Whether you’re drawn to research, leadership, operations or patient care, USC’s online graduate programs can help you reach your career goals.
If you’re a health care professional who’s considering a return to school, there are several online graduate degrees that will help you gain knowledge, enhance your leadership skills and make industry connections. Although balancing a full-time job with pursuing higher education can be challenging, the long-term career benefits make the temporary sacrifices more than worthwhile.
Whether your goal is leadership, public health, systems improvement or nutrition, USC offers a range of online graduate programs designed for health care professionals looking to advance their careers. Here’s a look at some of the most valuable degrees — and what each program offers.
Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA)
Behind every successful health care facility is a team of effective leaders and administrators. The Executive Master of Health Administration (EMHA) online program, offered online through the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, is designed for clinical and management professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and operational skills.
The EMHA program prepares graduates to improve health services within their communities, and the curriculum emphasizes finance, technology and policy — all key areas for today’s health care executives. Whether you need to hone your operational skills, improve your budgeting know-how or enhance your leadership abilities, this degree will help to advance your career. Graduates are well-positioned for leadership roles, increased earning potential and expanded influence within their organizations.
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Contrary to public imagination, health care isn’t limited to clinical roles — many professionals also make a significant impact in the public health field. The Master of Public Health (MPH) program, delivered online by the Keck School of Medicine of USC, prepares students to address health challenges on a global scale.
The program focuses on disease prevention, health care policy, education and environmental health. In addition to subject matter expertise, students gain vital leadership and communication skills, enhancing their effectiveness across many professional settings.
MPH graduates find opportunities at nonprofits, global NGOs, the CDC, hospitals, universities and other government programs, where they contribute to research, education and community health initiatives.
Master of Science in Health Systems Management Engineering
Even the best hospitals can be improved, and that can be achieved with the Master of Science in Health Systems Management Engineering online program from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. The program combines both engineering principles and health care know-how, preparing students for roles where they can make hospitals more cost-efficient and better organized.
The curriculum focuses on improving patient flow, scheduling, resource allocation and financial management. Graduates are prepared to reimagine how health systems operate, boosting efficiency, improving outcomes and benefiting both patients and employees. Career paths may include quality management, internal consulting, data analytics, supply chain management, operations and strategic planning.
Master of Science in Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics (MSLND)
Diet plays a vital role in lifelong health, and the Master of Science in Lifespan, Nutrition and Dietetics online program from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology prepares students to become expert nutritionists who develop personalized plans and promote long-term wellness.
Students learn to assess dietary needs, provide tailored health guidance and develop strategies for disease prevention and management. In addition to clinical knowledge, the program emphasizes leadership and communication skills to help graduates stand out in the field. MSLND graduates are well positioned to impact individual and community health through diet and nutrition.
Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MSNHL)
For those interested in the relationship between nutrition and aging, the Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MSNHL), also offered online by USC Leonard Davis, focuses on how proper nutrition can improve quality of life in later years.
While the MSLND program covers nutrition across all life stages, the MSNHL program emphasizes aging populations. Students explore how diet can help prevent disease, reduce injury risk and slow biological aging. Graduates may become nutritionists, wellness or health coaches, or researchers specializing in longevity and healthy aging.
The Bottom Line
The health care field encompasses a wide range of roles, many of which require a master’s degree to reach the next level. Whether you’re drawn to research, leadership, operations or patient care, USC’s online graduate programs can help you reach your career goals.
Explore more USC Online graduate programs today.