Discover the Top Online Health Science Master’s Degrees
See top schools, look through programs, and see what it takes to apply, learn, and take your career in the health sciences to the next level.
You have a number of options when looking to study health science online, even at the master’s level. This can make it hard to find a school or program that has just what you need at the price you want. So how do you narrow them all down? The following guide examines a number of today’s best online health science master’s, and then dives into cost, accreditation, and the other factors that can make a higher education choice difficult. Read on to see which programs are making the grade for 2025.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Private
Northwestern Health Sciences University
Bloomington, Minnesota
Private
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
Public
Online Health Science Master’s Degrees & Accreditation
When looking at a program, one of the first things you should check is accreditation. Accreditation can affect your ability to transfer schools, receive licensure, and even compete for jobs. Institutions and departments that go through the accreditation process must demonstrate that they adequately prepare learners for future careers and support them while enrolled.
On an institutional level, look for colleges and universities that maintain regional accreditation. Seven regional accrediting agencies exist, all of which are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you’re unsure about the accreditation status of a particular school, use the Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to search for it.
At the programmatic level, look for departments and/or degrees that hold accreditation via the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Finding a CAAHEP program ensures the curriculum meets industry standards and signals to prospective employers your preparedness for the role at hand. CAAHEP maintains a database so you can find properly accredited programs.
Understanding the Online Master’s in Health Science
The best decision is an informed decision. Taking time to fully research and understand potential programs is a vitally important part of the process. To better help you make a confident decision, we answer a few of the most commonly asked questions when walking through the program research process.
What will you learn when earning your health science master’s online?
No health science master’s is exactly the same, but many teach similar core concepts that graduates can take into the field once they land their first job. Here’s a list of courses that many of today’s programs offer to their students:
How do concentrations/specializations work in health science master’s programs?
Because the field of health science spans such a broad array of topics and disciplines, many schools offer specializations to help students better home in on their particular interests and career goals. These vary by institution, so do your research to find a program that meets your specific needs. Common specializations include:
How long does an online master’s degree in health science take?
Completing a master’s in health science online can be done according to an individual student’s timeline needs. While the majority of schools advertise programs requiring two years of study, alternate paths do exist. Some institutions provide accelerated degrees for motivated students who want to graduate in 18 months or less. Other departments offer part-time options for those who need to balance personal and professional responsibilities alongside schoolwork. These typically take between 30 and 36 months, though some allow learners up to six years to graduate. Speak with program administrators of prospective schools to get a clear sense of what to expect.
What’s the cost of an online health science master’s?
When creating a budget for your online master’s degree in health science, it’s important to consider several factors. The type of school matters tremendously given that public schools tend to charge far less than private institutions. Where you live also plays a role, as attending a public school as an in-state learner is often much cheaper than enrolling from out of state. Some universities make an exception for distance learners; speak with the financial aid department to learn specifics. You should also factor in how much funding you secure through scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other sources.
For the cost of a specific online master’s in health science, find a school in the listing above and visit its tuition and fees page.
Funding Your Online Health Science Master’s
Because the cost of education continues to rise each year, finding ways of cutting expenses is critical if you want to avoid substantial student loan debt. Fortunately, several options exist to help lessen the financial burden. It’s best to start lining up funding early as it can take time to fill out applications, write essays, and submit packets.
1
2
Financial aid
The U.S. Department of Education offers several grants, work-study programs, loan forgiveness plans, and other awards to qualifying students. The department also provides secure student loans to help cover outstanding costs. Learners must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year of enrollment to qualify. Funds are disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early to avoid disappointment.
3
Grants
Like scholarships, grants do not require any repayment as long as the student fulfills their responsibilities. Schools, foundations, hospital groups, professional groups, and local/state/federal governments offer grants and typically demand applicants meet several requirements to qualify.
4
Fellowships/Assistantships
This type of funding is popular at the graduate level and typically provides partial/full tuition remission alongside a small stipend. Some may also cover health insurance. To receive this award, learners must both qualify and agree to provide services in exchange. This usually involves working as a teaching and/or research assistant while enrolled.
5
Tuition Reimbursement
If already working for a healthcare organization, you may be able to take advantage of employer tuition assistance. This scheme allows employers to provide up to $5,250 each year in non-taxable income to be used towards tuition. Speak with your employer to learn if they offer such a program.
What’s After the Health Science Master’s?
Some students focus so much on getting a degree that they don’t research what they’ll do once they have it. If you plan to earn your health science master’s degree online, or on campus for that matter, ask yourself these questions first.
Are there any certifications or licensures needed in health science?
Before taking on specific jobs, you may need to meet additional certification and/or licensure requirements. These often vary based on specific title. Nursing home administrators, for instance, must possess a license in all 50 states. General healthcare managers typically do not need this credential.
Certification also depends on both state and employer requirements. If working in a nuanced area of the discipline (e.g. clinical research management, regulatory affairs, hematology), you may need to pursue a certificate. These programs typically take 12-18 months and can be done online. George Washington University, featured earlier in this guide, offers a wide range of certificates to give you a sense of what’s available.
What can you really do with a master’s in health science?
As we’ve discussed throughout this guide, pursuing a master’s in health science online provides many different professional options to fit your specific interests. Some individuals may feel drawn to nonprofit organizations and find that working as a community health organizer or health educator best suits their interests. Others may find themselves more interested in scientific aspects and decide to pursue work as a biomedical engineer or audiologist. Still others may use their master’s degree as a springboard to further graduate or professional studies in pharmacology, health science, or healthcare leadership.
The visual below gives you a sense of the diverse professional avenues you might consider, but does not provide a full view of all jobs available.
What can you earn with a health science master’s?
When leveraged skillfully, an online master’s degree in health science can significantly boost your annual income and overall earning potential. When reviewing the table below, remember to keep two variables that impact earnings in mind: education level and experience. A graduate degree can boost your going rate, but experience should not be underplayed. The following table shows the spectrum of salaries for a number of occupations open to those who hold a master’s in health science.
| Career | Employment | Entry-Level | Early Career | Mid-Career | Experienced | Late Career |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacists | 309,550 | $87,790 | $111,340 | $126,120 | $145,870 | $161,250 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 199,480 | $43,370 | $61,280 | $97,370 | $160,580 | – |
| Audiologists | 13,300 | $52,300 | $63,400 | $75,920 | $94,900 | $117,910 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 149,870 | $40,720 | $51,100 | $65,320 | $86,170 | $111,150 |
| Community Health Workers | 56,130 | $26,070 | $32,280 | $39,540 | $51,650 | $65,890 |
Continuing Education & Related Degrees
People pursue continuing education for myriad reasons. You may want to grow your career and compete for advanced positions. Another student may want to use the degree to pivot into a related career. Because the healthcare industry covers such a vast spectrum of job opportunities, finding the perfect program shouldn’t be too hard. After reading about master’s in health science programs, you may decide this degree doesn’t exactly fit your needs. If that’s the case, check out a few of the related degree options that could better serve your interests.
Related Degrees
Healthcare Administration Master’s Online
These degrees provide graduates with the skills needed to manage administrators, staff, and medical professionals in diverse settings. Students gain skills in decision-making, meeting regulatory requirements, developing healthy working environments, and handling issues related to conflict or worker disputes.
Healthcare Management MBA Online
While administrative degrees deal with staffing, management programs focus on building skills in overseeing the business functions of a healthcare facility. These programs may emphasize a particular area, such as finance, human relations, operations, or marketing.
