Master of Science in Health Sciences program and class guide

The Master of Science in Health Sciences program prepares students to become leaders in the health care and public health fields, equipping them to be ethical leaders and data-driven decision makers around critical aspects of individual and population health care. Courses provide students with knowledge and skills to communicate with an array of stakeholder groups, particularly around ethical leadership, data- driven decision making, and actively working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the health and public health systems. Students acquire foundational knowledge in research, health care policy, advo - cacy, and applying the social determinants of health in their professional lives. This degree program is highly experiential. Students learn through doing. Coursework includes case study analysis, projects that reinforce learning and prepare students for what is expected in their careers, and simulations that are highly relevant in today's health care settings. Students choose from 11 concentrations: Cannabis Control, Data Analytics, Distributed Workforce Management, General Health Science, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Leadership, Marketing, Nutrition, Public Health, and Strategic Sustainability. The Cannabis Control concentration prepares students with the skills and the knowledge base to under - stand the impacts of legalization of cannabis in our communities, states, and nation. The curriculum incorporates best-practice instructional techniques - including realistic case studies - to foster strong critical thinking skills that enable students to keep pace with the fast-changing environment. Innovative courses that meld industry and practitioner-based readings with the scientific-based research offer much- needed subject matter expertise in the field. The Data Analytics concentration enhances students' analytical abilities and equips them with the skills to uncover new insights that improve strategic business decisions. Through this concentration, students learn how to collect, analyze, and visually represent rich sets of data designed to improve organizational decision making. The Distributed Workforce Management concentration trains students to strategically lead decisively across all functions in organizations, including recruitment and selection, training and development, per - formance appraisals, health and safety, labor relations, and communications. Students create value for the organizations and communities they serve by solving the complex challenges related to managing within a distributed work environment. The General Health Science concentration gives students the flexibility to design an individualized course of study by building from approved coursework or transferring in eligible college-level credits in health sciences and public health. The Health Care Management concentration prepares students to lead and manage health care organi- zations effectively. It focuses on strategic management principles and communication strategies essential for health care leaders to navigate the complex health care environment, enhance organizational perfor - mance, and improve patient outcomes. © 2026 Excelsior University | excelsior.edu 218 The Human Resource Management concentration provides students with 21st-century knowledge and skills required of human resource managers and executives who deal with human performance issues. Students are expected to effectively apply contemporary theories and empirical research to successfully perform key functions in human resource management, including staffing, employee relations, conflict resolution, and compensation and benefits. The Leadership concentration equips students with essential skills to manage and inspire high-perform - ing teams in dynamic business environments. This concentration emphasizes the practical aspects of leadership, such as direct team management, crisis handling, and change implementation, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their direct leadership capabilities. The Marketing concentration provides students opportunities to learn and apply advanced constructs in digital marketing with a focus on brand development, launch, and management. The concentration traverses the private and public sector industries in the application of business-to-business and busi- ness-to-consumer centric marketing methods. The Nutrition concentration equips students to educate individuals, families, and communities about healthful nutrition and the relationships between food and health. It also promotes access to healthy foods in marginalized communities. The Public Health concentration equips students with a foundational understanding of population health, behavioral and social determinants, epidemiology, and biostatistics to prepare them for evi - dence-based inquiry and the development, implementation, and evaluation of public health initiatives. The Strategic Sustainability concentration provides students with the knowledge and skills to lead and implement sustainable practices within organizations. It covers environmental sustainability, the science behind sustainability, and strategic leadership for sustainable development, preparing students to drive initiatives that promote environmental responsibility and strategic sustainability.