Master of Health Science OnlineHealth Care Leadership

Professional woman walking with nurse and doctor

Become a Healthcare Leader

What is a Master of Health Science degree?

The Master of Health Science (MHS) program is designed for practicing healthcare professionals who wish to assume advanced roles in healthcare leadership, promotion, advocacy, or education. With the MHS degree at Bellarmine, you can maintain your career, and work toward advancement in your profession while completing this flexible program.

The two-year program of study is based on a core curriculum in health sciences, with specialization in healthcare leadership or health promotion and social change, which provides practicing professionals with skills for advancement and additional opportunities. The program can be completed in just 5 semesters both online or in the classroom.

Choose from Two MHS Tracks

Healthcare Leadership prepares healthcare professionals to function in leadership positions in a variety of health care environments. Students focus on the economic aspects of health care, human and resource management, and innovative leadership roles.

Health Promotion and Social Change prepares healthcare professionals to serve as advocates for health at the societal level. Using an interdisciplinary approach to study chronic disease prevention and health promotion, students will be introduced to social issues impacting population health, access, and delivery. Courses explore and analyze how human actions, cognitions, communication, and environment affect health, chronic disease, social relationships, and quality of life.

Lee Wisdom

“The MHS in Healthcare Leadership at Bellarmine allowed me to continue working full time as a respiratory therapist. As a new graduate in the field, classroom learning was not a feasible option for my work schedule, but I wanted to continue my education. In three years after completing my undergraduate degree, I now have the pleasure of serving our community and my team as the Manager of Respiratory Therapy at Norton Hospital. The MHS provided me with a great foundation to utilize in my new leadership role, and I highly recommend it to anyone considering a leadership pathway in any healthcare field.”

Lee E. Wisdom, MHS, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS '15 '17

Program Outcomes

  1. Integrate findings from the sciences and humanities to improve health care across diverse settings.
  2. Collaborate within interprofessional teams using effective leadership skills, ethical awareness, and critical decision making skills to promote change.
  3. Employ evidence-based practice methods to initiate changes and to disseminate results.
  4. Assume leadership roles that contribute to, and advocate for social, cultural, economic, and political changes to impact health care delivery.

Career Opportunities

The convenience of the MHS online program is perfect for those working full time, looking to advance in the healthcare field. Careers are impacted by a master’s degree in health science by preparing the students to lead and serve as both practitioners and administrators. For students who prefer and can manage an in-person course load, the option to build a network of peers in the classroom can have an immeasurable impact on their career path. Regardless of the experience a student chooses, the Bellarmine name and network come with the degree, and this alone opens doors in Louisville’s healthcare industry.

Admission Requirements

Successful applicants are students with an undergraduate degree in a healthcare related field or who have significant exposure to health issues through their undergraduate coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0. There is no requirement for a graduate entrance exam, but references, transcripts, a resume and goal statement are required. For more information on the application process, check our admission requirements page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there a difference between the MHS online or the on-campus program?
A. The only true difference is course delivery. The assignments, admission requirements, and expectations are the same regardless of choosing the online master’s in health science or on campus. The degree you receive at the end is a Bellarmine degree, no matter what.

Q. What careers in health science will the MHS prepare me for?
A. This program is applicable in any management role in healthcare because it can be focused on your goals. The Master of Health Science prepares students for leadership roles in all facets of healthcare. If you are a current practitioner looking to move into a managerial role, this will set you apart from your peers. If you are an administrator with a desire to innovate within your organization, this will give you the tools to implement change and provide the foundational skills for your upward career path. The skills you learn in leadership and management will prepare you to navigate the ever-changing field.

Q. Do I need to take a GRE?
A. No. Our program does not require any entrance exams. Our admission decision is based on your transcripts, resume, goal statement, and recommendations.

Q. How do I apply?
A. Our application is completely online: https://application.bellarmine.edu/apply/

Funding Assistance

As a degree seeking student in the MHS program, students should be eligible for federally supported forms of student aid. Financial aid questions should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at Bellarmine University (finaid@bellarmine.edu or 502.272.7300).

Accreditation

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097
404.679.4500 • fax: 404.679.4556

Contact

For more information, call 502.272.7100 or email your questions to admissions@bellarmine.edu.

Learn more about Bellarmine University.

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