Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies (BSHCS) program is a fully online degree-completion program that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) across every course. Designed for working professionals and transfer students, it combines core studies in health systems, research, and population health with hands-on AI experience to improve care and services.

Program Overview

Students benefit from personalized advising, mentoring, and small-cohort collaboration, along with AI-focused seminars and a capstone practicum that prepare them to lead in today's technology-driven health care environment.

Application Timeline

• Fall 2026: September 1, 2025 – August 15, 2026

Success Rates

• 100% of alumni employed full-time within 6 months of graduation
• 100% of alumni who apply to graduate school are accepted
• 100% of alumni would recommend the program to others
• 100% of alumni agree MUSC was the right choice

Learning Experience

Online learners progress through a structured curriculum that includes built-in virtual orientations and experiential practicum elements designed to deepen applied learning and strengthen professional readiness.

Inside the Program

The BSHCS is a fully online degree-completion program that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) into every course. This innovative curriculum ensures graduates have both a strong foundation in health care knowledge and the digital skills needed to thrive in today's technology-driven health care environments.

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

Support for Your Success

Students progress through the program in a supportive cohort model, with personalized academic advising, faculty mentoring, and career development resources.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes a variety of courses such as:

• Introduction to Health Behavior/Education
• Health Drivers & Emerging Innovations
• Foundations of Public Health
• Academic and Scientific Writing
• Program Planning and Implementation
• Overview of the US Health Care System
• Etiology and Pathophysiology
• Principles of Epidemiology
• Practicum Development

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.

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must complete a minimum of 72 credit hours, including all general education requirements and Probability & Statistics (or an equivalent Mathematics course). Preference is given to applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Application Process

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.

Application Requirements

• MUSC Application
• Supplemental Materials:
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Personal essay
  • Resume

Tuition

• Application Fee: $50
• Matriculation Fee: $100
• Tuition (per semester):
  • In-state: $4,900
  • Out-of-state: $4,900
• Program Fee: $100

Cost of Attendance

• Direct Costs:
  • Tuition: $14,700 (in-state/out-of-state)
  • Fees: $300
• Indirect Costs:
  • Housing/Food: $22,620
  • Personal: $2,400
  • Transportation: $2,700
  • Books/Required Expenses: $2,815

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service.

Career Outlook

Graduates can advance in their careers, prepare for graduate school, or enter roles like health educator, coach, or advocate. Health care jobs are projected to grow rapidly nationwide in the next decade.

Program Outcomes

Graduates prepare for health care roles in advocacy, education, and navigation, and many pursue advanced degrees in public health, therapy, or administration.

Employment Rates

• 2023: 100%
• 2022: 100%
• 2021: 90%
• 2020: 100%

Program Faculty

• Lauren Gellar, Ph.D., MCHES
• Stefanie Gadson Brown, DHA, MHA, MS
• Chinieka Jackman Rogers, MHA, RDH

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can students work full-time while enrolled in the program? Yes, this program is designed for working professionals.
• Do online students receive the same MUSC benefits that residential students receive? Yes, online students have the same benefits.
• Will I be required to come on campus at any point during my time as a student? No, however, students are required to attend live, online course orientations at the beginning of each semester.

Objectives

The overall objective of the program is to increase access to higher education for students across the state and provide a cost-effective alternative to earning a bachelor's degree that will provide graduates with the skills they need to enter a health-related field.

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.

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.

Values

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

• Compassion
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Integrity
• Respect

Accreditation & Recognition

The Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Studies.