Online Dual Degree Programs in Health Sciences – BSHS/MSHS
MHA Search
Healthcare is a constantly evolving field, replete with new inventions and discoveries. A degree in health sciences, be it clinical research, regulatory affairs, or health informatics, can prove the perfect option for those interested in working in this dynamic industry. A dual degree program in health science is cost- and time-effective, generally requiring fewer credits and less money than two degrees completed separately. Furthermore, it can give graduates a significant edge in the job market.
A number of universities offer dual degree programs in health sciences. These programs usually comprise 120 credit-hours. Students gain an overall understanding of health sciences and the state of the healthcare industry in the US. Some of the topics they learn about include clinical trials, healthcare finances, health informatics, medicine development, and healthcare leadership.
The following article details four online dual degree programs in health sciences and three outstanding professors in the field.
Featured Online BSHS/MSHS Programs in Health Sciences
George Washington University offers an online bachelor of science in health sciences and master of science in health sciences (in clinical research administration) dual degree program. The BSHS/MSHS program provides students with a thorough understanding of new medications, therapeutic treatments, and products.
Admission requirements for the program include an associate degree (or completion of GED), a grade point average of at least 3.3, 45 to 60 transferable college-level units of coursework, one letter of recommendation, official transcripts from all schools attended, and TOEFL scores (for international students).
The program comprises 120 credit-hours and provides students with an efficient way of completing two degrees. It allows students to transfer 60 total credits from a regionally accredited institution for the undergraduate part of the program, while nine credits of the MSHS in clinical research administration are completed in the undergraduate part of the program and are charged at the undergraduate per-credit cost.
The coursework includes topics such as the basics of clinical research, processes of clinical research, critical analysis in clinical research, medicine development, and the clinical research industry. Students learn how to apply design principles to clinical research, understand the various aspects of a clinical trial, and get acquainted with the business and regulatory aspects of a clinical trial. They also trained to become team players and work toward the common goal of patient safety and successful research.
The program can open up several opportunities in the healthcare industry for graduates. They can take up roles such as drug safety manager, medical writer, clinical data manager, and clinical research associate.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 months
- Estimated Tuition: $85,845 for the program
George Washington University also offers an online dual degree consisting of a BSHS (bachelor of science in health sciences) and an MSHS (master of science in health sciences) in regulatory affairs. The program is ideal for students with a strong interest in clinical research.
Applicants to the program must have an associate degree (or GED), a minimum grade point average of 3.3 on a scale of 4.0, three credits of English composition, four credits of natural or physical science with lab, six credits of social sciences, six credits of humanities, a written personal statement, a current CV, one letter of recommendation, official transcripts from all schools attended, and TOEFL scores for international students.
The program consists of 120 credit-hours, including 60 credit-hours that can be transferred from a regionally accredited institution for the undergraduate part of the program, while nine credits for the MSHS are completed in the undergraduate part of the program (and also charged as per the undergraduate per-credit cost). Courses include healthcare leadership, issues and trends in health systems, an introduction to global regulatory affairs, the business of clinical research, processes of clinical research, and good clinical practices.
Students are trained to manage clinical trials in an ethical manner, make effective business decisions, and meet the needs of the market. They also learn how to meet the pre-market and post-market needs for medical products. Some of the roles graduates can take up include clinical trial manager, operations research analyst, regulatory compliance officer, and regulatory affairs specialist.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 months
- Estimated Tuition: $85,845 for the program
Excelsior College offers an online bachelor of science in health sciences (BSHS) and a master of science in health sciences (MSHS) dual degree program. The program offers an opportunity for students to complete their degree sooner by applying nine bridge credits to both the degrees to fulfill their requirements. This also helps students pay less tuition.
The program’s admission requirements include official transcripts, military documents (if applicable), score reports, copies of licenses and certifications, and TOEFL scores for international students, among others.
The 147-credit-hours program gives students a complete overview of the US healthcare system and helps them develop advanced writing and research competencies.
The undergraduate coursework includes healthcare issues in culturally diverse populations, an introduction to healthcare informatics, and writing and communicating in the health science professions. The graduate courses include research and writing; healthcare policy, politics, and power; and ethics and healthcare. The bridge component includes courses such as research and applied statistics, healthcare delivery systems, and leadership.
The bachelor’s program helps students develop effective strategies for health problems, communicate with different stakeholders, and become specialists on the delivery of quality healthcare. The graduate degree further builds on these skills. Students develop leadership skills, analyze issues in healthcare, and expand their knowledge of the healthcare policies.
Graduates can take up leadership roles in the healthcare industry including as healthcare program specialists, occupational health specialists, health professions educators, public health planners, and health informatics technicians.
- Location: Albany, New York
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 36 to 60 months
- Estimated Tuition: $56,880 (approximate total)
Quinnipiac University offers an accelerated dual-degree program (bachelor of science in health science studies and a master of social work). This is a related program, offered exclusively on campus. As compared to a traditional model, this dual program allows students to earn their degrees faster and at a lower cost. The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to counsel patients and give them access to community resources.
For admission to this program, students must be in the top 20 percent of their high school class and their SAT score must be 1200 or higher (or they must have an ACT composite score of 25 or higher).
The BS in health science degree comprises 120 credit-hours. The skills gained in this degree can be applied to careers such as nutrition, biomedical sciences, and radiology. The master of social work (MSW) curriculum is made up of an additional nine credit-hours.
Undergraduate courses include an introduction to healthcare, medical terminology, and counseling and teaching for healthcare professionals. The graduate curriculum includes topics such as social welfare and social policy, human behavior in the social environment, and organizations and communities.
The program empowers students to help patients heal and give them a new lease of life. They get an opportunity to help neglected children and people with chronic illness, providing them with counseling and support. They can serve as a crucial link between patients and their caregivers. Graduates can work in both healthcare and the social sector.
- Location: Wallingford, Connecticut
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 60 months
- Estimated Tuition: $1,075 per credit-hour (BSHS), $1,055 per credit-hour (MSW)
Professors to Know in Health Sciences Dual Degree Programs
-
Joan Butler, EdD The George Washington University
Dr. Joan Butler serves as the program director for clinical research administration as well as an assistant professor of clinical research and leadership at the George Washington University. She teaches courses such as the clinical research industry, clinical trials management, critical analysis in clinical research, leadership and change, and medical writing for clinical research. Her research efforts are focused on organizational identification, organizational justice, and educational research. She has published her research work in top-notch journals such as the International Journal of Online Pedagogy and Course Design.
Professor Butler earned her EdD from George Washington University, her MS from Rutgers University, and her BA from Boston University. -
Christine G. Fitzgerald, PhD Quinnipiac University
Dr. Christine G. Fitzgerald is a professor of health sciences and program director of health science studies at Quinnipiac University. In addition, she works with Quinnipiac's Center of Interprofessional Health Education. She teaches the introduction to healthcare course in the BS in health sciences program. Along with fulfilling her academic responsibilities, Dr. Fitzgerald is also a member of professional organizations such as the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions and the Connecticut Society for Respiratory Care.
She earned her PhD from the University of Connecticut and her BA and MHS from Quinnipiac University. -
Kathleen Thoma, EdD The George Washington University
Dr. Kathleen Thoma is an assistant professor and undergraduate program director at the George Washington University. Notably, she has worked in the fields of clinical, educational, and health services research for over 20 years.
Prior to joining George Washington University, she worked at the University of Florida and Florida State College. Presently, her research explores health literacy, HIV/AIDS, health disparities, and patient-centered outcomes research. She is also a member of professional organizations such as the American Public Health Association and the Society of Clinical Research Associates. Her research has appeared in prominent journals such as Contemporary Clinical Trials and Pediatrics.
She holds her EdD from the University of North Florida, as well as an MA and a BA from the University of Illinois at Chicago.