Information on Master in Health Sciences (MHS) Degree Programs
Majors Overview July 23, 2015This article talks about Master in Health Sciences (M.H.S.) degree programs and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master in Health Sciences (M.H.S.) Programs
Students in the Master of Health Science program in Health Education gain expertise in teaching the benefits of drug and alcohol prevention, healthy nutrition, aspects of prenatal care, and STD awareness. Courses in an MHS degree program typically cover rigorous independent research projects, classroom-based studies, and research seminars where students learn how to gather and interpret information in small group settings. Traditional training may be supplemented by professional internships. Graduates may seek careers as either didactic educators or clinical educators.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Some schools only accept applicants who are practicing healthcare professionals.
Coursework
Coursework involves application of skills acquired by students in curriculum development, teaching methodologies, program development, and computer-aided learning in health-related classroom settings. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Educational measurement
•Statistical analysis
•Educational theories
•Health communication
•Clinical education
•Public health
•Health systems management
•Ethical aspects of healthcare
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek careers as educators in fields such as healthcare management and public health. They may seek jobs with various employers, including colleges and universities, medical clinics, community centers, high schools, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. They may seek careers in areas such as community awareness, staff development, and pre-professional education. They may choose from possible job options such as:
•Policymaker
•Clinical Educator
•Health teacher
•Researcher
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 6% has been predicted for secondary school teaching jobs, such as health teacher (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, secondary school teachers brought in an average annual wage of $55,050 (BLS). Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, health educators are expected to see a 21% growth in jobs; these professionals earned $41,830 per annum, on average (BLS). In January 2014, health policy analysts with earnings in the 10th-90th percentile, including bonuses, brought in between $37,559 and $81,525.
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates may seek continuing education by pursuing either a Ph.D. in Health Science or a Ph.D. in Health Education. The focus of doctoral programs in health science can be on the global or national state of healthcare systems. The focus of doctoral programs in health education is typically on effective teaching and promotion of concepts in health. Both programs commonly culminate in a dissertation and can lead to jobs in academia or research.