Master of Science in Health Science
About
In a world where holistic approaches to healthcare are gaining prominence, our Master of Science in Health Science combines the best of traditional and complementary therapies. Graduates from this program will become healthcare professionals who do more than treat symptoms; they nurture the entire individual – body, mind and spirit.
Whether you come from a healthcare background or seek a career change, our program welcomes diverse perspectives, fostering an environment where you can learn, grow and improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote comprehensive wellbeing and work in various healthcare, wellness and community settings.
At a time when health and wellness have become paramount concerns, the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare has never been more evident. Our Master of Science in Health Science aligns perfectly with the evolving healthcare landscape, addressing the growing demand for integrative health services.
Features
- The program is 100% online
- Full and part-time options are available
- An academic plan will be developed outlining course sequence upon admission
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of integrative health concepts, theories and practices
- Apply evidence-based strategies to assess and address individual, community and population health needs
- Develop and implement integrative health programs, interventions and policies
- Utilize advanced communication and interprofessional collaboration skills in healthcare and wellness contexts
- Evaluate the complex network that constitutes “mind-body” and construct an integrative mind-body plan for a wide range of clients
- Utilize a range of Integrative Health Education knowledge, skills and processes, especially when encountering challenging education situations
- Develop integrative treatment plan metrics for outcomes across illness and wellness populations
- Conduct research and contribute to the evolving field of integrative health
- Promote ethical and culturally sensitive integrative health practices
Facts
- The rising global wellness industry, projected to reach $4.9 trillion by 2025 (Global Wellness Institute), indicates a shifting focus toward preventive and holistic approaches to healthcare
- The projected 17% growth in healthcare occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) includes a demand for integrative health practitioners
- The demand for wellness coaches is expected to grow by 35% (National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching)
- Occupations that focus on supporting wellness are projected to have strong growth and many openings from 2021 to 2031—with most having wages that were higher than the median for all workers in 2021 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic)
- Employment in these occupations is projected to grow above the 5% average for all occupations over the decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic)
Career Options
- Health and wellness consultant within various business and organizations, including:
- Community health organizations
- Government
- Residential care facilities
- Schools
- Prisons
- Home healthcare agencies
- Health and wellness coach, educator*, writer or speaker
- Lifestyle coach or consultant
- Health care industry assistant at holistic retreats or spa facilities
- Administrative or support role in any company in the health care industry such as:
- Medical center
- Fitness or wellness center
- Private practice yoga studio
- Educational facility
- Customer service or sales associate roles within the health care industry
- Medical Assistant, administrator, receptionist or other support role in a licensed naturopathic clinic or other healthcare setting
- Medical professionals wishing to increase their knowledge of health and wellness to augment a new or existing practice, including:
- Medical doctors
- Psychologists
- Pharmacists
- Naturopaths
- Nurses
- Veterinarians
- Respiratory therapists
- Mental health counselors
- Social workers
* Please note that this program does not prepare students to be eligible to sit for the NCHEC CHES exam and become a Certified Health Education Specialist.
Admission Requirements
- Completion of the Spalding University Online application
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required; a health-related degree or health-related coursework is preferred
- Applicants need to submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Students may request transfer credit for similar course work completed at another accredited college or university
- The program director will review all requests and may grant a maximum of 12 graduate hours of credit as appropriate
- Academic credit is not awarded for previous work or life experience
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or interview with program director
- This interview will be conducted either in-person, via phone or through video conferencing
- A written statement explaining the applicant’s interest in integrative health, career goals/aspirations and why they want to pursue this degree
- A detailed resume or CV that includes academic and professional experiences, certifications and any relevant research or publications
- For international students whose primary language is not English, proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS may be required
Early Admission
- An undergraduate student currently working on the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Health Science or related undergraduate degree should apply to the Master of Science in Health Science after completing 75 hours at the undergraduate level
- The student must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher after completing 75 hours
- Before enrolling, the student must meet all current admission requirements and be accepted into the graduate program
- Nine (9) credit hours (3 graduate courses) in the program can satisfy 9 credit hours in the undergraduate program
