MSHS Frequently Asked Questions

Do I select a specialty concentration for the MSHS?

The MSHS is a broadbased degree which gives the student exposure to multiple non-clinical aspects of healthcare. There is no concentration. Classes include population health, health analytics, healthcare ethics and policies, epidemiology, and research methods. With this broad exposure to health and healthcare, our students are well positioned for careers - ranging from health education/promotion to administration to research - in the health and healthcare industry.

Why is a statistics course required prior to applying?

In the health field and healthcare industry it is common to learn from research work that has been accomplished by others. Therefore, though the MSHS is not a clinical or science degree, we do want our graduates to be trained in reading and analyzing clinical and non-clinical research that has been done in the health field. Therefore, the program includes a research methods class. To take the best advantage of this class, the student should have had exposure to statistics.

Can I start any semester?

New students begin Fall semester of each year. A student can petition to start early, but this decision would be made by the Program Director on a case by case basis.

When is the application deadline?

The MSHS program currently has a rolling admissions policy. The earlier you submit the application, the sooner you will know your acceptance status. We prefer to receive applications by March 31 if possible.

What is the cost for tuition plus fees?

The MSHS program is housed at Radford University Carilion (RUC). The tuition and fees for RUC can be found online.  

Am I required to take any "face to face" classes, or are all classes online?

Although many of our students do visit the campus and meet with their instructors in person, you are not required to take classes on campus. You can complete the degree 100% online.

Is the GRE required?

We do not require the GRE. However, applicants should pay close attention to crafting the essay and the CV/resume. Letters of recommendation are also required. These, and the interview (should be applicant be invited for a virtual interview) weigh heavily in the acceptance decision.

What if my GPA is a little low? Do you make exceptions?

If your application passes the initial screening, we will review the transcripts in great detail to better understand your past grades. You should, in your essay, explain low past grades.

Do you offer any special financial assistance (stipend, assistantships) to your MSHS students?

At this time, RUC does not have stipends or graduate assistantships for our MSHS students. Most of our students are working professionals and therefore would not have time for a part time assistantship.

Do students go to school year round?

We have classes Fall semester, Spring semester, and the full summer ("Summer III" semester). This is a full year schedule.

The website says I can be finished in as little as one year plus one semester if I take an average of 3 classes per semester. What if, due to family/work/financial constraints, I cannot manage such a heavy load?

You are not required to take 3-4 classes per semester. Note however that classes are generally offered once per year and always in the same semester. That is, a Fall class is offered fall only, and not Fall and Spring. Therefore, if you miss a Fall class you need, you must wait a year to take the class. Most students, with good planning with their academic advisor, have not found this to be an issue.

Is there an overall deadline of how long I get to finish the program?

You must complete the program in 6 years, from the date you started your first class.

What is the final project - the "culminating experience" - like?

For the culminating experience, students can choose from a practicum experience where they work in the field, OR a scholarly research project where the student works under the mentorship of a faculty member. The practicum is well suited to those who plan to work in an industry such as health care. The scholarly project is well suited to those who are interested in working in research or academia, or in pursuing a future doctoral degree.

I see that you also have a MSHS to DHSc dual track. What is that?

Some students have decided, prior to applying to our program, that they wish to ultimately pursue a doctorate in health sciences. The dual track allows a student to take an accelerated path to getting both degrees in a relatively short time frame. To apply for this track, the student should apply directly for that track. If a student is already in the MSHS program and wishes to move to the dual degree track, this decision must be made during semester 2 of the MSHS program. Note that the admissions requirements are different from the MSHS single track, and spots are limited. Learn more about the dual track online. check out the webpage here: https://www.radford.edu/content/grad/home/academics/graduate-programs/health-sciences-dual-degree-track-ms-dhsc.html

How can I find out more?

If you have questions about the application process, please contact the graduate admissions office.

For information on financial aid, please contact the RUC financial aid office.

If you have questions about the classes, application review process, or program of study, please contact the Program Director.

Kim Baskette, PhD, CHES®
Assistant Professor & Program Director
Radford University Carilion
9th Floor, Room 910
kgbaskette@radford.edu
540-831-1699