Bachelor of Science in Health Care Studies

Curriculum

In the BSHCS program, students follow a set schedule of 12–13 credit hours each semester, progressing through the program as a cohort for collaboration and support.

Core Learning Areas

The curriculum blends foundational health sciences with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), preparing graduates for today’s evolving health care environment. Students will explore:

• Foundations of Public Health
• Drivers of Health
• Etiology and Pathophysiology of Chronic Diseases
• Applied Research and Statistics in the Health Sciences
• Epidemiology
• Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
• Introduction to Health Behavior and Education
• Overview of the U.S. Health Care System
• Introduction to Health Policy
• Practicum: AI-informed solutions to real-world health challenges

Skills You’ll Gain

Through courses, projects and a culminating practicum, students learn to:

• Think critically about the ethical and practical use of health data and technology
• Apply health research and evidence-based practices to improve outcomes
• Lead health care teams using digital tools and informatics
• Design innovative, AI-driven interventions for population health

Practicum Experience

The program practicum is a progressive journey that takes students from early career exploration to designing innovative, AI-informed solutions to real health care challenges.

In the first two semesters, students engage in guided self-assessments, reflections and planning activities that help them clarify professional goals and create a personalized learning contract. This plan outlines their practicum objectives, strategies and evidence of learning, building a clear roadmap for applied experience.

In the final semester, students put their plan into action by completing a culminating project supported by a professional portfolio. Drawing on coursework, evidence-based practice and AI tools, students design either a clinical or non-clinical solution to a real health care problem. Deliverables include a comprehensive portfolio, a poster presentation and an oral defense.

By the end of the practicum, students will have demonstrated mastery of program objectives, showcased their ability to apply AI to health care systems and gained meaningful, career-relevant experience that positions them for leadership in the field.

Prerequisites

All applicants must complete a minimum of 72 credit hours, including all general education requirements and Probability & Statistics (or an equivalent Mathematics course).

• The program will accept online or in-person coursework from any regionally accredited college or university, this includes community or technical colleges.
• College Level Examinations Program (CLEP) exam credit is also accepted for general education requirement for this program. Please note, that most graduate degree programs will not accept CLEP exam credits for prerequisite coursework.

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program's requirements. To explore the list, visit our Frequently Approved Prerequisites page. 

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

1. Request an unofficial transcript evaluation to ensure eligibility.
2. Submit the MUSC application.
3. Once your application has been received and verified, your application will be reviewed.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Lauren Gellar, Ph.D., Director of the Division of Health Care Studies for additional program details.

Application Requirements

1. MUSC Application: All applicants must submit an MUSC application.
2. Supplemental Materials: Applicants will need to submit the following supplemental materials.
   • Letters of recommendation: All applicants must provide two academic or professional references who can comment on the applicant’s capabilities and motivation. Recommendations from family and/or friends are not acceptable.
   • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
   • Personal essay
   • Resume
3. All information above must be received by the deadline to be considered for admission to the program. Without all materials, applications will be incomplete. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the progress of their application to ensure that all application materials have been submitted.

International Applicants

MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admission process. View details at International Applicants.

Technical School Partnerships

The BSHCS program works closely with many of the South Carolina Technical Colleges to develop pre-health professions pathway programs. At some schools you can follow a track in Pre-Med, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Physician Assistant and Pre-Health Administration. Interested students can also create their own course of study by completing their associate degree or a total of 72 credits, including all general education courses. Completing an associate degree is highly encouraged. Students with an associate degree are still required to have completed 72 credits, including all general education courses.

For more information on the educational programs available at one of the state’s 16 technical colleges, please visit the school’s website.

Pre-Health Professions Pathway Partnerships

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Orangeburg, SC

• Healthcare Studies - MUSC – Associate in Science/Healthcare

Spartanburg Community College, Spartanburg, SC

• Healthcare Studies with Pre-Dental Electives - General Technology, AAS
• Healthcare Studies with Pre-Healthcare Administration Electives - General Technology, AAS
• Healthcare Studies with Pre-Medical Electives - General Technology, AAS
• Healthcare Studies with Pre-Pharmacy Electives - General Technology, AAS
• Healthcare Studies with Pre-Physical Therapy Electives - General Technology, AAS
• Healthcare Studies with Pre-Physician Assistant Electives - General Technology, AAS

York Technical College (YTC), Rock Hill, SC

• Associate in Science at YTC to Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies at MUSC

Cost of Attendance

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Click here to visit our scholarship application system to view a complete listing of MUSC scholarships.

Competencies

Upon completion of the BSHCS program, graduates should be able to:

1. Apply theory in the development, implementation and evaluation of health interventions, programs and policies, including the use of AI to enhance these processes.
2. Evaluate and interpret results from health-related research and evaluations, incorporating AI-driven tools to analyze data and improve outcomes.
3. Demonstrate sensitivity towards all populations by using AI to tailor interventions and health solutions to diverse needs.
4. Communicate complex health information, including AI-related innovations, in a clear and effective manner.
5. Apply ethical and professional principles that govern the health professions, with an emphasis on ethical AI use in health care settings.

These outcomes are designed to prepare students not only for traditional health care roles but also for roles that incorporate AI technology, enabling them to navigate the evolving landscape of health care.

Vision

To cultivate a generation of health professionals and scholars who advance the well‑being of individuals and populations through informed research, ethical practice and innovation.

Mission

To provide a foundation in health care studies and population health. To prepare students to become informed and engaged health professionals who are able to think critically about health- related issues and work as part of a health care team. To develop innovative solutions that integrate comprehensive determinants of health.

There are several possible options for graduates upon completion of the program:

• Enter the workforce in a health-related field; or
• Apply to graduate programs, such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Medical School, Dental School, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Public Health, Health Administration or Health Informatics, all of which are offered at MUSC.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
• Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
• Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
• Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
• Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.