The specialty concentrations currently available are health education, emergency medical care, environmental health, gerontology, management, and nutrition.

What are the requirements for being admitted to the program?

Admission criteria include:

• Cumulative grade point average of "B" or higher in all upper-level undergraduate coursework.
• Satisfactory scores on the verbal, quantitative and analytical portions of the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Minimum scores are 400 Verbal and 400 Quantitative.
• Three letters of recommendation from instructors or employers who are able to judge aptitude for graduate study
• Completion of a ‘Statement of Goals’ essay.

How long will it take me to earn my MHS degree?

Typically full-time students complete the program in 2 years; part-time students may take 3-4 years to finish depending on the number of courses taken each semester.

How are the MHS courses taught?

The MHS program uses a ‘hybrid” format. Most instruction is conducted in Asheville, NC and Online.  Participants do not have to commute to classes in Asheville every week to receive instruction. Students log into their “virtual classroom” several times a week during the term to receive instruction, discuss and complete assignments with their classmates.  Course work and assignments can be accessed at any time and from any location where Web access is available. Plans to move selected concentrations to a fully online format are in progress with a tentative target of 2010.

Must I be a computer whiz to take hybrid MHS courses?

No, but all MHS students are expected to have access to an up-to-date Windows computer, Internet connection (e.g. DSL or cable connection), and the Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Students should be able to navigate the Web, use MS Office Suite programs and download files, send and receive e-mails with attachments, play streaming media with Windows Media player and maintain a virus-free computer.

Can I transfer in coursework from other Universities?
It is possible to transfer in six semester hours, pending approval of the MHS Program Director. The courses must be part of a master’s degree program at a fully accredited university.

Must I complete a project or a thesis to earn my MHS degree?

Yes. MHS degree candidates are required to complete either a research project or a thesis.

How much will it cost to attend college each semester?

Visit graduate tuition and fees information.

Am I eligible for financial aid or student loans?

Yes, full-time students are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships and study grants. Online students may secure student loans through WCU’s Office of Financial Aid.

How do I apply to the program?

The quickest way to apply to the program is to apply online. You may also download the required application materials. Your completed application form, application fee, official transcripts, official GRE scores, three letters of reference forms and Statement of Goals must be uploaded to the online ‘Apply Yourself’ application website.

What if I have additional questions?