
School of Health Sciences & Education
Online Master of Health Science
Introduction
Advance Your Healthcare Career with a Master of Health Science (MHS) Degree from Saint Francis University
At Saint Francis University, we're devoted to the mission of supporting students as they gain the skills necessary to positively impact health care and the healthcare industry with our healthcare master's programs. We strive to provide the foundation for students to become that someone they were meant to be. With this goal in mind, we're proud to offer the online Master of Health Science (MHS) degree to help passionate, working professionals like you move into leadership and have a greater impact on healthcare.
Offered: Online

100% online with 24/7 access to courses

Program ranked #9 in the nation

One of the first MHS degrees in the nation to be offered completely online
The SFU Learning Experience
Master of Health Science the Saint Francis Way
The 30-credit online Master of Health Science degree program provides graduate education delivered through a flexible format tailored to meet your career goals. The student-centered program offers concentrations in health education and health leadership, allowing you to customize your education.


The mission of the Master of Health Science program at Saint Francis University is to educate and develop health care leaders in a supportive, innovative, and flexible online format, guided by the goals of Franciscan higher education.
The vision is to empower students to make a positive impact within the healthcare industry with an online health science degree.
Graduate from the online Master of Health Science program with new skills to:
- develop and lead effective health education campaigns.
- evaluate and address contemporary ethical concerns.
- communicate effectively across a healthcare organization.
- lead a multi-disciplinary or departmental team.
- review and shape health policy.
CURRICULUM & COURSES
What You’ll Learn in the Master of Health Science Online Program
Saint Francis University's online master's program in health science is designed to take a multidisciplinary approach, providing relevant education to working health care professionals from various backgrounds and experience levels.
-
Degree Paths
-
Learning Objectives
-
Curriculum
-
To earn the online Master of Health Science degree, students must complete 21 credit hours of core coursework, and 9 credit hours of courses within their chosen specialty track, for a total of 30 credit hours. Students may also pursue more than one specialty track, in which case completing the program will require more than 30 credits.
Degree Awarded
Master of Health Science (Online)
Tracks offered
Health Education and Specialty Track - Plan of Study
- For those interested in pursuing careers as health educators, teachers and trainers
Health Leadership Specialty Track - Plan of Study
- Providing a specialized examination of conflict resolution, performance assessments and systems management as they apply to healthcare
Generalist Specialty Track - Plan of Study
- Choose courses that address your unique personal and professional goals
Clinical Track - Plan of Study
Admission Requirements
See FAQ section below
-
As an online Master of Health Science graduate, you will be able to:
- use research to develop evidenced-based regimes/programs to address unmet needs especially of the poor and needy;
- recognize how effective leadership and management guides change in the ever-evolving health care environment and develop leadership tools to effectively plan, lead and manage this change while appreciating the uniqueness of self and others; and
- apply knowledge and skills that facilitate the effective balance of the complex issues in contemporary health care including social/cultural, policy/legal and ethical decision-making.
-
Curriculum
After completing the core curriculum, you will have the opportunity to choose courses that will help you achieve your individual goals. Most full-time students can finish the program in 1 1/2 years or in 4 to 5 semesters.
Core Curriculum
- MHS 503 - Research Methodology
- MHS 505 - Ethical Issues in Practice
- MHS 509 - Communication for Health Care Professionals
- MHS 513 - Clinical Residency Project
- MHS 515 - Leadership
- MHS 518 - Strategies in Health Policy
- MHS 520 - Diversity in Healthcare
Courses Required for the Concentrations: (9 credits)
Health Education Concentration- MHS 540 - Theories in Health Education
- MHS 541 - Designing Instruction for Health Programs
- MHS 542 - Program Planning and Implementation
Health Leadership Concentration
- MHS 508 - Healthcare Systems Management
- MHS 530 - Quality and Performance for Health Leaders
- MHS 532 - Conflict Resolution for Health Leaders
Clinical-
MHS 516 - Special Topics: CAMs
-
MHS 523 - Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
-
MHS 524 - Introduction to Public Health
Generalist
Students may select three courses from any of the specialty tracks or general electives list to fulfill the 9 credits of coursework.- MHS 504 - Issues in Clinical Practice
- MHS 508 - Healthcare Systems Management
- MHS 516 - Special Topics: CAMs
- MHS 522 - Grant Basics: Writing Effective Grant Proposals
- MHS 523 - Health Promotion Across the Lifespan
- MHS 524 - Introduction to Public Health
- MHS 530 - Quality and Performance for Health Leaders
- MHS 532 - Conflict Resolution for Health Leaders
- MHS 540 - Theories in Health Education
- MHS 541 - Designing Instruction for Health Programs
- MHS 542 - Program Planning and Implementation
Experienced Faculty Who Love to Teach
In our online degrees and certificate programs, your instructors share their classroom knowledge and industry expertise in ways that are proven to work best for adult learners. The right technology, coupled with small class sizes, will allow you to build relationships with your fellow students and have meaningful interactions with your instructors.
Each of the online health science degree's practical, focused courses are shaped and taught by leaders in the field. Our faculty members are devoted to helping you succeed -not just as a student, but as a growing healthcare professional.
Dr. Theresa M. Horner, Program Chair
Assistant Professor of Public Health
814.471.1332, thorner@francis.edu
Career Outlook with a Master of Health Science
The Master of Health Science program at Saint Francis University prepares you for a variety of roles in healthcare, medical research, public health, and regulation.
The U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% growth for all healthcare professions between 2020 and 2030 – an increased need for 2.6 million new healthcare jobs. As the demand for health care services grows, employers will need professionals with advanced health care degrees to work in leadership and administrative roles.
Here is projected growth for some of those careers between 2020-2030:
-
Healthcare Administrator or Service Managers: 32% projected growth (139,600 additional jobs)
-
Occupational Health Specialist: 7% projected growth (8,800 additional jobs)
-
Athletic Trainer: 23% projected growth (7,000 new jobs)
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About the Master of Health Science Program and Saint Francis University
-
What are the admission requirements for the Master of Health Science program?
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to the program must have graduated from an accredited institution, having obtained a bachelor’s degree. A cumulative QPA of 2.75* in the bachelor’s degree program is required for full acceptance into the MHS program. Additional admission requirements include:
- Completed MHS application (electronic)
- 1-2-page Statement of Purpose essay
- Two letters of reference
- Current resume/curriculum vitae
- Non-refundable application fee of $55
- Official undergraduate transcript(s)**
- A non-duplicated email address (a personal email address unique to each applicant)
- MHS applicants may be asked to participate in a telephone or Skype interview
- Access to a computer and reliable internet service
- Knowledge and understanding of the internet and computer programs to complete the course requirements
Prospective Students Residing Outside of Pennsylvania
Saint Francis University and its online programs must be authorized by certain states prior to offering courses or programs to students residing in those states. Saint Francis University has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
As a SARA-approved institution, Saint Francis University is in compliance with the regulations of each SARA state and is approved to offer online courses and programs to residents of SARA-member states. Prospective students residing outside of Pennsylvania should determine their eligibility for admission to an online program at Saint Francis University by consulting the State Authorization Status List found at https://www.francis.edu/State-Authorization/ or by contacting program enrollment counselor at (814) 472-3012 or email worldwide@francis.edu.
International applicants will be considered for admission if they reside in countries where the University has proper authorization. Contact the program admission representatives for additional information.
-
What is the online health science degree experience at Saint Francis University like?
At Saint Francis University, we want each of our online learners to feel like valued members of the student community and develop a strong connection to our faculty and the school itself. You will work closely with their academic advisors to plan your progression through the curriculum. This is a collaborative effort designed to assist you in achieving your academic, personal and career goals. Our online experience reflects these efforts, as we use every tool at our disposal to deliver learning content that is relevant, engaging and encourages active discussion.
-
What learning management system(s) will I be using?
We utilize the Canvas learning management system for online learning. Canvas includes platforms for active discussion forums, lecture presentations that can be viewed when it suits your schedule, streaming video, group collaboration software, and other tools as they apply to each course.
-
In am an international student, can I pursue a Master of Health Science at SFU?
Yes! Those applying to the online Master of Health Science (MHS) program from outside the U.S. must provide an independent evaluation of their previous coursework as part of the admissions process. International students can obtain this report through World Education Services (WES) or any other NACES-approved organization. The assessment allows us to determine the ways in which academic work completed in other countries relates to the admissions requirements and curriculum of the MHS Program.
International students should note that since the program is delivered online and does not have a residency requirement, SFU cannot issue a student visa.
-
What are the degree requirements?
Students will qualify for the MHS degree after completion of the 30-credit program of study with a minimum quality point average (QPA) of 2.8. In addition, students must maintain a grade of "C" or better in each of their individual courses. All program requirements must be completed within five years of enrollment. Note: All documents required for degree conferral must be received by the Registrar's Office within one semester for degrees to be posted at the newest (to degree completion) University graduation date. Degree conferral will take place at the nearest University graduation date (May, August, December) following completion of all (academic and administrative) program requirements.
-
Does the Master of Health Science Program accept transfer credits?
Up to 6 advanced-level health science credits may be transferred for credit toward your MHS degree. Students must submit a written request to the Program Chair including the course to be transferred, the course syllabus, and the transcript verifying completion of the course under consideration. The courses being considered must have been completed within five years of the transfer request and the student must have earned a grade of "B" or better.
Admission Requirements:
Applicants to the program must have graduated from an accredited institution, having obtained a bachelor’s degree. A cumulative QPA of 2.75* in the bachelor’s degree program is required for full acceptance into the MHS program. Additional admission requirements include:
- Completed MHS application (electronic)
- 1-2-page Statement of Purpose essay
- Two letters of reference
- Current resume/curriculum vitae
- Non-refundable application fee of $55
- Official undergraduate transcript(s)**
- A non-duplicated email address (a personal email address unique to each applicant)
- MHS applicants may be asked to participate in a telephone or Skype interview
- Access to a computer and reliable internet service
- Knowledge and understanding of the internet and computer programs to complete the course requirements
Prospective Students Residing Outside of Pennsylvania
Saint Francis University and its online programs must be authorized by certain states prior to offering courses or programs to students residing in those states. Saint Francis University has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA).
As a SARA-approved institution, Saint Francis University is in compliance with the regulations of each SARA state and is approved to offer online courses and programs to residents of SARA-member states. Prospective students residing outside of Pennsylvania should determine their eligibility for admission to an online program at Saint Francis University by consulting the State Authorization Status List found at https://www.francis.edu/State-Authorization/ or by contacting program enrollment counselor at (814) 472-3012 or email worldwide@francis.edu.
International applicants will be considered for admission if they reside in countries where the University has proper authorization. Contact the program admission representatives for additional information.
At Saint Francis University, we want each of our online learners to feel like valued members of the student community and develop a strong connection to our faculty and the school itself. You will work closely with their academic advisors to plan your progression through the curriculum. This is a collaborative effort designed to assist you in achieving your academic, personal and career goals. Our online experience reflects these efforts, as we use every tool at our disposal to deliver learning content that is relevant, engaging and encourages active discussion.
We utilize the Canvas learning management system for online learning. Canvas includes platforms for active discussion forums, lecture presentations that can be viewed when it suits your schedule, streaming video, group collaboration software, and other tools as they apply to each course.
Yes! Those applying to the online Master of Health Science (MHS) program from outside the U.S. must provide an independent evaluation of their previous coursework as part of the admissions process. International students can obtain this report through World Education Services (WES) or any other NACES-approved organization. The assessment allows us to determine the ways in which academic work completed in other countries relates to the admissions requirements and curriculum of the MHS Program.
International students should note that since the program is delivered online and does not have a residency requirement, SFU cannot issue a student visa.
Students will qualify for the MHS degree after completion of the 30-credit program of study with a minimum quality point average (QPA) of 2.8. In addition, students must maintain a grade of "C" or better in each of their individual courses. All program requirements must be completed within five years of enrollment. Note: All documents required for degree conferral must be received by the Registrar's Office within one semester for degrees to be posted at the newest (to degree completion) University graduation date. Degree conferral will take place at the nearest University graduation date (May, August, December) following completion of all (academic and administrative) program requirements.
Up to 6 advanced-level health science credits may be transferred for credit toward your MHS degree. Students must submit a written request to the Program Chair including the course to be transferred, the course syllabus, and the transcript verifying completion of the course under consideration. The courses being considered must have been completed within five years of the transfer request and the student must have earned a grade of "B" or better.