Master of Science in Health Science (General Track)
The Master of Science in Health Science takes a functional (holistic) approach, combining traditional and complementary therapies. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote comprehensive wellbeing and work in various healthcare, wellness, and community settings.

This program encourages collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to lifelong learning, ensuring that you graduate not just with a degree but with the confidence and competence to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.

The Master of Science in Health Science is a 33-credit hour program. Students take ten 3-credit-hour online courses and complete an additional 3-hour capstone project in Integrative Health based on the knowledge and skills they gained in their coursework.

Also, students have the opportunity to take an optional 3-credit hour elective Practicum in Health and Wellness Coaching.

Key Features:

• 100% online instructional delivery. No on-campus visits are required to complete the degree.
• Full and part-time options are available.
• Complements instruction with presentations by organizational leaders who offer real-world learning opportunities
• Upon admission to the program, an academic plan will be developed outlining course sequence.

Admission Requirements:

1. Completion of the Master of Science in Health Science application.
2. A completed bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary college or university is required.
3. Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate courses of study.
4. Transfer Credit: Students may request to transfer graduate credit for similar coursework completed at another accredited college or university. The program director will review all requests and may grant a maximum of 12 graduate hours of credit as appropriate. Academic credit is not awarded for previous work or life experiences in lieu of any coursework.
5. Minimum GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or interview with program director.
6. Statement of Purpose: A written statement explaining: the applicant's interest in integrative health; the applicant’s career goals/aspirations; and why the applicant desires to pursue a Master of Science in Health Science.
7. Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed resume or CV that includes academic and professional experiences, certifications, and any relevant research or publications.
8. For non-native English speakers, TOEFL scores must be submitted. Acceptable TOEFL scores are 535 or higher for the paper version, 120 for the computer version and 95 for the web version. Any exemptions to the TOEFL policy require the recommendation of the School/College and the approval of the Graduate Committee.
   Please note: international applicants must also present evidence of financial resources adequate to support their educational and living expenses in the United States for the duration of their studies and provide relevant visa data.

Degree Requirements:
Requirements for completion of the Masters of Science in Health Science include:

• Completion of all required components of the individual program of study including the Capstone Project with a final grade of B or higher. Students who earn one grade of C may remain in the program and are encouraged to work with faculty to improve study habits and grades. Students with more than one final course grade of C or a course grade of D or F will be dismissed from the program.
• Although continuous enrollment in the program is encouraged and conferral of degree is encouraged as best practice, students enrolled in the program must complete the degree within five years.

Program Outcomes:

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of integrative health concepts, theories, and practices.
2. Apply evidence-based strategies to assess and address individual, community, and population health needs.
3. Develop and implement integrative health programs, interventions, and policies.
4. Utilize advanced communication and interprofessional collaboration skills in healthcare and wellness contexts.
5. Evaluate the complex network that constitutes “mind-body” and construct an integrative mind-body plan for a wide range of clients.
6. Utilize a range of Integrative Health Education knowledge, skills, and processes, especially when encountering challenging education situations.
7. Develop integrative treatment plan metrics for outcomes across illness and wellness populations.
8. Conduct research and contribute to the evolving field of integrative health.
9. Promote ethical and culturally sensitive integrative health practices.

Master of Science in Health Science (Rehabilitation Science Specialization)
The Master of Science in Health Science – Rehabilitation Science Specialization is dedicated to preparing students for study in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Providing basic science education and skills applicable in the clinic, our mission is to strengthen graduates’ applications into Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. Graduates who successfully complete all program requirements will be offered automatic admission into the second year of Spalding’s DPT program.

The MSHS-RSS program uses a hybrid/low-residency delivery of its curriculum, building on Spalding University’s tradition of flexible education that meets the needs of the times. The lecture portion of the curriculum will be offered online, and hands-on laboratory courses will be taught in the Physical Therapy on-campus facilities in downtown Louisville, KY.

The MSHS – Rehabilitation Science Specialization program is a not a stand-alone entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, and as such, is not eligible for accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

I. Admission Criteria:
Successfully meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the MSHS-Rehabilitation Science Specialization program.

Applicants for the MSHS – Rehabilitation Science Specialization are required to meet or exceed the following criteria:

1. Completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university that includes the MSHS – Rehabilitation Science Specialization course prerequisites (see below).
2. Submit evidence of satisfactory completion of the following prerequisite courses with a minimum of a “C” (courses must be completed within the past 10 calendar years).
   Science Courses: Each science course must be a course for science majors and be a two-course sequence, except for human anatomy and physiology as noted below. Each science course must include a laboratory component. The number of required credits for prerequisite science courses is as follows:
        1. Human Anatomy and Physiology - 6 credit hours total or one 3-credit hour course in human anatomy and one 3-credit hour course in human physiology
        2. Chemistry - 8 credit hours
        3. Physics - 8 credit hours
   Statistics - 3 credit hours
   English/Psychology/Humanities - 18 credit hours total that includes one 3-credit hour course each in English, Psychology and Humanities
   One writing-intensive course which may also be any prerequisite course
3. Official transcripts from all previous undergraduate and graduate courses of study.
4. Minimum overall, prerequisite and science grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a four-point scale.
5. Two letters of recommendation from a professional who can best address the applicant’s ability to be academically successful as well as address personal/professional characteristics. Letters should come from a college/university counselor/advisor/faculty member, a physical therapist that supervised your volunteer/work experience, and/or faculty advisor for college/university club or organization. One letter of recommendation must be from a physical therapist.
6. GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is required. Scores of 150 on each of the verbal and quantitative, and 3 on the analytical writing section are recommended. GRE must be taken within the past 5 years.
7. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for applicants who are not US citizens; must score at least 550 on the written examination, 213 on the computer-based examination, or 79 on the internet-based examination.
8. Observation/employment totaling 40 hours under the supervision of a physical therapist signed and verified by a physical therapist OR successful completion of Spalding University’s HS 300 Survey of Health Professions.
9. Virtual interview with members of the MSHS-Rehabilitation Science/DPT Admissions Committee.
10. Technical standards and essential functions statement of agreement.

Credit for Prior Learning Policy:
No advanced placement or CLEP credit will be accepted in lieu of prerequisites for the Master of Science in Health Science – Rehabilitation Science Specialization program.

Transfer Credit Policy:
Once enrolled in the Master of Science in Health Science – Rehabilitation Science Specialization, no transfer credits will be accepted to fulfill degree requirements.

II. Application Procedures and Admissions Process

1. Applicants apply through Physical Therapy Application Centralized Service (PTCAS). Information regarding PTCAS and deadlines can be found on the program website.
2. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
3. An admission decision will be based on the following: Cumulative GPA, Science GPA, Prerequisite GPA, GRE Verbal Score, GRE Quantitative Score, GRE Analytical Writing Score, Interview, and References/Observation Hours.
4. The MSHS-RSS/DPT Program Admissions Committee will review completed applications from the PTCAS monthly. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the interview process.
5. Notification of accept, deny, or defer will be provided after the completion of the interview process.
6. The admission process closes when the cohort is filled. Applicants who decline acceptance or who are not admitted may apply for the following admission cycle.