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15 Best Online Psychology Masters Degree

15 Best Online Psychology Master's Degree

The best online psychology master’s degree programs give professionals a flexible way to level-up credentials and advance their careers. Psychology is one of those disciplines that lends itself well to online studies and makes earning an advanced degree easier while you continue to work. That makes an online psychology master’s a natural fit for students seeking career advancement.

Having an online Master of Arts or Master of Science in psychology can position you for a variety of excellent careers according to the American Psychological Association’s Career Guide. It also provides an excellent foundation for PhD or MD studies. While the APA doesn’t accredit bachelor’s or master’s degrees in psychology, regional accreditation is important in choosing a graduate program.

Best Health Degrees reviewed several school websites and identified online psychology degree programs. The information provided is a synopsis of school programs to give you a general sense of the program courses, admission requirements, cost, etc. These schools accept the majority of transfer and international online students. But the descriptions in this ranking review the major requirements for U.S. citizens. Be aware that, with rare exceptions, not all master’s degree programs lead to licensure.

Our Method: Ranking the 15 Best Online Psychology Master’s Programs

To rank the 15 Best Online Psychology Master’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked psychology online programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential. We use data from IPEDS, Niche, US News and World Report, and also other higher education rating publications.

1. Golden Gate University

If you’re interested in an advanced MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology online degree, review the program at this San Francisco school.

Offered online, or as a hybrid program, the online psychology master’s degree requires 39-credit hours for completion. Among the courses required are studies in Tests and Measurements, Interpersonal Skills, Consulting Skills, Diversity in Organizations, Personal Leadership, Applied Psychological Research, as well as Executive Coaching, and more. You’ll be able to choose three classes from electives offered in Adaptive Decision Making, Learning and Development, Strategic Analysis and Design, Ethics in Managing People at Work, and others. You may even choose an Internship in Applied Psychology online (with permission from the department chair.)

You’ll apply for admission along with a $65 fee. Acceptance requires you to hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited school and provide academic transcripts. If your UG GPA is under 2.50, you may have to submit a resume and a statement of purpose.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $1,090/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Washington Monthly ranked Golden Gate University #1 in its best School for Adult Learners for the fourth consecutive year

School: Learn more about the online master’s in psychology program!

2. George Mason University

You can earn your online Master of Professional Studies in Applied Industrial Organizational Psychology (Master of Executive Studies) from a university considered a “Best Colleges for Psychology in America” by Niche based on its analysis of reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education.

This online psychology master’s program is ideal for a career in Human Resources and Organizational Development and is only 30- credit hours in length. You’ll take courses in Employee Selection, Foundations of Organizational Psychology, Introduction to Science & Practice of I/O Psychology, Applied Data Analysis in Psychology, Psychological Research Methods, as well as a Practicum in Applied Psychology. Electives include options in Applied Leadership and Teamwork, Organizational Change and Development, Developmental Psychology, Benefits and Compensation, and others.

For admission, you need a bachelor’s degree (with a 3.0 GPA) from an accredited school, submission of a resume, and three letters of recommendation. Students must submit academic transcripts. But, they do not need to submit GRE scores.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $815/per credit hour

Fast Fact: The graduate psychology online program at George Mason University ranks #9 in U.S. News and World Report’s Graduate School Rankings

School: Interested? Click to learn more about the online psychology master’s!

3. University of Southern California

The USCOnline division of the University of Southern California awards an online Master of Science in Applied Psychology prepares students to be working professionals. Another advantage is it’s possible to complete this graduate psychology program in 16 months.

This curriculum is a combination of research, theory, and organizational practice. Furthermore, students must take five required classes. They include Consumer Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Proseminar in Human Behavior: Foundations, Proseminar in Human Behavior: Applications, and Research Methods in Applied Psychology. You’ll also be able to choose from electives such as Psychology of Employee Selection and Assessment, Cross-cultural Psychology in Applied Settings, and more. Additionally, students must participate in a practicum experience in your community with the approval of the program director. Note: for students interested, the psychology online program sponsors a summer internship in Dublin, Ireland.

Admission requires an application, an accredited bachelor’s degree, a personal statement, three recommendation letters, academic transcripts, and a resume. Currently, prospective students do not need to submit GRE test scores.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $47,880/per academic year

Fast Fact: The Princeton Review named USC as one of its Best 386 Schools

School: Interested? Click to learn more about the online psychology master’s!

4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is well known for its consistently ranked online programs and this online Master of Science in Psychology.

This online psychology master’s program is theory and research-based and requires 36-credit hours for completion. Prominent coursework includes Fundamentals of Quantitive Research, Professional Issues in Psychology, Research Methods, Advanced Social Psychology, and a Capstone in General Psychology. These courses are designed to study particular themes in social motivation, group processes, basic statistics, and ethical standards and conduct a literature review and ask for “actionable research and policy recommendations through written exams.”

You’ll submit an application (and a $70 fee) as the first step toward admission. Other requirements include a personal statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts. It appears the school does not require GRE scores, but they are recommended.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $4,887/per academic year

Fast Fact: ASU is rated #1 in U.S. News and World Report’s Most Innovative Schools as well as in the top 50 of Top Public Schools

School: Interested? Click to learn more about the online psychology master’s!

5. Palo Alto University

If you’re looking for an online MS in Psychology degree that doesn’t require clinical psychology studies, you may want to look at this one from Palo Alto University.

The online psychology master’s Generalist Track curriculum for this degree requires 37.5 hours (or 6 quarters) on a variety of topics. Some of the didactic courses you’ll take involve Child and Adolescent Behavior, Research Methods and Statistics, Psychopathology & Psychodiagnosis, Social & Personality Psychology, Ethics in Clinical Psychology,  Biological Bases of Behavior: Biological Psychology, etc. Many of the online classes are taught by the same faculty as Palo Alto’s on-campus PhD program. Some psychology programs will not qualify you for licensure but will be a solid foundation for a doctoral degree program and enhance your career options.

You’ll need to verify that your home state is one in which Palo Alto University is recognized for its online psychology programs. Once you determine eligibility, you’ll complete a The Centralized Application Service for Graduate Psychology (PSYCAS), You’ll also be asked to submit official transcripts, resume or CV, statement of purpose, and three recommendation letters. You won’t need to provide GRE scores.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $872/per credit hour

Fast Fact: PAU was established in 1975 and is a private, non-profit university in the Silicone Valley area of California.

School: Learn more about the online psychology master’s!

6. LeTourneau University

This private Christian university offers an online MS in General Psychology you can complete in 39-credit hours.

In a flexible online psychology master’s program, you’ll complete required studies in research methods, psychological testing, ethics, multicultural issues, personality theories, and lifespan development. Students also develop critical thinking skills to learn and understand the Christian vocation. Other classes include 12 hours of elective studies in Decision Analysis, Organizational Behavior and Design, Contemporary Psychology, Advanced Abnormal Psychology, and more. It doesn’t appear a thesis or capstone project is needed.

You can be considered for admission to this online master’s in psychology program regardless of your state of residence. Just complete an application. Among the admission requirements, in addition to the application, are a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75, any and all academic transcripts and you may be asked for your employment history. Finally, you must support the school’s Christian mission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $625/ per credit hour

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks LeTourneau University #15 in its Best Value Schools

School: Interested? Learn more about the online master’s!

7. Purdue University Global

Here’s a Master’s in Psychology online program online that requires 60-75-credit hours. Purdue University Global is part of the renowned Purdue University and is globally recognized for its online programs.

You have your choice of five concentrations in General Psychology, Addictions (accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission NASAC), Applied Behavioral Analysis, Forensic Psychology, or Industrial Psychology. You’ll also be able to choose between a thesis and a comprehensive exam option. The curriculum for this degree is dependent on your concentration and may have specific core courses which are discussed in the Purdue University Global catalog. You can review the classes for each concentration in the catalog or the online program brochure.

For admission, you’ll begin by completing a free, online application which will include proof of a conferred undergraduate degree, official academic transcripts, and other documents. A criminal background check may be required.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $420/per credit hour

Fast Fact: The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education rates Purdue University Global in its top 10 best public universities in the U.S.

School: Interested? Click to learn more about the online master’s in psychology program!

8. Saybrook University

This MA in Psychology is excellent for non-clinical, working professionals and offers three specialty areas in Consciousness, Spirituality, and Integrative Health; Creativity Studies; and Existential, Humanistic, and Transpersonal Psychology. The program is a hybrid experience with a minimum on-campus attendance at the university’s Pasadena, California location.

The 32-35-credit hour online psychology master’s degree has core courses and coursework requirements in research, ethics, history of psychology, as well as a master’s thesis. Depending on your specialization, a sampling of courses offered may include Holistic Organizational Analysis, Advanced Personality Assessment, Innovative Leadership: Principles and Practice, Group Dynamics and Leadership, The Use of Poetry, Death, Loss, and Life Transition, Integrative Health Psychology, etc. A Capstone Project may be required as part of the program.

You’ll begin the admission process with an application and a $50 fee. Documents you’ll be asked to provide are academic transcripts, resume/CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $20,856/per academic year

Fast Fact: Saybrook University celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2021

School: Learn more about the online master’s in psychology program!

9. University of Louisiana at Monroe

This school is part of the University of Louisiana System and has an online MS in Psychology that offers studies in General Psychology or Forensic Psychology.

Program requirements for this 36-credit hour MS in Psychology include coursework in Research Methods, Neuropsychology, and Quantitive Methods in Behavioral Sciences. The Forensic Psychology track will cover such topics as Psychopathology, Sociology of Law, Individual Tests, Counseling in Criminal Justice, Minorities, Crime, and Criminal Justice, as well as elective courses. You’ll be able to choose electives from topics in Advanced Adolescent Psychology, Behavior Modification, Psycho-Educational Diagnosis, Educational Psychology, and Intervention, etc. You can also opt to complete a thesis, practicum, and independent research as electives. While the thesis isn’t required, it’s recommended if you plan to pursue a PhD degree.

Admission requirements involve the submission of an application, a conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, GRE or GMAT test scores, and official academic transcripts sent directly to the UL-M Graduate Admissions Office. Additional documents might be requested.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $500/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Niche ranks the University of Louisiana at Monroe as #53 in its Best Online Colleges in America

School: Learn more about the online master’s in psychology program!

10. Nova Southeastern University Florida

If you’re wanting a foundational degree in psychology, the NSU-Florida provides an online, general Masters in Psychology degree which may fit the bill.

There are core courses for this 30-credit-hour degree. The classes include Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Research Design, Psychological Quantitative Methods, and also Individual Evaluation and Assessment. The General Psychology track also provides courses in Adult Psychopathology, History and Systems of Psychology, and also Human Sexuality. Additionally, a thesis completes the degree. The NSU-Florida College of Psychology also offers an Applied Health Science in psychology track.

Admission to the program requires an application with a $50 fee. Students also submit official academic transcripts demonstrating an awarded baccalaureate degree with a 3.0 GPA. An undergraduate or graduate degree in psychology, behavioral science, social work, or related field is preferred. Applicants also provide two academic or professional letters of recommendation and may need to attend an interview. No GRE test scores are needed.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $840/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Nova Southeastern University-Florida is one of the Best Colleges for Psychology in America by Niche.

School: Learn more about the online master’s in psychology!

11. McNeese State University

Established in 1939, Louisiana’s McNeese State University awards a MA in Psychology and has three concentrations: General/Experimental Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, or Counseling Psychology. The only online psychology degree is the Applied Behavior Analysis concentration and is 100% distance learning. The degree has approval from the Behavior Analysis Certification Board.

This 58-credit hour psychology program is 18 credit hours of core courses and 40 hours in the specialization. You’ll study Principles of Learning and Behavior, Single-Subject Methodology, Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis, Applied Research in Applied Behavior Analysis, Conceptual Foundations of Behavior Analysis, Human Growth and Development, Ethics for Behavior Analysts, Verbal Behavior, as well as an internship and thesis.

You need to have a conferred bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA, submission of an application (with a $20 fee) and official academic transcripts are necessary for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $5,703-$13,740/per academic year

Fast Fact: McNeese State University ranks #44 in U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools category

School: Learn more about the online master’s in psychology!

12. Angelo State University

The MS in Applied Psychology at Angelo State University will train you in using psychology to address a wide range of issues and the best way to simplify serious concerns for the majority of people.

Offered 100% online, you can choose a thesis or non-thesis option for this 36-credit hour degree. A prerequisite course in Core Concepts in Psychological Science is part of the first semester of study. Examples of other coursework include studies in Research Methods, Applications of Psychopathology, Developmental Psychology, Neuroscience, Teaching of Psychology, Applications of Psychological Research, Forensic Psychology, Applications of Industrial Organizational Psychology, and more. It’s possible, attending full-time, for you to complete one of these psychology programs in two years.

You don’t need to have an undergraduate psychology degree to apply for this program; however, a 3.0 or higher GPA is necessary. Application for the graduate school at ASU is through ApplyTexas along with specific program admission requirements. Furthermore, applicants submit all academic transcripts and a 500-word essay on how the ASU psychology program will help meet their career objectives.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $232-$640/per credit hour

Fast Fact: ASU ranks #47 on U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools

School: Learn more about the online master’s in psychology!

13. Saint Leo University

Located in Florida, Saint Leo University awards an online Masters in Psychology. This is a general, psychology degree you can complete in 36-credit hours.

You’ll study topics in Diversity and Ethics, Lifespan Development, Physiological Psychology, Tests and Measures, Research Methods, Psychology of Teaching and Practice, History and Systems of Psychology, and others. A Capstone Thesis is part of the completely online curriculum. The capstone will be on a topic of your choice for which you’ll conduct research design and analysis, with a focus on ethical decision-making. Usually, online students take one course each 8-week term and the program encourages students to join the American Psychological Association (APA). This will allow you to attend regional or topical conferences which will benefit you in education and networking.

For this online master’s, applicants complete the graduate admission application and provide information on their undergrad degree via academic transcripts from all schools attended. You may also be able to earn credit for any professional training you may have received.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $670/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Saint Leo University holds #4 in the Best Value Schools rank by U.S. News and World Report.

School: Learn more about the online master’s in psychology!

14. Indiana Tech

This MS in Psychology from Indiana Tech is perfect for students looking to advance in their career or as a foundation for future enrollment in a doctoral program.

Exploring the theories and psychological principles, this is a 33-credit hour curriculum degree. As part of the didactic courses, you’ll complete studies in Multicultural Psychology, Advanced Counseling Psychology Theory, Psychopathology, Research in Psychology, Legal and Ethical Issues in Psychology, Statistics for Behavioral Sciences, Advanced Biopsychology, and others. Students also need the Master of Science in Psychology capstone course. It measures what you learn in the program with a comprehensive exam of the various components of the program.

You’ll need to create a graduate school application. Among the documents applicants provide are transcripts and a conferred bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Students with two years of meaningful work experience are preferred. Also, the school may request other information as needed.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $515/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Indiana Tech started in 1930 and has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

School: Learn more about the online master’s in psychology!

15. Tiffin University

Professors with real-life experience teach the online MS in Psychology from Tiffin University. This is a non-clinical degree and won’t qualify you for licensure.

The 37-credit hour program is based on theoretical and scientific studies and will prepare you to teach psychology in a community college or application in nearly any career. If a doctoral program is part of your long-range plans, this is a great foundation. Interdisciplinary in design, you’ll study statistics, the history of psychology, as well as psychological topics in developmental, cognitive, and social psychology. Additionally, the program covers the research design and analytical methods, and more. Students complete a Capstone Research project to finish the degree.

An application is required. The minimum admission specifications are a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited school. If your undergraduate GPA was less than 3.0, you need to submit a 300-word personal statement essay and a resume or CV. However, the school does not need GRE test scores.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $550/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Tiffin University holds Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation. The school opened in 1888 and is in Tiffin, Ohio

School: Learn more about the online master’s in psychology!

What are the Benefits of Choosing an Online Master’s in Psychology?

Perhaps the best example of the benefits of online degree programs came during the COVID pandemic when colleges and universities began to close campuses. But they wanted to help students continue their education. Fortunately, most of those schools had already established online programs and were able to transition to total distance learning with relative ease.

Online psychology programs offer a way for you to earn your psychology master’s while continuing to work. This benefits you, your family, and your employer. Online studies tend to be more intensive and classes frequently are shorter in duration. With classes offered in relatively short 5 to 8 weeks segments, you can often earn your degree in less time and less money. Additionally, online students with an undergraduate degree in psychology should look for an accelerated master’s program.

Can You Get Credit for Work Experience?

Frequently, colleges and universities will award credits for employment, training, volunteer work, military service, etc., thus reducing the number of hours you need to earn a degree. Beyond that, many schools charge in-state tuition for their online degrees, regardless of where you live in the US. This allows you to enroll in a particular program offered by a university outside of your state and still stay within your educational budget.

Will Employers Trust an Online Masters in Psychology?

Distance education in America dates to the 19th century when correspondence education was a method for people living in rural areas to gain an education. It was a slow process, reliant on the delivery of educational materials and tests via the Post Office or, in some cases, the Pony Express.

Fast forward to the 20th century and colleges and universities began experimenting with computer-based, online education. It took time for the U.S. Department of Education, colleges and universities, and accrediting organizations to catch up with the expanding educational possibilities. Until everyone was on the same page, it was typical for distance education diplomas to indicate a student earned the degree over the internet.

Are Online Degrees as Good as Traditional Ones?

Today, educational institutions offer online degrees that have accreditation and approval for interstate educational agreements. Courses are by the same faculty and use the same curriculum as on-campus studies. As a result, diplomas no longer indicate the delivery method used to earn the degree. In most programs, graduates can attend commencement ceremonies, even though they didn’t attend school in person.

What Are the Online Master’s in Psychology Program Admission Requirements?

Are you interested in one of these online psychology degrees? The requirements for admission to online master’s programs are similar to on-campus programs. Most graduate programs require some, or all, of the items on the list below. However, all schools have different criteria.

  • Completed Application with fee
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume and Work Experience
  • Essays or Personal Statements
  • Test Scores (if required)
  • Interviews (if required)

What Do You Learn in a Psychology Master’s Program?

What courses will you take in an online Master’s in Psychology? Master’s degree programs usually include core classes, focus area courses, a thesis, and practicum options. These practical experiences in the psychology coursework train students in real-world situations.

Core Psychology Classes Include

Listed below are some common core classes in a psychology degree program.

  • Graduate Research Methods
  • Advanced Statistical Methods
  • Professional Ethics
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Human Development
  • Multivariate Statistics
  • Health Psychology
  • Adolescent Development Psychology
  • Behavioral Assessment
  • Integrative Psychology
  • Psychological Theory
  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Experimental Design
  • Psychopathology
  • Theories of Personality
  • Ethical Practice in Psychology
  • Theories of Personality
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Advanced Educational Psychology
  • Statistical Methods in Education
  • Motivation and Self-Regulation
  • Psychopathology
  • Human Development
  • Cognition and Emotion
  • Social Psychology and Group Dynamics

Psychology Specialization Classes

In addition to core courses, psychology students take classes in their specialization area. Listed below are some common psychology courses, program concentrations, or tracks.

  • General Psychology
    Clinical Psychology
  • Counseling Psychology
  • School Psychology or Educational Psychology
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Experimental Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Industrial Organizational Psychology
    Health and Sports Psychology
  • Gender and Sexuality Studies
  • Crisis Management
  • Child and Adolescent Development
  • Educational Psychology
  • Health and Wellness

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Master’s in Psychology?

The cost of attending graduate school for a psychology degree has many factors. Tuition varies from school to school. Private colleges usually charge less than public universities. In-state tuition at public colleges is less expensive than out-of-state tuition. Students attending full-time can sometimes pay less than part-time students.

Furthermore, psychology online programs are often cheaper than their traditional on-campus counterparts. Furthermore, a fully online program is more affordable than a hybrid program. In addition to tuition, graduate students have other expenses. School fees, the costs of books and supplies, housing, and transportation are a few of the others expenses.

Credit Hour Cost – What is it?

Most master’s psychology programs require 30 to 45 credits, with 36 being a good average. We listed the per credit hour tuition cost in the profiles above, but you can find this information on most school websites. To find the approximate cost of tuition, multiply the credit host times the total number of credits needed. For example, a 36-credit program at $500 per credit hour would have a total cost of around $18,000. The same program at $1,000 per credit hour would have a total cost of about $36,000.

How Do You Pay For Graduate School?

These online master’s in psychology programs are all accredited, so they are eligible for federal student assistance. Be certain to apply for aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. Graduate students may qualify for loans and some schools might require the FAFSA on file for departmental scholarships or stipends.

Check for scholarships and apply. There are many specific scholarships in each profession. Additionally, check with your employer to see if it’s possible to receive tuition assistance as you work and advance your degree. Lots of employers have programs, especially if the field of study will enhance your work abilities.

Where are there Psychology Jobs?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 60% of master’s prepared students in psychology work in areas such as management occupations, community and social services, education/training/library, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and/or healthcare. Other good reference sources for employment are PayScale as well as Indeed.

What Jobs Can I Get with an Online Master’s Degree in Psychology? 

Because psychology is the study of human behavior, Master of Science or Master of Arts in Psychology employment opportunities are numerous. Graduates can work in schools, healthcare, businesses, or in government positions. For our purposes, we’ll look at some of the careers as suggested by the American Psychological Association (APA) for those with a MA or MS in Psychology. Depending on where you live, you may or not need licensure for your professional psychology career objective. Typically, only doctoral prepared students qualify for licensure.

Mental Health Counselors treat clients with mental and emotional disorders. A master’s degree in Psychology can qualify a graduate for employment as a psychological associate, working with a licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. Below are some job titles in government, healthcare, criminal justice system, and social services.

  • Child Protection Worker
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Group Home Coordinator
  • Community Service Managers
  • Family Service Worker
  • Social Services Manager
  • Psychiatric Technician
  • Parole Officer
  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Drug and Alcohol Specialist
  • Employment Counselor

With a concentration in school psychology or educational psychology, a MA or MS degree may qualify graduates to work in psychology careers like a school psychologists in secondary schools.

  • School Counselor
  • Academic Counselor
  • Admissions Counselor
  • Career Counselor
  • Community College Instructor

Individuals with psychology degrees also work in the private sector and find roles like the ones listed below.

  • Developmental Specialist
  • Human Resources Managers
  • Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  • Leadership Coaching
  • Human Resources Analyst
  • Project Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Psychology Program Manager

What is the Job Outlook with a Master’s in Psychology?

The average national job growth rate is 8 percent. The  Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects these jobs to grow from 2020 to 2030.

The demand for psychologists is expected to grow by 8% through 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employers frequently look for employees with advanced degrees to work in industrial organizational psychology environments. Some of the areas you may work in include nonprofit settings, Human Resources, training, organizational development, data analysis, and research. Community colleges and universities frequently hire psychology master’s graduates to teach as adjunct professors.

Does a Master’s Degree in Psychology Pay Well?

Is a masters in psychology worth it? According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the median annual wage for psychologists was $81,040 in May 2021. Salary varies by job, experience, and also location. For example, professionals in metropolitan areas make significantly more. However, this is a great salary if you attend an affordable online master’s program.

What are the Highest-paying Jobs with a Master’s in Psychology?

What type of psychologists earn the most? Below are the highest-paying psychology jobs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Psychologist SpecialtyAnnual Salary
Industrial Organizational Psychologists$105,310
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists$79,510
All Other Psychologists$102,900
BLS May 2021 median annual wages for psychologists by sector.

Get Started on Your Degree

Now is a great time to start an online master’s in psychology. You can advance your career and warm more when you complete a flexible online program!

Related:

15 Best Doctorate in Health Education Online

15 Best PhD in Health Promotion Online

The best PhD in Health Promotion online degree programs offer flexibility for working professionals who want to advance their careers. Community Health Promotion and Education professionals have a critical role in determining needs and educating communities through healthcare programs, health screenings, and also disease prevention.

More than 100,000 health education specialists work in the US and the BLS expects that number to grow significantly over the next ten years. Furthermore, job growth will increase as people look for ways to improve healthcare outcomes by educating communities about better health choices and how to access health services.

Best Health Degrees researched online Community and Public Health Education doctorates that may give you a starting point in advancing your career options.

Our Method: Ranking the 15 Online Community Health Promotion and Education PhD’s Degrees

To rank the 15 Online Community Health Promotion and Education PhDs Degrees, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked each community health education program according to price, accreditation, reputation, and also salary potential. We use data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and also other higher education rating publications.

1. Columbia University

Columbia University’s Teachers College EdD in Health Education degree concentrates on the assessment, development, and implementation of educational health interventions.

The 90 point, hybrid curriculum covers Behavioral and Social Science Foundations of Health Education, Planning Health Education Programs, Social Marketing, and Health Communications, Principles of Epidemiology in Health Promotion, Health Provider Communications and Health Promotion, and also Health Education for Teachers. Additionally, graduate students must complete a practicum and a dissertation to graduate.

This PhD program studies a specific health education field of instruction. So, priority consideration for admission is for applicants with an education in nursing, public health, and behavioral social sciences. Tuition is $1,768 per credit hour for the current academic year.

Fast Fact: Teachers College rates #8 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Education Schools

Learn more here about this PhD in health promotion online!

2. Clarkson College

This online EdD in Health Care Education and Leadership is designed for post-professionals wanting to advance their careers.

Courses you’ll complete for this degree include quantitive and qualitative research methods, health care outcomes in a global environment, learning theories, and adult education methods. Additionally, you’ll study the development of curriculum and program identification and assessment, leadership roles, trends in diversity, and also complete a dissertation. You can enroll full-time or part-time in this 33-credit-hour curriculum. Furthermore, the doctoral dissertation proposal is seven hours.

The tuition rate is $839 per credit hour, not including fees and other charges. Clarkson College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Fast Fact: Clarkson College was founded in 1888 as a private, non-profit school in Omaha, Nebraska

Learn more here about this online PhD in health education!

3. Rush University

If you work in Allied Health and are looking to advance in your profession, you may want to look into the online PhD in Health Sciences degree.

Designed to provide you with the skills necessary to teach or practice/perform research to advance the field. This 54-credit hour curriculum offers core courses in leadership, education, and research, with classes in Leadership Theory, Leadership in Higher Education, Issues and Trends in Healthcare, etc.

You’ll also take education courses in Education Theory and Methods, Curriculum and Instruction, and the Adult Learner. Research studies include research processes, ethics in research, biostatistics, etc. While offered online, you will be expected to travel to Chicago to complete your oral exam and dissertation defense.

Tuition is estimated at $933 per credit hour. If you’re a resident of a state other than Illinois, you’ll want to check with admissions to determine if you qualify for this PhD program based on your state of residence.

Fast Fact: Rush University was founded in 1972

Learn more here about this doctorate in health education and promotion online!

4. Nebraska Methodist College

This online EdD in Healthcare Education doesn’t require a dissertation nor GRE scores and can be completed in 24 months.

As an online student, you’ll receive the same academic support from the same faculty as students attending on campus. Courses across the program include topics in Legal & Ethical Issues in Organizations, Biostatistics, Healthcare Policy, Information Technology in Healthcare and Education, Teaching, Learning, and Instructional Methods. You will need to complete capstone projects as part of the curriculum.

Among admission requirements are a master’s degree (preferably in healthcare) as well as an essay, a minimum of a 3.0 master’s GPA, and living in a state which meets State Authorization. Tuition is $793 per credit hour.

Fast Fact: Established in 1891 in Omaha, NE

Learn more here about this PhD in health education online!

5. George Washington University

This prestigious D.C. university has an online Doctorate of Health Science (DHSc) you can complete in about two and half years.

You can choose from two concentrations in either Clinical Practice Leadership or Educational Practice Leadership tracks. The Educational Practice track will help you develop educational programming, work interpersonally with professionals in other fields to develop patient care models, and show you how to design and implement educational innovation. Courses you’ll take include studies in teaching methods for healthcare, development of curricula, as well as assessing program efficacy. A clinical background is beneficial for this program.

According to GW, the program cost for this degree is $49,920 for the 48 credit hours. You’ll need a master’s degree, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and at least one year of health administration or clinical practice for admission consideration.

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks George Washington University in the top 100 of its Best Value Schools

Learn more here about this doctorate in health education online!

6. Drexel University

Drexel University has an online Doctorate of Health Science (DHSc) that takes 45-47 credit hours for completion.

This curriculum focuses on preparing you to be a healthcare educator or leader. Classes include Academia for Healthcare Professionals, Health Professional Educators, Neuroscience of Learning, Teaching Strategies and Learning Technologies in Health Professions Education, Assessment, Measurement, and Evaluation in Health Professions Education, and others. Additionally, there’s a teaching, leadership, or research practicum requirement.

A master’s or clinical doctoral degree in a health profession, a 3.0 GPA, and current licensure (if applicable) are required for admission. Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and resumes are also requested. Tuition is $997 per credit hour.

Fast Fact: Drexel University was founded in 1891 in Philadelphia, PA

Learn more here about this doctor of health education online!

7. Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

This Utah university provides an online PhD in Health Sciences with a Health Promotion and Wellness and PhD in Healthcare Professions Education.

With the Health Promotion and Wellness degree program, you’ll learn how to effect behavioral change, overlying principles of nutrition, population health problems, health promotion sciences, critical analysis, and ecology. This program will provide you with skills and training to teach in health and wellness programs.

The Healthcare Professions Education concentration will expose you to adult learning theory, program design assessment, curriculum development, and also education technology.

Both tracks require 70 credit hours and do require limited residencies (residencies may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic). Tuition is published at $921 per credit hour.

Fast Fact: This university was founded in 1998 and is a private, for-profit institution

Learn more here about this PhD in health promotion and education and here!

8. Creighton University

Creighton University offers an online EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership that students can choose to focus on community health promotion and education. This fully online program is offered in 8-week long courses, each presented one at a time so students can continue to work and meet their normal life obligations while building their credentials.

Creighton University is a Jesuit Catholic institution in Omaha, NE. Dating back to 1878, Creighton is by no means old-fashioned; in fact, in the 21st century, Creighton has become a world leader in online education. From healthcare to business to law, Creighton is the choice of high-achieving online doctoral students.

Fast Fact: Creighton’s state-of-the-art Phoenix Health Sciences Complex is set to open in 2021.

Learn more here about this EdD health education online!

9. Walden University

This online PhD in Health Education and Promotion degree from Walden University offers three tracks based on your prior degrees.

If you currently have a Master’s in Health Education and Promotion, you can quickly move through this doctoral program. The track I requires 83 quarter hours and has six areas of study. Holding an MPH degree is also a shorter route to the PhD, requiring 98 credits with the same six concentration areas as in Track I. If you have a master’s degree in a field other than public health, the program requires you to complete 113 credit hours.

Core course requirements include Global Health and Issues in Disease Prevention, Health Education and Communication Strategies, Assessing Community Needs for Health Education, Research Theory Design Methods, and also a dissertation. Tuition runs $590 a credit hour.

Fast Fact: Walden University opened in 1970

Learn more about this program here!

10. Northern Illinois University

Here’s a PhD in Health Sciences from Northern Illinois University that combines research with practice.

The hybrid curriculum includes core studies in health science topics, knowledge integration in health science, research methods design, and health science analysis. Students also develop and complete an individualized program of independent study related to their professional interests. A dissertation and oral defense are also part of the 45 credit hours of study.

General admission requirements include an offical transcript, GRE/MAT/GMAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of purpose. Tuition is $562 per credit hour regardless of residency.

Fast Fact: Of 1,592 schools ranked, Niche rates NIU #754 in Best Value Colleges in America

Learn more about this program here!

11. Nova Southeastern University

Here’s a post-professional PhD in Health Science which is a hybrid design.

This program, although concentrating on research, will present courses in public health education and promotion as well as disease prevention, healthcare policy and planning, management, evidence-based practice, healthcare leadership, and global epidemiology. Research courses include research design, philosophy of science, and also test and measurements. You’ll also study behavioral theories, survey methods, ethics, and a research practicum. Additionally, graduates must complete a dissertation as part of the 42-credit hour curriculum.

Tuition for each credit hour is $671 with additional fees and charges. In a post-professional program, you’ll need to have previous healthcare research experience (and licensure if required by your profession), a minimum of a master’s degree, GRE scores, as well as letters of recommendation, and more.

Fast Fact: NSU is ranks #332 of 1,626 in Best Colleges in America

Learn more about this program here!

12. California University of Pennsylvania

Here’s an online D.H.Sc. with a Health Science and Exercise Leadership degree which is a post-professional degree examining the impact of aging and society and the behavioral shift from treating disease to promoting wellness.

Requiring 48 credit hours, this program trains students to be health educators. Other careers graduates choose include a clinical practitioner or healthcare administrator. Coursework involves studies in theories in adult learning, learning concepts of adult learners, health promotion and wellness, community and corporate wellness, course and curriculum design, and development of an evidence-based portfolio. A dissertation is expected.

In a post-professional program, you’ll need work experience in an allied health field, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation. Pennsylvania residents pay $516 per credit hour in tuition and non-residents pay $774 per credit.

Fast Fact: The university opened in 1852 in an area of Pittsburgh called California which is how the school earned its somewhat unusual name

Learn more about this program here!

13. University of Bridgeport

This Doctor of Health Sciences from this Connecticut school is a hybrid program that will explore ways to develop your talents in education, curriculum design, public health, as well as evidence-based healthcare.

There are three concentrations in this program. Students can choose from tracks in education, clinician, or also clinical nutrition concentrations. In the education-specific track, topics include Curriculum and Syllabus Development in Higher Education, Teaching in the Health Professions, and also Educational Assessment. Core coursework covers studies in the U.S. healthcare system, health care informatics, global health, and also data analysis. Furthermore, students can complete the 61-credit-hour curriculum in as few as 40 months.

The distance education tuition for this doctorate is $700 per credit hour. Admissions requirements include a master’s degree with a 3.0 GPA, experience in the healthcare field, recommendation letters, and official academic transcripts.

Fast Fact: Ranked one of the Best Colleges in America by Money

Learn more about this program here!

14. A.T. Still University

If your goal is to be a health educator, you’ll want to look at this EdD in Health Professions from A.T. Still University.

Offered completely online, this 55-credit hour program covers educational program evaluation, curriculum design and program development, multicultural education, health disparities, leadership and ethics, student assessment, and dissertation. Students often use the Doctoral Research Project for peer review and journal publication. This gives candidates an opportunity for publication which is a frequent requirement for tenured college and university positions.

Tuition is $712 per credit hour and along with other documents, admission requires a master’s degree for program consideration.

Fast Fact: A.T. Still University is the oldest school of osteopathy in the world. It opened in 1892.

Learn more about this program here!

15. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

This is a part-time doctoral program you can complete in nine semesters, entirely online, and culminates with the awarding of a Doctor of Health Science (DHS).

Relying on evidence-based practice, the curriculum for this PhD program requires 45 credit hours and you may also choose an Educational Leadership track. Core courses include studies in healthcare trends such as health across the lifespan, mental health issues, cultural considerations, health behavior, population health and demographics, health system monitoring and assessment, healthcare technology, and others. Your educational concentration will delve into theories of teaching as well as learning, program assessment and evaluation, and curriculum design. Additionally, students complete three capstone projects.

Tuition is $990 per credit hour, before additional charges or fees. Applicants must have a master’s degree and also professional experience or credentials.

Fast Fact: Niche considers MCPHS one of the Best Value Colleges in America

Learn more about this program here!

Why Should I Get My Community Health Promotion and Education Doctorate Online?

When COVID-19 hit, colleges and universities made the decision to take on-campus programs virtually. Most schools were already offering online degree programs and were able to make the transition quickly and efficiently.

There are several benefits to earning an online doctoral degree for health education credentialing.

Online education provides you with the same curriculum and faculty that on-campus students enjoy but frequently allows you to complete coursework on your schedule.

Studying online allows you to continue to work and fulfill family commitments while you get your degree. Employers may be more willing to offer tuition assistance for online education since employees will not be taking time off work for classes.

Often, online programs are more economical. Many online schools and distance education programs offer in-state tuition rates. And, some may not charge certain fees or other charges. Furthermore, Textbooks are online at a reduced cost.

Coursework is reviewed frequently. So, students that need help can join virtual study groups with students from around the country or world. Additionally, faculty members are more accessible in a virtual format.

Be sure that your health professions online program has the proper higher education accreditation. If you want to become a certified health education specialist, only an accredited program will count.

What Kinds of Jobs are there for a Doctor of Community Health Promotion and Education?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates job growth for health educators at a rapid seventeen percent (17%), much faster than average between 2020-2030. So, the employment outlook for trained Community Health Promotion and Education professionals is bright. As for salaries, PayScale.com suggests a doctorate degree can earn you between $60,000 to $100,000 yearly, depending on employment. Moreover, the BLS reports the current salary range is $37,020 to $102,480.

A doctorate will help you join academia as a professor or a health researcher. You can teach on the faculty level, and serve as education director, curriculum specialist, or educational outreach director. While you can work as a health educator with a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a doctorate will expand your career, and salary, potential.

In the community agency sector, persons with a degree in this field can typically find work in many health organizations. Roles include community outreach directors, community organizers, education program managers or directors, and also family services directors.

If you want to explore careers in non-profit healthcare or business, some positions include wellness coordinators or directors, corporate trainers, and also health journalists.

The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing offers a more comprehensive health education career guide.

Approximately 24% of health educators work in the government arena in health departments, federal or state health agencies, all branches of the military, and so on.

Related:

25 Best Public Health Undergraduate Programs

25 Best Undergraduate Public Health Programs

The best undergraduate Public Health programs prepare students for careers in one of the most crucial careers of the 21st century. When the Coronavirus pandemic struck the U.S. in 2020, the spotlight turned to the Centers for Disease Control and local Public Health Departments. Communities and political leaders across the country looked to Public Health Departments (local, state, and federal) for guidance on navigating a dangerous infection. A public health degree can make you one of those leaders!

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies several careers in the broad category of Public Health. Those careers range from epidemiology, medical and health services, public policy, and also health program coordinator. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum education you need to work in the field. Salaries can vary from $41,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on the specialty.

Best Health Degrees has researched some of the country’s best bachelor’s programs in Public Health to create this ranking. We examined programs based on courses offered, length of the program, accreditation, admission requirements, as well as estimated cost. This ranking focuses on first-time students.

Our Method: Ranking the 25 Best Public Health Bachelor’s Programs

To rank the 25 Best Public Health Bachelor’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS), the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

All these programs have accreditation, most by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Therefore, you may qualify for federal student assistance.

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Students interested in public health can choose from one of the four majors in this 120-credit hour BS in Public Health (BSPH) from UNC-CH’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. Bachelor of Science in public health major options are available in the Environmental Health Sciences, Biostatistics, Nutrition, and Health Policy Management departments.

This Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) accredited Public Health program requires prerequisite courses, depending on your major. Students must also take general education courses in social sciences, English, physical and life sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Depending on your major, you may need to complete an internship or practicum, complete a senior final capstone project, and others. Most public health students apply for the major during their sophomore year.

Admission to UNC-CH asks you to complete either the Common Application or Coalition Application. Other required documents include a letter of reference, academic transcripts, and the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA®). However, ACT and SAT scores are waived for Fall 2022 admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $3,509 to $17,099 per semester

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks this #2 Public Health program in the nation.

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

2. University of Michigan

This Ann Arbor School of Public Health at the University of Michigan offers two Public Health degrees in  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Community and Global Public Health and Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health Sciences. The program holds CEPH accreditation.

Among the core degree courses required are Public Health Systems: Achievements And Challenges, Population Health Determinants & Disparities, Data-Driven Solutions In Public Health, Community, Culture, And Social Justice (CCSJ) In Public Health, Public Health Biology And Pathophysiology, and more. Your major will require additional required coursework. Both majors have a culminating experience in Leadership Skills for Interprofessional Practice and Public Health Practice and Professionalism. Additionally, you’ll be taking general education classes as part of the 120 credit hour curriculum.

Admission to the University of Michigan requires you complete either the Coalition Application or the Common Application along with a $75 UM application fee. Along with the application, prospective students submit academic transcripts and a teacher evaluation. But, ACT scores or SAT scores are optional. However, the school may ask applicants for additional documentation.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,948-$52,266/per academic year

Fast Fact: Ranked #4 Public Health Schools in the nation by U.S. News and World Report

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

3. Texas A&M University

This BS in Public Health (BSPH) from Texas A&M University holds accreditation from both CEPH and Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME).

This bachelor of science in public health degree requires 120 credit hours in Texas core curriculum studies and Public Health classes. Among the Public Health courses offered are studies in Epidemiology, Foundations of Public Health, Biological Bases of Public Health, Public Health Systems, Health Policy and Advocacy, Social Context of Public Health, and also Global Health. To finish your degree, students must complete a culminating experience. Furthermore, the school offers a new 3+2 Program in Epidemiology. In this program, students earn both their BSPH and MSPH degrees in five years.

The BSPH program is on both the College Station and McAllen campuses. Students apply using the Apply Texas application along with a $75 application fee. You may also need to complete an essay and report academic transcripts using Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). Letters of recommendation and resumes are optional. SAT scores or ACT scores are optional for the fall or spring of 2021 or 2022 academic years. You’ll also want to submit the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your financial need.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,783-$39,340/per academic year

Fast Fact: This program ranks in the top 50 of Best Public Health programs by U.S. News and World Report

School: Learn more here!

4. University of California – San Diego

This BS in Public Health (BSPH) is the first bachelor’s degree of its kind from UCSD’s School of Medicine. The UC San Diego program prepares students with a solid foundation in critical thinking and promotion in the Public Health profession.

You’ll want to explore the concentrations in Public Health that are available with this bachelor of science in public health. The curriculum for this BSPH studies five core Public Health requirements:  Environmental & Occupational Health, Public Health: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Policy & Management, as well as Social and Behavioral Aspects of Health. Among the 120 credit hours you’ll take classes in general education, Primary Care and Public Health, Introduction to Public Health, Health Behavior and Chronic Diseases,  Environmental and Occupational Health, etc. You’ll finish with a Senior Project.

The BSPH program is highly competitive, with limited enrollment. Admission to UCSD requires a 3.0 to 3.4 GPA or better. Application review uses a number of factors. They include academic accomplishments, achievements, awards, and talents. The school suspended the SAT test score or ACT test score requirement through the Fall of 2024.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $14,648-$44,402/per academic year

Fast Fact: Niche ranks this Public Health program #11/222 as a Best Colleges for Public Health in America

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

5. University of Texas at Austin

You’ll have your choice of three options in this BSPH program from UT Austin. The options include a broadband approach to five areas of Public Health, core and foundational curriculum, and six concentrations.

The public health degree curriculum includes foundation classes in Microbiology, Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Nutrition and Physiology. Depending on your option, the degree offers studies in math, chemistry, biology, health policy and management, environmental health sciences, infectious diseases, nutrition, and more. You’ll also complete research projects under professional supervision in a public health agency or work with graduate school faculty at a variety of public health schools across Texas.

Admission has two tiers. Prospective students apply to UT-A as well as the College of Natural Sciences. The university accepts the Apply Texas or the Coalition applications (with a $75 fee), academic transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a resume.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,448-$40,032 per academic year

Fast Fact: UT-A ranks #20/222 in Niche’s Best Colleges for Public Health in America

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

6. University of Florida

Located in Gainesville, UF offers a Bachelor in Public Health (BPH) public health degree designed to prepare you for an entry-level position in the field or a foundation for graduate studies.

You’ll complete studies in general education, UF health science electives, and core courses before starting Public Health studies in your junior year. The curriculum covers Public Health Concepts, Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Science and Public Health, Global Public Health, US Health Care System, etc. Your senior year will introduce you to studies in Public Health Management Leadership, Applied Epidemiology, and a practicum experience.

For admission to this program, you need admittance to the University of Florida and acceptance to the College of Public Health and Health Professions. You can apply to the school and the undergraduate public health association UF via the Coalition or the Common Application. You’ll self-report your academic transcripts, ACT scores or SAT test scores, and also provide a personal essay.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $6,381-$28,659/per academic year

Fast Fact: Forbes rated the University of Florida as one of its Best Value Colleges in 2019

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

7. University of California – Irvine

This program lets you choose between a CEPH accredited BS in Public Health Sciences or BA in Public Health Policy, you’ll want to explore the Public Health major at UC-I. The UCI public health degree program has four departments in Environmental and Occupational Safety, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health, Society, and Behavior, and also Population Health and Disease Prevention.

Both degrees have prerequisite studies in Principles of Public Health and Case Studies in Public Health Practice and have some classes that overlap. Curriculum offerings for the BS degree include studies in biochemistry, economics, epidemiology, genetics, global perspectives on health, and more. The BA degree offers classes in psychology, anthropology, economics, health policy and management, and both programs require a practicum experience.

Admission requires you to have 15 college-prep courses, have a 3.0 GPA or better, an application, and submission of academic transcripts. You will also answer personal insight questions as part of the admission process.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $13,753-$43,507/per academic year

Fast Fact: UCI ranks #8 in the Top Public Schools category of U.S. News and World Report.

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

8. Rutgers University

The New Brunswick, New Jersey campus of Rutgers University offers a BS in Public Health degree through the Edward J. Bloustein School of Policy and Public Policy.

This CEPH accredited undergraduate public health degree curriculum has requirements in Principles of Public Health, Global Health Perspectives, Epidemiology, Research Methods, Public Health Law & Ethics, Leadership Seminar, as well as a Professional Practice Internship. The school encourages students to declare a Public Health major by junior year. Rutgers students should also consider a minor to accompany the Public Health major.

You’ll complete an online application ($70 fee) for admission consideration to Rutgers University. An essay, self-report academic transcripts using Self-Reported Academic Record, and SAT/ACT test scores are optional.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,003-$31,785/per academic year

Fast Fact: Forbes considers Rutgers # 29 public college in the nation

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

9. University of Georgia

Located in Athens, Georgia, this university has two Public Health studies Bachelor of Science options in Environmental Health and Health Promotion.

In this public health program students complete general education studies in the first two years before beginning the public health degree. Both degrees require core classes. Depending on your major, (for Environmental Health) you’ll take environmental health science courses, environmental toxicology, solid and hazardous waste management, public health law, etc. Classes in disease prevention, research and design, program development, and others comprise the studies for the Health Promotion major. Regardless of major, students must complete a required field experience.

Criteria for admission to the University of Georgia for first-time students include an application, academic transcripts, letter of recommendation, as well as ACT/SAT test scores. Also, the school may request additional documents.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,080-$31,120/per academic year

Fast Fact: Niche designates UG #23/222 in the publications Best Colleges for Public Health in America

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

10. University of Southern California

The Keck School of Medicine at USC awards two undergraduate degrees in BS in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Studies and BS in Global Health. These programs train students to recognize public health issues that affect individual and global health.

Both degrees require general education courses as well as classes specific to the major. The BS in Health Promotion curriculum includes courses in introductory health promotion and preventing disease, principles of health behaviors, statistical and research methods, as well as an internship and directed research. Global Health class criteria involves an emphasis in biology, chemistry, global economics, research methods, and directed research. Both disciplines require 128 credit hours for completion of the public health degree.

USC uses the Common Application for admission to the university. Additionally, you need academic transcripts. However, SAT/ACT scores are optional. The school may ask you for a portfolio or resume for admission to your major. Keck School of Medicine faculty will review these items.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $60,275/per academic year

Fast Fact: The Keck School of Medicine ranks in the top 30 of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Medical Schools in Research

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

11. Arizona State University

The BS in Public Health degree from ASU has a foundation focused on public health areas in, among others, infectious disease control, ethics, public health procedures, environmental health, and more.

Some of the required courses for this public health degree program include Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Promotion Program Planning and Implementation, as well as Cultural Aspects of Health. You’ll also be able to choose classes in Social Determinants of Health and Health Behavior, Health Theory, etc. A Field Experience working with Public Health professionals in community health education agencies and health settings. General Education classes will comprise your first two years at ASU.

There are three admission application options at ASU, the ASU application, the Common Application, or Coalition application. Application fees range from $50-$70. You’ll submit official academic transcripts, the FASFA®, and SAT/ACT scores are optional.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,338-$29,428/per academic year

Fast Fact: Forbes rated ASU one of America’s Best Value Colleges in 2019

School: Learn more here!

12. University of South Florida

Located in Tampa, this is Florida’s first BS in Public Health degree from an accredited College of Public Health. The program provides you with the tools necessary for entry-level, public health positions in government, non-profit organizations, and also healthcare facilities.

The broad curriculum for this public health degree includes introductory courses in Public Health, epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, US Healthcare, human diseases, biostatistics, health behavior, etc. Additionally, you’ll be able to declare a minor in Nutrition, Environmental Health, Infection Control, and Community Engaged Homeland Security & Emergency Management. You’ll need to complete 120 credit hours for the CEPH accredited degree.

You can choose from the Common, Coalition, or Institution applications for university admission, a $30 application processing fee, SAT/ACT scores, academic transcripts, etc.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $6,410-$17,324/per academic year

Fast Fact: USF has the #19/222 Best Colleges for Public Health in America

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

13. Ohio State University

You’ll have options with this BSPH in Public Health degree at Ohio State University in either Public Health Sociology or Environmental Public Health. (Note: OSU also offers an accelerated BSPH/MPH degree.)

You’ll take general education classes (English, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, etc.) in your first two years before public health-specific classes. Those public health degree classes include core studies in Introduction to Global Health, Introduction to Epidemiology, Role of Behavior in Public Health, Biostatistics for PH Research, Current Issues Global Environmental Health, US and International Health Care, etc. Each specialization in Environmental Public Health or Public Health Sociology has specific curriculum requirements. Both concentrations require a Capstone Project to finalize the degree.

Among the admission requirements to OSU are an application, official academic transcripts, ACT/SAT scores are optional as is a letter of recommendation. Students should also complete a FAFSA for financial aid application. You’ll need to apply for the Public Health major separately.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,518-$33,502/per academic year

Fast Fact: This program ranks #24 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Public Health Schools undergraduate

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

14. West Virginia University

Located in Morgantown, WV, you can earn a BS in Public Health from the only CEPH accredited School of Public Health in the state. This program highlights three specializations in Patient Navigation, Public Health Sciences, and Community and Population Health.

This curriculum has general education studies as well as core Public Health classes. So, students can tailor their studies to pursue careers and meet ambitions. The public health degree offers a strong foundation in Public Health coursework. You’ll be able to choose from a list of required Public Health courses in Issues in Environmental Health, Introduction to Social and Behavioral Science and Practice, Introduction to Health Policy, or Public Health Project Management. Clinical Research Methods and Practice, Social Determinants of Health, Field experiences, and a capstone project finish the degree.

For admission, you’ll need a minimum GPA of 2.75 or better, a Common application, and a fee ranging from $50-$65 (depending on residency), academic transcripts, with the ACT/SAT test scores optional.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,672-$27,408/per academic year

Fast Fact: U.S News and World Report rates this WVU program #90 in its Best Public Health ranking

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

15. San Diego State University

This School of Public Health at SDSU dates to 1976 and awards a BS in Public Health will give you the knowledge and skills to work in a variety of public health settings. All students in the Public Health major must participate in an approved, two-week or longer, International Experience.

General Education studies make up the first two years. The Public Health curriculum has prerequisite courses in biology, sociology, chemistry, and also psychology. You’ll have a wide choice of courses in the major from Professionalism & Public Health, Public Health Research, Principles of Human Physiology, Environment and Public Health, and more. Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response, Public Health and Food Safety, Nutrition, and also other electives are available. Furthermore, to complete the program, students pursuing this degree need research and field experience and an internship.

Admission to San Diego University is simple and straightforward, utilizing the Common application with a $55 fee, academic transcripts, essays, and an academic letter of recommendation. Admission to the Public Health degree program will require you have a specific GPA in several courses.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,720-$19,600/per academic year

Fast Fact: The program ranks #31 in the U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Health programs.

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

16. University of Houston

The College of Education at the University of Houston has a 120-credit hour BS in Health that features three academic tracks in: Health Promotion, Public Health, and Health Promotion for Allied Health Professions. For our purposes, we’ll look at the Public Health track.

Your first two years consist of general education classes, then you begin the major curriculum requirements. Among the 60 credit hour offerings are studies in Environmental Health, Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Program Plan Health Profession, Foundation of Epidemiology in Public Health, Behavior Theory & Practice, and also Field Work in Community Health. This program has CEPH accreditation and prepares you to sit for Certified Health Education Specialist certification of the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC).

You’ll apply for admission to the University of Houston by completing an online application (Apply Texas or Common) with a $75 fee, providing academic transcripts, and ACT/SAT test scores are optional.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,457-$21,673/per academic year

Fast Fact: The University of Houston ranks in the top 100 of Niche’s Top Public Institution in America

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

17. Tulane University

One of Louisiana’s top universities, New Orleans’ Tulane University has a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) that will set the groundwork for a successful career in Public Health. (Tulane also offers a combined BSPH/MPH option.)

The program requires core Public Health coursework in Foundations of Environmental Health, Introduction to Public Health, Social and Behavioral Perspectives in Public Health, Foundations in Epidemiology, Foundations and Formulation of Public Health Policy, etc. You’ll have a choice from an impressive offering of electives in the field, including studies in Latino Health in the United States, Evidence-Based Public Health, Public Health Communication, Resilience and International Disasters, as well as other important topics. Capstone Projects (including international study) and internships cap your degree program.

Tulane is now SAT/ACT test scores optional and accepts the Common or Tulane admission applications. You’ll also need to provide a high school transcript and a Guidance Counselor recommendation. Tulane University also offers Louisiana Promise, especially for students from the Pelican State.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $58,852/per academic year

Fast Fact: Tulane ranks an impressive #15 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Public Health Program in its national rankings

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

18. New York University

You’d be hard-pressed to find a BS in Global Public Health that offers more concentrations than this one from New York University. This program has 13 specialties, in collaboration with five NYC schools, from which you can choose.

The degree has core courses required in Health and Society in a Global Context, Epidemiology for Global Health, Health Policy in a Global World, Biostatistics for Public Health, as well as team-based and individual Experiential Learning in Global Public Health. There’s an impressive list of elective courses offered in medical ethics, research, clinical practice, nutrition and health (in pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence.) Once you’ve completed 64 credit hours, you’re eligible to declare a major from disciplines in history, anthropology, chemistry, nursing, social work, and also communicative disorders. You must also complete a semester abroad with this program.

NYU uses the Common application for admissions (along with an $80 processing fees), ACT/SAT scores, and you’ll self-report your academic transcripts via the Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR). Additionally, the school may require other documents to complete your application.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $54,880 per academic year

Fast Fact: This school ranks #31 in Best Public Health programs by U.S. News and World Report

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

19. Temple University

Founded in 1888 in Philadelphia, Temple University’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences of the College of Public Health awards a 120-credit hours BS in Public Health.

General education courses are part of the degree plan and Public Health classes in Nutrition and Health, Disease Prevention and Control, Ethnicity, Culture and Health, Introduction to Research Methods, Introduction to Epidemiology, and a Public Health Internship, will be among your studies. You’ll choose from a wide range of elective courses in Pubic Health such as Contemporary Health Issues, Counseling Techniques for Health Professionals, and also Special Populations. Cognate studies also include topics such as Global Health, Urban Health, Death and Dying, and Medical Terminology.

Temple University is test scores optional in admissions, but you’ll need to complete a Common application (with a $55 fee) and you’ll self-report academic transcripts. The application also requires an essay. However, a letter of recommendation is optional.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $16,080-$28,992 per academic year

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report considers the Temple University program to be #41 in its Best Public Health programs

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

20. University of Arizona

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at UA offers two undergraduate, public health degree programs with a BS in Public Health and a BA in Health Promotion Practice. There are several tracks in the BS program: Public Health Practice, Global Health, Health Promotion, Environmental and Occupational Health, Quantitative Methods in Public Health, Health Systems Theory and Practice, and a unique, One Health program.

Accredited by CEPH, the curriculum for this degree requires core classes. Regardless of your specialty track, you’ll take courses in Health Care in the US, Introduction to Epidemiology, Principles of Health Education and Health Promotion, Biology in Public Health, Global Health, Public Health Nutrition, as well as Field Work in Public Health. You’ll then choose topics in your particular emphasis as well as complete electives in this 120-credit-hour degree program.

You’ll need admittance to the university as well as the School of Public Health. As with most schools, the school requires an application with fee and also academic transcripts for admission. The university does not require ACT/SAT test scores.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,716-$36,743/per academic year

Fast Fact: This program ranks #41 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Public Health Schools

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

21. University of North Texas

This College of Health and Public Service at UNT offers a BS in Public Health degree with five areas of concentration in Epidemiology, Emergency and Disaster Management, Population Studies, Health Services Administration, and Biological Sciences.

You complete 39 credit hours of core coursework. Among the topics is Introduction to Public Health, Community & Public Health Education, Ethics in Public Health, Global Public Health, Public Health Informatics, Public Health & Health Policy, Social Justice & Behavioral Foundations in Public Health, Community & Public Health Education, and also a capstone project. Furthermore, the program offers a wide array of elective coursework that will augment your chosen concentration. The 120-credit hour degree requires general education, 39 hours in the major with 9 hours in Public Health electives, and also an additional 30 hours of free electives.

UNT accepts the ApplyTexas application for Texas residents and the Common Application for non-Texas residents. The application fee is $75 regardless of which application you use. Applicants also need to submit SAT/ACT scores and academic transcripts. However, you may qualify for guaranteed admission if you meet certain criteria.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,090-$20,906/per academic year

Fast Fact: UNT ranks #143/676 in Niche’s Top Public Universities in America

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

22. Applachian State University

This 122-year old, North Carolina university has a BS in Public Health that will provide you certifications as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist (PAPHS) and Health Coaching through several organizations.

General Education studies are compulsory before beginning the Public Health core coursework. You’ll study Introduction to Public Health, Introduction to Health System Organization, Communication in Public Health, Public Health Interventions, Biostatistics, Community Health, Chronic and Infectious Diseases, and others. Applied classwork is in Global Public Health, Seminar in Rural Public Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, etc. You can also study Basic Statistics, Nutrition and Health, Introduction to Statistics, and Reasoning with Statistics. Students also complete a required internship. Common placement include health-related agencies such as wellness programs, hospitals, and also health departments.

Appalachian State University uses the Common Application ($65 application fee) for admission. Other requirements are academic transcripts, ACT/SAT scores (Note: Official test scores (ACT/SAT) will be not required for admission for first-year students), and other documents may be requested.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,410-$22,217/per academic year

Fast Fact: ASU is #1 by U.S. News and World Report’s in Most Innovative Schools.

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

23. University of South Carolina

The state capital of South Carolina, Columbia, is home to the state’s premier university and the Arnold School of Public Health. You’ll have the option to earn a BA or BS in Public Health. The BS degree is a great foundation if you’re wanting to advance to study medicine, public health sciences, or clinical professions. The school’s BA diploma will prepare you to enter graduate studies in “social-science based” graduate degrees. CEPH accredits both degrees.

The BA in Public Health uses a broad curriculum in sociology and behavioral sciences and the BS focuses on natural-science studies. Curriculum classes include Personal and Community Health, Health Problems in a Changing Society, Principles of Epidemiology, Introduction to Public Health, Environmental Pollution and Health, and also Introduction to Health Care Management and Organization. You’ll also participate in an independent research project or a field experience in Public Health.

First-year admission documents include an application (with $65 processing fee), unofficial academic transcripts, and a school report form completed by your high school counselor. However, you may not need SAT/ACT test scores.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,688-$33,928/per academic year

Fast Fact: The Arnold School of Public Health ranks #41 in Best Public Health Schools as determined by U.S. News World Report

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

24. University of Alabama

This Tuscaloosa university offers three options for its BS in Public Health degree. You can pick from Health Education and Promotion Concentration, Health Professions Concentration, or Accelerated BS/MS options.

The degree requires 120 credit hours for completion and you’ll take general education classes as well as 33 hours of core classes in Public Health. Some of those core courses are Introduction to Public Health, Environmental Health, Health Behavior Theory, Drugs, Society, & Human Behavior, and more. You’ll also take 18 hours in your concentration. In finishing your program, and depending on your concentration, you’ll participate in an internship, capstone project, or independent study.

You’ll need to complete an admission application (with a $40 fee), ACT/SAT test scores (Test scores are optional for Spring, Summer or Fall 2021 semesters), and academic transcripts. The University of Alabama has Admission Recruiters who will help you with your admission process.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $11,620-$31,090/per academic year

Fast Fact: Niche rates UA #53/676 in its Top Public Universities in America

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

25. University of Nebraska-Omaha

Established in 1908, UNO is Nebraska’s premier university. You can earn a BS in Public Health that requires 120-credit hours. (The university also provides an integrated, or accelerated, BS in Public Health degree and MA or MS in Health and Kinesiology with a concentration in Health Behavior graduate degree requiring a total of 144 total credit hours.)

Following general education studies, you’ll start the core courses in the BSPH. This undergraduate degree offered by UNO has a core curriculum. Classes include Foundations in Public Health, Epidemiology & Prevention of Disease, Public Health Informatics, Global Health, Public Health Planning and Organization, Public Health Policy, Community Health, etc. You’ll also choose elective coursework from topics like Applied Nutrition, Stress Management, Injury Prevention in Public Health, and others. Students also complete an internship in a state or local health department under the supervision of a Public Health professional.

First-year admission involves an application and $45 fee, ACT/SAT test scores, official academic transcripts, and additional documents as requested. UNO also offers Assured Admission for First-Year Applicants for students who graduate from a regionally-accredited high school (or completed a GED) and who meet specific core course requirements.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,136-$21,718/per academic year

Fast Fact: UNO ranks #528/1,572 in Best Value Colleges in America as published by Niche

School: Learn more about the public health degree here!

What is Public Health?

Public Health isn’t a new development in the U.S. The field actually began in 1798 when Congress passed the Act for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Seamen and established the US Marine Hospital Service (MHS). Throughout the years, Public Health professionals have investigated and helped control diseases that invaded the population, such as cholera, typhoid, smallpox, tuberculosis, HIV, influenza, and many more.

The field of Public Health focuses on the relationship between health and culture and how it affects the health and well-being of the public. Professionals who pursue public health design and implement policies and health education programs that promote good health for the population overall. Public health majors examine health behavior, healtcare access, and health concerns to assess public health and evaluate a community’s health. Then they focus on policy development, health promotion, and disease prevention for a whole community.

What is a Bachelor’s in Public Health Degree?

Bachelor’s degrees in public health focus on health education and healthcare policy on a community level. An undergraduate public health degree can be either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). Additionally, there are other similar liberal arts degrees that may have a public health focus, specialization, or a minor.

Why Should You Major in a Public Health Degree? 

An undergraduate degree in Public Health serves two purposes. One, it will prepare you for entry-level positions in the field as an educator, program director, policy administration, health services administration, etc. Second, a BS or BA in Public Health will provide you with the educational qualifications to enter a graduate program, and earn the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.

Public health professionals with an MPH degree can move into higher-paying positions with increased opportunities. Graduate programs focus areas range from medical sciences to community development. A white paper published in 2020 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimated a dramatic shortfall of a quarter of a million BSPH, MSPH, or PhD educated Public Health professionals over ten years.

Accreditation for Public Health Degree Programs

Perhaps, the most important factors to consider in choosing a program are curriculum and accreditation.

Regional Accreditation

Schools should have regional accreditation from the Department of Education. Some affiliated institutions are the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NHASC), and others.

Program Accreditation

The best Global Health programs and the best Public Health programs typically have accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), meaning the curriculum meets national quality standards.

How Do You Choose a Public Health Degree Program? 

You’ll want to look for a program curriculum that provides a solid foundation in public health topics such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and health policy. An internship or field experience is a great opportunity for you to get real-world experience, working in a Public Health department or agency under the supervision of a working professional in the field.

Some of the best schools also offer an orientation course, research centers, a study abroad program, and student organizations to support and enhance student life. Excellent programs also offer the student body career services and professional development opportunities.

How Long Does it Take to Earn a Public Health Degree?

It takes most students 4 to 5 years to complete a Bachelor’s in Public Health. In addition, most programs require students to complete 120 credit hours and a capstone project or internship in the final year. Training increases a student’s real-world knowledge and improves job prospects.

Additionally, many students use an undergraduate degree in Public Health as a first step toward graduate work. Program graduates go on to advanced degree programs in nursing, social work, medicine, and also healthcare administration.

What Do You Learn in a Public Health Program?

There are core areas within Public Health. They include social and behavioral sciences, biostatistics, health policy and management, nutrition, epidemiology, and occupational and environmental health sciences. Biostatistics prepares students for entry-level statistical and professionals programming careers. Nutrition combines biochemical, behavioral, and food and nutrition sciences. The best public health degrees promote critical thinking skills and have general classes and required core courses (or major coursework).

Selected classes, topics, and coursework in a public health program are listed below for undergraduate students.

general coursework

General education coursework may include the classes below.

  • Behavior Science classes
  • Human Health or Child Health
  • Political Science
  • Business Administration
  • Human Anatomy
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Food Science
  • Exercise Science
  • Human Development
  • Health Policies
  • Human Sexuality
  • Women’s Studies

major coursework

Upper level courses and major coursework in a public health science degree may include the classes below.

  • school health education
  • diverse populations
  • urban planning
  • data science
  • public health preparedness
  • environmental science
  • community education
  • public health science
  • health administration
  • health care systems
  • community health services
  • health literacy
  • environmental health services
  • health disparities
  • environmental hazards
  • healthcare administration
  • occupational safety

How Much Does a Public Health Program Cost?

Public health tuition varies from school to school. Additional factors that can affect the cost include state residency status and if you attend a private college or public university. Generally speaking, in state tuition is more affordable than out of state tuition. But, some online degree programs offer the same rate or in state tuition to online students.

Public institutions have lower tuition rates than private universities. But some private schools have competitive financial aid packages. One of these can bring down the out-of-pocket cost so it is lower than a state school. Also, many schools offer lower tuition rates for military personnel or veterans.

How Can You Save Money on a Public Health Degree?

To save money on a public health degree, some students complete their first 2 years at a community college. Another way motivated students can pinch pennies is to find an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s of public health degree program. An accelerated program can save you money by shaving some of the time off your degree. And, you can also start to earn money faster by graduating a year early.

Furthermore, you should apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you qualify for grants and loans. Additionally, many schools use the FAFSA for scholarship consideration.

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Where Can You Work With a Bachelor’s in Public Health?

Careers in the public health field are in the non-profit sector, along with local and state Public Health agencies, and on the federal level with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website has a section devoted to employment pathways for Public Health jobs and additional training options. General roles in public health include researchers, educators, and social workers.

Is Getting a Bachelor’s in Public Health Worth It?

The fact is, the field of public health has many career opportunities. Graduates do not only work for universities and government agencies. Someone who earned their first undergraduate degree in public health can make a positive difference in a broad range of diverse settings. Private sectors, public safety, emergency preparedness, health education, disease prevention specialist, and many other roles provide ample opportunities.

Jobs in Public Health

Some of the jobs finding health solutions in this field are listed below. Public health graduates that pursue graduate studies may qualify for some of the same roles. However, graduates of a master’s program can earn a much higher salary on the same career paths.

  • Public Health Advisor
  • Community Health Worker
  • Epidemiologist
  • Public Health Analyst
  • Health Coach
  • Community Service Manager
  • Health Educator
  • Medical Service Manager
  • Community Health Specialist
  • Public Health Nutritionist
  • Mental Health Counselor

What is the Salary with a Bachelor’s in Public Health?

The salary and earning potential of a bachelor’s in public health can vary. Factors that determine salary include the role, prior experience, and geographic location. Below is the May 2021 BLS salary information for selected public health jobs and public health professions.

  • Health Educators or Community Health Workers – average annual salary is $48,860 per year
  • Community Service Managers – average annual salary is $74,000 per year
  • Mental Health Counselors or Substance Abuse Counselors – average annual salary is $48,520 per year
  • Dietitians and Nutritionists – average annual salary is  $61,650 per year

What is the Public Health Job Outlook?

Overall employment in public health is growing. The BLS expects Health Education Specialist and Community Health Worker jobs to grow 17 percent from 2020 to 2030. In the same period, Community Service Managers will grow by 15 percent and Mental Health Counselors at a rate of 23 percent. So jobs in the public health sector are growing faster than average.

How Do You Get a Job in Public Health? 

A bachelor’s degree in Public Health is a great start to landing an entry-level position in a community health setting or related field. How, and where, you apply will depend on your interests and long-term goals.

Personal networking is a helpful way to gain a foothold on a job. Don’t overlook the importance of a field experience or internship in helping you not only gain real-world experience but making valuable contacts in the field.

Websites such as Linkedin, Glassdoor, Indeed, Monster, or PayScale can guide you to job openings in Public Health, as can local and state Public Health agency websites.

Career Advancement with a Master’s Degree in Public Health

Students interested in advancing their careers in public health can earn public health certificate, master’s degree, or doctoral degree. An MPH program is the most common path. But, more the master’s degrees are listed below.

  • Master of Public Health (MPH) degree
  • Dual or joint program MPH and Juris Doctorate (JD)
  • Master of Health Administration (MHA) degree
  • Dual or joint degree MPH and Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH)
  • Master of Health Sciences (MHS)

Other Undergraduate Public Health Programs

We did not include all of the public health bachelor’s degree programs. So, below are a few more national universities and other schools you may want to check out.

  • Ohio Northern University
  • California State University
  • Western Illinois University
  • University of California Berkeley
  • Washington University
  • Northwestern University
  • Indiana University
  • Winona State University
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
  • Stanford University
  • Yale University
  • University of Minnesota Duluth

Related:

50 Best Scholarships For Health Educators

The best scholarships for health educators offer financial assistance for qualified students interested in a career in health education. Are you looking to head back to school to become a health educator? Take a peek at these scholarships first.

These scholarships are for students earning bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in health administration fields or health education areas. We found something for everyone no matter your area of interest.

Some of the scholarship amounts will vary. Don’t let that put you off! These scholarships may be some with the largest payoff and are determined by your own personal financial need as well as the generous donations from the community. Others are full-tuition scholarships- not to be missed! So, take your time and look around at what we have determined to be the top scholarships for health educators.

 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Scholarships
  • Varies
  • The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers recognition awards as well as leadership recognition and education stipends who are members as well as dietetic student members. The purpose of the awards is to recognize outstanding members. The scholarships range from $1000-$25,000. For more information about these awards and to apply check out their website.


 Advancing Public Health Excellence (APEX) Scholarships
  • Full Tuition
  •  Walden University offers the Advancing Public Health Excellence scholarships. Each year Walden provides one full tuition scholarship and two $10,000 awards to outstanding graduate students enrolled in an online Masters of Public Health MPH. To be eligible you must be enrolled at Walden University and not have already received a merit-based scholarship. Submit an application and a resume along with a 1000 word essay. For more information and to apply check out their website.


 AFDO Scholarships
  • 2500
  • The Association of Food and Drug Officials Scholarships offers the George M. Burditt Scholarship along with the Betsy B. Woodward Scholarship. Each scholarship is $2500 and is awarded annually. The third scholarship which is the Denise C. Rooney scholarship is also a $2500 reward and is given to an individual in their third year of college. To be eligible you must demonstrate a desire to pursue a career in research or teaching in an area related to food drug and consumer product safety. Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0. For more information and to apply check out their website.


 Albert W
  • 5000
  • The Albert W. Dent Graduate Student Scholarship is for members of the American College ofhealthcare executives ACHE. This scholarship is intended for ethnically/racially diverse students and provides financial aid to students pursuing graduate degrees in healthcare management. The purpose of this award is to offset tuition costs, student loans, and other education related expenses. The amount of the award it’s $5000. To be eligible you must be racially diverse and be pursuing an MBA in healthcare administration, an MPH or an MHA. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Johns Hopkins
  • Varies
  • The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health offers a number of health-related scholarships for students pursuing a wide variety of health-related fields such as public health, mental health, research, epidemiology, and much more. For more information about these scholarship opportunities check out their website.


 Amber Star Krenz Memorial Scholarship
  • 500
  • The University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire offers the Amber Star Krenz Memorial scholarship. The Amber Star Krenz Scholarship as a $500 award given to students who have declared a major in environmental public health and are planning on studying abroad for a semester. Senior students will take priority over other applicants. To apply simply write a thank you letter addressed to the family of Amber Star Krenz. You should include information about yourself as well as your personal goals and your decision to pursue international study in your country of choice. For more information and to apply check out their website.


 Bill and Mary Russell Health Care Scholarship
  • Varies
  • The Bill and Mary Russell Healthcare Scholarship provides financial assistance for individuals pursuing a career in nursing or a healthcare field. To be eligible for this award you must be enrolled in at least 12 hours of study or the equivalent full-time status at an approved nursing or healthcare related program. Students pursuing a pre-health program will not be eligible. The amount of the award varies. For more information and to apply check out their website.


 Christie Foundation Health Education Scholarships
  • Varies
  • The Christie Foundation offers a scholarship program. Each year the Christie Foundation awards over $125,000 to students who are pursuing degree in the medical field. To apply you simply submit an application form along with a copy of a transcript from your most recent academic experience, acceptance letter from an accredited college or university and your ACT/SAT score. For more information and to apply check out their website.


 Cory L Richards Memorial Scholarship
  • 15000
  • The Corey L. Richards Memorial Scholarship is offered through the Guttmacher Institute which supports research and leadership in the field of sexual and reproductive health rights. The scholarship is in honor of Corey L. Richards who spent nearly 40 decades researching reproductive health. This year the Corey Richards Scholar receives a one time scholarship of $15,000 to support their full-time graduate study at an accredited institution. The institution must be located in the United States. For more information and to apply check out their website.


 Florence Young Memorial Scholarship
  • $500-$7500
  •  The Florence Young Memorial Scholarship is a $1500 award given annually to US graduate students who are enrolled in a federally recognized American Indian or Alaskan Native tribe. To be eligible you must be pursuing a degree in one of the following areas: art, law or medicine. The amount of the award ranges from $500-$7500. For more information and to apply check out their website.


 Florida Public Health Association Scholarships
  • Varies
  •  Each year, the FPHA offers awards to a wide variety of individuals. They Richard Hosking award for distinguished service and domestic violence profession it’s just one of such awards. To be eligible you must be a public health worker as well as a member of the FPHA. For more information and to apply and check out their website.


 HOSA Scholarships
  • Varies
  •  The HOSA future health professional scholarship offers scholarships to members in a variety of career fields including public health, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, nurse/nurse specialist, pharmacist, doctor/physician assistant, and much more. For more information about these awards and to apply check out their website.


 Justine E Granner Memorial Scholarship
  • Varies
  •  The Justine E. Granner Memorial scholarship is for American Indians or other ethnic minority students. To be eligible you must be enrolled at a college/university or a school of nursing within the state of Iowa. Applicants should be preparing for a career in nursing, public health, or a related field. Preference will be given to Iowa high school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Additionally applicants must be an active leader in their church. More information about this award and to apply check out their website.


 Lynn Adamson Memorial Scholarship
  • 5000
  •  The Women’s Healthcare Executive Scholarship Program offers the Lynn Adamson Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is offered to a graduate level female student who is dedicated to a health-related career. This is a merit-based scholarship that is offered yearly. The amount of the award is $5000 and is given to individuals who are able to show a significant contribution to healthcare. For more information and to apply check out their website.


 NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program
  • 20000
  •  The NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program is offered through the National Human Genome Research Institute. The National Institute of Health undergraduate scholarship program offers competitive scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students pursuing a career in biomedical behavioral or social science health-related research will be eligible to apply. To be eligible you must be a United States citizen, national or a qualified non-citizen and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. For more information about this program check out their website. Each year this program provides up to $20,000 of scholarships to be used for tuition and other educational expenses. For more information and to apply check out their website.


North Carolina Public Health Association
  • $500-$1000
  •  The North Carolina Public Health Association offers a number of scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in public health. The Robert S. Parker leadership scholarship is a $1500 award for a graduate level students training in public health. To be eligible you must be a paid member of the NCPHA. The undergraduate/graduate education scholarships are in the amount of $1000 and are available to individuals pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in public health practice. The associate/technical degree is for $500 and the women’s and children’s health section scholarship is also for the amount of $500. For more information about this awards and to apply check out their website.


 Peter Jay Sharp Scholarship
  • 25000
  •  The Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University offer scholarships, fellowships and grants. Among these awards isthe Peter J. Sharp Scholarship. The Peter Sharp scholarship provides one year of a non-renewable $25,000 scholarship to students who are full-time as in the MPH program. To be eligible you must be enrolled full-time in the MPH program and be able to demonstrate leadership abilities and your commitment to public health work. For more information and to apply check out their website.


 Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
  • $1000-$10000
  •  The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship award is given to individuals pursuing a career in healthcare. The amount of the award ranges from $1000-$10,000 and is given to students from either the United States or Canada. For more information about this scholarship and to apply check out their website.


 Udall Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships
  • 7000
  •  The Udall foundation offers scholarships to call sophomores and juniors who are leaders in public service. Additionally the scholarships are intended for Native Americans. The amount of the award is $7000. The Udall Scholarship is an honor of Morris Udall and Stewart Udall. Their careers impacted Native Americans in healthcare. For more information and to apply check out their website.


USF Health
  • 4000
  •  USF offers a number of  scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in the USF College of health. In fact there are over 20 scholarships available to those enrolled at USF. Scholarships range in amounts and are intended for undergraduate as well as graduate students international students and students at all engaged in Any and all areas related to health. The Nutrition and Dietetics Scholarship is a $4000 award given each term. To be eligible you must have a GPA of 3.5. For more information about this award and the other various scholarships available check out their website.


 Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship
  • 2500
  •  Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship is a $2500 award that's given to three full-time undergraduate or graduate students who are a member of SOPHE. Additionally, applicants should have accelled academically and be able to demonstrate an interest in public health through a courier and health education. Successful applicants will also be able to demonstrate financial need. For more information about this award and to apply check out their website.


The Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship
  • 1000
  •  If you are majoring in education in the United States and you may be eligible for the Applegate -Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship. This is a $1000 award given annually to an education student in a Michigan public school. For more information and to apply check out their website.


The JCCs of North America Graduate Education Scholarship Program
  • 5000
  •  The Jewish Community Center (JCC) offers a wide range of scholarships for graduate students who are members of the JCC. Students receive up to $5000 semester for a maximum of $20,000 by graduation. The JCC is partnered with a wide array of programs in all areas of interest. For more information about these awards and to apply check out their website.


Audrey L. Wright Scholarship
  • 1000
  •  The Grand Rapids Community Foundation offers the Audrey L. Wright Scholarship. The awards range from $500-$5000 and are depending on the students financial need. On average, awards are around $1000 and are given annually. This scholarship is intended for a residents of Kent County Michigan who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in education or a foreign language. Additionally applicants should have an average GPA of 3.0 or higher. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Carroll C. Hall Memorial Scholarship
  • Varies
  •  Tau Kappa Epsilon offers a wide array of scholarships including the Carol C. Hall Memorial Scholarship. All of the TKE foundation leadership scholarships benefit active members of Tau Kappa Absalom on. This scholarship is awarded to recognize academic achievement for those with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Additionally, as an applicant you should be able to demonstrate commitment to your community as well as outstanding leadership. Additionally, applicants should have an undergraduate degree in education or science with the plan to pursue a teaching profession. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Charles K. & Ola I. Gose Scholarship Fund
  • 1000
  •  The Charles K. and Ola I. Gose Scholarship Fund is available for graduating seniors from Channel Islands high school who reside in Camarilla, California. To be eligible, you must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and be interested in majoring in one of the following areas: at civics, education or government. The amount of the award is $1000. For more information and to apply check out their website.


The CSDIW Native American Scholarship
  • 5000
  •  The Continental Society Daughters of Indian Wars CSDIW awards two scholarships to Native Americans each year. These awards are in the amount of $2500 in $5000. To be eligible for this award you must be an enrolled tribal member and plan to work with a tribe or a nation in the field of education or social science. Your career goal should involve you working with Native Americans and you need to have a minimum GPA of 3.0. For more information and to apply to check out their website.


The Delta Gamma Foundation Florence Margaret Harvey Memorial Scholarship
  • 1000
  •  The American Foundation for the Blind offers the Delta Gamma Foundation Florence Margaret Harvey Memorial scholarship. The amount of the award is $1000 offered to an undergraduate or graduate student. To be eligible for this award you must be able to exhibit academic excellence in the field of rehabilitation or education for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Additionally, applicants must attend a four year college or two year college and be a citizen of the United States. This scholarship is restricted to applicants who they themselves have visual disabilities.For more information and to apply check out their website.


The Rudolph Dillman Memorial Scholarship
  • 2500
  •  The Rudolph Dillman Memorial Scholarship is a $2500 award for undergraduate or graduate students who are studying in the field of rehabilitation and or education of persons who are blind or visually impaired. The average award is $2500 though ranges from $2500-$10,000. To be eligible you must be an undergraduate student attending a four year or two year college or university. Additionally you must have a visual disability and be a United States citizen. For more information and to apply to check out their website.


Christa McAuliffe Scholarship Program
  • Varies
  •  The Tennessee general assembly offers the Christa McAuliffe scholarship program in honor of the high school teacher who lost her life during the spaceship shuttle Challenger accident. To be eligible for this award you must be a rising college Junior who is enrolled full-time in the teacher accreditation program at an accredited Tennessee post secondary institution. Additionally you must have completed at least the first semester of your junior year and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Harriet Irsay Scholarship
  • Varies
  •  The Harriet Irsay Scholarship is for individuals of Polish descent. The American Institute of Polish culture has issued a scholarship for a number of decades. Over the years, the scholarship fund has awarded over $275,000 to students from all across the country. These awards are given to students from a wide variety of majors and academic disciplines. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Gates Millennium Scholars Program
  • Full tuition
  •  The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is a full-tuition scholarship for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. This program is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and was established o provide African-American, American Indian/Native Alaskans, and Asian Pacific Islanders as well as Hispanic American students the opportunity to complete an undergraduate degree in any area. Continuing Gates Millennial Scholars may also pursue funding for a graduate degree in one of the following areas: education, engineering, computer science, public health or science, library science, or mathematics. For more information and to apply check out their website.


John and Agnes McFarlane Scholarship
  • $2500-$5000
  •  The Ventura County Community Foundation offers the John and Agnes McFarland Scholarship Funds. This fund is for individuals who have graduated or will graduate from a Ventura County High School who are enrolling in a four-year college or community college in the state of California. The amount of the award varies and for community college students is in the amount of $2500 and for four year college students $5000. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Illinois PTA Lillian E. Glover Scholarship Program
  • $2000-$3000
  •  The Illinois PTA Lillian E. Glover Scholarship is for  high school seniors graduating from an Illinois public school. To be eligible for this award you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The amount of the award varies and ranges from $2000-$3000. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Minority Teacher Scholarship
  • Varies
  •  Indiana.gov  offers the William a Crawford minority teacher scholarship this program is for black individuals who are planning to teach at an accredited school in Indiana upon graduation.To receive a scholarship for subsequent years you must have a minimum GPA of 2.0. To be eligible for this award you must be a minority student as well as a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Additionally you must be an Indiana resident attending an eligible Indiana institution as a full-time student. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship
  • 5514
  •  The Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship provides financial assistance for students pursuing bachelors degree programming as well as currently licensed teachers who are pursuing an endorsement in a hard to fill discipline or a masters degree in a hard to feel discipline. Individuals should be planning to teach in an underserved area in Kansas. First priority is given to junior and senior level college students as well as currently licensed teachers. The amount of the award varies and depends upon the number of hours enrolled. Recipients are eligible for up to $5514. For more information and to apply check out their website.


L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarship for Student CTA
  • 5000
  •  The California Teachers Association offers a number of scholarship opportunities for residents of California. The CTA scholarship program offers scholarships to their members as well as dependent children of active members. The amount of the awards vary.  The L. Gordon Bittle awards is for $5000. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
  • 6000
  •  The California teachers Association CTA offers the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial scholarship program. This program is intended for students of color who are becoming educators, school nurses, school counselors, school therapists or anyone promoting professional growth for teachers. The amount of the award is up to $6000. To be eligible you must be pursuing a degree credential or certification in a teaching related career and public education at an accredited institution of higher education. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need as well as her applicant statement.For more information and to apply to check out their website.


Mary Morrow/Edna Richards Scholarship
  • Varies
  •  The Mary Morrow/ Edna Richards Scholarship is offered through the North Carolina a Association a of Educators. To be eligible for this award he must be a North Carolina resident who is enrolled in a teacher education program. Additionally applicants should be in their junior year of college at the time of their application and be willing to teach in the state of North Carolina for at least two years following graduation. The amount of the award varies. Applicants with be evaluated based on financial need as well as their promise as a teacher. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Christopher K. Smith Memorial Scholarship
  • 1000
  •  The Delaware State Education Association offers the Christopher K. Smith Memorial Scholarship. The Delaware State Education Association offers a $1000 scholarship per year for four years to help future teachers. To be eligible for this award you must have a grade point average the 3.0 or higher and be able to show  your career plans in the field of education. This award is intended for high school seniors who are graduating from a public school intending to pursue a career in teaching. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Catching The Dream MEBSEC Program
  • Varies
  •  The Catching the Dream Scholarships are available to Native Americans who are interested in pursuing higher education. The purpose of these scholarships is to support students who are interested in pursuing academia and who have clearly defined goals as well as are able to demonstrate leadership amongst their community. These scholarships assist Indians who are preparing for college. Catching the Dream helps to assist individuals who are seeking funding for higher education.For more information about this award and to apply check out their website.


AFCEA Educational Foundation STEM Scholarships
  • 2500
  •  The AFCEA Educational Foundation offers a number of awards. Among them as the STEM major scholarships the STEM teacher scholarships the ROTC scholarships and others. The STEM teacher scholarships are $2500 rewards for students who are actively pursuing a graduate degree in a STEM related field including science, technology, engineering or math as well as those related such as health. Students should plan to teach in the United States at a K through 12 school. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Paul R. Wolf Memorial Scholarship
  • 3000
  •  The Paul R. Wolf Memorial Scholarship is a $3000 award administered by the ASRPS Foundation. The purpose of this award is to support college students to are interested in teaching. To be eligible you must be a graduate student member of ASPRS. For more information to apply check out their website.


Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship
  • $1000-$2500
  •  The National Education Association offers the Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is in the amount of $1000 and $2500. For more information about these awards and to apply check out their website.


The Renshaw Fellowship
  • 12000
  •  The Intercollegiate Studies Institute offers the Renshaw Fellowship. This grant is for students who are pursuing doctoral studies in education. To be eligible you must be a United States citizen enrolled in a full-time graduate program. The amount of the award is $12,000. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Tobin Sorenson Physical Education Scholarship
  •  The Tobin Sorenson Physical Education Scholarship is for students who are pursuing a career in the K through 12 institution as a physical education teacher teacher, coach recreational therapist, dance therapist or a similar profession that focuses on knowledge and use of the human body. To be eligible you must have a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale and be able to demonstrate extra curricular involvement in similar activities. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Student Teacher Scholarship
  • 2000
  •  The Hawaii Educational Association offers the Student Teacher Scholarship. This is sponsored by the Helen McKay Memorial. This scholarship is a $2000 award and water to two students who are intending to teach in the state of Hawaii. For more information on to apply check out their website.


The Weaver Fellowship
  • 15000
  •  The ISI Richard and Weaver fellowship is a $15,000 award. To be eligible for this award you must be a United States citizen enrolled in a full-time graduate program. Additionally you must be a member of the intercollegiate studies institute. This award is intended for individuals who are seeking education as our primary career. To submit an application you must submit a 1250 to 2500 word essay responding to one of their prompts. For more information and to apply check out their website.


The Ruby J. Darensbourg-Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Varies
  •  If you are pursuing an alternative teacher certification program in the state of Louisiana then you may be eligible for the Ruby J Darensbourg-Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund. To be eligible you must be an individual who is pursuing a certification in elementary education or early childhood education and have already completed at least half of the required certification course. For more information and to apply check out their website.


Frank Kazmierczak Memorial Migrant Scholarship
  • 1000
  •  The Frank Kazmierczak Memorial Migrants Scholarship is offered to migrant workers who have education as their career goal. If you are looking to become a teacher and can demonstrate financial needs and you may be eligible. The amount of the award is $1000. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Related:

10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Nutrition Programs

If you are a working nutritionist or dietician who wants to advance your career, an online master’s in nutrition is a great option. But do you want to go into debt for it? When you are looking for affordable nutrition master’s programs to reach your personal career goals, it is important to evaluate ways to save on the costs of your education. Small public colleges have a lower average cost when compared to larger universities or private schools. They may also offer online programs to help when you must balance a job and your education.

You can also look into options available from your employer. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement to help with the costs of your degree. Keep in mind that reimbursement from your employer may require you to work for the company for a few years; however, details about a program may vary based on the company. By clarifying the best ways to obtain a dietetics degree online without a high cost, it is possible to focus on your studies and ensure that you can afford the degree program. 

Our Method: Ranking the Most Affordable Nutrition Master’s Programs 

Working adults who are considering going back to school for a master’s degree have a lot of logistics to take into account, but when you’re paying your own way, cost is high on the list. That’s why Best Health Degrees has ranked the Most Affordable Nutrition Master’s Programs by one factor: tuition cost, according to IPEDS data. However, to qualify, programs must be accredited and recognized for quality – not just cheap.

1. East Carolina University

East Carolina University’s MS in Nutrition offers in-depth online training for students and Registered Dietitians alike, with thesis and non-thesis options. The program is designed to offer general knowledge while offering career advancement opportunities for Registered Dietitians. The Nutrition MS program is one of the most affordable nutrition masters programs, with a majority (59%) of undergraduate students receiving need-based financial aid. The average grant or scholarship is $7,907. 

East Carolina University is tied for #228 in the list of “National Universities” and #109 for “Top Public Schools from US. News & World Report. The university is the fourth-largest university in North Carolina. It’s a public research university, known for work in areas of electronic fluency, PTSD, in vitro fertilization, etc. The school colors are purple-and-gold, with the nickname “Pirates.”  The motto is “Servire,” translated “To Serve.”  

Degree: MS in Nutrition

Learn more from the program website!

2. Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University’s MS in Nutrition and Dietetics is an economical and flexible opportunity for students and Registered Dietitians/Nutritionists to earn graduate credit in Nutrition. You can complete your Dietetic internships at the same time. The Nutrition MS is one of the best accredited and affordable online masters in nutrition. Some 49% of undergraduate students receive financial assistance based on need, with the average grant or scholarship at around $7,7995.  

Texas Tech University is tied for #218 in the list of “National Universities” and tied for #105 as a “Top Public School” from US. News & World Report. The university is recognized as the largest research institute in Lubbock, Texas. The school motto is “From here, it’s possible.” The colors are red-and-black, and the nickname is “Red Raiders”. 

Degree: MS in Nutrition and Dietetics

Learn more from the program website!

3. North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University’s Masters in Dietetics is an online training course offered in collaboration with Great Plains – Interactive Distance Education Alliance member universities. The Nutrition MS is one of the most affordable nutrition masters programs, with 50% of full-time undergraduates receiving financial aid based on need.  

North Dakota State University is tied for #281 in the list of “National Universities” and #140 for “Top Public Schools from US. News & World Report. It’s a research university, focused on student learning and success. Their school colors are green-and-gold, with the nickname of “Bison” or “Thundering Herd”.  

Degree: Masters in Dietetics

Learn more from the program website!

4. Utah State University

Utah State University’s Master of Dietetic Administration prepares registered dietitians for a career as an educated leader or manager at all levels of state and local government. The coursework prepares the candidate as an authority in dietetics, which can translate to the rollout of healthy initiatives as Nutrition Program Coordinator, Health Specialties Teacher, Fitness Coach, and Health Educator. The Nutrition MS is one of the best accredited and affordable online masters in nutrition, with 53% of the undergraduates in full-time status, who also received financial aid averaging $5,116. 

Utah State University is tied for #254 in the list of “National Universities” and #123 for “Top Public Schools from US. News & World Report. The motto of the school is “Research, Service, Teaching.” With the school colors as Aggie blue-and-white, the nickname for the university is “Aggies.” 

Degree: Master of Dietetic Administration

Learn more from the program website!

5. University of Utah

The University of Utah’s MS in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology builds upon a background in Health Sciences, Dietetics, or Nutrition, with a flexible online program that supports balanced, interactive learning and growth. The career outlook for graduating MS candidates is promising, with the average salary in the range of $57,590 for a Nutritionist or Dietitian in Utah. Management roles pull in $100,000 per year with just three years of experience. The Nutrition MS is one of the affordable nutrition masters programs, with 44% of students with a full-time undergraduate status receiving need-based grants and scholarships. 

The University of Utah is tied for #104 in the list of “National Universities” and #44 for “Top Public Schools from US. News & World Report. The school colors are red-and-white, with the mascot being “Swoop.” The university has grown into a hub for the field of medicine and computer science. The university is also known for its green power usage, with a rank of #3 by the EPA. Approximately 31% of power consumption is drawn from solar and wind sources.  

Degree: MS in Nutrition and Integrative Physiology

Learn more from the program website!

6. University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri’s MS in Clinical Nutrition continues in the pursuit of excellence in higher education, with a comprehensive focus that’s designed for entry-level dietitians and nutritionists. The program is more important than ever before, with the projection that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will make the MS degree a requirement for registered dietitians by 2024. The Nutrition MS is one of the best accredited and affordable online masters in nutrition, with 59% of students in undergraduate studies receiving financial aid based on need, with an average grant award of $4,374. 

The University of Central Missouri is tied for #48 in the list of “Regional Universities Midwest” and #16 for “Top Public Schools” from U.S. News & World Report. The motto for the university is “Learning to a Greater Degree,” and the colors are cardinal red and black. The school’s nicknames are “Mules” and “Jennies.”  

Degree: MS in Clinical Nutrition

Learn more from the program website!

7. University of Nebraska Lincoln

The University of Nebraska Lincoln’s MS in Dietetics is a distance/online program available to Registered Dietitians (RDs) or for those with a DPD verification statement. It can also be a possible course of study for a candidate who has all the qualifications and requirements from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, without the credential (for example he or she may not have taken the exam yet). The program is offered in collaboration with Great Plains – Interactive Distance Education Alliance member universities. The Nutrition MS is one of the affordable nutrition masters programs. 

The University of Nebraska Lincoln is tied for #139 in the list of “National Universities” and #115 for “Best Value Schools” from U.S. News & World Report. The motto is: “Literis Dedicata et Omnibus Artibus,” translated “Dedicated to Letters and All the Arts.” The school colors are scarlet-red and cream, with the nickname: “Cornhuskers.” The University of Nebraska Lincoln is known for its research, which is groundbreaking in agricultural sciences. The campus features more than 100 buildings for research and classroom use. UNL is the oldest university in Nebraska, and it’s also a research institute.  

Degree: MS in Dietetics

Learn more from the program website!

8. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University’s MS in Dietetics is a flexible online program, designed to enhance your knowledge and enhance your career options. Credentialed, practicing dietitians and nutritionists can retool their career opportunities via this 36-credit-hour curriculum program. The program is offered in collaboration with Great Plains – Interactive Distance Education Alliance member universities. The Nutrition MS is one of the best accredited and affordable online masters in nutrition, with a majority (54%) of the full-time undergraduate students receiving financial aid based on need, with a scholarship or grant averaging $4,681.  

The University of Nebraska Lincoln is tied for #272 in the list of “National Universities” and #135 for “Top Public Schools” from US. News & World Report. It’s a research university, known for its high level of research in areas of biological science, agricultural science, and engineering. The school’s colors are blue and yellow. The nickname is “Jackrabbits.” 

Degree: MS in Dietetics

Learn more from the program website!

9. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University’s Master of Food and Nutrition is designed for baccalaureate-degreed candidates in the fields of Nutrition, Food, or related fields. The goal of the degree is to offer advanced knowledge, resources, and study in Nutrition and Food. The online eCampus program can also be combined with a dietetic internship, with accreditation from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). The Nutrition MS is one of the affordable nutrition masters programs, 64% of the students in undergraduate study are eligible for financial aid assistance based on need, with a scholarship or grant averaging $7,598. 

Bowling Green State University is tied for #246 in the list of “National Universities” and #119 for “Top Public Schools” from US. News & World Report. The nickname is “Falcons.” It’s a research university, focusing on areas of education, the arts, health and wellness, social sciences, business, applied technologies, and humanities. The school is known for its “high research activity,” but it’s also recognized as one of Ohio’s Centers for Excellence because of its advanced energy and renewable energy research.  

Degree: Master of Food and Nutrition

Learn more from the program website!

10. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi’s MS in Nutrition and Food Systems combines a flexible, fully online program with a dietetic internship to help students earn the degree in the fastest, most affordable way possible. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), with requirements for supervised practice as part of the internship. The Nutrition MS is one of the best accredited and affordable online masters in nutrition. Approximately 73% of the undergraduate students in full-time study are eligible for financial assistance based on need, with an average award or grant of $5,729.  

The University of Southern Mississippi is listed as #293-#381 in “National Universities,” and tied for #165 in Top Performers on Social Mobility”  from U.S. News & World Report. The school colors are black and gold, with the nickname: “Golden Eagles.” The university is known for its research, with annual funding in excess of $100 million every year. USM is ranked #98 out of 248 institutions, the highest ranking in Mississippi, by Washington Monthly. Their rank in comparison with national universities is #235 overall.  

Degree: MS in Nutrition and Food Systems

Learn more from the program website!

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Certification in Nutrition? 

With a certification in Nutrition, students learn about the relationship between health and their food. The certification demonstrates a level of knowledge and experience, with an assessment process that verifies an individual’s competency, knowledge, and skills based on the Nutrition-based standards. The certification in Nutrition is offered by a not-for-profit standards-based organization, resulting in a credential that can be listed after the person’s name.  A certificate denotes an educational program, designed as an introduction to newbies as well as more experienced professionals. The certificate is offered by a for-profit educational institution or program. 

The certificate and certification in Nutrition is become ever more important as studies and surveys indicate the overwhelming prevalence of obesity in America, with more than 93.3 million people being affected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nutrition is also important due to necessity to reverse those trends if there is any hope of avoiding preventable, premature death due to diabetes, cancer, and other diseases. With those troubling trends, the positive news is marked by the 15% growth in the job outlook for nutritionists and dietitians. This trend it all about prevention, encouraging health choices that really will help individuals lead a more active and nutritious lifestyle. 

How to Get a Certification in Nutrition  

For those who are wondering how to get a certificate in nutrition, the requirements are straightforward. A student can earn a nutrition certificate with a high school diploma or GED, and there are affordable online programs online.  

Here are the best Certification programs in Nutrition:  

  • ACE (American Council on exercise) Fitness Nutrition Specialist 
  • AFPA Nutrition and Wellness Certification 
  • ISSA Nutrition Certification 
  • NASM CNC Certified Nutrition Coach 
  • NESTA (National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association) Fitness/Sports Nutrition Coach 
  • Precision Nutrition Certification 

Certifications like these may be needed for individuals who are seeking entry into fields or careers related to training or coaching for fitness, exercise, or related fields. There are a range of specializations to consider in the area of Nutrition.   

What Kinds of Nutrition Certifications are There? 

The field of Nutrition encompasses a range of different specializations and certifications to best meet the needs of nutritionists, coaches, and trainers. The Certifications for nutrition include the following:  

Certification in Holistic Nutrition  

The certification in Holistic Nutrition program is offered by the Holistic Credentialing Board. Other requirements for certification include 500+ hours of experience in Holistic Nutrition and membership in the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).  

Certification in Plant-Based Nutrition  

The certification in Plant-Based Nutrition is available from T. Colin Campbell, PhD, a well-known health expert, in collaboration with eCornell. The certification in Plant-Based Nutrition is designed for a range of career directions, including chefs or food managers, medical and health professionals, athletes, personal trainers, teachers, parents, and entrepreneurs.  

Certification in Clinical Nutrition  

The certification in Clinical Nutrition through the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB) requires at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, with the completion of core nutrition and science coursework and a 900-hour internship. The candidate must also complete the Clinical Nutrition Program via the CNCB’s online Postgraduate Studies, and pass the certification exam. The certification requires 40 hours of Continuing Education every two years, with a passing score on the retake exam every five years. 

Certification in Nutrition Counseling  

The certification in Nutrition Counseling is available from eCornell, with Lecturer Beth McKinney. The course requires that the person already be a Diet Technician Registered (DTR or NDTR) or a Registered Dietitian (RD or RDN). Alternatively, the individual may have completed the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD). Individuals who complete the program should have the skills, knowledge and practice to blend the science of Nutrition with the art of critical counseling.  

Certification in Fitness and Nutrition  

The certification in Fitness and Nutrition is designed to combine behavior modification with the essentials of health and wellness. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers a Fitness Nutrition Certification, which includes coursework modules and quizzes, designed for any interested individual. A current NCCA-accredited certification or accepted pre-requisite credential is required for full Specialist in Fitness Nutrition certification recognition. ACE offers a range of options for certification in Nutrition and Fitness.  

Certification in Sports Nutrition  

The certification in Sports Nutrition is available from ISSA, the leader in fitness education. The program includes up-to-date information via the online coursebook as well as an online exercise lab, a student forum, and quizzes to offer the best possible level of preparation for the certification exam. The program is designed for personal trainers, but each student should check state-based requirements and statutes for dispensing Nutrition information.  

Certification is also available from the National Sports Performance Association (NSPA), with accompanying video lessons, handouts, audio interviews, and a manual culminating in the exam.   

Certification in Nutrition Support  

The certification in Nutrition Support is available from the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC) for the interdisciplinary providers: nurses, doctors, physicians’ assistants, dieticians, etc. The NBNSC offers a candidate handbook for study purposes, but the individual must meet the requirements for eligibility. Then, it’s just a matter of applying to take the exam, preparing, and taking the exam. For those who pass, the certification is valid for five years.  

Certification in Nutrition and Wellness  

Certification in Nutrition and Wellness is available from the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). Their certificate is for educators in K-12, post-secondary, higher education, business, and industry, as well as community-based practitioners and professionals. The requirements include an official transcript, AAFCS membership, and a passing score on the competency exam.  

Can I Get a Nutrition Certification Online? 

There are a number of programs that allow students and professionals to achieve an online certification in nutrition. The online programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, which should support qualified individuals to identify and confirm their knowledge and credentials in specific areas of specialization and Nutrition focus. While each online certification programs in nutrition may offer different education and coursework requirements, the online certification in nutrition programs are designed to offer personal and professional enrichment, with options for career advancements in areas like public health.The online certification in nutrition programs allow individuals to not only learn and grown at their own pace from anywhere in the world, but it’s a real opportunity to connect with clients, engage with those strategies that will make a difference, and then enact change that may have wide-reaching positive effects.  

Related:

25 Best Human Services Degrees

25 Best Human Services Degrees

The best Human Services degrees are traditional campus programs for bachelor’s degree students to earn a degree and begin a new career. If you’re an empathetic and caring person with a desire to help others in a non-clinical setting, bachelor’s in Human Services degrees will start you on a path for a satisfying health career in a variety of fields.

Whether you have an interest in crisis prevention, assisting people in improving their quality of life, helping to maintain services in communities and non-profit agencies, an undergraduate degree in Human Services will be a great beginning for you.

Best Health Degree lists schools that are regionally accredited by the U.S. Department of Education agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as well as several others. Financial aid is available for all these human services degree programs based on the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for qualified students. Many schools require financial aid applications to be on file as part of the admission process as well as for school scholarships.

Our Method: Ranking the 25 Best Human Services Bachelor’s Programs

To rank the 25 Best Human Services Bachelor’s Programs, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From our initial pool, we ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

Note: The Covid-19 pandemic caused many colleges and universities to reevaluate the way they present courses. You’ll want to determine if the schools you’re interested in have moved from classroom to online coursework. Be sure to determine what changes to admissions and attendance requirements may be needed.

1. University of Delaware

You can choose from four concentrations with this B.S. in Human Services on the main campus of the University of Delaware in Newark. Among the program concentrations are:

  • Administration and Family Policy
  • Clinical Services
  • Early Childhood Development

studied in Administration and Family Policy, Clinical Services (accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education), . The curriculum includes didactic studies in topics such as Families and Children at Risk, Social Entrepreneurship, Diversity and Families, Counseling in Human Services, Public Policy, as well as Human Development, and more. You’ll also participate in field experiences on campus and in the Newark community as part of your degree program.

The curriculum includes didactic studies in topics such as Families and Children at Risk, Social Entrepreneurship, Diversity and Families, Counseling in Human Services, Public Policy, as well as Human Development, and more. You’ll also participate in field experiences on campus and in the Newark community as part of your degree program.

To apply for admission, you’ll need to complete an online application ($75 nonrefundable fee required), a required Common or Coalition application essay, letters of reference, self-reported high school grades using the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), and other documents as needed. For the spring and fall semesters, standardized tests are optional.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $14,280-$35,710/per academic year

Fast Fact: Money ranked this university #41 in its 2020 Best Colleges ranking

Find out more about this human services bachelor’s degree!

2. Northeastern University

Are you looking for a B.A. in Human Services which will prepare you for a career in counseling, nonprofit management, or community and organizational development? Then, you may want to explore this program at Northeastern University in Massachusetts.

Requiring 132 credit hours, this is a five-year program that includes 5 co-op experiences. You’ll study Counseling in Human Services, Social Change and Human Services, Interdisciplinary Advanced Writing in the Disciplines, Social Policy, Research Methods for Human Services, Sexual Orientation, Gender Expression, and others. Additionally, Northeastern University is competency, rather than course-based. You’ll have a set of 11 competencies to fulfill other Northeastern University degree requirements.

First-year students must complete a Common or Coalition Application along with a $75 application fee. Other requirements include academic transcripts and secondary school counselor or teacher recommendations. The 2020-21 academic year application does not require SAT scores or ACT scores for admission consideration and the university offers several application programs for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $53,506 per academic year

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks Northeastern as one of its Most Innovative Schools and Best Value Schools

Find out more about this human services program!

3. University of Oregon

Offered through UO’s College of Education, this program offers both a B.A. in Family and Human Services and a B.S. in Family and Human Services.

Both degrees require you to take a minimum of 50 credit hours of general university requirements before making an application to the major. The B.A. requires a second language proficiency and the B.S. requires mathematics or computer and information science proficiency.

Once accepted into a program, you’ll take pre-major courses in Exploring Family and Human Services, Issues for Children and Families, and Diversity in Human Services. General Human Services coursework includes Group and Community Interventions, Research in Human Services, Individual Interventions in Ecological Contexts, Junior and Senior Professional Practices and Issues, Field Experiences and Capstone Project.

You’ll make an application to the University of Oregon through one of three methods, SAT/ACT test scores are optional, academic transcripts (self-reported), an application essay, and other documents as requested.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $12,720-$36,615/per academic year

Fast Fact: Niche ranks UO #80/676 in its Top Public Universities in America

Find out more about this human services program!

4. Syracuse University

Syracuse University has a Selected Studies in Education B.S. degree designed with an interdisciplinary approach.

With this degree, working with your advisor, you’ll be able to specialize in one of five concentrations including, Post-Secondary & Human Services Fields. This speciality also includes a fast-track, M.S. option in Professional Counseling in Mental Health. Among the studies in this concentration are general studies in social services and human services focusing on families, communities, and individuals. The undergraduate degree requires 120 credit hours and includes general university studies. Additionally, you’ll participate in an internship.

You’ll pay an $85 nonrefundable fee along with your admission application to Syracuse University. For fall admission, students must submit academic transcripts with a senior year grade report, two academic recommendations, and an evaluation from their high school guidance counselor.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $53,849/per academic year

Fast Fact: Syracuse University ranks #70 in Best Value Schools and #68 in Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News and World Report

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5. George Washington University

Located in Washington D.C., GW University has a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Human Services and Social Justice.

With this degree, you’ll study sociology, interpersonal relationships, child and adult development, sex and gender sociology, race relations, ethical leadership, program planning and evaluation, organizational management in nonprofit organizations, and research methods. Along with a Capstone Project, you’ll also participate in an internship. In addition, students take general university courses in humanities, math, physical or natural sciences, writing, and social sciences.

Admission requirements to George Washington University involve submission of an application and fee, counselor and teacher recommendations, official academic transcripts, and other documents as required. Regular Decision admission’s deadline is January 5 and the Early Decision admission is November 1 and January 5. ACT/SAT scores are optional for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $56,935/per academic year

Fast Fact: Forbes rated GW University #78 in its 2019 Top Colleges ranking

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6. Rowan University

Rowan University, in Camden, NJ, has a B.A. in Human Services that, among other areas, will prepare you to become a human services and social services provider.

This is a degree completion program requiring 60 credit hours in your major from a variety of studies. Beyond the general university course requirements, you’ll study sociology, intake and interviewing skill techniques, ethics in human services, statistics, case management, psychology, and abnormal psychology, to name a few studies. Field experiences are also part of the curriculum, as are a senior human services seminar and specialization courses (developed in collaboration with your advisor).

A $65 application fee is part of admission. You’ll also need an Associate Degree or a minimum of 24 semester hours of transfer college credits. Applicants must have a 2.0 GPA.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $14,00-22,832/per academic year

Fast Fact: Rowan University is #448/1,619 in Niche’s Best Colleges in America

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7. Western Washington University

Western Washington University has an undergraduate degree in Human Services on two campuses as well as online.

You’ll be responsible for taking 35 credit hours in foundation classes in studies such as Human Services Foundation, Social Welfare Policy, Human Services Professionals and Community Systems, and more. Skills studies are part of the curriculum with courses in Applied Research Methods, Program Planning and Evaluation, and Introduction to Interviewing and Interventions in Human Services. Field studies and seminars are also part of the program. Elective courses are available in mental health, disability, addiction, as well as aging and health. health promotion, and more. The university requires a minimum of 180 credit hours for graduation.

General university admission requirements include an application (and $60 fee), optional ACT/SAT test scores, and unofficial transcripts. Other documents may be required and specific requirements are needed for admission into the Woodring College of Education.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,343-$24,690/per academic year

Fast Fact: Western Washington University is #5 in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of Top Public Schools

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8. The University of Scranton

Here’s a B.S. in Counseling and Human Services (CHS) offered by the Jesuit school, The University of Scranton, located in Pennsylvania.

This degree is part of the College of Professional Studies (CPS) and will prepare you for an entry-level position in the human services field. The degree requires 127 credit hours with 58 credits in CHS. Some of the courses you’ll take are Human Services Systems, Case Management and Interviewing, Theories of Counseling, Research Methods, Crisis Intervention, as well as others and an internship. A unique feature of this program is its Community Based Learning component in addition to the internship. This program follows ethical and training standards of the American Counseling Association. There is a concentration in Rehabilitation Services that focus on substance abuse and addictions.

Items on the university’s admission checklist include the submission of the Common Application, SAT/ACT scores (optional due to the Covid Pandemic), letters of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor, a listing of extracurricular activities, and official academic transcripts. The university has specific deadlines for entering students and you should be certain to meet all requirements.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $45,790 per academic year

Fast Fact: Scranton University ranks in The Best 386 College by the Princeton Review

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9. Washburn University

This Kansas university in Topeka offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Family & Human Services (BAS) degree requiring 120 credit hours for completion.

You’ll take university-required courses in Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, English, and Natural Sciences and Math. Your BAS core studies will be in Human Development, Family Issues, Group Work in Human Services (Group Counseling), Research & Evaluation, and more. Twelve hours in major coursework is in Family Family Services and includes Issues in Aging, Working with Trauma, Individual Counseling Methods, and Working with Parents and Youth. There are numerous elective classes from which you can choose in Mental Health and Addictions, Victimology, Aging and Mental Health, Disaster Response and Recovery, and others.

Admission to Washburn University is straightforward and requires an application (with a $20 non-refundable application fee), ACT/SAT scores, and academic transcripts from any school attended. Note: ACT/SAT scores are not required for students over 21 years of age but may be helpful. If you’re from Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma or Texas, you’ll pay in-state tuition.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,704-$19,456/per academic year

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report ranks Washburn University #154-#209 in its Top Public Schools ratings

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10. Siena Heights University

At the main campus located in Adrian, Michigan, Siena Heights University has an Adult Degree Completion program that results in a B.A. in Community and Human Services. You can also choose to concentrate in Family Systems.

As a degree completion program, you’ll need to complete 39 credit hours in your major for graduation. Crisis Intervention, Social Psychology, Counsel Techniques & Practice, Community & Human Services, and other courses are part of the Community and Human Services degree curriculum. If you choose to concentrate on Family Systems, you’ll need to have prerequisite coursework in Introduction to Sociology and Introduction to Psychology. Once completed, you’ll then finish the program with required courses in Social Psychology, Marriage and Family Relations, Crisis Intervention, etc. The concentration requires you take Early Interventions with Children/Families (0-6) and (6-12) and Investigative Techniques in Social Services. Electives options are Juvenile Justice, Personality, Psychology of Aging, and Ethnic Dimensions of American Society, and also a practicum experience.

As a degree completion program, you’ll need to provide transfer credit information for admission. Additionally, you’ll need to submit an application, official college and high school transcripts, and other documents as requested.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $27,152/per academic year

Fast Fact: A Catholic university, Siena Heights ranks #939/1,572 in Niche’s Best Value Colleges in America

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11. Fort Hays State University

Here’s another Kansas university where you can earn a Bachelor of General Studies with a Human Services Concentration.

The degree program requires 120 credit hours for completion. Required general education courses include English Composition, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, and also Math. Additionally, students take 21 credit hours in their concentration and 54 hours in electives. Your concentration studies will include 21 hours in sociology coursework. The suggested academic plan for the concentration includes studies in Social Inequality, Sociological Theory and Literature, Methods of Social Research, Advanced Sociological Research, and others.

Fort Hays State University has a rolling admission policy and offers several admission options. Entering students will need to provide applications, submit academic transcripts, and SAT/ACT scores.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $5,280-$15,360/per academic year

Fast Fact: Founded in 1902, FHSU ranks #35 in U.S. News and World Report’s Top Public Schools

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12. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University provides a multidisciplinary B.S. in Human Services degree that blends a curriculum from psychology,  social work, criminal justice, sociology, and political science disciplines.

The undergraduate degree requires 120 credit hours with 45 credit hours in the major. You’ll complete core courses in studies such as Survey of Human Services, Statistics, General Psychology, as well as Supervised Fieldwork, and more. The curriculum also offers three concentrations in Mental Health, Child, Adolescent and Family Services, and Gerontology and Aging. Additionally, you’ll choose from electives in Human Diversity and Social Solutions and Social Change, which offers classes in Social Psychology, Deviance and Society, Psychology of Human Sexuality, Psychology of Women, and others.

Loyola admission requirements include a Common Application, a letter of recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor, and also official academic transcripts. Recently, SAT/ACT test scores are optional and the school recommends you submit an essay on a topic of your choosing as well as a resume describing your activities.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $45,543/per academic year

Fast Fact: The Princeton Review ranks this Jesuit Catholic University in its Best 386 Colleges ranking

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13. Spelman University

This well-known, historically Black college in Atlanta, Georgia, awards a B.A. in Human Services.

The program consists of core courses in the major and specialty areas. General Psychology, Introduction to Anthropology or Introduction to Sociology, and National Government make up the cognate coursework. As part of your major’s curriculum, you’ll take classes in Methods of Research, Introduction to Human Service, Principles of Management, and Field Work in Human Services. Speciality areas in this degree include elective studies in Developmental Psychology, Public Policy, Multicultural Studies, and Individual or Group Processes.

If you’re a first time college student, your admission will require you to submit a Common Application, a $40 application fee, academic transcripts from all schools you’ve attended, two letters of recommendation, and an optional SAT/ACT test score submission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $29,972/per academic year

Fast Fact: Forbes ranked Spelman College as one of its Top Colleges

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14. SUNY Empire State College

This campus is in Saratoga Springs, NY, and has a 124 credit hour B.S. in Community and Human Services degree with a Human Services concentration.

This degree helps human services professionals to join other professionals working in community social services. It focuses on six pillars: human behavior, service delivery, professional skills, ethics, diversity, and application. To major in this degree, you’ll need to have 45 credits in general education requirements such as English, math fundamentals, sociology, psychology, philosophy and others. Courses in your major will include Abnormal Psychology, Nature and Needs of Individuals with Special Needs, Case Management, Introduction to Human Services, Crisis Intervention, Family and Society, and several more.

Among the admission criteria, you’ll need to submit an application showing proof of secondary school completion, official transcripts from all schools attended, as well as an application essay of at least 300 words. Prospective students must also show proof of immunization against mumps, measles, rubella, and meningitis.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,605-$17,515/per academic year

Fast Fact: This school ranks in U.S. News and World Report’s #50-#62 Top Public Schools

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15. University of Alaska Anchorage

Here’s an undergraduate, Bachelor of Human Services (BHS) degree completed in 120 credit hours that’s offered both on campus and online.

The coursework includes general education studies as well as subject-specific classes. The Human Services studies include Human Relations in the Workplace, Introduction to Paraprofessional Counseling, Working with Individuals with Disabilities: A Human Service Perspective, Clinical Approaches to Substance Abuse, Crisis Intervention, Substance Abuse and the Older Adult, Men and Masculinity, etc. You’ll also have a wide selection of electives on topics of Community Education and Prevention in Substance Abuse, Introduction to Children’s Behavioral Health, and more. Practicum experiences are also part of the program.

Application for admission is open one year prior to the one for which you’re applying. You’ll need to submit an application, academic transcripts, and a 2.5 GPA. While standardized testing isn’t required for admission, standardized test scores are used in course placement.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $8,103-$28,084/academic year

Fast Fact: UAA ranks #35 in the Top Public Schools rankings of U.S. News and World Report

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16. Monroe College

This New York college has campuses in St. Lucia, New Rochelle, and the Bronx and offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services.

The degree is online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format through Monroe College’s School of Criminal and Social Justice. This B.S. will require you to study Ethical Issues in Human Services, Social Welfare Policy, Research Seminar in Human Services, Field Experiences, and more. Other related courses will include Drugs and Behavior, Psychology of Abnormal Behavior, Psychology Across the Lifespan, Introduction to Psychology, Group Dynamics, etc.

First-year students will need to submit an application with a $35 fee for admission, write an essay, unofficial academic transcripts, and the SAT/ACT test scores are optional. You’ll also need to schedule an interview.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $15,860 per academic year

Fast Fact: Ranks #24/308 in Niche’s Best Online Colleges in America

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17. Bay Path University

You can earn an undergraduate degree in Health and Human Services from this Massachusetts university.

This B.A. offers a wide range of concentrations in areas such as Healthcare Management, Health Science, Early Intervention, Autism Spectrum Studies, and five others. Required coursework (in addition to concentration studies) includes work in English, business, psychology, sociology, as well as general electives. You’ll take classes in Social Policy in Health and Human Services, Communicating in the Helping Professions, Introduction to Health and Human Services, and more. The program also requires a Health and Human Services internship, studies in research methods, and a capstone project. You can learn about concentration-specific classes on the homepage of the department’s website.

Bay Path University is three colleges the Traditional (on-campus), the American Women’s College (online), and Graduate College. The B.A. in Health and Human Services is through the Residential College and requires you to request admission information through an online form. The American Women’s College has a B.A. in Human Services and Rehabilitation degree offered online.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $35,081 per academic year

Fast Fact: A private, woman’s college, Bay Path ranks #12 in U.S. News and World Report’s Most Innovative Schools

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18. New York City College of Technology

Known as City Tech, this college has a B.S. in Human Services designed to prepare you for work in the social welfare sector.

The 120 credit hour curriculum has Liberal Arts courses at its core and the HS program requires studies in Group Work Practice, Counseling Methods, Research Methods in Human Services, Volunteerism, Management Concepts in Human Services, and others. Specific program classes include Health Issues of Children and Adolescents, Health and Mental Health Issues With Vulnerable Populations Across the Life Span, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment, and free electives. You’ll also complete two internships as part of this program.

Applicants pay a $65 fee ($75 for transfer students) along with your admission application. Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay are also part of the admission process. CUNY has suspended the ACT/SAT requirement due to the Covid pandemic. Additional materials may be requested by the Admissions Office.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,320-$15,270/per academic year

Fast Fact: Ranked #21 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report

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19. Wingate University

You can choose between a B.A. or B.S. degree in Human Services at Wingate University in North Carolina. The university has campuses in Wingate, Charlotte, and Hendersonville.

The Human Services program revolves around a curriculum that offers studies in Developmental Psychology, Social Stratification, Introduction to Critical Thinking and Research Design, Global Perspectives, Inferential Statistics, Professional Interviewing and Helping Skills, etc. (The B.A. requires a foreign language component.) You’ll complete 100 hours of practicum experience in school counseling centers, community shelters, autism support services, and domestic violence facilities. The degree can be awarded in eight consecutive Fall and Spring semesters.

Wingate’s admission doesn’t require an application fee or essay, and standardized test scores are optional (if you don’t have ACT/SAT scores, you’ll need to complete a 250-word essay). Academic transcripts will be requested for all academic schools you’ve attended.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $35,290/per academic year

Fast Fact: Founded in 1896, Niche rates Wingate University #944/1,572 in its Best Value Colleges in America

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20. Quincy University

A B.S. in Human Services from Quincy University will provide you studies in counseling theories, as well as techniques for understanding, and working with, family or group dynamics.

Among the classes are Lifestyle and Career Development, Counseling Techniques, Counseling Theory, Victimology, Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention, Group Dynamics and Counseling, Crisis Intervention, and also Psychology of Human Sexuality. Additionally, required practicum experiences provide real-world experiences in individual and group counseling techniques. These experiences are in agencies and hospitals in the Quincy, Illinois area and provide excellent practical experiences under professional preceptors.

Quincy University has a standardized test-optional policy in its admission requirements. The school does ask for an application, academic transcripts, and counselor recommendations. Be prepared to provide a 500-word writing sample as part of the admission process.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $30,450/per academic year

Fast Fact: Established in 1860, Quincy University has been ranked #14 in Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News and World Report

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21. University of South Carolina Beaufort

You may want to explore the B.S. in Human Services from the University of South Carolina. You’ll have two options for this program, a hybrid program at the Beaufort campus or the online, degree completion program through USC’s Palmetto College.

The coursework for the degree requires you complete general education classes in English, Speech, Liberal Arts (humanities, fine arts, behavioral and social sciences, natural sciences, etc.) in addition to the major courses. Among those classes are Human Services: An Introduction, Personal and Professional Development, Nonprofit Management and Funding, Human Service Interventions, Psychology, Statistics, as well as research methods. Additionally, you’ll complete an internship and capstone project. The degree is 120 credit hours in length.

You’ll find admission to USCB fairly simple. You’re encouraged to start your application with a campus visit, either in person or virtually. An application with a $30 nonrefundable fee high school transcript (or transcripts for all academic programs attended), and the SAT/ACT test scores are optional. Application deadlines are July 1, December 1, and May 1.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $10,730-$21,776 per academic year

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report rates USCB #13-#23 in its Top Public Schools rankings

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22. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

You can earn your B.S. in Human Services degree either online or on the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods campus in Indiana town of the same name.

Located in the college’s Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, the degree requires 120 credit hours for completion, 55 hours of which are in your Human Services major. Introduction to Human Services, General Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, The Family, Ethical and Legal Issues in the Helping Professions, Techniques of Counseling, two practicum experiences, and others are part of the program’s curriculum. You’ll also take 6 hours of classes in American Public Policy, State and Local Government, and American Federal System.

Application for admission is done online and does not require an application fee. Besides the application, you’ll be asked to submit academic transcripts from high school and/or transcripts from all colleges or universities you’ve attended. SMWC has a test-optional policy for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $30,500/per academic year

Fast Fact: SMWC is a private school dating to 1840 and ranks #25 Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report

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23. University of the Cumberlands

Kentucky’s University of the Cumberlands awards both B.S. and B.A. in Human Services degrees. You can choose from three Human Services areas in Human Services, Mental Health, or Addictions.

The overall degree calls for 120 credit hours which includes university-required general education studies. You’ll take 51 credit hours in your major/concentration. The curriculum requires core coursework in Basic Counseling Skills, Group Dynamics, Case Management, Ethics in Human Services, Human Diversity, as well as seminars and an internship. For the Human Services concentration, you’ll take classes in Experiential Opportunities, Introduction to Sociology, Human Services in Schools, Addictions and Recovery, and others. The Mental Health concentration provides classes in Addictions and Recovery, Abnormal Psychology, Marriage and Family Counseling, and more. Addictions concentration offers Addiction and Recovery, Grief and Crisis, Drug Abuse Education and Prevention, etc.

The university has a test-optional policy and you’ll complete an online questionnaire to determine the right avenue for you to take for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $9,875 per academic year

Fast Fact: U.S. News and World Report places the University of the Cumberlands #298-#389 in its National Universities ranking

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24. Post University

You can take this B.S. in Human Services online or on the Waterbury, CT campus of Post University. This curriculum will prepare students with the communication skills to work in crisis intervention, ethics, and counseling.

You’ll be able to choose from several concentrations in Psychology — Health, Education, and Community Services, Sociology-Health and Community Services, Criminal Justice, and Equine Industry (equine-assisted work to enhance treatment outcomes in healthcare, physical and occupational therapy) Core Human Services coursework includes Human Behavior in the Social Environment, Human Services Administration, Sex and Gender, as well as practicum experiences, and more. The degree requires 120 credit hours for completion.

Admission to Post University is an eight-step process. You’ll need to first connect with a Post University Admission Counselor, provide an application, and academic transcripts, file for Federal Financial Aid, complete a Professional College Advisory Session (PCAS), and other documents as needed.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $16,610/per academic year

Fast Fact: Post University was founded in 1890 and ranks #136-#176 in U.S. News and World Report’s Regional Universities North

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25. Granite State College

Granite State College calls Concord, New Hampshire, home and awards a B.A. in Human Services with eight available concentrations. Specialty areas range from Addiction Studies, Wellness and Prevention, Counseling Foundations, Family Studies, Psychology, and others.

You’ll take foundational courses in Human Services topics such as Human Services, and the Helping Process, Law and Ethics for Health Care and Human Services, Interpersonal Communications, Counseling Theories, Management Conflict, Social Stratification and Inequality, or Fostering Inclusion and Diversity in the Workplace. Field-Based Practicum or Project-Based Practicum experiences are required. This degree is 120 credit hours in length.

Granite State College has rolling admission and requires the submission of academic transcripts, a free online application, and an application for financial aid.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $7,791-$9,015/per academic year

Fast Fact: Granite State College ranks #50-#62 Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report

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Why Should You Get a Bachelor’s in Human Services?

If you have a desire to help others and are interested in the social aspect of individuals and communities, a bachelor’s degree in Human Services is a terrific stepping stone. As with most professional careers, the more education you have, the better.

A B.A. or B.S. in Human Services will provide you with an interdisciplinary course of study. It will help you navigate established social systems and organizations in communities. And it will make it possible for you to help individuals in need and effect social change. Additionally, if you want to continue your education, you can go on to earn a master’s degree or doctoral degree.

What Do You Learn?

Coursework in the human services degree programs prepares you for entry-level management and administration roles in the Human Services field. Human service professionals take courses in psychology, sociology, behavioral health, aging and gerontology, child and family services, addiction, and substance abuse.

Most undergraduate human services degree programs also include internships in a variety of organizations. These internships provide you with real-world experience in non-profit and for-profit agencies, schools, healthcare services, government agencies, rehabilitation centers, mental health services, or individual and family services.

Where Can You Work with a Human Services Degree?

Human services workers find employment in a variety of locations from a nonprofit institution to a private company. They may work in child development, community services, or at human services agencies. As a substance abuse counselor, they may help individuals struggling with a substance abuse disorder. And, social workers help coordinate services for families struggling with mental illness. Other career options for human service practitioners are at human services organizations or in public health.

What is Human Services?

The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) defines the field as “meeting human needs through an interdisciplinary knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations.” The Human Services Education organization simplifies the definition by stating the profession provides a societal service during a crisis, affecting either an individual or community.

Professionals in Human Services not only connect individuals with appropriate services but work to identify needs and improve service delivery. There are numerous careers within the field such as Drug Abuse Counselor, Case Worker, Child Advocate, Community Outreach, Home Health Aide, and others. You’ll want to read the Bureau of Labor Statistics article on Human Services as you make your decision.

Careers in Human Services

Below are some of the careers and jobs for human service professionals. These career options for human service professionals require excellent communication skills.

  • Behavioral Management Aide
  • Case Worker
  • Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
  • Child Advocate / Youth Worker / Child Life Specialist
  • Clinical Mental Health Counselor
  • Clinical Social Worker Gerontology
  • Community Economic Development
  • Community Outreach Worker / Community Treatment Specialist
  • Corrections Treatment Specialist
  • Crisis Intervention Counselor
  • Criminology Careers
  • Disaster Relief Worker
  • Domestic Violence Counselor
  • Emergency Management Specialist
  • Family and Human Development Worker
  • Family Support Worker
  • Grant Writer
  • Grief Counselor
  • Health Educator
  • Human Services Assistant / Human Services Worker
  • Human Services Manager / Human Services Professional
  • Interpreter
  • Social Worker
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Mental Health Professional
  • Mental Health Nurse
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Permanency Worker
  • Probation Officer
  • Public Policy Consultant
  • Public Administrator
  • Public Health Educator
  • Rehabilitation Case Worker
  • Social and Community Services Manager
  • Substance Abuse Counselors
  • Sociologist

Is Human Services a Good Career?

If you have a desire to help others, this may be the career for you. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes Human Services as a career that supports and enhances community and social well-being. While you can work in the field without an undergraduate degree, your job prospects and salary greatly improve if you have a degree.

According to the BLS, job opportunities in Human Services are expected to grow by a much faster than average 10% between 2021 and 2031. As for salary expectations, the BLS reports the median annual wage in this field is $45,760.

Related:

10 Fastest Online Masters Human Services Programs

10 Fastest Online Masters Human Services Programs

With the fastest online masters human services degree programs, professionals can make a career leap quickly with an accelerated master’s degree. One of the fastest-growing careers in the country is a master’s degree in Human Services. And this degree can significantly expand your options for human services careers.

All the schools listed hold regional accreditation by the U.S. Department of Education agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Additionally, some programs may be accredited by the Council for Standards of Human Service Education (CSHSE). Make sure you attend an accredited institution.

Tuition estimates come from the information reported by the school for current tuition charges. If you require financial assistance to pursue your advanced degree, you’ll want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you qualify for financial aid, you could be eligible for loans or school assistantships or scholarships. Schools routinely ask students to submit a FAFSA application as part of their admission process.

Our Method: Ranking the 10 Fastest Online Human Services Master’s Programs

Best Health Degrees researched accredited schools offering online graduate degrees in Human Services for the best accelerated human services master’s. To rank the 10 Fastest Online Human Services Master’s Programs, Best Degrees editors found accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. Our initial pool ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential. We use data from IPEDS, Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.

1. Purdue Global University

Purdue University Global is part of the renowned Purdue University system and is recognized as a leader in distance education. You can earn an online Master of Science in Human Services degree. This program will also allow you to sit for the Human Services—Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP™) exam.

This program has two specialty areas, Family and Community Services and Organizational and Social Services. During the first year, students take core coursework. Some classes include Foundations of Human Services, Skills, and Practice in Human Services, History, Multiculturalism, Diversity in Human Services, and a Master’s Thesis or Capstone Project. A concentration in Organizational and Social Services requires three classes. These students take Organizational Nonprofit Management, Program Development & Administration, and Research, Grant Writing, & Funding. The Family and Community Services courses include Family Resilience Across the Life Span, Advocacy for Children & Families, and Developing Delivering Family Services.

To begin the admission steps, you’ll complete an application which will prompt contact from an Admissions Advisor who will walk you through the rest of the process. You do need a bachelor’s degree to apply for this graduate program.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $420/per credit hour

Fast Fact: #114 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities 

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

2. Oklahoma State University Tulsa

This Master’s in Applied Human Services from Oklahoma State University can be completed in just 18 months.

This accelerated master’s in human services program offers specialties in Gerontology, Non-profit Management, Issues in Family Science and Lifespan Development, Infant Mental Health, and Developmental Disabilities. Or, students can work with their advisor to create a specialty. The degree requires 33 credit hours. Among the topics you’ll study are Aging and Families, Community and Family, Parent Education, Research Methods and Statistics, and a Master’s Capstone. Depending on your specialization, you’ll take additional courses.

You’ll complete an application (and $50 application fee), submit letters of recommendation, resume/CV, a professional goals statement, and official academic transcripts.

Estimated Tuition Cost:  $230/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Niche ranks this university #48/#131 in its Best Big Colleges in America category

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

3. Regent University

A private, Virginia school, based in Christian teachings, Regent University has an online Master of Arts (MA) in Human Services program students can finish in 30 credit hours.

Required, core courses include classes in Helping Skills & Techniques, Foundations of Human Services, Professional Ethics in the Human Service Fields, Multicultural Awareness & Individual Diversity, as well as a Capstone Project and Field Experience. This degree offers 11 concentration areas in subjects of a variety of counseling disciplines. Some specializations are Marriage and Family, Grief, Trauma and Crisis, Biblical, Christian, and others. The curriculum calls for 12 credit hours in your chosen concentration.

As with others, this degree requires you to hold a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate courses, a graduate school admission application ($50 fee), academic transcripts, and provide a copy of a government-issued ID. You may be asked to participate in a Skype interview with the Admissions Committee.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $595/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Niche ranks Regent University #49/308 in its Best Online Colleges in America

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

4. Saint Leo University

The online M.S. in Human Services in Administration from Saint Leo University will prepare you to develop or lead a new human services organization.

Some of the foundational courses you’ll take in this 36 credit hour program are Management & Leadership in Human Service Organizations, Working in Human Services Administration, Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services, Legal and Ethical Issues in Human Services, Funding Sources for Human Services Organizations, and Graduate Project in Human Services Administration. You’ll also have a substantial catalog of electives from which to round out your program. Some of the topics included are aging issues, child welfare, human resources, grants, etc.

Saint Leo University has a simple admission process that begins with an application. You’ll need to provide academic transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, submit a recent resume, three letters of recommendation, and a written essay describing your professional goals. You need to submit your application at least 60 days prior to your start date.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $570/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Saint Leo University is ranked #4 in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Value Schools

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

5. Houston Baptist University

Here’s another online MA in Human Services degree that provides skills to work in the human services field. The program can be completed in 24 months.

Although not a licensure program, you’ll be able to choose from three concentrations: Human Sexuality, Professional Life Counseling, or Marriage and Family. There are core courses you’ll take, regardless of your specialty choice. Classes in the core curriculum are Theories and Techniques in Counseling, Introduction to Human Services Counseling, Human Growth and Development, Christian Integration Seminar, Crisis Response and Trauma Care, and Multicultural Counseling. The entire online program requires 30 credit hours for completion.

You’ll submit academic transcripts from the school that awarded your bachelor’s degree, GRE test scores, resume, and three letters of recommendation, for admission consideration.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $585/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Niche ranks HBU #726/1,572 in its Best Value Colleges in America

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

6. Warner Pacific University

This is a 39 credit hour M.A. in Human Services offered online that takes a holistic approach to the subject. The coursework in this accelerated human services master’s program focuses on preparing you to sit for the Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) exam.

This program concentrates on human systems, research methods, and statistics and examines human services theories and practices in “social change and advocacy.” You’ll also study how individuals interact with the community and society and the best ways to develop educational and prevention programs at human services agencies. Classes that look at at-risk populations, human sexuality, human lifespan, and more are also offered. You’re given the option between writing a thesis or completing a field practicum.

Admission requires you to have a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or better, complete a Pacific Warner application, provide academic transcripts from colleges and universities, and two letters of recommendation (professional or academic). You may be asked to participate in an interview phone call.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $745/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Pacific Warner University in Portland, Oregon, is ranked #6 Best Value Schools by U.S. News and World Report

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s program!

7. Walden University

You can choose from nine specialty areas with this online master’s in from Walden University.

Walden is based on the quarter system for this 48-credit-hour program. You’ll take foundation and core courses such as Foundation of Graduate Study in Human Service, Assessment and Motivational Interviewing, The Advanced Human Service Professional Practitioner in a Changing World, Cultural Humility and Diversity, and Applied Research and Evaluation Methods. Specialty areas include Community and Social Services, Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention, Criminal Justice, General Program, Gerontology, Family Studies and Interventions, Human Service Nonprofit Organizations, Military and Culture, and Mental Health.

Admission requirements will request you have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA, complete an application, and official academic transcripts.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $214/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Niche ranks Walden University #627/1,572 in its Best Value Colleges in America

Interested: Learn more here about online master’s in human services!

8. Liberty University

While this 30 credit hour M.A. in Human Services Counseling from Liberty University won’t qualify for licensure, it will provide you a solid knowledge of human behavior.

A review of the graduate catalog shows you’ll take classes in Introduction to Human Services Counseling, Integration of Spirituality and Counseling, Multicultural Issues in Human Services,  Seminar in Human Services Counseling, and more. Courses are 100% online and the degree can be completed in 12 months. The website encourages you to contact the school for additional information on the program.

Liberty University has a simple admission process. It begins with an application and proceeds to request academic transcripts and apply for financial assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).

Estimated Tuition Cost: $565/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Liberty University is ranked #6/308 in Niche’s Best Online Colleges in America

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

9. Springfield College

Springfield College offers an MS in Human Services hybrid program. Students can complete this online master’s degree in 16-24 months.

You’ll be able to choose from one of three concentrations in Organizational Management and Leadership, Community Counseling Psychology, or Mental Health Counseling. The Community Counseling Psychology Concentration covers subjects in alcohol and drug abuse counseling, general counseling skills, case management, child and family services, social change and economics, and more. Choosing the Mental Health Counseling focus will cover topics in counseling theories, counseling skills for marriage, family, and couples, and psychopathology. To complete this degree, you’ll also have internship experience.

To begin the admission process, you’ll be asked to provide an application, academic transcripts showing completion of your bachelor’s degree, a personal statement and current resume, as well as an interview with a staff or faculty member.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $18,360/per academic year

Fast Fact: Springfield College is rated #18 in Best Value Schools by U.S. News and World Report

Interested: Learn more here about this online master’s in human services!

10. Capella University

Capella University has an online human services master’s degree that gives you two specialization options.

The Leadership and Organization specialization has five core courses, five specialization courses, one elective course and a capstone. The Social and Community Services has five core courses, three specialization courses, three elective courses and a capstone. Depending on your specialty, coursework offered includes Diversity and Inclusion in Human Services, Leading in For-Profit, Nonprofit, and Government Organizations, Leading Adaptive Organizational Systems in Human Services, Social Change, and Public Policy in Human Services.

Admission requirements include submission of an application and $50 fee, proof of your bachelor’s degree, official academic transcripts, and a valid government-issued ID. GRE/GMAT scores are not required for admission.

Estimated Tuition Cost: $565/per credit hour

Fast Fact: Capella University is a for-profit institution founded in 1993

Interested: Learn more here about this online human services master’s degree!

What are the Advantages of an Accelerated Human Services Master’s?

We live in a fast-paced world. If you’re currently working in Human Services and are looking for ways to advance your career, a master’s degree is essential. That’s where online degree programs can be beneficial.

If you work full-time, you may not be able to take a leave of absence to attend a graduate program. But, an online degree program will help you continue to work, meet family obligations, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

There’s little to no difference in program accreditation, faculty, or studies between traditional and distance education degree programs. Online classes are typically shorter in length than traditional on-campus courses but offer a more intensive experience, in general. If the program requires an internship, schools will work with their online students to find convenient locations for that experience.

The faster you complete your degree online, the less you’ll pay in tuition. A majority of online programs offer out-of-state students the same tuition as in-state students, which can be substantial savings. Additionally, accredited, online programs qualify for federal student aid. In the case of graduate students, this will take the form of low-interest loans. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees advancing their education in their field.

The less time you spend getting your graduate degree, the faster you’ll experience career advancement. You can increase your salary and benefits and also job satisfaction.

What Do You Learn in a Master’s in Human Services?

Most programs consist of Core Courses, elective or focus coursework, and a final capstone course or capstone research project. Below are some of the topics and classes students may take in a master’s degree program.

  • Theoretical Foundations & History of Human Services Human Systems
  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Information Management for Human Service Professionals
  • Social and Cultural Diversity and Diverse Populations
  • Human Services Delivery Systems / Human Services Systems
  • Interventions and Direct Delivery Human Services
  • Forensic Behavioral Health
  • Human Services Program Planning and Evaluation
  • Interpersonal Communications for Human Services
  • Human Services Delivery Skills
  • Social Services Administration
  • Human Development and Community Health
  • Family Services Administration

Will a Master’s in Human Services Help My Career?

In general, yes. An accelerated master’s will help human services professionals advance their careers. Human Services is a high-demand profession and an M.S. or M.A. in the field will help you stand apart from bachelor’s prepared applicants or employees. While you can enter the field with an undergraduate degree, an online master’s in human services will put you on track to advance in your field.

Advanced education will help you advance in the human services profession. More education qualifies individuals for roles in federal government policy development, management or supervision, program initiation and evaluation, education, grant writing, fiscal responsibilities, organizational development, and health services administration roles.

You can also advance your career in direct services. These include counseling in higher education, human services management, drug and alcohol abuse, social work, clinical mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and community or social service management.

How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Human Services?

As mentioned above, human services graduates with greater responsibilities can command a higher salary. There are several factors to consider when discussing how much you can make with a master’s degree in human services. That said, in general, master’s prepared individuals will earn more in salary than their bachelor’s prepared counterparts. Additionally, individuals in leadership positions also earn more.

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, suggests Human Services is a career with a much faster than average job growth rate (17% between 2019-2029), offering a median salary of $67,150 per year (PayScale estimates a national average of $62,301) depending on where you live and work.

Job Outlook

The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Human Services field has a much faster than average job growth rate (17% between 2019-2029). Depending on where you live and work, careers in this area offer a median salary of $67,150 per year, according to the BLS (PayScale estimates a national average of $62,301).

When considering salary, you shouldn’t forget to add other benefits that are part of your overall compensation. Some employers will offer benefits packages that may include retirement benefits, paid sick and personal leave, employee tuition assistance, and other compensation.

50 Best Scholarships for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A bachelor of science in nursing a powerful entry-level degree. This degree may be the one thing between you and a comfortable salary. Well, almost. The cost of education, instruments and other supplies to be a nurse can get pricey!

Paying off students loans can occupy decades of a person’s life and really are a massive barrier to feeling comfortable where bills are concerned.

Take a look at the best scholarships for a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

1. American Red Cross Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship

American Red Cross Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship

Award: Varies

The American Red Cross offers the Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship. Jane Delano was the lead organizer of the Red Cross in her nursing service whose efforts made it so that over 20,000 Red Cross nurses served during World War I. Jane Delano died in 1919 in France while traveling for the Red Cross. The Red Cross honors Jane Delano with the Student Nurse Scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote nursing as a career. To be eligible for this award, you must be an undergraduate or graduate nurse who has contributed to volunteer service or you must be an employee of the American Red Cross unit. Scholarships may be applied towards academic fees and tuition. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Foundation (AORN) Scholarship

  • Award: Varies
  • The Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses Foundation AORN offers an academic scholarship for those pursuing a career in perioperative nursing. The scholarship is intended for those pursuing a career in perioperative nursing or continuing their career through a bachelors masters or doctoral degree. The amount of these awards varies. To be eligible for the award you must be a nursing student with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. International students are welcome to apply. The applicant should show interest in the field of perioperative nursing/surgical nursing. Applicants are selected based on academic achievement, financial need, and interest in the field. For more information and to apply check out their website.

DAR Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship

  • Award: 2500
  • The Daughters of the American Revolution offers the Caroline E. Holt nursing scholarship. The Caroline E. Holt nursing scholarship is a $2500 award given to students who are able to demonstrate financial need and have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in an accredited school of nursing. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Coursey Enterprises Student Scholarships

  • Award: 250
  • The Coursey Enterprise Student Scholarships offer scholarships for first-year nursing students. CE offers $250 in the fall $250 for the spring for first-year students as well as the same scholarships the following year. To be eligible for this award, you must be a US citizen. To apply, submit an essay entitled “why I want to be a nurse”. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA) General Scholarship

  • Award: 7500
  • The foundation of the National Student Nurses Association FNSNA offers a general scholarship. The general scholarship is open to all currently enrolled nursing students across the United States. Each year the scholarships typically reflect a specific area of specialization in nursing such as critical care, oncology, emergency nursing and others. The amount of the award is up to $7500 per academic year. For more information and to apply to check out their website.

Hurst Review Services Nursing AACN Scholarship

  • Award: 2500
  • The Hurst Review Services AACN scholarship is for pre-licensure students who are enrolled at an AACN school. To find out if you your school is a member you should head to the AACN nursing website. The amount of the award is in $2500 and it is awarded twice annually. For more information to apply to check out their website.

HRSA NURSE Corps Scholarship Program

  • Award: Varies
  • The HRSA health workforce offers the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program. To be eligible for this award you must be a United States citizen a national or a lawful permanent resident of the United States and be enrolled or accepted into a professional nursing degree program at an accredited school of nursing in the US. The amount of the award is tuition fees and other educational costs. Those who receive the Nurse Corps Scholarship must agree to work at a critical shortage facility upon graduation. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Cascade Healthcare Nurses Make A Difference Scholarship

  • Award: 1000
  • Cascade Healthcare Solutions offers the Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship. The Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship is a $1000 award that is given annually and awarded to an aspiring nurse who is currently enrolled in an undergraduate nursing program. To submit an application you must submit an essay entitled “Who has been the greatest influence in your decision to pursue nursing and why?”. To be eligible for this award you must be an undergraduate nursing student at an undergraduate nursing program at an accredited college or university or a graduating high school student who has been accepted to a nursing program. Additionally applicants should have a GPA of at least a 3.0. For more information and to apply check out their website.

TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship

  • Award: 5000
  • The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship is an annual award given to students who are pursuing a career in healthcare. To be eligible for this award you must be a resident of the United States, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia. Additionally, you should provide evidence that you are enrolled in a graduate program in medical school, nursing or pharmacy. Additionally you should have one or more years of school remaining. This is a $10,000 award given annually. The program offers $5000 rewards all of which may be applied to tuition fees and other educational costs. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Association for Nontraditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) Scholarships

  • Award: Varies
  • The Association for Nontraditional Students and Higher Education offers a scholarship program. The purpose of this award is to assist nontraditional students during their college endeavors. To be eligible you must be enrolled full-time or plan to enroll at a four-year undergraduate program. Nontraditional students are at least 23 years old and meet at least one of the following criteria: enrolled part time, a minority students, low income student, an employed full-time student, a parent, a single parent, or an independent student. For more information and to apply check out their website.

B4 Brands Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Scholarship

  • Award: 1000
  • B4 Brands offers the Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship. The Barbara Romberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship is sponsored by B4 Brands and is awarded each year to nontraditional and a full-time student who is pursuing an undergraduate degree in nursing. Recipients receive a $1000 scholarship paid directly to the institution in which they are enrolled. To be eligible for this award you must be a full-time undergraduate nursing program or student working towards an associate or bachelors degree. A nontraditional student is defined as someone who did not immediately continue the education after high school and must have at least a three-year gap between high school completion and enrollment in a college or university. For more information and to apply, check out their website.

Unigo $10K Scholarship

  • Award: 10000
  • The Unigo 10K Scholarship is a $10,000 award for members of Unigo. To be eligible for this award you must be a United States student and be a legal US resident residing in one of the United States or the District of Columbia. The application for this award is an online written response to the following question: “2020 was a year to be remembered what will you remember most about 2020 and why is it important to you?”. To be eligible for this award you must be at least 14 years of age at the time of the application and currently enrolled in an accredited post secondary institution of higher learning. For more information and to apply check out their website.

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship Program

  • Award: Varies
  • The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship is a scholarship for parents who are United States veterans or currently in the United States military with a demonstrated financial need or a student who whose parents did not attend college. To be eligible you must be a freshman enrolled at a US accredited college or university and have a cumulative unweighted GPA between 3.7 and 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. The foundation provides the scholarship funds directly to the institution where the scholarship recipient is in rolled. The amount of the award varies and is based on the qualifications and resources available to the applicants. For more information and to apply check out their website.

The McKelvey Foundation Scholarship

  • Award: 12000
  • The McKelvey scholarship as a first generation scholarship. Are you the first person in your family to pursue a college education? Then you may be eligible for the McKelvey foundation scholarship. If you are a high school senior planning to attend any four-year college orinstitution in your home state then you may be eligible to apply. The amount of the award is $12,000.

Soroptomist Live Your Dream Award

  • Award: Varies
  • The Soroptimist Live Your Dream award program is for women who are the primary financial support to their families. Every year the Soroptimists give over $2.8 million in awards to educate women across the world. Recipients of this award may use cash to offset any costs associated with their efforts towards higher education including child care, tuition, transportation books etc. The recipients of this award must be survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program, Inc.

  • Award: 2000
  • The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program is for female survivors of intimate partner abuse. To be eligible you must be physically separated from abuser for a minimum of one year but not more than seven. Additionally eligibility goes to those who have sought services from nonprofit agency that provide services to survivors of intimate partner abuse for a minimum of six consecutive months. You must also be a citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States and have been officially been accepted into an accredited course of study at a United States institution. Awards range from $500-$2000 per semester. Masters-seeking students are given awards on average of $1000 per semester. For more information and to apply check out their website.

APU S. Evelyn Lewis Memorial Scholarship in Medical Health Sciences

  • Award: 1000
  • The APU S. Evelyn Lewis Memorial Scholarship in Medical Health Sciences is a $500-$1000 award. To be eligible you must be a woman enrolled in a program that leads to a degree in medicine or health sciences. Applicants should submit three letters of recommendation from a college professor a high school teacher community leader or other. For more information about this award and to apply check out their website.

Steven Bufton Memorial Educational Fund Legacy Scholarship

  • Award: Varies
  • The Stephen Bufton Memorial Educational Fund Legacy Scholarships provide grants to women pursuing post secondary educational goals. To be eligible for the SBMEF Scholarship you must be a female as well as a citizen of the United States who is currently enrolled in an accredited institution. Funds are to be used for tuition and books fees. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Nursing.org Breaking Barriers Scholarship for Men in Nursing

  • Award: 500
  • The Breaking Barriers Scholarship for Men in nursing is a $500 award given to men who are interested in the nursing profession. The purpose of the award is to break down notions that the field of nursing is intended solely for women. To be eligible you must submit an application form as long as well as a personal statement as I can resume. The scholarship is non-renewable. To be eligible for thisyou must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. The scholarship is awarded by nursing.org . For more information and to apply check out their website.

American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN)

  • Award: Varies
  • The American Association for Men in Nursing offers a number of scholarship opportunities for nursing students. To be eligible for this awards you must be committed to the field of nursing and be a member of the AAMN. For more information about these various scholarship opportunities check out their website.

Army Nurse Corps Association (ANCA) Scholarship

  • Award: Varies
  • The Army Nurse Corps Association offers scholarship programming for US citizens attending an accredited baccalaureate or graduate nursing or anesthesia program. To qualify for this scholarship you must be currently enrolled be serving or have previously served in any branch at any rank of a component of the US Army. You must not be currently receiving funding by a component of the US Army and have received an honorable discharge. Additionally nursing or anesthesia students who have a parent or spouse or children with previous service in the US Army are also eligible to apply. For more information check out their website.

Minority Nurse Scholarship Program

  • Award: 7500
  • The Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association offers a new data scholarship sponsored by Johnson and Johnson. Awards are up the $7500. To qualify you must be a pre-nursing student taking courses to prepare for a nursing program and be a US citizen or alien with US permanent resident status. Undergraduate scholarships are available to students who are currently enrolled in the state approved nursing program. For more information and to apply check out their website.

NSCDA American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program

  • Award: 1500
  • The NSCDA offers the American Indian Nurse Scholarship Program. This program was started in 1928 and gives students of American Indian decent the opportunity to pursue a career in nursing. The amount of the award is $1500 and is given each semester. The award has expanded in recent years to include healthcare professions and healthcare education as well. Upon graduation recipients are expected to work among their people to help improve healthcare among Native Americans. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

  • Award: $500-$5000
  • The Hispanic Scholarship Fund offers scholarships for individuals of Hispanic heritage. To be eligible you must be a US citizen permit legal resident or a member of DACA. Additionally eligible individuals must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be attending or planning to attend college or graduate school. This scholarship opportunity is offered to undergraduate as well as graduate level students. The amount of the award varies and ranges from $500-$5000. For more information and to apply check out their website.

National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Nursing Scholarships

  • Award: Varies
  • The National Black Nurses Association offers a scholarship program for nurses and allied health professionals. To be eligible for this award you must be a member of a local chapter of the National Black Nurses Association. Candidates must be currently enrolled in a nursing program such as a BSN adiploma of LPN or something similar. Undergraduate as well as graduate students are welcome to apply. To submit an application submit your official transcript from your accredited nursing school along with a written essay letters of recommendation and documentation that you have participated in student nursing activities.

ExceptionalNurse.com Scholarships

  • Award: $250-$500
  • The ExceptionalNurse.com Scholarship a Scholarship for any individual who has a documented disability and has been admitted to a college or university program on a full-time basis. To apply you should complete and sign the application form as well submit three letters of recommendation along with an essay. All applicants must submit a medical verification of disability form. The amount of the award varies and ranges from $250 to $500.. For more information to apply check out their website.

DisABLEDperson Inc. Scholarship

  • Award: 2000
  • The disABLEDperson Inc. Scholarship is for any individual with a disability who is enrolled in a two or four year accredited institution. To participate you must write an essay of no more than 1000 words. The amount of the award is $2000. Upon winning this award you must be able to prove your disability as described under the ADA- a physical or mental impairment the substantially limits one or more major life activities. For more information and to apply check out their website.

R&D Systems Scholarship

  • Award: 1500
  • The R&D Systems offers a $1500 award twice a year for one student in the fall semester and one in the spring semester. This scholarship is available to students from the United States, Canada, or European countries. To apply to the scholarship you must have a major declared in the science field such as life science, medical science, health science or something similar and have a high school diploma. The following majors apply: medical engineering, environmental sciences, medical sciences, nursing, biology, chemistry, and more. For more information and to apply to check out their website.

California Health Professionals Education Foundation (HPEF)

  • Award: Varies
  • The California Health Professionals Education Foundation offers a number of healthcare related scholarship programs. In particular, the foundation offers associates degree in nursing scholarships, vocational nurse scholarships, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing scholarship, and a license vocational nurse to associate degree in nursing scholarship program. For more information about the scholarships offered check out their website.

Georgia Nurses Foundation and Georgia Nurses Association Nursing Scholarship Awards

  • Award: Varies
  • The Georgia Nurses Foundation offer scholarships through the Georgia Nurses foundation as well as the Georgia Nurses Association Nursing Scholarship . These awards are honorary rewards to honor Annie Lou Overton, Kathryn Suggs, and Katherine Pope. All of these registered nurses were devoted to the profession. The Katherine Pope scholarship is awarded to a non-registered nurse who is seeking a bachelors degree in nursing. The Kathryn Suggs Chance Leonard Scholarship is given to masters or doctoral see great nurses and the Annie Lou Overton Scholarship is awarded to a registered nurse who is pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing. For more information about the scholarships and to apply check out their website.

Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Career Scholarship

  • Award: $5000-$10000
  • The Kaiser Permanente Healthcare Career Scholarship believes that everybody should have equal opportunity and access to education. The scholarship assists students in Oregon and Southwest Washington and offers $5000-$10,000 to high school seniors to attend one of the 140 eligible high schools in the Kaiser Permanente north west service area. For more information about eligibility and to apply check out their website.

Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania (NFP) Scholarshi

  • Award: 2000
  • The Nursing Foundation of Pennsylvania offers a number of scholarships for prospective nurses. The Florence Madden Grady-Fasick Scholarship is a $2000 award given to up to five students who are members of the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association. These funds are given to nursing students in their second semester or more of a nursing school who are able to demonstrate financial need. The Nurse Leader Scholarship is a $1000 award given to opt to students for full-time nursing students who are pursuing an accredited BSN MSN or doctoral program in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The alumni Association scholarship fund for the former Albert Einstein Medical Center nursing school of Philadelphia is a $2000 award given to up to five students. The military scholarship is offered to six students and is $1000 for active duty service members, US veterans, or a child or spouse of a veteran or active duty service member. Finally, the Alyssa Steve Rudy scholarship is a $100 award. For more information about the scholarship opportunities and to apply to check out their website.

$2500 Back to School Scholarship

  • Award: 1000
  • The Heart of Healthcare Nursing Scholarship is a $1000 scholarship for any individual earning a degree in nursing. To be eligible to apply you must be currently enrolled as a student and a CCNE or ACEN accredited BSN MSN or DNP program. Additionally, eligible candidates will have a minimum GPA of 3.5. To apply simply submit an essay along with the application that may be found online. For more information check out their website.

Niche Nursing Scholarship

  • Award: 500
  • The Niche Nursing School Scholarship as a $500 award for students considering enrollment in a nursing school or nursing related major. The Scholarship may go towards tuition book supplies or anything that is related to health and education expense. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Nursing Economics Foundation Scholarships

  • Award: 5000
  • The Nursing Economics Foundation Scholarship is available to graduate students who are in a nursing program. If you are a masters or doctorate in nursing student with an emphasis on administration or management than you are eligible to apply. The amount of the award is $5000 and may be given to up to four candidates. To be eligible you must plan to continue in the field of nursing or be interested in nursing administration, management leadership, or something similar. You must also be a registered nurse and a United States citizen. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF) Scholarships

  • Award: Varies
  • The Nurses Educational Fund supports graduate level nursing students. If you are a student pursuing a Masters or doctor or degree in nursing then you are eligible to apply. For more information about this program check out their website.

NBNA Scholarship Program

  • Award: Varies
  • The National Black Nurses Association offers a scholarship program. This program is committed to supplying financial opportunities for individuals who are members of the NBNA. Additionally to be eligible you must be currently enrolled in nursing program such as a BSN a DLPN or masters or doctorate. All applicants must have at least one full year of school remaining in order to apply. For more information about this program check out their website.

Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Scholarship

  • Award: 1000
  • The Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Scholarship is a $1000 scholarship that is payable directly to the institution in which you are enrolled. To be eligible, you must be an undergraduate student pursuing a nursing degree. Nontraditional students such as those who did not immediately start college after high school are eligible to apply. You must have at least a three year gap between high school and enrollment in a college or university to be eligible. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Hector Gonzalez Past Presidents Scholarship

  • Award: Varies
  • The Hector Hugo Gonzalez Scholarship is intended for Hispanic male nursing students. If you are a Hispanic male nursing student enrolled in a two year associates degree program then you are eligible to apply. For more information and to apply check out their website.

American Association of Critical Care Nurses Scholarships

  • Award: Varies
  • The American Association of Critical Care Nursing offers Scholarships that promotes lifelong learning of critical care nursing. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Massachusetts Nursing Association (MNA) Faulkner Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Memorial Scholarship

  • Award: Varies
  • The Massachusetts Nursing Foundation Scholarships are offered to registered nurses or healthcare professionals and members in good standing. The Massachusetts Nursing Foundation offers a variety of scholarships. Applicants may be eligible for more than just one scholarship. For more information about this program check out their website.

Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship

  • Award: 1000
  • The Nurses Make a Difference Scholarship is a $1000 award for aspiring nurses who are involved in an undergraduate nursing program. To be eligible for this award you must have at least a GPA of 3.0 and be a resident of the United States or hold a valid student visa. Applicants must submit an answer to the essay topic what’s changed from year to year. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Madeline Pickett Nursing Scholarship

  • Award: 2000
  • The Daughters of the American Revolution offers the Madeline Pickett Hulbert Cogswell Nursing Scholarship. The scholarship is in the amount of $2000 awarded one time. It is intended for students who are accepted or enrolled in a school of nursing as well as applicants who are a DAR member. To apply you must show a letter of acceptance into the nursing program as well as a transcript. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Delaware Department of Education Nursing Incentive Program

  • Award: 5000
  • The Delaware Department of Education Nursing Incentive Program is for legal residents of Delaware who are US citizens or eligible noncitizens. To be eligible you must be a full-time student enrolled in an accredited RN or LPN program and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. The amount of the award is $5000 per academic year. For more information and to apply to check out their website.

Herman M. Holloway, SR. Memorial Scholarship

  • Award: Varies
  • The Herman M. Holloway senior Memorial scholarship is offered in honor of African-American state senator in Delaware. This award is offered to legal residents of Delaware who are US citizens or eligible noncitizens with a minimum GPA of at least a 3.0 the amount of the award is full tuition, required fees, room and board, as well as books at Delaware State University. To be eligible you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. For more information and to apply check out their website.

A Nurse I Am Scholarships

  • Award: 14000
  • A Nurse I Am Scholarship is a $14,000 award for any individual who is looking to become a nurse or involved in the nursing profession. This award is for US nursing students who are attending a nursing school in the United States. To apply, you must submit an essay as well as an application form. The amount of the award is $2000 annually and is non-renewable. For more information and to apply check out their website.

50. Doctor Thomas P. and Edwina H. Devlin Medical Scholarship Fund

Doctor Thomas P. and Edwina H. Devlin Medical Scholarship Fund

Award: $100 to $4000

The Dr. Thomas P. and Edwina H. Devlin Medical Scholarship Fund was created to assist medical and nursing students with financial grants. The amount of the grants range from $100-$4000 and are based off of personal character as well as scholastic achievement and financial need. To be eligible you must be accepted at an accredited medical or nursing school. For more information and to apply check out their website.

Related:

10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Nursing and Healthcare Informatics

An affordable online master’s in nursing or health informatics is a flexible path for HIT professionals or nurses to advance their careers. Just like all the other industries, the healthcare sector is going through dynamic technological changes. More professionals are finding it necessary to go back to school and advance their skills.

One of the most in-demand degrees in the healthcare sector is healthcare informatics. Graduate programs in health informatics combine healthcare with IT, computer analysis, and data analysis. Most people in the healthcare industry sign up for an affordable informatics master’s as a way of improving or boosting their careers. Doctors, nurses, hospital technicians, and even administrators can sign up for a graduate degree in this field. After completing the course, they can pair this course with their professional experience and find better-paying jobs in the healthcare sector. They can become IT professionals, data analysts, chief information officers, and hospital administrators.

Although a degree in healthcare informatics could lead to higher or better salaries and a fulfilling career, paying for this education is a challenge to many. While cost is a major consideration, today’s students are looking beyond the price tag and looking into obtaining a quality education. Some of the institutions that offer affordable healthcare informatics master’s degree programs include small private schools, regional public colleges, and institutions where online learning is an option.

Our Method: Ranking the Most Affordable Health Informatics Programs 

Working nurses and healthcare managers who want to improve their credentials or move into a new career like informatics have a lot of concerns, but one of the most important is cost. That’s why the BHD ranking of the most affordable nursing and healthcare informatics programs is focused on one main criteria: tuition cost, as reported to IPEDS. Only accredited, reputable institutions are considered.

1. East Carolina University

Among the 90+ online degree courses offered by East Carolina University is the master’s degree in health informatics and information management. Before commencing with the program, students have to complete 33 hours of foundational curriculum and prerequisite courses. All Students cover the coursework in 126 hours. It includes such topics as allied health management, healthcare payment systems, and health information systems. Students can choose to submit a thesis or complete an internship at the end of the program. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics Information Management (CAHIIM).

Founded in 1907, East Carolina University, shortly known as ECU, is the third-largest university in North Carolina. It is among the few institutions in the state offering the top health informatics programs. ECU has quite a number of campuses, nine undergraduate schools and colleges, and three graduate schools. The institution is also fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) 

Degree: MS Health Informatics and Information Management

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

2. Dakota State University

Dakota State University provides a master’s in health informatics and information management program in a bid to train healthcare professionals to become health information administrators. As the course is 100 percent online, students can choose to undertake the 33-credit program either part-time or full-time. Full-time students can undertake the course in as little as four semesters. All students must complete the program in five years. Students must be experienced or trained in such courses as healthcare information, information systems, and applied statistics. This is an ideal course for health professionals who want to pursue such careers as clinical coding specialists, information managers, and privacy officers. 

Located in Madison, Dakota State University was founded in 1881 when South Dakota was not yet a sovereign state. Popular majors offered in the university include Information Science, System Administration, Database, Network, and Business. The institution is quite popular for its top nursing informatics programs and its 84% acceptance rate.

Degree: MS in Health Informatics and Information Management

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Texas Tech University’s MSN nursing informatics online program is offered through the institution’s Health Sciences Center. While the 39-credit program is fully online, students might have to travel to the institution’s campus in Lubbock for immersive sessions. Students can choose to specialize in such courses as education, administration, family nurse practitioners, which is further divided into nursing informatics and midwifery. Such diversification makes this one of the top health informatics programs in the country. The program requires clinical experience through an applied course or practicum. The course is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is suitable for nurses or healthcare providers who want to hone their leadership and management skills. The course also certifies students for CPHIMS and ANCC Board Certification exams. 

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is famous for its Larry Community Health & Wellness Center, which accommodates about 7,500 low-income patients. The U.S. News & World Report ranks the institution 91st across the country. 

Degree: MSN Nursing Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

4. Columbus State University + Georgia Southwestern University

The joint Columbus State University and Georgia Southwestern University’s MSN in nursing informatics is a course aimed at preparing students for such careers as case management, health education, patient education, and program planning. As one of the top nursing informatics programs, nursing students can specialize in nursing informatics, nursing education, nursing leadership or management, and family nurse practitioner. The program requires a 3.0 GPA score for the degree to be conferred. The program is CCNE accredited and can be completed in four full-time semesters or longer, depending on the student’s professional demands and availability. 

Columbia State University and Georgia Southwestern State University are part of the University System of Georgia. The two regional public universities were founded in 1958 and 1906, respectively. While the first started out as a junior college and the second an agricultural school, both are committed to delivering the highest-quality education in the region. 

Degree: MSN – Nursing Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

5. Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers a master’s in nursing informatics program, which is meant to prepare registered nurses in a healthcare informatics career. The program is entirely online, and students can take at their own pace. Rather than receiving credits, the program’s coursework is measured in competency units. This means that the instructors are more concerned about the skills students gain rather than how much class time they register. Students pay a flat rate fee every six months rather than paying for competency units or credit hours. The program is also one of the top health informatics programs and covers topics such as foundational courses in nursing informatics, database management, data science and analysis, and data modeling. To qualify for the program, students must have a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 

Western Governors University was founded in 1997. It is a no-profit institution that ranks 12th on the list of the most innovative schools. The institution’s popular majors include Nursing, Elementary Education, and Business. 

Degree: MSN Nursing Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

6. Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech University’s master’s of health informatics program is meant for working professionals. The program is provided through the institution’s College of Applied and Natural Science. Unlike other top health informatics programs that are designed for healthcare practitioners, this program accommodates students from all backgrounds such as IT or computer science who wish to switch careers. The 45-credit program includes such topics as computerized decision support, database architecture, and information system evaluation. Students do not have to submit GRE scores to be admitted into the program. However, they must have at least two years of experience in an IT or healthcare-related field. 

Located in Ruston, Louisiana Tech University, formerly known as Louisiana Industrial Institute, is a public higher learning institution that was established in 1894. Since then, the institution has gone on to work with notable institutions such as the Department of Defense, the National Institute of Health, and even NASA. Admission into the university is rather competitive as it has an acceptance rate of 65%. The institution is SACSCOC accredited. 

Degree: Master of Health Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

7. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a fully online master’s program in healthcare informatics. The program has three concentrations: healthcare informatics, leadership, and family nurse practitioner. It is designed to hone the leadership skills of registered nurses while reducing health disparities through data management. The program’s inclusion of courses such as decision support, information management, the life cycle of information systems, and healthcare technology makes it one of the top health informatics programs. Through the CCNE-accredited program, students have a chance to build their networks and take advantage of the online program’s collaborative tools such as video conferencing. Students are required to arrange for a practicum session before they graduate. 

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz was established in 1912 as an extension to the University of Colorado. The institution’s College of Nursing is renowned for its excellence when it comes to nursing education. The U.S. News & World Report has also ranked it 5th for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, 13th for Nursing Midwifery, and 16th for Family Nurse Practitioner. 

Degree: MSN Health Care Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

8. University of Central Florida

PSM in Healthcare Informatics is one of the University of Central Florida’s more than 30 online degrees. As one of the top nursing informatics programs, the program is aimed at preparing students for the highly dynamic healthcare industry by enabling them to improve patient care, healthcare data management, and delivery. Unlike other programs that are largely based on research and classwork, this program is based on real-world training. The 38-credit program is set out in 10 courses. Students begin the course by undertaking a course in informatics fundamentals and end with an internship. Although the program is fully online, some specializations may require students to go to the campus for brief sessions. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. 

The University of Central Florida offers some of the most affordable online graduate degrees. Students can gain admission into the institution during the spring and fall semesters. The institution is ranked 10th by the U.S. News & World Report. 

Degree: PSM in Healthcare Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

9. Ferris State University

The Ferris State University offers an MSN informatics degree program which is available to healthcare practitioners. Students are required to complete 24-bridge coursework as well as 37-credits in general education before commencing with the MSN program. The online program enables students to take as much as four courses at a time. The 37-credit program includes such topics as leadership for informatics specialists, healthcare systems and policies, organizational leadership, and data management and safety. Such depth and scope in coursework have made it one of the top nursing informatics programs in the country. Applicants must have an active registered nurse license and an overall GPA of 3.0. The institution recommends that applicants have at least two years of experience. While it is a fully online program, successful applicants need to attend a 4-hour face-to-face orientation session at the main campus. 

Formerly known as Big Rapids Industrial School, Ferris State University was established in 1884. The institution’s main campus is located in Big Rapids, while a secondary campus is in Grand Rapids. Ferris State University ranks 94th among the best regional universities in Midwest, according to U.S. News & World. 

Degree: MSN – Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

10. Troy University

Troy University’s College of Health and Human Services offers an MSN in Nursing Informatics for registered nurses. The program is meant to help them advance their leadership and clinical skills. The program prepares nurses for advanced roles in their careers, which could include informatics specialists, nurse administrators, and family nurse practitioners. Although this is a fully online program, new students are required to attend a one-day orientation session. The coursework covers such topics as pharmacology and health assessment. The 47-credit MSN nursing informatics program is accredited by CCNE, ACEN, and NLNA , making it one of the top nursing informatics programs in the U.S.  

Troy University was founded in 1887 as Troy Normal School. The institution is the flagship of Troy University System, and it boasts of a student ratio of 15:1, which explains the strong campus culture and student support. Currently, it has four campuses in Alabama and 50 teaching sites across 15 states. It is also the first institution to have established an open publishing facility in Alabama. 

Degree: MSN Nursing Informatics

Click to learn more about this affordable informatics master’s!

Where Can I Get an Affordable Informatics Degree?

Small private schools and regional universities tend to be quite affordable compared to huge public universities. Also, due to the personal touch with students, such institutions often offer attractive financial aid to students that deserve them. Students get an intimate learning atmosphere as opposed to the arena-like classroom settings typical of public universities.

USA Today notes that small private colleges and regional public universities tend to have more resources at their disposal. For instance, faculty mentors and lecturers are available to guide students through the learning process. Also, due to the smaller number of graduates compared to public institutions, there is a high likelihood of alumni providing support as well as career opportunities for students.

Enrolling in an online college has its unique perks. Students prefer it as they can undertake their health informatics courses in the comfort of their homes. It is also quite affordable as you do not have to incur such costs as commuting costs and housing fees. The flexibility offered by online learning is unparalleled. For instance, a person working as a nurse can fulfill their obligations and complete health informatics tasks and assignments once they are off work. This is because the course content is available 24/7.

The coursework for those undertaking a health informatics course includes:

  • Data management and analysis
  • Database management
  • Computer technology and health information systems
  • Coding
  • Biomedical Sciences, and
  • Legal aspects as far as health information is concerned

How Much Can I Make in Health Informatics?

A healthcare or nursing informatics professional works in a hospital or healthcare setting to maintain the organization’s IT systems. This includes ensuring that the system complies with the law as well as company policies and regulations. The professional works alone or as part of a team to perform extensive research on available solutions depending on the organization’s needs. They then plan on how the software system or technological solution will be implemented.

Implementing a software could involve testing the system, debugging it, and optimizing it for maximum functionality. The health informatics specialist will also troubleshoot the system whenever it encounters a problem. They may also be responsible for the training of the other employees to familiarize them with how the system works. They will also need to stay informed on system developments so that they can update it when necessary. In some instances, health informatics work with clients to optimize online platforms.

The healthcare informatics salary depends on such factors as:

  • The type of informatics career one chooses
  • The level of the student’s health informatics degree
  • The work environment or the type of healthcare facility one works in
  • The years of experience
  • Types of health informatics careers and potential salaries

Health informatics salaries differ from one career to another. Some of the most common health informatics professions include:

1. Health informatics director

This position requires one to have health informatics skills along with people skills. A health informatics director organizes and integrates data flow across different departments in the organization. They also meet with stakeholders to discuss technological changes and how to mitigate any challenges presented by existing technological systems.

2. Health informatics consultant

Most health informatics consultants work independently to perform such tasks as:

  • Installation of new software systems
  • Monitoring and troubleshooting systems
  • Training teams
  • Updating networks, among others

3. Chief medical information officer

The roles and responsibilities of a chief medical information officer vary from one organization to the other. This professional is responsible for conducting analysis to optimize IT infrastructure and designing software applications to ensure high-quality patient care. Apart from working in a hospital setting, a chief medical information officer could also work in a government agency and or an academic setting.

4. Nursing informatics specialist

In a world where big data is becoming increasingly popular, most healthcare organizations are looking for nurses with specialist skills in informatics. These professionals work alongside healthcare providers and regular nurses to keep accurate records of patient care plans. They sometimes train their colleagues on record-keeping procedures.

5. Healthcare IT manager

A healthcare IT manager is responsible for the creation and execution of technological project plans within healthcare organizations. The professional will also communicate with other employees within the organization to ensure that projects are completed on time.

6. An electronic medical records keeper

An electronic medical record keeper is responsible for inputting such data as patients’ diagnosis, symptoms, conditions, and treatments into the organization’s database. This professional ensures that patient data is as accurate as possible. They could also be responsible for the collection of data for medical studies and research. Due to the ongoing transition by healthcare facilities from conventional data-keeping structures to modern solutions such as cloud computing, there is an increased demand for electronic medical records keepers.

Healthcare informatics master’s degree salary is about $20,000 annually more compared to a healthcare informatics bachelor’s degree salary.

How Much Can I Make as a Nurse Informaticist?

Technology plays a key role in the delivery of quality healthcare in institutions. This has led to an increase in the demand for nursing informatics professionals. This field blends technological systems with patient care to enhance the patients’ experiences as far as nursing care is concerned. Apart from being registered nurses, nurse informatics help develop and implement clinical applications and information systems. Therefore, people who want to advance in this field must have a background in technology and clinical nursing.

Some of the most common nurse informatics roles include:

  • Programming systems or customizing systems provided by a vendor or developed by an in-house team
  • Participating in data analysis and improvement initiatives to optimize existing technological systems
  • Providing support and training to other employees
  • Simplifying documentation and access to patients’ records. This ensures that other healthcare providers can access patients’ record on computers and mobile devices

Nursing informatics salary depends on such factors as the work setting, the region, and the level of education or certification. For example, a master’s in nursing informatics salary is more compared to a bachelor’s nursing informatics jobs salary. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average msn informatics salary is $88,740 per year. Nursing informatics can work in military or government settings, consulting firms, corporate offices belonging to healthcare organizations, academic settings, and ambulatory care centers.

There are skills that make a healthcare informatics candidate more desirable. These may include:

  • Clinical information systems
  • Information technology
  • Electronic medical records (EMR) implementation
  • Project management
  • Policy writing

Nursing informatics is a potentially lucrative career. Nurses who are passionate about information systems and data management would be smart to tap into this specialty.

Can an Informaticist Work from Home?

Health information and record management systems are constantly being developed. This makes it important or even mandatory that clinics, doctor offices, hospitals, and medical schools onboard an informaticist who can ensure the smooth operation of such systems. This professional also keeps the operational, administrative, and clinical departments in sync.

The workplace is also undergoing dynamic changes, and it is not uncommon to come across nursing informatics jobs work-from-home job opportunities. This position involves the use of sophisticated software along with analytics applications. These are quite resource-intensive. Therefore, employers hiring remote informaticists require them to have a computer that is capable of running this software and related applications consistently. In most cases, the employer will dictate the required processer, disk storage space, and the amount of installed memory.

Normally, these professionals work for about 40 hours per week. In some instances, working overtime could be required. Evening and night-shift working conditions are also available, especially if the professional works in a hospital setting.

The best thing that any potential health informatics student can do is research on existing and future job opportunities before picking a specialty. Since healthcare informatics is a multidisciplinary as well as one of the most stable fields in the US, it is a perfect option for people who are on the lookout for in-demand occupations.

Related Rankings:

20 Best Free Online Courses On Health And Medicine

Healthcare has been at the forefront of national discussions on policy and human rights for some time. Now it’s taken a more significant role in the zeitgeist. If you’re working in the field, you know that continually expanding your skills, knowledge, and experience is key to sustained success. And if you’re looking to work in health care, or just fascinated by health and medicine, this is for you.

In this list we’ve looked at twenty free online courses in health and medicine. Many of these are offered in part by elite universities around the world. We’ve ranked these courses by the number of reviews they received and the average rating to give you excellent options no matter what your niche is. You’ll find classes on specific diseases, conditions, nutrition, medical fields, and more. Let’s see what courses made it:

1) CDC Environmental Public Health Online Courses (EPHOC)

The CDC has partnered with Tulane University to offer a series of free e-learning courses on environmental public health issues. These courses are intended for new environmental public health professionals, students, people in the field looking to advance their skills and knowledge, and people wishing to take a state or national exam. There are 15 distinct courses offered to students, including Food Protection, Radiation Protection, Disaster Sanitation, and many more.

2) Understanding Dementia MOOC

The University of Tasmania presents this free course on dementia. It requires seven weeks of study and three hours a week to complete. It doesn’t require exams nor assignments, but students will still learn the most recent information about dementia care and research. How do you maximize the quality of life for people with dementia and those around them? This course is intended for policymakers, social scientists, health professionals, people impacted by dementia, and anyone interested in the subject.

3) Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The University of Tasmania is back with this free online course on MS. Its goal is to raise awareness and understanding of the disease. It’s intended for people living with MS, their families, health professionals, and advocates. Students will tackle modules in Biology and Pathology, Diagnosis and Symptoms, Demographics and Intro to Risk, Risk Factors, Disease Management and Support Strategies, and Living with MS. This course takes six weeks to finish, and students can expect to spend two hours a week on it.

4) Maintaining a Mindful Life

This free course is offered by Melbourne, Australia’s Monash University, and aimed at improving student emotional health, communication, and relationships through mindfulness training. It lasts four weeks and requires three hours of study a week. Topics covered include empathy, compassion, and kindness, mindfulness and pain, self-compassion and performance, and much more. It’s technique-focused and will immerse students in formal and informal mindfulness practices. This course is for people with some previous mindfulness practice experience.

5) Preventing Dementia

The University of Tasmania is back again with another free course on dementia. This course inspects whether you can change your risk for dementia, based on the latest research about what decreases vulnerability to its conditions. Students will enter online discussions, figure out how to help people reduce their risks of dementia, and even be assessed for their chances. This course is intended for anyone interested, regardless of their background. It doesn’t require exams or assignments to participate. Students can expect to commit two hours a week for four weeks to complete the course.

6) Mindfulness for Wellbeing and Peak Performance

Monash returns with another mindfulness course, this one on stress reduction. Students will learn to improve their wellbeing and increase their performance in studies and work during this free online course. It requires three hours a week for six weeks to complete. If you’re stressed by modern life, it might be for you. It’s intended for anyone, whether or not they have any experience with mindfulness. Students will learn techniques, decrease anxiety, and improve communication with others. They will be asked to reflect on their experiences. The next start date is 6/15/20.

7) Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics

The University of Cape Town and Coursera have partnered to present this free course. It’s for people who want to gain a better understanding of technical research terms. It’s intended for people who wish to understand published research better, and researchers alike. This includes complete beginners. You’ll learn to interpret ubiquitous statistical concepts and terminology. In total, this course takes 28 hours to complete. Areas covered include statistics, statistical analysis, clinical research, and statistical hypothesis testing.

8) Nutrition, Exercise and Sports

This free course is offered by edX and Wageningen University. It lasts six weeks and takes four to eight hours a week to complete. Students will learn about exercise physiology, sports, nutrition science, and how nutrition impacts energy, protein metabolism, fluid balance, and much more. You’ll move through Intro to Sports Nutrition, Skeletal Muscle, Exercise and Sports, Energy and Fluid Balance, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Ergogenic Supplements, and Exercise and Nutrition During Aging. Students will leave with a critical mind-set regarding Exercise, Nutrition, and Sports.

9) The Musculoskeletal System: The Science of Staying Active into Old Age

Newcastle University, The University of Sheffield, The University of Liverpool and FutureLearn all combine to offer this free course. It lasts three weeks and demands three hours of study a week. Students will learn why joints, muscles, and bones lose functionality as humans age and learn how to live well through aging. Topics covered include the musculoskeletal system, its health, the impacts of diet and exercise on it, and much more. This course is intended for patients, caregivers, and anyone who wants to learn about health and lifestyle. No previous experience in biology is required.

10) Discover Dentistry

The University of Sheffield and FutureLearn collaborated on this free course on dentistry. You’ll learn about the history of dentistry: what they do, why it matters, and much more. This course lasts six weeks and requires three hours of study a week. Topics include specializations in dentistry, dental charting, dentistry systems in different countries, tooth anatomy, development, disease, various roles in dentistry, and more. This course is for anyone interested in dentistry or science, no matter their previous experience or knowledge.

11) Introducción a la Regulación Emocional basada en Mindfulness

This free course tackles emotion regulation through mindfulness. It’s offered in Spanish by the University of Madrid and edX. The course takes four weeks and requires five to six hours a week. It’s self-paced. Students will learn to tolerate difficult emotions, cultivate emotions of gratitude and compassion, practice presence in the moment, counter negative biases about people, among other practices and outcomes.

12) Medicine and the Arts: Humanising Healthcare

The University of Cape Town and Future Learn present this free course covering the overlap between humanities, arts, and healthcare. It looks at anthropology, creative arts, history, social sciences, and health. Topics include mental illness, understandings of death, how children experience disease and recovery, and much more. This course requires six weeks of study and three hours a week. It’s intended for anyone interested, regardless of their background.

13) De-Mystifying Mindfulness

This courses if for anyone interested in meditation, contemplation, and mindfulness. It’s offered for free by Leiden University and Coursera. Students will spend approximately 34 hours on it in total (the program has flexible deadlines). Topics covered include the political and social significances of mindfulness, comparing distinct therapeutic and psychological approaches to mindfulness, and common conceptions and misconceptions of mindful practices. Students will also be able to interpret and create the methods that work for them.

14) Nutrition, Heart Disease and Diabetes

Wageningen University and edX present this free course. It’s focused on the current science and analysis of how lifestyle and nutrition impact the development and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular issues. The session lasts five weeks and requires six to eight hours a week to complete. Modules covered include Cardiometabolic Disease Risk, Role of diet – Prevention of Cardiometabolic Diseases, Pathophysiology of Cardiometabolic Disease, Molecular Aspects, and Nutritional Strategies to Reduce Cardiometabolic Diseases. This course is for people with some education or training in healthcare, nutrition, and related areas.

15) Nutrition and Health: Micronutrients and Malnutrition

This course is also offered by Wageningen University and edX. It focuses on micronutrients (minerals, vitamins, and trace elements) in foods. Whereas macronutrients are types of foods (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), micronutrients are what we get out of food. This course looks at tactics to improve and fight against problems caused by malnutrition. It’s intended for health care professionals or people working in the food industry that don’t have a background in nutrition. Students will develop a critical outlook on food, health, and nutrition. This course requires seven weeks and six to eight hours per week to complete.

16) Viruses & How to Beat Them: Cells, Immunity, Vaccines

This course is offered free from Tel Aviv University and edX. It looks at how immune systems handle viral diseases. The course explores vaccinations, how viruses subvert our cells, specific viruses like AIDS and Ebola, and much more. This course requires seven weeks to complete, and students will spend two to three hours a week working on it. It’s intended as an introductory course open to people of all backgrounds. It also has a perfect 5/5 rating from 25 respondents.

  • Reviews: 25
  • Rating: 5/5
  • Viruses & How to Beat Them: Cells, Immunity, Vaccines

17) COVID-19: Tackling the Novel Coronavirus

This course is offered free from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in conjunction with Future Learn. It provides students an in-depth exploration of the latest information about COVID-19 from international experts. It requires four hours a week for three weeks to complete. It’s intended for anyone working in health or interested in response to the outbreak.

18) Mechanical Ventilation for COVID-19

This free course is courtesy of Harvard University and edX. It’s intended for licensed medical professionals, so they can support and assist those that use mechanical ventilators to care for COVID-19 patients. The course lasts a week and requires 2-5 hours to complete. This is an excellent option if you’re working in healthcare and looking to expand your understanding of mechanical ventilation. It can also give you credits towards health certifications and degrees you might be currently enrolled in. Topics covered include waveform analysis, how ventilation procedures are different in COVID-19 patients, troubleshooting with the ventilator, and much more.

19) Nutrition and Health: Macronutrients and Overnutrition

This course is free from Wageningen University and edX. It tackles macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. You’ll learn how they’re absorbed, stored, and used for energy, and how they impact health. It explores body weight regulation, being overweight and obese, and the latest in nutritional research/research methodologies. It covers the connection between nutrition, human health, and health problems stemming from overeating. This course is conveyed over nine weeks, and takes six to eight hours a week to complete.

20) Food as Medicine

Monash University and Future Learn team up to present this free course on health and nutrition. You’ll look at how food can be preventative of certain conditions, how it can help manage chronic diseases now and in the future, and how it has been used historically. Topics covered include food and the brain, food and the gut, food and our genome, and much more. This course is intended for anyone interested but will be extremely useful for healthcare professionals. It’s completed over three weeks and requires four hours of study each week.

Related:

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25 Best Health Science Master’s Degrees

15 Best Online Health Science Master’s Degree

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