Master of Health Sciences

FAQs

Question 1:  Will completion of the MHS degree enable me to secure an entry-level management position in the health care industry?

Answer: Probably not. Most health-related organizations require a health care undergraduate degree, credential, and/or experience in order to be competitive for a leadership position in a health care organization.

Question 2: What is the employment outlook for leadership positions in health care?

Answer: The number of new health care leadership positions is expected to increase in managed care organization, physician group practices and non-traditional settings for graduates knowledgeable in quality management, instructional technology and information systems. Graduates are need in existing positions in human resources, risk management, finance and managed care (Modern Healthcare Journal, 2003). New leadership positions and sub-specialties are being generated in non-traditional or entrepreneur health care organizations at twice the number seen in 1995. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for health systems administrators will increase approximately 20% to 35% through 2010 as the health services industry continues to expand.

Question 3: What specialty options (concentrations) are available in the MHS Program?

Answer: The specialty options currently available are Management, Education, Nutrition, and Gerontology. Access the following link for course listings by specialty. http://www.wcu.edu/aps/healths/HS_G-MHS_Curriculum.htm

Question 4: How will getting a Master of Health Science help my career?

Answer: Earning an MHS degree can help you upgrade your knowledge and skills and improve your current job performance and your chances for being promoted. It can also make you marketable outside your organization and increase your personal career satisfaction.

Question 5: Wouldn’t I be better off getting an MBA degree?

Answer: If your present employer or potential employer has indicated a preference for the MBA degree, you probably should consider earning an MBA degree. However, if you are employed in a health-related organization and your goal is to secure a high level position, you should obtain a masters degree in your field.

Question 6: Can I earn an MHS completely online?

Answer: At present, the Management, Education, and Gerontology Specialty courses are online.

Question 7: Must I be a computer nerd to take hybrid (blended) and distance MHS courses?

Answer: 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.

Question 8: How long will it take me to earn my MHS degree?

Answer: While you may be able to complete your degree in 2 ½ years as a full-time student, most students take only one or two courses per semester and complete their degrees in 3 years.

Question 9: Can I transfer in coursework from other Universities?

Answer: It is possible to transfer in 6 semester hours. The courses must be part of a masters degree program at a fully accredited university.

Question 10: Can I receive credit for life experience?

Answer: At this time, you cannot receive college credit in the MHS program for life experience.

Question 11: Must I complete a project or a thesis to earn my MHS degree?

Answer: MHS degree candidates are required to complete either a project or a thesis. Click on the following link for Project/Thesis Requirements: http://www.wcu.edu/aps/healths/HS_G-MHS_gen-info.htm

Question 12: How much will it cost to attend college each semester?

Answer: For tuition/fee information, go to:

http://finaid.wcu.edu/costs.html

Question 13: What are the requirements for being admitted to the program?

Answer: To be admitted to the MHS degree Program, you must have earned a cumulative grade point average of “B” or higher in all upper-level undergraduate course work.  You must also have earned a minimum score of 400 on the sections of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). You must submit three letters of recommendation forms from individuals who can vouch for your abilities and work habits.

Question 14: What if I don’t meet the minimal admission requirements, can I still be admitted?

Answer: Applicants who fall short of the GPA or GRE criteria are sometimes admitted as “provisional students”. Such admissions are done on a case by case basis. To remain in the program, provisional students must earn no grade less than “B” their first 12 semester hours.

Question 15: Am I eligible for financial aid or student loans?

Answer: Yes, full-time students are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships and study grants. On-line students may secure student loans through WCU’s Office of Financial Aid (http://www.wcu.edu/finaid).

Question 16: How do I apply to the program?

Answer: The quickest way to apply to the program is to go to: http://www.wcu.edu/graduate/howtoapply.html and download the required application materials. Your completed application form, application fee, official transcripts, official GRE scores, and three letters of reference forms should be mailed to: Research and Graduate Studies, 440 H.F. Robinson Administration Building, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723-9022. If you wish, you may phone the Graduate School at 1-800-369-9854 to have an application packet mailed to you.

Question 17: What if I have additional questions?

Answer: For answer to additional questions, you may contact the following individuals in the indication specialty areas:

Management/Education:   Dr Scott Higgins (828) 227-3514

                                                 email: higgins@email.wcu.edu

Gerontology:                        Dr. Davia Krings (828) 227-2363

                                                 email: dkrings@wcu.edu

Nutrition:                                Dr. Lou Ann Carden

                                                 email: lcarden@wcu.edu

Environmental Health:        Dr. Burton Ogle

                                                  email: bogle@email.wcu.edu