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Master of Health Sciences degree online

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Master of Health Sciences degree online

A.T. Still University’s College of Graduate Health Studies’ (ATSU-CGHS) Master of Health Sciences (MHSc) online program is designed to instill in graduates the knowledge needed to address ongoing challenges in healthcare with a solid foundation in the health sciences. Consisting of 33 credit hours of coursework that includes some doctorate-level courses, ATSU’s MHSc program can be completed entirely online in as few as 18 months.

The health sciences master’s curriculum is well-rounded and sophisticated, providing MHSc graduates with the knowledge needed to excel in any work setting. Students can choose from four specialty tracks, concentrating their master’s degree in: global health, leadership and organizational behavior, fundamentals of education, or in the generalist track.

Master in Health Science faculty are experienced and come from a diverse range of backgrounds, instilling the MHSc curriculum with a naturally interdisciplinary and interprofessional approach.

MHSc graduates earn DHSc advanced standing

Following completion of the MHSc degree through ATSU-CGHS, a student may apply to the Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) program and transfer up to 15 credits toward the doctoral degree. For motivated students interested in pursuing a terminal degree in the health sciences, this bridge opportunity emphasizes a continuous and evolving academic plan that is cost-effective and accelerated.

Certificates in Health Sciences

The specialty tracks available for Master of Health Science students are also offered as independent graduate certificates which can demonstrate expertise in a particular concentration in just four courses. Certificate holders can then transfer in nine credits toward the MHSc or DHSc program.

  • Fundamentals of Education prepares clinical practitioners to transition into roles in academia or healthcare education through studying the components of designing, developing, and managing courses informed by the most up-to-date educational theories and techniques.

  • Global Health provides future leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to formulate innovative solutions meant to address the quality of healthcare for underserved populations. International health issues are explored in this coursework as well as their impact on policy development, population health, and application of ethical principles.

  • Leadership and Organizational Behavior provides specialized knowledge and advances critical thinking and theory application in healthcare administration. Develop specialized leadership skills that will help understand the intricacies of human behavior in the workplace.

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online flexibility

100% ONLINE
FLEXIBILITY

curriculum

CUSTOMIZABLE: 4
CONCENTRATIONS

graduate

GRADUATE IN
18 MONTHS

advanced standing

ENGAGE
ASYNCHRONOUSLY

advanced standing

GAIN DHSc ADVANCED
STANDING

start date

4 START DATES
PER YEAR

Program essentials

Overview
Course list
Tuition
Faculty/Staff
ATSU
Curriculum
Admission requirements
Career advancement
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Fundamentals of Education Concentration
Global Health Concentration
Leadership and Organizational Behavior Concentration
Generalist
Cost
Financial Aid
Administration
Faculty
University catalog
Accreditation

Curriculum Overview

ATSU-CGHS’s online MHSc program consists of 33 credit-hours of study. The MHSc degree curriculum aims to develop and enhance professional skills and competencies needed to advance and address today’s challenges in the health sciences. All courses are 3 credits.

Career advancement

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, the healthcare field is predicted to grow by 2.4 million jobs by 2029, which is more than any other industry. Graduates with a MHSc degree pursue a variety of careers:

  • Academic educator
  • Health specialist
  • Healthcare administrator Pharmaceutical researcher
  • Healthcare consultant
  • Public health administrator

Requirements

  1. Application:
    • Completed and signed admissions application along with a nonrefundable application fee.
  2. Academic:

    • An accredited bachelor’s degree from a university recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Applicants who received their qualifying degree from a university outside the United States will have to provide a degree equivalency evaluation.*
    • Official transcript from the qualifying degree-granting institution. For students using VA benefits transcripts for all institutions attended are required.
    • Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) at the qualifying degree institution.
  3. Elements of Success:

    • A current resume
    • Completion of an essay
    • English Proficiency **
    • Meet technology requirements***

*Applicants who have graduated from a foreign college or university should submit acceptable evidence of U.S. degree/course equivalency. All course work taken at the foreign institution must be evaluated for American institution equivalence by one of the following services:

**Applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English when applying to A.T. Still University’s College of Graduate Studies. Written and spoken proficiency in the English language may be demonstrated by one of the following options:

    • Option 1 - English is your first language.
    • Option 2 - Graduated from a regionally accredited four year college/university in the United States with a BA/BS or graduate degree.
    • Option 3 - You are demonstrating your English proficiency by submitting acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

      Accepted test types for CGHS are:

      The Computer Based Test (CBT), Internet Based Test (iBT), or the Paper Based Test (PBT) are accepted. The following are the minimum required score based on test type:
  • CBT - minimum total score of 213
  • iBT - minimum total score of 80
  • PBT - minimum total score of 550

The TOEFL is administered by TOEFL/TSE Services, P.O. Box 6151, Princeton, NJ, 08541-6151, USA 609. 771.7100. A.T. Still University’s institutional code is 0339. Please be sure to include this information when you submit your application packet. TOEFL Educational Testing Services P.O. Box 6151 Princeton, NJ 08541-6151, 609.771.7100

***ATSU technology requirements

Year 1

  • Critical Thinking and Writing for Professionals+

    • The purpose of this course is to establish a solid foundation of writing skills and familiarize students with the writing policies and expectations of ATSU’s College of Graduate Health Studies (ATSU-CGHS). Emphasis is placed on scholarly writing elements, including annotated bibliographies, American Psychological Association (APA) format and style, effective use of evidence, literacy skills, academic integrity, review and critique of literature, and rhetoric. The course examines the characteristics of critical writing that are assessed throughout the program to identify students’ knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis and synthesis of content.

    • This course examines various principles and models of leadership and policy and explores their relationships to current healthcare management. The course will explore topics in healthcare related to leadership styles, theory, decision making, planning, and development. Students will examine case studies and current concepts in leadership practice and organizational culture.

  • Health Administration, Law and Ethics+

    • This course provides non-legal health professionals with a concrete foundation in healthcare law and ethics. The goal is to assist students in developing practical approaches to improving the excellence and delivery of healthcare. This course is designed to provide a basic framework from which to consider consequences as well as give healthcare professionals tools that will assist in times of ethical dilemmas.

Year 2

  • Innovations in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement+

    • This course will provide an introduction and framework for innovative implementation of patient safety and quality improvement initiatives. Students will become acquainted with several aspects of healthcare quality and patient safety, including foundational and key structures, challenges and problems, mechanisms for identifying effective healthcare measures, and strategies for applying systematic and innovative change. Students will have the opportunity to explore best practice models and the latest professional literature emphasizing patient safety and quality improvement as well as apply their knowledge in different theoretical contexts in the health sciences.

  • Fundamentals of Health Informatics+

    • This course provides an overview of healthcare information technology that introduces terminology, practices, and processes found in clinical and business operations in modern healthcare organizations. Students will examine the design and application of information technology-based innovations in healthcare delivery. Emphasis is on providing overviews of electronic medical records, telemedicine, decision support systems and evaluating system wide informatics in appropriate management systems.

  • Population Health and Preventive Care+

    • This course will take a broader perspective of population health and preventive care by examining factors and health promotion practices that influence health outcomes of populations. Students will explore historical perspectives and emerging trends of health issues affecting various populations globally. Various approaches to improve population health and health equality will be explored with emphasis on evidence-based population health interventions.

Year 3

  • Foundation of Evidence Based Practice+

    • This course is designed to provide a strong foundation of evidence-based medicine. Students will learn to identify and analyze data from cases and the literature and explore how such evidence influences practices in healthcare. Emphasis will be to critically appraise the literature, evaluate quality of studies, synthesize evidence from the literature as it relates to issues in health sciences.

  • Special Topics in Health Science Research+

    • This course is designed as an introduction to using the research process to address health science problems and the use of evidence as a foundation for practice. Emphasis on general qualitative and quantitative frameworks for research design, data collection, analysis and data presentation. Students will engage in critical analysis of various research topics in the health sciences and will collectively create an integrative literature review.

Fundamentals of Education Concentration

  • Educational Program Evaluation+

    • Students will be introduced to educational program assessment and evaluation. Topics include meeting health programmatic accreditation requirements, creating academic institutional effectiveness plans, program creation and revision, curricular evaluation, and strategic program assessment at the college and university level. Other topics discussed include evaluating certification and licensure pass rates, retention and attrition statistics, and integrating advisory board guidance into educational programs.

  • Contemporary Teaching and Learning Concepts+

    • This course is an overview of some of the current models and theories that are becoming popular in higher education. Much research has focused on academia over the past few years to determine how best to educate students in a cost effective, productive manner. Some of the more prominent theories include: learner-centered teaching, student-centered learning, inter-professional learning, and distance education. The purpose of this course is to explore the research and practical application of contemporary models of education. Students will examine various models and philosophies of delivering and managing course content, promoting knowledge transfer, and determining best practices for effective teaching.

  • Curriculum and Course Design+

    • The purpose of this course is to expand knowledge and understanding of curriculum and course development. The course is designed to engage students in developing course syllabus, assignments and grading rubrics, lesson plans, and a course outline. Students will explore strategies that promote student learning based on best teaching practices.

Global Health Concentration

  • Global Health Issues+

    • This course provides an introduction to important global health issues, including determinants of health, key areas of disease burden, and the role that new health technologies can play in solving these problems. The goal of the course is to expand students’ understanding of the impact of infectious and chronic diseases on the world’s population with particular attention paid to the health status of women, children, and the poor. Students will examine case studies of successful global health interventions to understand features of successful programs.

  • Globalization and World Politics+

    • This course introduces the theoretical and practical issues associated with the radical global processes that are now affecting human life locally and globally. The course emphasizes the political-economic, cultural, institutional, technological, and ecological implications of globalization and allows students to evaluate whether these processes pose opportunities or challenges to individuals, societies, and the global community.

  • Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Disaster response+

    • For years public health has played a critical role in responding to emergencies and disasters of all kinds. This course examines the roles and responsibilities of public health during a disaster and emergency. You will examine the various types of disasters and emergencies, including bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and natural disasters, and learn how a response is planned, initiated and coordinated. This course will also introduce you to emergency preparedness planning and common concepts, principles, terminology, and organizational processes used including the National Response Framework (NRF), Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Leadership and Organizational Behavior Concentration

  • Organizational Behavior+

    • This course examines how the personal characteristics of organizational members influence the effectiveness and productivity of organizations and the job satisfaction of its members. It is believed that organizations are comprised of three levels: the individual, the group or department, and the organization itself. This course will focus on the problems and challenges leaders face in dealing with the individual and the small groups in the organization. Special attention will be given to the role of teams in organizations, the stages of team development, and actions that can support the development of effective teams. The realities of interpersonal processes are considered through examination of the roles of power, politics, and conflict in organizations. The human side of organizational change is then explored with a focus on understanding how and why people react to organizational change and identifying opportunities for enhancing the effective implementation of change.

  • Healthcare Economics and Financial Management+

    • Students will use key financial and economic principles to examine executive level decisions relative to capitalization, credit ratings, debt capacity, alternate funding sources, business plan development, and overall organizational finance strategy. The concepts will be considered from both non-profit and for-profit healthcare organizational perspectives.

  • Strategic Change Management for Healthcare Organizations+

    • In this executive course, students will investigate and integrate change management practices to strategically position the healthcare organization for the future. Students will assess their organization’s current strategic position and apply relevant theoretical models and the necessary change management practices resulting in organizational adaptability.

Generalist

Pick any 3 courses from the three program concentrations to complete the generalist concentration.

Tuition

Review tuition and fees for the Master of Health Sciences program. Please note tuition and fees are subject to change.

Financial Aid

Federal financial assistance is available for qualifying students. For information about financial aid, visit ATSU’s Enrollment Services online or contact them at 660.626.2019 or by email at enrollmentservices@atsu.edu.

Jeffrey Alexander, PhD, FAACVPR
Jeffrey Alexander, PhD, FAACVPR
Associate Professor
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Dr. Alexander completed his doctor of philosophy degree at Arizona State University (2003) in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in exercise and wellness. He earned his Master of Science in exercise physiology from Brigham Young University and his bachelor’s degree in health promotion.

In addition to his academic preparation, Dr. Alexander holds numerous health and fitness professional certifications; namely, Clinical Exercise Specialist® from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Consequently, Dr. Alexander has served as a personal and group fitness trainer primarily working closely with the older adult population.

Kathleen DiCaprio, PhD
Kathleen DiCaprio, PhD
Associate Professor
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+

Kathleen DiCaprio, PhD, previously served as an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, as well as the director of content development and education at Oceania University of Medicine. In addition, she served as an instructor and curriculum consultant for Kaplan Medical.

Dr. DiCaprio has a history of teaching undergraduate, graduate, and medical courses in areas related to infectious diseases and infection control, immunology, public health, and emergency preparedness. She comes to ATSU with an impressive history as a faculty member and administrator in higher education of the medicine and the health sciences.

Dr. DiCaprio earned her BS in biochemistry from The College of Saint Rose and her PhD in pathology from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. Her prior research focused on studying pathogenesis of maximum containment (Biosafety-level 4) viruses such as Ebola and Marburg in non-human primate models. Her research efforts contributed to the development of potential vaccines and therapeutics against these deadly viruses, and her work has been profiled in numerous publications and press releases.

Kathleen Mathieson, PhD, CIP
View Faculty Feature
Kathleen Mathieson, PhD, CIP
Associate Professor
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+

Dr. Mathieson completed her PhD in sociology at Arizona State University, with a focus in the areas of statistics and sociology of health. Before coming to ATSU, she spent five years as a research analyst and biostatistician at Maricopa Medical Center, a 449-bed teaching hospital in Phoenix.

While at Maricopa Medical Center, Dr. Mathieson taught research and statistics courses to medical residents in various specialties, and co-authored research articles with faculty and residents in areas such as obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, pediatrics, family practice, and public health. Since coming to ATSU, Dr. Mathieson has collaborated on both quantitative and qualitative research projects in various programs, and has begun her own research in the area of teaching and learning. She is also interested in research ethics and is the vice-chair of the ATSU-Arizona Institutional Review Board. Dr. Mathieson enjoys working with students, particularly in the process of mentoring them through research projects.

Eric Matthews, PhD
Eric Matthews, PhD
Professor & Chair
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+

Dr. Matthews completed his PhD in education at Southern Illinois University with an emphasis in adult and vocational/technical education (workforce education and development). He recently completed a Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) degree at Nova Southeastern University.  He also holds graduate degrees in education (post-secondary administration and supervision) and museum studies. His professional medical preparation is in the field of diagnostic imaging. Dr. Matthews is certified in diagnostic radiography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, and magnetic resonance imaging by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Prior to coming to ATSU, he was the program director of the radiography program at Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Matthews has an extensive teaching history at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.  In addition to teaching most courses in the ATSU Health Sciences curriculum, he has taught numerous courses on medical and educational history, his primary research interest. He enjoys qualitative-historical research and has served as a subject matter expert for several state and national organizations and museums on the topic of 19th century American medicine.

Helen Salisbury, PhD
Helen Salisbury, PhD
Assistant Professor
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+

Dr. Salisbury earned her PhD in Biopsychology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where she completed some of her coursework and her externship with psychiatric residents from the University Medical Center’s Medical School. While at Stony Brook, she taught Research Methods and Statistics, and worked as the project director and statistician/database manager for a large NIMH grant.

Dr. Salisbury worked at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, as part of the Clinical Neurobiology and Bioengineering Research group, and then as the research coordinator for trauma and general surgery, where she mentored trauma surgical residents in proposing, designing, analyzing, writing, and submitting required clinical research studies for publication. Additionally, Dr. Salisbury has worked for Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn, where she was the coordinator for trauma clinical research and served on the hospital’s Scientific Review Committee. Currently, she is also on the research faculty of an online university where she reviews doctoral dissertations for appropriate research design and analyses, and is a strong proponent of distance education.

Megan Weemer, DHSc, MS, MCHES
Megan Weemer, DHSc, MS, MCHES
Assistant Professor
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+

Dr. Weemer completed her Doctorate of Health Sciences degree at Indiana State University, with focus in the areas of health promotion, physical activity and wellness. She earned a Master of Science in physical education from Eastern Illinois University and also a Master of Science in Teaching health education from Northern Illinois University. She earned her undergraduate degree in dietetics.

In addition to her academic preparation, Dr. Weemer is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES). She has an extensive history of teaching undergraduate and graduate health science courses in various modalities, along with experience revising courses and curriculums. Dr. Weemer’s research interests focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning, along with examining risk and protective factors surrounding adolescent and college student health.

Marisa Hastie, EdD, MS, ACSM-EP, PN-1, FACSM
Marisa Hastie, EdD, MS, ACSM-EP, PN-1, FACSM
Dean
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Marisa Hastie, EdD, MS, ACSM-EP, PN-1, FACSM LinkedIn

Marisa Hastie, EdD, MS, ACSM-EP, PN-1, FACSM is the Dean of the College of Graduate Health Studies at AT Still University. Dr. Hastie received her doctor of education from George Fox University (2013), her master of science in exercise and sport science with an emphasis in biomechanics from the University of Oregon (2003), and her bachelor of science in exercise science from Gonzaga University (2001). She is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and is a certified Exercise Physiologist.

Prior to joining ATSU, she was a Professor of Exercise Science and Program Chair for the Exercise Science Program at Lasell University (Newton, MA). Dr. Hastie also served as the Faculty Fellow for the Fuss Center for Research on Intergenerational Education and Aging and received the deWitt Excellence in Educational Leadership Award from Lasell University. Dr. Hastie served as Faculty Chair of the University’s governance system.

Dr. Hastie has served in several leadership roles at the regional and national level of the ACSM, which include her current roles on the Professional Education Committee at the national level and as the President-Elect for the New England chapter. Her research interests have included exploring the connection between lifelong physical activity and long-term health outcomes, the relationship between exercise training and cognition, and the effects of discrimination experiences on health-related coping behaviors.

Dr. Hastie has extensive experience in online program development, teaching, and assessment. She developed an online Master of Science in Nutrition for Human Performance program and has 18 years of experience in both synchronous and asynchronous teaching formats. She became an educator because she strongly believes in the development of the whole student as a crucial responsibility of higher education institutions.

Eric Matthews, PhD
Eric Matthews, PhD
Professor and Chair
Read Bio
+

Dr. Matthews completed his PhD in education at Southern Illinois University with an emphasis in adult and vocational/technical education (workforce education and development). He recently completed a Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) degree at Nova Southeastern University. He also holds graduate degrees in education (post-secondary administration and supervision) and museum studies. His professional medical preparation is in the field of diagnostic imaging. Dr. Matthews is certified in diagnostic radiography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, and magnetic resonance imaging by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Prior to coming to ATSU, he was the program director of the radiography program at Southern Illinois University.

Dr. Matthews has an extensive teaching history at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to teaching most courses in the ATSU Health Sciences curriculum, he has taught numerous courses on medical and educational history, his primary research interest. He enjoys qualitative-historical research and has served as a subject matter expert for several state and national organizations and museums on the topic of 19th century American medicine.

University Catalog

University Catalog Program guide

Review the University Catalog to read detailed course descriptions and obtain answers to many of your questions regarding application information and tuition.

A.T. Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

230 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500,
Chicago, IL 60604

Phone: 800.621.7440 | Fax: 312.263.7462
Email: info@hlcommission.org

hlcommission.org


Master of Health Sciences program faculty

Five full-time and many adjunct faculty provide expert instruction within the health science online degree program. This structure provides students exposure to a variety of teaching styles and learning opportunities by a faculty with diverse healthcare-related backgrounds and experiences.
ATSU Faculty Forum
Health Sciences Faculty Discuss What Sets Them Apart
ATSU Faculty Forum
Health Sciences Faculty Discuss How They’re Inspired by Students
Kathleen DiCaprio, PhD
Chair and Associate Professor
Marisa Hastie, EdD, MS, ACSM EP-C, PN-1, FACSM
Dean
Dr. Craig Phelps, DO
President
Clinton Normore
VP of Diversity & Inclusion

Application

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For additional information contact an Enrollment Counselor:
877.626.5577 or cghsonlineadmissions@atsu.edu

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Wondering if the MHSc is the perfect fit for you?

ATSU-CGHS offers a variety of master's programs that meet your professional needs and career goals.