Examine the Curriculum

WesternU's Master of Science in Health Sciences (MSHS) graduates are regularly tapped to assume leadership roles in health professions and community education. We attribute the success of our students to our faculty and student's commitment to teaching and learning, the program's flexibility and innovation, and our outstanding reputation.

 

Although courses are primarily offered on campus in the evenings, we currently offer a few web-based courses as well, and more are in development.  You may choose one of two areas of focus: Health Professions Education (HPE) or Community Health Education (CHE). Most students elect to declare their focus area before the end of the first year.

Health Professions Education (HPE) Track
Many clinical providers choose this track to enhance their skills in teaching colleagues, teaching health-care students, and educating patients. The curriculum is also appropriate for those wishing to teach in a traditional educational environment. If you have a clinical license (a PA-C, for example), you may be able to submit hours from the MSHS curriculum for continuing education credit. In the HPE track, you can choose a concentration in instructional design or clinical teaching.

Community Health Education (CHE) Track
This track prepares you to work as a health educator in community settings, such as nonprofit organizations, managed-care settings, or workplaces. It allows health educators to complete the master's degree necessary for certification and offers those already working in related areas, such as dietetics or nursing, an opportunity to share their expertise in a community setting. In the CHE track, you can choose a concentration in community health education and competencies.

Flexible Scheduling
You can complete your degree in two to three years, though we do allow you up to five years to complete the 34-unit degree. If you have taken graduate level courses at another institution you may transfer up to six units toward the 34 required for graduation. Read what a typical week might look like as a full- or part-time MSHS student.

Profession-Relevant Coursework
For both tracks, the program offers core courses in foundations of the U.S. health-care system, educational leadership, human resources and finance, teaching and learning theories, among many others. Coursework promotes the knowledge, values, and skills essential for competence in the following four domains:

• Basic statistical analysis and research methodologies
• Didactic curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation
• Clinical and community-based program design, implementation, and evaluation
• Executive skills for health professions education leaders

 

For more detail review the course catalog

To finalize your program, you will choose a culminating project that might include field work, a thesis, or independent studies. In the final phase of the curriculum, you will be eligible to apply for certification by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). Learn more about this non-profit agency, NCHEC, in credentialing excellence in health education. 

Please join us for an information session where you can tour the facilities, chat with faculty & students,
and learn more about WesternU's MSHS curriculum and admission requirements.