Get Ahead in Your Healthcare Career
With a Master of Science in Health Sciences you can customize your degree path to develop knowledge and skills specific to your career needs. Working with our advisors, you can identify courses that will help you move into leadership positions and advance your research skills.
Our curriculum is designed to provide a foundation in today’s health delivery system, leadership and cultural competence which transfer to all health settings. We provide room for 12 credits of electives and encourage our students to pursue certificates and concentrations like community health promotion, public health and gerontology that help set them apart.
Time to Complete
The MSHS can be completed in 3 semesters. Flexible part-time options available.
Credits
12 courses totaling 36 credit hours
Program Highlights
The MSHS prepares you for the next phase of your career, whether it is advancing into a leadership role, preparing for graduate professional school (like medical school) or pursuing a research interest. The flexibility of our program allows students to really cater their coursework and projects to topics that are interesting and important to them. Learning alongside students who are in diverse health professions gives you opportunity in every class to further your interprofessional education and be a more valuable team member.
While our program can be completed online, most faculty can be found on campus and are easily accessible for advising, mentoring or assistance with coursework. You have the ability to choose elective courses that are offered in a traditional classroom format if you prefer. We are engaged with our local community and encourage students to participate when they are able!
Learning Methodology
In the MSHS program you will work at your own pace to develop a solid foundation of the major issues in today’s health care environment, leadership considerations, the value and role of culture in health and the impact that these things can have on health status. Our students learn with other professionals to tackle real problems they may face in their career. Our program has an emphasis on diversity, the disparities in health and the determinants that we can address to create a more healthy population. What you learn in our program can apply to all areas of health and all workplace settings!
Admissions Requirements
An applicant must hold a baccalaureate or advanced degree from an accredited institution, be a licensed healthcare professional or have a degree related to health sciences with plans to work in a healthcare setting. Students must meet with an advisor to design a program of study.
Application Deadlines
Students may begin the program in any semester. Applications must be submitted no later than one month before the semester of entry.
Applicants to the Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) must meet the minimum requirements established by the College of Graduate Studies and the MSHS Program:
- Apply for admission to Cleveland State University
- A minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 2.75. Applicants must also submit official transcripts for all colleges and universities attended
- GMAT or GRE is currently being waived.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your work and can assess your academic preparation, abilities, and accomplishments. These may be from previous instructors, supervisors or professional colleagues who are familiar with your recent activities.
- Non-native English speakers who do not have an earned bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution must demonstrate proof of English-language proficiency as indicated in the International Student Admission section of this catalog.
Courses
The program requires the completion of 36 credits: four core courses (12 credits), three courses in an area of Health Science emphasis (9 credits), four electives (12 credits) and a capstone research project or thesis (3 credits).
For more detailed information regarding curricular overview, see the MSHS Program Curriculum and Degree Completion Requirements website.
General Track
Core Courses (12 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSC 501 | Issues in Health Sciences | 3 Credits |
| HSC 502 | Leadership Roles in Health Sciences | 3 Credits |
| HSC 504* | Seminar in Health Sciences Professions | 3 Credits |
| HSC 505 | Culture and Health Care | 3 Credits |
*This course should be completed toward the end of the program. Note: HSC 504 must be taken prior to taking HSC 692-Masters Project.
Area of Emphasis (9 Credits)
Select three courses from the following list:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSC 510 | Principles of Evidence-Based Practice | 3 Credits |
| HED 565 | Fiscal Development and Grants Management | 3 Credits |
| HED 588 | Ethics and Health Behavior | 3 Credits |
| HED 601 | Methods and Techniques of Research/ Evaluation | 3 Credits |
Electives (12 Credits)
Students select four additional courses from HSC and/or from other departments across Cleveland State. Students are encouraged to discuss their selection with the MSHS Director or a Program advisor in order to develop a concentration of courses that meets their professional and educational goals. Up to nine credits of graduate courses from an accredited institution may be transferred as electives, with approval from the MSHS Director and the College of Graduate Studies. Students may also complete a related graduate certificate to satisfy the elective requirement.
Capstone Experience (3-6 Credits)
Every student must complete a significant, original research project by completing one of the following courses:
HSC 691 - Thesis or HSC 692 - Masters Project
The Master’s Project is the more common method of completion of the MSHS degree. It requires a committee of two faculty– a primary advisor and one reader.
HSC 692 - Masters Project is offered as a 3 credit courses each Spring semester. However, students who need more time to complete their project can register for additional semesters of HSC 692.
The Thesis is usually completed by students who have plans to pursue doctoral studies. It requires a committee of three faculty– an advisor and two readers. It customarily takes two to three semesters beyond all course work to complete the Thesis. It is strongly preferred that students participate in some aspect of their advisor’s research to complete the Thesis.
Note: HSC 504 - Seminar in Health Sciences Professions must be taken prior to HSC 692. This course directly prepares students for the Capstone Experience. For that reason, it is recommended that HSC 504 be taken later in the curriculum, just prior to beginning the Thesis or Master’s Project.
Urban Health Track
Core Courses (14 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSC 501 | Issues in Health Sciences | 3 Credits |
| HSC 502 | Leadership Roles in Health Sciences | 3 Credits |
| HSC 510 | Principles of Evidence-Based Practice in Health Sciences | 3 Credits |
| HSC 534 | Urban Health I | 1 Credit |
| HSC 561 | Urban Health II | 1 Credit |
| HSC 563 | Urban Health III | 3 Credits |
Area of Emphasis (8-11 credits)
Students complete 8 to 11 credit hours of course work that provides a foundation for medical education.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSC 575* | Human Gross Anatomy | 3 Credits |
| HSC 557 OR HSC 585 | Human Gross Anatomy Laboratory OR Human Gross Anatomy Observation Lab | 3 Credits |
| HSC 520** | Physiology for the Clinical Sciences | 4 Credits |
| HSC 550 (optional) | Physiology Lab | 1 Credit |
*Students take either HSC 557 or HSC 585 as a co-requisite to HSC 575
**Students may take HSC 520 with or without the HSC 550 lab
Electives (8-11 credits)
Students take 8 to 11 credits of elective coursework to further build their foundation for medical education, as approved by an advisor.
Capstone (3 credits)
Students complete a capstone project embedded within the final Urban Health course.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSC 565 | Urban Health IV | 3 Credits |
Community Health Promotion Track
Core Courses (12 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HSC 501 | Issues in Health Sciences | 3 Credits |
| HSC 502 | Leadership Roles in Health Sciences | 3 Credits |
| HED 550 | Theories In Health Education & Health Behavior | 3 Credits |
| HSC 542 | Health Disparities | 3 Credits |
Area of Emphasis Courses (12 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HED 555 | Health Promotion Delivery Strategies | 3 Credits |
| HED 565 | Fiscal Development and Grants Management | 3 Credits |
| HED 588 | Ethics and Health Behavior | 3 Credits |
| HED 601 | Methods and Techniques of Research/ Evaluation | 3 Credits |
Electives (9 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HED 571 | Substance Abuse Education | 3 Credits |
| HED 573 | Teaching Human Sexuality | 3 Credits |
| HED 575 | Stress Management | 3 Credits |
| HED 577 | Social Issues & Needs In Nutrition | 3 Credits |
| HED 584 | Food Politics and Obesity | 3 Credits |
| HED 585 | Worksite Health Promotion | 3 Credits |
| HED 586 | Consumer Health and Advocacy | 3 Credits |
| HED 592 | Health Literacy and Health Care | 3 Credits |
| HSC 504 | Seminar in Health Sciences Professions | 3 Credits |
| HSC 510 | Principles of Evidence-Based Practice in Health Sciences | 3 Credits |
| HSC 526 | Functional Performance of Older Adults | 3 Credits |
| HSC 531 | Principles of Management for Health Sciences | 3 Credits |
| HSC 533 | Program Development & Evaluation | 3 Credits |
| HSC 541 | Environmental Health | 3 Credits |
| HSC 542 | Health Disparities | 3 Credits |
| HSC 544 | Social Issues in Health Care | 3 Credits |
| HSC 548 | Palliative Care | 3 Credits |
| HSC 570 | Special Topics | 1-3 Credit(s) |
| HSC 571 | LGBT Health Disparities: A Public Health Perspective | 3 Credits |
| HSC 588 | Complementary and Alternative Medicine | 3 Credits |
| HSC 546 | Women’s Health | 3 Credits |
Capstone (1-3 credits)
Students should choose one of the following capstone options.
Important things to note:
- If students choose the 3 credit hour option, HSC 692, they must complete HSC 504 as an elective which is a pre-requisite course for this sequence.
- If a student chooses the 1 credit hour option, HED 615, they will work with their advisor to prepare for and take successfully complete the national Certified Health Education Specialist Exam (CHES).
- HED 615 - Community Health Capstone Course
- HSC 691 - Thesis
- HSC 692 - Masters Project
Graduate Certificate Programs
Graduate Certificate Programs are offered through the MSHS Program and by other departments at Cleveland State University. Detailed information about these programs can be found elsewhere in this Catalog; please refer to the index. In addition, certificate programs may be added at any time. Check the MSHS Web site for updates.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and financial aid for CSU programs are kept competitive so you can receive the education you deserve. Tuition for online programs and courses follows the same fee structure as traditional, on-campus programs and courses. Current CSU Graduate tuition costs can be found on the Bursar’s website.
Approximately 70% of CSU’s students receive some form of financial assistance. The University participates in or administers all the major federal and state grant and loan programs. In addition, CSU provides University grants and scholarships.
To begin the financial aid process, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must file a FAFSA every year after January 1st to receive your financial aid. Cleveland State University’s financial aid school code is 003032.
If you have any questions, visit the Financial Aid section of CSU’s website, or contact the Financial Aid office.
Faculty
Faculty in the MSHS program come from a variety of backgrounds and add depth to the courses they teach with this experience. We have public health practitioners, health promotion specialists, medical anthropologists, anatomists, physiologists, neuroscientists, medical physicians and health care executives on staff teaching the courses you will complete in our program. Our faculty are here to help you succeed academically and professionally as you take this next step in your career. The faculty are connected to the community both here in Cleveland and in their profession which can help us advise and mentor you in your area of interest!
Career Outcomes
Our alumni report that earning the Master of Science in Health Sciences often leads to a promotion or career advancement or has served as a valuable stepping stone in preparing for medical school. We see our students collaborating in their workplace, engaging in interdisciplinary research teams, developing health promotion programs for their patients, and adjusting to the changing needs of their community.
Prepare for exciting roles including:
- Clinical Department Manager
- Research Associate
- Community Health Promotion Specialist
FAQs
When can I apply and start?
Our program offers rolling admissions! While we do have application deadlines for each semester, you can apply to start for a term that is convenient for you.
How many classes do I have to take each semester?
Our program is 36 credit hours but you can take as many or as few courses each semester as you would like. Most students attending full time take 3 – 4 courses each semester (9 – 12 credit hours). This is up to you! Students trying to complete the program in 3 semesters may choose to take 12 credit hours each semester.
How do I know what classes to take?
All MSHS students have a faculty member who serves as their advisor. This person can help you schedule your courses, find courses that meet your personal interests and needs and develop a plan of study to help you achieve your goals. We develop your schedule with our core and required courses first and then help you identify those electives to fill in the rest of your schedule.