Master of Science in Health Sciences 

Master of Health Science

The Master of Health Science is an accelerated one-year program that empowers students to build a strong and versatile foundation in the health sciences. With three specialized tracks—Molecular Medicine, Community Health, and Health and Medicine—the program offers the flexibility to tailor studies to individual career goals. Because of the various tracks, the program supports educational endeavors in various healthcare topics, allowing for work under different content experts, preparing graduate-level deliverables. Intake for the Molecular Medicine and Health & Medicine options is currently for the fall term only. 

Application Requirement & Pre-Requisite Requirement

• Applicants without a STEM undergraduate degree are recommended to have taken at a minimum one year each of the following prerequisites: introductory biology, introductory physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.* 
• Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended (International applicants must have transcripts evaluated/transcribed by WES or a similar agency).
• 2 letters of recommendation
• Statement of Health Care Interest  

*Applicants without a STEM degree or prerequisite courses should consider the Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate program as a pathway to the MS in Health Sciences

NOTE: Applications are accepted for Fall and Spring terms:

• Fall: Applications due between December 1 and August 1
• Spring: Applications due between July 1 and December 15

Track Options

Students can choose from three tracks, selecting a focus area at the start of the application process. The Molecular Medicine track emphasizes core concepts in microbiology, immunology, and cellular function, with course options such as hematology, mass spectrometry, and cognitive neuroscience. The Health and Medicine track strengthens students’ understanding of preventive medicine through coursework in psychology, anatomy, and nutrition. Finally, the Community Health track builds a solid foundation in public health, equipping students to promote wellness and well-being within communities. This final track prepares students to gain a deeper understanding of community and public health, which is essential for those applying to health professions programs, such as medical school. 

If you have questions about the specific track, please direct them to: 

- Molecular Medicine & Health and Medicine: Loren Gray, loren.gray@montana.edu

- Community Health: -Brant Schumacher, brant.schumacher@montana.edu

Program Details

Some basics include:

• Minimum: 9 credits from Emphasis, 24 course credits, 3 scholarly project credits (HMED or CHTH 575, w/presentation); 30 credits total.
• Maximum: 9 credits from 400 level, 9 credits from transfer (UM, MSU-B), 6 credits (HMED or CHTH 575).
• Special courses: 491, 492, 588, and 589 credits do not apply. No limit for 595 credits. 592, 594, and 598 credits cannot constitute more than 1/3 of total credits. HMED 540 Clinical Practicum HMED or CHTH 575 Scholarly project, and HMED 594 Journal Club apply to each Emphasis.
• The course listing serves as an example of potential opportunities. Access to any given course will depend on availability and completion of appropriate prerequisites. There is no guarantee that any particular course will be offered or available.
• With limited exceptions, this program is offered fully in person and is intended (but not required) to be completed within two semesters or one year.

Funding

As with many graduate programs, graduate students can pursue financial aid or scholarships. This program has a limited number of graduate teaching assistantships (GTA), so students applying to this program should be prepared to fund their own education.  

Possible GTA courses include: 

• BIOH 201/366—Anatomy and Physiology I 
• BIOH 211/371—Anatomy and Physiology II 
• BIOB 260—Cellular and Molecular Biology 
• BIOM 360—General Microbiology 

Please reach out to Loren Gray with inquiries regarding a GTA appointment for these courses.