About the Program

The Healthcare Studies program is a degree completion program that provides a broad foundation in health care and population health. It prepares students to become informed and engaged health professionals who can think critically, understand health research and evidenced-based practice, lead health care teams, and develop innovative solutions that address a variety of patient populations. Whether you’re an experienced allied health professional or new to the health care field, a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies degree from MUSC may be the right fit for you. 

This degree program is ideal for individuals that want to:

• Complete their bachelor’s degree online while continuing to work,
• Increase their career advancement opportunities by attaining a bachelor’s degree,
• Apply to a graduate program in the health professions upon completion of their bachelor’s degree.

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and professions, including occupational therapist assistants, physical therapist assistants, medical assistants, radiologic technologists, and cardiovascular technologists. Most of our students are working professionals hoping to advance their careers by attaining a bachelor’s degree. Get to know our students.

Program Highlights

• Students save both time and money by completing general education requirements at a community or technical college. 
• An interprofessional program that gives you the opportunity to work with individuals from various other professions. 
• The online format gives you the flexibility to stay in your community and focus on what's important, like family and your career.
• Earn your bachelor's degree from a well-respected, regionally accredited university.

Online Format

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies program is an online hybrid program designed for students who have completed completed some college coursework. To be eligible, students must have completed a minimum of 72 credit hours and all general education requirements. Learn more about admissions requirements.

The lock-step, cohort model provides students a structured learning environment meant to foster collaboration and camaraderie with peers. While students complete most of their coursework online at their own pace, they are also required to attend live course orientations (online or on-campus), typically 2-3 days, at the beginning of each semester (August, January, May). These sessions afford students valuable face time with faculty and classmates.

Courses are completed in one and a half years over four semesters. Learn more about the schedule and curriculum. 

Course Orientation

The course orientation sessions are part of what makes this program unique. Each session is designed to help students get the most out of the program from the comfort of their home or on the MUSC campus in Charleston, SC. Beyond the benefit of face-to-face class time with faculty and peers, students also have the opportunity to

• Participate in career development sessions.
• Participate in academic advisement sessions with their faculty mentor.
• Schedule individual meetings with their professors.
• Sit in on graduate-level health professions courses (on-campus only).
• Network with MUSC faculty and health professionals.

Program Objectives

Through the program, students will develop an understanding of the determinants of health; develop creative and innovative health interventions for  a variety of patient populations; understand the strengths and limitations of research to interpret health data; and apply ethical and professional standards and values to health professions practice. These objectives are based on the necessary skills to obtain employment in a health promotion field or provide students who apply to graduate programs with a broader perspective of health.

Distance Education Information

MUSC has been approved by South Carolina to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Currently, MUSC accepts applications to the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies from students who live in all states. Learn more on the Office of Institutional Effectiveness' State Authorization page.

Accreditation

The Medical University of South Carolina is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC). More information can be found on the MUSC Accreditation page.