Master of Health Science at Towson University

Degree: Master of Science
https://www.towson.edu/chp/departments/health-sciences/grad/health-science/

Program Director: Dr. Connie Anderson
Phone: 410-704-4640
Email: [email protected]

Program Director: Dr. Caroline Wood
Phone: 410-704-3865
Email: [email protected]

The Master of Science in Health Science is designed to meet needs within the state of Maryland for graduate-trained professionals to work in health care, community, government, for-profit and nonprofit settings. The program is intended both for people with academic or work experience in the health sciences or related fields as well as those seeking to expand their expertise to include the field of health science. It is particularly well suited to people who have been in the work force and now wish to receive additional education to enhance their performance as well as their competitiveness on the job.

Students may tailor the program to fit their academic needs and professional goal by selecting a concentration in Community Health or Health Administration. Students may also elect to take a dual concentration.

The Community Health concentration helps students understand the factors that influence health-related behaviors and apply theory to promote healthy practices. Graduates with a concentration in Community Health may pursue careers such as health education specialist, public health analyst, or community health worker across a variety of settings. Students holding current credentials in pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, dietetics and other professions may wish to combine their skills from prior training and redirect their careers toward community health.

The Administration concentration, which focuses on the business and organizational aspects of healthcare, helps students build the skills needed to play a leadership role in public, private and community health settings. Graduates with a concentration in Administration may pursue careers such as public health coordinator, health communications specialist, or project manager.

Health Science MS students in the Community Health or Administration concentration take 18 units of required courses and 18 units of electives, permitting them to design a program that suits their individual professional goals. Students with an interest in both concentrations can elect to pursue a dual program with nine required courses–all of those needed for the Administration and Community Health concentrations–plus three electives. In addition, with permission of the program director, students may transfer up to 9 graduate units earned in other academic settings to their M.S. plan of study. Students may also elect to pursue a graduate project or thesis if either activity is consistent with their professional goals.

The M.S. in Health Science is designed to accommodate busy, working professionals. Most students attend part-time, and many courses are offered online and/or on weekday evenings. (Students who wish to attend full-time may be able to construct programs responsive to their needs. However, the department cannot promise that full-time course work will be possible within any given term or academic year.)

Please note that only one degree in Health Science can be awarded; students who complete more than one concentration in Health Science will earn only one degree.

1. Students will demonstrate assimilation of facts, theories, and principles basic to health science including those supporting the practice of health administration and/or community health.
2. Students will critically evaluate health science research to identify evidence-based interventions, policies, and practices that contribute to optimal outcomes for clients or patients, healthcare workers, and health organizations.
3. Students will effectively communicate health science information both orally and in writing, sensitive to whether their audience consists of professionals or laypeople, using technology as appropriate.