Master of Health Science, MHSc

Department Contact:

Chair: Dr. Theresa Horner, thorner@francis.edu, 814-472-3357

Program Description:

The Master of Health Science (MHS) program is an online post-baccalaureate degree offered through Saint Francis University. The MHS program is designed for professionals in the healthcare setting who wish to pursue graduate education to achieve professional or personal goals. The MHSc degree from Saint Francis University prepares students to assume leadership roles in the healthcare industry such as department directors, healthcare service administrators, health educators, lab/clinic managers, or healthcare policy directors. Students may complete a MHSc generalist degree or select a specialty track within the curriculum to provide focused coursework in one of three areas: clinical, health education, or leadership.

This 30-credit program is offered online via the Internet through the Canvas learning management system. This program provides maximum flexibility for working health professionals to complete the program in approximately five semesters (18-24 months). Courses will be offered during Fall, Spring, and Summer sessions with most courses being offered on an accelerated eight-week schedule.

Graduates of the program will have demonstrated competence in both scholarship and research and are prepared to deliver health care more effectively in a variety of clinical practice and administrative settings.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• 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;
• apply knowledge and skills that facilitate the effective balance of the complex issues in contemporary health care including social/cultural, policy/legal, and ethical.  

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically five semesters (18-24 months) taking 6 credits per semester

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

* Applicants with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5 to 2.74 may be accepted to the MHS program on a provisional basis.

** If undergraduate education has been obtained outside of the United States, an independent educational assessment must be required as part of the admissions process.

*** A conditional acceptance may be extended under special circumstances in the case of an incomplete application.

Graduation Requirements:

In order to receive the Master of Health Science degree, the student must:

• Complete all required coursework and program requirements for the degree;
• Receive a minimum “C” grade in each MHSc course;
• Repeat any core curriculum or declared specialty track course in which a final grade of “D” or “F” was obtained;
• Achieve an overall minimum GPA of 2.8;
• File for degree by completing an Application for Degree (Diploma Card) and submitting directly to the Department of Public Health and Graduate Health Sciences;
• Complete all above requirements within five (5) years from enrollment date;
  • Please note that all required documents must be submitted to the Department of Public Health and Graduate Health Sciences within one semester from the completion of the degree requirements for degrees to be posted at the nearest University graduation date. After one semester, but within one year from the completion of the degree requirements, the conferral date will be the nearest university graduation date (May, August, and December).  
• Settle all unpaid accounts with the SFU Business office in order to receive diploma.

Capstone Requirement:

Students in the Master of Health Science program are required to successfully complete a master’s capstone course, MHS 513: Clinical Residency Project (4 credits).

Total Credits Required:

30 credits