Mission Statement
The mission of the MHS program is to graduate students with advanced knowledge in practice excellence who have the leadership and critical thinking skills necessary to promote their professions. High priority is placed on active inquiry, critical thinking, and reflective practice to promote leaders within the health science profession and the community.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the MHS program, graduates will demonstrate the ability to
- engage in personal and professional development and lifelong learning activities;
- develop knowledge of fundamental concepts from which one can develop a collaborative approach to solving problems;
- apply evidence in decision making associated with current health care practice;
- interact in a manner that demonstrates effective communication for various audiences and purposes;
- display qualities of integrity and professionalism in health care practice to advance the profession;
- use leadership skills to promote self and profession; and
- conceptualize and make decisions in individual activities with a sense of independence in discovering information, fostering new ideas, and solving problems.
Admission Requirements
Application to the MHS program is open to all applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a health-related area or those holding a degree outside of healthcare with work experience in a related field. Students are admitted on the basis of their academic abilities and professionalism. Visit the general admission requirements page for details.
Candidates for the MHS program must provide the following documents with their online application in order to be considered for the program:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a health science. If the degree is not focused in health sciences, student will need to provide a résumé / curriculum vitae showing at least 1 year of work experience in a health care or health-related setting.
- Official transcripts from each college or university previously attended. An official transcript is sent directly to the University by the registrar of the issuing institution or it is forwarded in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution.
- One recommendation from a professional colleague
- Professional résumé or curriculum vitae
If the applicant completed his or her education in a foreign country, the applicant must submit an original copy of a degree credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The evaluation must indicate previous education at the minimum level of a baccalaureate degree earned at an accredited college or university in the United States.
International Students Applying for Admission
Foreign-trained candidates who do not require a student visa to participate in University courses and/or degrees can be considered for admission. USAHS does not offer English language services, including instruction. All instruction at the University is conducted in English. To enter the MHS program, the following criteria will apply:
- Submit transcripts (original and a translated version, if applicable) and a credentialing evaluation from an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) that provides evidence of training at a level equivalent to that of a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
- Candidates must submit an official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score report if their education was completed in a language other than English or they reside in a non-English speaking country. A minimum score of 210 (computer-based testing), or 83 (IBT—Internet based testing) is required.
Notification of Status
The applicant will be notified by e-mail from the Admissions Office of his or her admission status after all required application materials have been reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
Academic Requirements
To remain in the MHS program, the student must
- maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and
- complete the seven required courses and any five elective courses.
Program Overview
There are 36 required credits that will be taken over the span of 6 trimesters (students can move at a faster pace).
Core coursework is required (seven courses; 21 credits), while electives can be assembled to achieve an emphasis area (five courses; 15 credits) and can be taken in preferred order. The University will also consider accepting graduate credits from other accredited institutions. Please refer to the transfer credit policy in this catalog for further information on transfer credits.
Four Specializations
- Teaching and Learning
- Executive Leadership
- Athletic Training
- Informatics
Delivery of MHS Coursework
All coursework in the MHS program is offered in an online delivery format with the exception of the ATP 6175 - Emergency Athletic Training course, which requires a face-to-face residency. This course is optional within the Athletic Training Specialization.
Optional Residency for all MHS Students
MHS students are eligible to attend the optional 3-day, on-campus residency imbedded in the Introduction to Interprofessional Scholarly Studies course. During this residency, several units of the online course will be completed through collaborative teamwork with peers. In addition to easing the transition into online graduate-level coursework, the face-to-face class will foster professionalism, interprofessional problem-solving, leadership growth, and communication strategies. As a result of attending this optional residency, completion of the course will be accelerated. It will conclude 4–5 weeks prior to the end of the term.
Optional Residency for Athletic Training Specialization
This online master’s program recommends that all students complete a 3-day, face-to-face residency that focuses on various areas of health sciences. Students who are certified and/or licensed athletic trainers and who pursue the Athletic Training specialization, can take advantage of a residency that fulfills the professional rescuer requirements for maintaining board certification and/or licensure. This residency is part of the Emergency in Athletic Training course and is the only in-person portion of the curriculum. The student is responsible for the cost of travel and other associated expenses with all residencies. Residencies will be offered on one of the USAHS campuses (San Marcos, California; St. Augustine or Miami, Florida; or Austin, Texas).
Incomplete Coursework
The grade of “I” (Incomplete) is used, for reasons acceptable to the instructor(s), a student has not completed required work within a course by the end of a term. The length of time granted for the completion of the requirement of the course is one additional trimester (15 weeks) after which the “I” grade will be changed to an “F” if the coursework has not been completed. Upon successful completion of the requirement, the student will be assigned a letter grade by the instructor. If the “I” is assigned a grade of “D” or “F” the appropriate action will be taken per present written policy on academic standing.
Time Limit
It is required that MHS students complete all program requirements within 6 trimesters or 2 years. An extension of up to 1 year may be requested. If the Program Director approves the extension, there is an extension fee of $333.00 per trimester.
Tuition and Fees
See Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.
