean having to go with your second-choice program or delaying your studies by a semester. If you are interested in scholarships or graduate assistantships, the financial aid office can give you more information about these opportunities.