Best Online Master's in Health Informatics Programs
Experienced health professionals looking to advance their careers should consider graduate studies in the thriving field of health informatics. Earning a master's degree in health informatics teaches learners about the healthcare management techniques, tools, and platforms used to handle medical records and improve patient outcomes.
This page includes our ranking of the top accredited programs and information on common coursework, admission requirements, and potential career paths. It also covers some frequently asked questions and looks at similar degree options.
What Are the Best Health Informatics Programs of 2020? Here Are Our Top 10:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA |
| 2 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill, NC |
| 3 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL |
| 4 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL |
| 5 | University of Washington | Seattle, WA |
| 6 | University of San Diego | San Diego, CA |
| 7 | Boston University | Boston, MA |
| 8 | George Washington University | Washington, DC |
| 9 | University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL |
| 10 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL |
An online master's in health informatics can lead to lucrative management careers in high-demand fields, such as clinical informatics and computer and information systems. Computer and information systems managers earned a median annual salary of $142,530 in 2018, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 11% increase in demand for their services from 2018 to 2028.
While employers may hire candidates with a bachelor's degree and related experience, job applicants with an advanced degree may be seen as better qualified for management positions.
- How We Rank Schools
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At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you will make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering school rankings that are transparent, inclusive, and relevant for online students. Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read more about our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
2020 Best Accredited Online Master's in Health Informatics Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Cost | Graduation Rate | Description | Toggle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Stanford University |
Stanford, CA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 94% |
Stanford University offers an online master’s degree in biomedical informatics that includes training in bioinformatics, clinical informatics, and public health informatics. Housed in the Department of Biomedical Data Science, the program prepares graduates to design computational models for addressing challenges at the intersection of biology and medicine. This online degree is provided through the Honors Cooperative Program, a part-time graduate program designed for working professionals who may qualify for tuition support through their employer. The Honors Cooperative Program biomedical informatics degree is a professional master’s program suited for students interested in pursuing non-academic careers. The requirements are the same as those for the on-campus master’s program. However, the research component is replaced by a requirement for employment in the biomedical informatics field. To be eligible for the program, students must work full time and maintain employment for the duration of the program. Stanford is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics Delivery Format: Hybrid (online/on campus) Admission RequirementsStandardized Tests: GRE Contact Email: bmi-contact@lists.stanford.edu |
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| 2 |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Chapel Hill, NC | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 89% |
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an online master of professional science degree in biomedical and health informatics. Learners explore how to develop health information systems and analyze health data in order to enhance clinical practice and healthcare quality. Graduates in health informatics can find employment as health IT specialists, health informatics analysts, clinical systems coordinators, and similar positions. UNC’s master's program in biomedical and health informatics (BMHI) requires 35 credits of coursework, including 12 credits of core informatics courses, six credits of business foundations and professional skills courses, six credits of BMHI core courses, and eight credits in either clinical health informatics or public health informatics. To be eligible for the program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and a GRE or MCAT score above the 50th percentile in each category. UNC Chapel Hill is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Professional Science in Biomedical and Health Informatics Delivery Format: On campus or 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (919) 962-4658 |
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| 3 |
Northwestern University |
Evanston, IL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 95% |
Northwestern University offers an online MS in health informatics through the Feinberg School of Medicine and the School of Professional Studies. This degree prepares graduates to use technological tools and data analysis for improving healthcare delivery systems, population health, and patient care. Northwestern's health informatics MS program requires 12 courses, including five core courses and seven courses in an area of specialization. Students may specialize in clinical informatics, health technology informatics, or health administration informatics. Core courses cover topics such as the American healthcare system, health analytics leadership, and legal and ethical issues. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, a resume, letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and official transcripts. Northwestern is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Contact Phone: (847) 491-5611 |
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| 4 |
University of South Florida |
Tampa, FL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 73% |
The University of South Florida offers an online master of science in health informatics for students and professionals interested in improving healthcare through the management and use of health data and information technology. This program is provided through USF Health’s Morsani College of Medicine. Students can complete the 32-credit MS in health informatics program in approximately two years. The 11-course curriculum is comprised of nine core courses and two electives. Core courses include introduction to health informatics, foundations in management information systems, integrated electronic medical records, and health data management. Students may complete an internship or independent study for elective credits. USF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (855) 295-1866 |
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| 5 |
University of Washington |
Seattle, WA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 84% |
The online master of science in clinical informatics and patient-centered technologies (CIPCT) at the University of Washington is designed for working healthcare professionals. The program prepares learners to leverage information technology tools to improve healthcare quality and practices in clinical settings. The UW CIPCT master’s program requires 42-48 credits and can be completed in 15 months. The curriculum is divided between informatics courses, care systems courses, and scholarly inquiry courses. In addition to required coursework, students must complete a scholarly project under the guidance of a supervisory committee. Alternately, students may opt to complete a thesis instead of a scholarly project. Minimum requirements for admission include one year of healthcare experience and a minimum 3.0 GPA. UW is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Clinical Informatics and Patient-Centered Technologies Delivery Format: Hybrid (online/on-campus) Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (800) 506-1325 |
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| 6 |
University of San Diego |
San Diego, CA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 80% |
The University of San Diego offers an online master of science in health informatics for learners interested in the management and improvement of health data and information systems used for supporting healthcare services delivery. This program is suitable for those who have professional healthcare experience, as well as those preparing to enter the healthcare field. Students can complete USD's 37-credit health informatics program in two years. The curriculum includes eight core courses, four courses in an area of specialization, and a capstone. Students may choose between three areas of specialization: healthcare informatics, healthcare analytics, and healthcare leadership. Main admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a 3.0 GPA or higher. USD is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (619) 260-4580 |
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| 7 |
Boston University |
Boston, MA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 88% |
Boston University offers an online master of science in computer information systems (MSCIS) with a concentration in health informatics for students interested in working with health data. Graduates are prepared for careers as computer and information systems managers, computer and information research scientists, and information security analysts within healthcare settings. The 40-credit MSCIS with a concentration in health informatics includes five core courses and five courses in the area of concentration. Courses for the healthcare informatics concentration cover topics such as electronic health records, enterprise cybersecurity, biomedical sciences and health IT, and advanced health informatics. The MSCIS program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Graduates from CAHIIM-accredited programs are eligible to sit for professional certification exams administered by the American Health Information Management Association, including the Certified Professional in Health Informatics Exam. BU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Computer Information Systems with a Concentration in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Contact Phone: (617) 358-1960 |
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| 8 |
George Washington University |
Washington, DC | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 82% |
George Washington University offers an online master of science in health sciences (MSHS) degree in biomedical informatics for students who wish to work at the intersection of information technology and healthcare. The school does not require prior experience in data science or healthcare. Students can complete the 36-credit MSHS in biomedical informatics in two years. The curriculum consists of ten core courses and one elective. Core courses cover topics such as high performance computing, healthcare leadership, biostatistics for clinical translational research, and principles of medical informatics. For their elective, students can choose between a course on grantsmanship in translational research, bioinformatics for genomics, or advanced computing applications for biomedical informatics. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. GWU is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Sciences in Biomedical Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (844) 386-7323 |
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| 9 |
University of Miami |
Coral Gables, FL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 82% |
The online master of science in health informatics at the University of Miami is an ideal program for students working in either information technology or healthcare who wish to develop expertise in both. Graduates are prepared to leverage health data and information management systems to improve efficacy in healthcare organizations. Learners also gain access to a national network of 170 professional clinical partners and 6,000 graduates. Learners can complete the 33-credit health informatics program in 22 months. The curriculum includes 11 courses on topics such as health information exchange, healthcare databases, information security, public health informatics, and legal and ethical issues in health informatics. Each course lasts for seven weeks. The program also includes a capstone practicum that involves creating an electronic portfolio of projects addressing informatics problems. UM is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Contact Phone: (800) 411-2290 |
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| 10 |
University of Central Florida |
Orlando, FL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 73% |
The University of Central Florida offers an online professional science master’s in healthcare informatics that prepares graduates for careers in healthcare database management, biostatistics, systems analysis, and similar fields. Many individuals qualify for jobs such as chief medical information officer, clinical project manager, and health informatics consultant. Students can complete the 38-credit healthcare informatics program in approximately two years. The curriculum includes courses such as healthcare informatics and information technology, system analysis and design, and healthcare database management. Courses follow 16-week terms. The UCF PSM in healthcare informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. UCF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Program Overview Program Name: Professional Science Master's in Healthcare Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Contact Phone: (855) 903-8576 |
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| 11 |
University of Utah |
Salt Lake City, UT | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 70% |
The University of Utah offers an online master of science in biomedical informatics for students interested in confronting healthcare challenges through the use of health information technology. The on-campus program offers concentrations in applied clinical informatics, bioinformatics, and data science; however, only the applied clinical informatics track is currently offered online. The U’s biomedical informatics MS degree requires 35 credits of coursework and takes two years to complete. The curriculum includes courses such as introduction to programming, clinical database design, human systems interactions, and clinical information systems architecture. The online program also requires the completion of a non-thesis capstone project. Most course content is available in an asynchronous format, but some courses may have up to six required synchronous meetings where students interact with instructors and peers in a real-time virtual environment. The U is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (801) 213-1085 |
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| 12 |
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities |
Minneapolis, MN | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 80% |
The University of Minnesota offers an online master of health informatics degree that prepares learners to expertly use technology within the healthcare industry. The program provides training in understanding, designing, implementing, and evaluating healthcare databases and clinical information systems. UMN’s health informatics master's degree requires 31 credits and can be completed in one year. The curriculum consists of 18-24 core courses and 7-13 electives. Core courses include health informatics, applied healthcare databases, population health informatics, clinical informatics and patient safety, and biostatistics. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA, a programming language course or experience, six semester credits in life or health sciences, and GRE scores above the 50th percentile. UMN is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (800) 991-8636 |
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| 13 |
University of Denver |
Denver, CO | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 77% |
The University of Denver offers a master of science in healthcare management with a concentration in health data informatics and analytics. The program prepares graduates for careers as informatics managers, analytical strategists, or optimization analysts in healthcare settings. Students can complete UD’s 48-credit health data informatics degree in 18 months. The curriculum consists of 12 courses, including five core courses, six concentration courses, and one elective. Core courses cover topics such as healthcare systems and regulatory environments, healthcare finance, and healthcare communication. Courses specific to the health data informatics concentration include healthcare data and delivery, healthcare ethics and biostatistics, and healthcare data mining. UD is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Healthcare Management with a Concentration in Health Data Informatics and Analytics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5 minimum Contact Phone: (303) 871-3342 |
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| 14 |
Logan University |
Chesterfield, MO | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 77% |
Logan University offers an online master of science in health informatics for individuals pursuing career opportunities at the intersection of data and healthcare. The program focuses on honing students' skills in communication, higher order thinking, information management, values and ethics, leadership, and interprofessional collaborative practice. Logan follows a 15-week trimester schedule. Logan's health informatics MS degree requires 36 credit hours, which includes 24 credits of core courses and 12 credits from a chosen track. Students may choose one of three tracks: healthcare leadership, data analytics, or applied informatics. Core courses cover topics such as business and financial skills, information systems management, systems analysis and design, and legal and ethical issues in health informatics. To be eligible for the program, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 2.5 GPA. Prerequisite coursework includes six credits in business, accounting, management, math, statistics, healthcare, or computer science. Logan is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5 minimum Contact Phone: (800) 782-3344 |
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| 15 |
Florida International University |
Miami, FL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 58% |
Florida International University offers an online master of science in health informatics and analytics useful for professionals throughout the healthcare field, such as physicians, nurses, information systems professionals, and healthcare support personnel. The 14-month program prepares graduates to leverage health information to improve healthcare services delivery. The program is cohort-based, and only 40 students are admitted each year. FIU’s health informatics master’s degree includes courses such as introduction to health and informatics, legal and ethical aspects of healthcare, technical and data architectures, healthcare project management, and healthcare data visualization. FIU’s MS in health informatics and analytics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. FIU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (305) 348-0594 |
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| 16 |
George Mason University |
Fairfax, VA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 70% |
George Mason University offers an online master of science in health informatics that prepares graduates to apply analytical tools to health data and the healthcare industry. The school does not require prior experience in healthcare or information technology for admission, but does consider such experience as a part of the application process. Learners can complete GMU’s 39-credit health informatics MS program in 22-28 months. The curriculum includes courses such as introduction to the U.S. health system, computational tools in health informatics, health data integration, and data mining in healthcare. In addition, a MSHI bridge course is available to students with no prior background in math, computing, or informatics. Students may transfer up to 12 credits from another institution as long as they directly correspond to degree requirements. GMU’s MS degree in health informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. GMU is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.25 minimum Contact Phone: (703) 993-8978 |
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| 17 |
University of Missouri |
Columbia, MO | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 69% |
The University of Missouri offers an online master of science in health informatics in a blended format of online and on-campus courses. Distance learners attend three on-campus weekend visits in the fall and spring semesters and one on-campus visit during the summer semester. The Mizzou health informatics MS degree requires 33 credits and takes two years to complete. The curriculum consists of 27 credits of core courses and six credits of an individual research project. Courses include methods of health services research, health data analytics, and data warehousing for healthcare. To be eligible for the program, candidates should have at least three years of work experience in healthcare, a bachelor’s degree, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prerequisites include a college-level statistics course and algebra course. Mizzou is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: Hybrid (online/on campus) Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (573) 882-2491 |
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| 18 |
Regis University |
Denver, CO | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 69% |
Regis University offers an online master of science in health informatics for current healthcare professionals looking to gain expertise in systems planning and implementation, health information management, and workflow design. In addition to introducing students to information technology tools and skills, the program also covers leadership development, ethics, and project management from a healthcare perspective. Regis' 36-credit health informatics degree includes 24 credits of core courses and 12 credits from a selected track. Students can choose between three tracks: information technology, healthcare services, and data science. Core courses cover topics such as information systems concepts, design and selection of IT systems, and health performance evaluation. Online courses follow an eight-week schedule. Regis is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (303) 458-4344 |
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| 19 |
Drexel University |
Philadelphia, PA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 74% |
Drexel University offers an online master of science in health informatics that prepares students for healthcare careers involving the management of medical data. The program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year. Drexel's health informatics MS curriculum requires 45 credits. Required courses include perspectives on information systems, database management systems, and information assurance. Students may transfer up to nine credits to the program from a different institution. Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and GRE scores above the 50th percentile in all three sections. Candidates with a 3.2 GPA or higher qualify for a GRE waiver. Drexel's MS in health informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. Drexel is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (877) 215-0009 |
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| 20 |
Nova Southeastern University |
Fort Lauderdale, FL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 50% |
Nova Southeastern University offers an online master of science in biomedical informatics which explores topics in computer science and medical informatics, clinical informatics, and the business and management of health technologies. The program includes skills-based courses that lead to Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, CPHIMSS, and NextGen certifications. Core courses include survey of medical informatics, information systems project management in healthcare, information security, and systems analysis and design. Students may transfer a maximum of 12 credits from another accredited institution. Approximately 70% of graduates from the 2018-2019 biomedical informatics cohort found employment upon program completion. Eligible candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate competitive GRE or GMAT scores. NSU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (954) 262-1038 |
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| 21 |
University of Illinois at Chicago |
Chicago, IL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 59% |
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers an online master of science in health informatics that focuses on clinical, financial, enterprise, and IT management in healthcare settings. Students in the 38-credit health informatics master's program can choose from a thesis, a research project, or a coursework-only track. These tracks each require specific seminars and thesis or project hours. In addition, UIC offers a concentration in health data science. To be eligible, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate or graduate coursework. Prerequisite courses include foundations of health information management and medical terminology for health information management. These courses can be taken upon admission to the program. UIC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (866) 674-4842 |
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| 22 |
Sacred Heart University |
Fairfield, CT | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 70% |
Sacred Heart University offers an online master of science in healthcare informatics that trains graduates to use technology to improve healthcare and health outcomes. The 36-credit curriculum includes 27 credits of core courses and nine credits of electives. Core courses include healthcare operations, workflow design and re-engineering, electronic health records, population health, and a capstone. For their electives, students can choose from courses such as health information exchange, emerging technologies, and database design. Students can also participate in a field experience or internship course to obtain hands-on experience in the field. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. SHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (203) 365-4731 |
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| 23 |
DePaul University |
Chicago, IL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 72% |
DePaul University offers an online master of science in health informatics that prepares graduates to design and implement information technology solutions in the healthcare sector. The 52-credit program is comprised of core courses and electives in one of the following areas: database processing, analytics, enterprise management, innovations in healthcare, or security management. Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher during their studies. Students who complete the program with a 3.9 or higher graduate with distinction. To be eligible for the program, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Approximately 90% of master's graduates from DePaul’s School of Computing and Digital Media were employed or pursuing continuing education within six months of graduation. DePaul is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5 minimum Contact Phone: (312) 362-8381 |
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| 24 |
East Carolina University |
Greenville, NC | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 65% |
East Carolina University offers a 39-credit online master of science in health informatics and information management. Students may pursue a health informatics track with a professional focus or a thesis track with an academic focus. All students must pass a comprehensive exam in their final semester in order to graduate. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and acceptable GRE or GMAT scores. The school waives GRE and GMAT scores for applicants who have earned a master’s in a similar discipline or who have completed the health informatics certificate at ECU with a 3.5 GPA or higher. ECU’s MS in health informatics and information management is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management. ECU is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (252) 744-0264 |
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| 25 |
Samford University |
Birmingham, AL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 76% |
Samford University offers an online master of science in health informatics that trains graduates to use analytics to support health services delivery, healthcare management, and population health. The 40-credit program can be completed online; however distance learning students are required to make two campus visits — one at the beginning of the program and one at the end. Samford's health informatics MS curriculum features courses such as biomedical informatics and analytics, structured/unstructured data design and analysis, electronic health records, and healthcare information technology project management. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree; a minimum 3.0 GPA; and acceptable GRE, GMAT, or MAT scores. Three years of work experience in a relevant field can substitute for the GRE/GMAT/MAT requirement. Samford is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Health Informatics Delivery Format: Hybrid (online/on campus) Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 minimum Contact Phone: (205) 726-2611 |
Online Master's in Health Informatics Program Overview
Online master's in health informatics programs provide the knowledge needed to anticipate and assess emerging healthcare data needs from technical, clinical, financial, and operational perspectives. Professionals should be able to analyze information and suggest strategies that can lead to improved patient-centered care. A master's degree in health informatics also prepares students to navigate legal, privacy, regulatory, and ethical challenges within the field.
While employers typically consider a combination of education and experience when interviewing candidates, applicants with a master's in health informatics can qualify for mid-level or executive positions. Earning a doctorate can also create additional opportunities in this field.
Common Master's in Health Informatics Degree Courses
- Legal, Ethical, and Social Issues
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In this course, students explore legal, ethical, and social aspects related to the management of patient data. Students learn to identify and address data privacy and confidentiality issues and prevent fraud and abuse. This course also emphasizes regulatory concerns relevant to information management systems and healthcare data.
- HIT Standards and Interoperability
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This class looks at practical examples and theories of healthcare standard terminologies, health information exchanges, and messaging standards. Students also learn about information architecture and application programming interfaces.
- Introduction to Clinical Thinking
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Here, learners gain an overview of the clinical care process, which includes gathering patient data, examining patient history, ordering tests, identifying diagnoses, and developing treatment plans. In general, students do not need previous clinical experiences to take this course.
- Data Management Principles - User Perspective
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Modern information systems rely heavily on database systems. Students explore principles of data extraction and data management. Key concepts include modeling, database design, and implementation concepts. This course also emphasizes different forms of data, such as those contained in SQL and NoSQL databases.
- Consumer Digital
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Also referred to as consumer e-health, this type of class covers the use of technology to improve patient-to-caregiver communication. Topics may include new data access modalities, consumer-focused health and wellness platforms, digiceutical and PHR behavioral management solutions, and HIPPA-compliant services.
Related Master's in Health Informatics Degree Concentrations
- Clinical Informatics
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Clinical informatics refers to the use of technology to deliver patient care. The American Medical Informatics Association creates the boundaries of the clinical informatics discipline and mandates program requirements for individuals seeking board certification in medical informatics.
- Health Technology Informatics
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Health technology informatics focuses on information technology and associated roles in the healthcare sector, such as web developers, technology suppliers, information system coordinators, administrators, and IT project managers. Courses may include decision support systems and healthcare organization operations.
- Health Administration Informatics
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This concentration examines the evaluation and implementation of information technology systems and the acquisition of patient data. Students who pursue this concentration typically work as employees or consultants for insurers, government departments, and technology firms.
- Public Health Informatics
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Public health informatics strives to support improved health outcomes through the promotion of healthy behaviors, monitoring, preparedness, and disease prevention. This field utilizes mathematics, information science, engineering, and relevant social sciences to examine public health concerns. Students also explore modern challenges, including data quality and data compatibility issues.
- Health Data Analytics
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Health data analytics uses electronic health records to uncover insights from patient data. This concentration emphasizes the challenges of population health management, including the expanding patient base under the Affordable Care Act. Programs may cover the Healthcare Analytics Adoption Model, which outlines steps for improving efficiency.
Online Master's in Health Informatics Admission Requirements
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Official Undergraduate Transcripts
Students applying to a master's in health informatics program typically must provide official transcripts from any prior college-level coursework. Applicants without sufficient undergraduate credits may need to take additional prerequisite classes before they are officially accepted.
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Letters of Recommendation
Colleges and universities typically require up to three letters of recommendation from reputable sources, such as former teachers and/or academic counselors. Recommendations should provide detailed information about an applicant's academic capabilities and character. Students with professional experience may also ask their employers to write them a letter.
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Resume
While some universities design their curriculum to accommodate students without prior experience, other schools may offer a level of rigor that requires students to have earned one or more years of professional experience before they apply. Professional experience may include full-time or part-time employment. However, students may also include internships.
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Graduate Record Examination
Many universities require students to take the GRE. However, these test results may not be required, and some universities allow students to choose whether or not to submit their scores. Additionally, institutions may provisionally accept applicants who do not meet minimum undergraduate GPA requirements if they earned excellent GRE scores.
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Test of English as a Foreign Language
International students attending college in the U.S. may need to complete the TOFEL exam. This four-hour exam evaluates a student's mastery of the English language and their ability to study at the postsecondary level. This exam contains four sections, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Online Master's in Health Informatics Career Paths
Earning a master's in health informatics can lead to lucrative career opportunities. For instance, graduates can become health information management directors who manage all medical records and coding departments. They can also qualify for clinical analyst positions, regulating and improving clinical practices, optimizing workflows, interpreting data, and developing solutions.
Chief information officer positions are among the most lucrative career options for degree-holders. These professionals construct, manage, and improve an organization's information technology framework. All of these roles require advanced education and experience.
Related Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I do with a master's in health informatics?
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A master's in health informatics allows graduates to pursue a variety of administrative career options, most of which involve managing groups of employees. Graduates may choose to work for organizations or take on consultant roles. Professionals interested in academia typically go on to earn a doctorate in health informatics or a related field.
- What jobs are available with a master's in health informatics?
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Health informatics offers diverse professional opportunities. Potential roles include computer and information systems managers, clinical analysts, clinical informaticists, health informatics consultants, and healthcare IT project managers. Students should note that employer requirements vary by company. Some organizations may require a certain level of professional experience, as well.
- Is there a difference between health informatics and medical informatics?
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The Healthcare Information Management Systems Society, Inc. defines healthcare informatics as "the integration of healthcare sciences, computer science, information science, and cognitive science to assist in the management of healthcare information." Medical informatics stands as a sub-discipline of health informatics that considers relationships between physicians and patients through technology and data collection.
- How long does it take to earn a master's in health informatics?
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Full-time students can earn a master's in health informatics in two years, on average. Students attending part time can expect to follow a four-year timeline. Some programs may take longer than others depending on the program type or concentration selected. Additionally, online programs may offer accelerated options.
- What is the salary for someone with a master's in health informatics?
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Individuals working in the field of health informatics can find job openings at hospitals and in government departments. Professionals may also work independently as consultants. Additionally, graduates who enjoy managing others may take on administrative roles. A worker's specific role influences their earning potential. Therefore, students should identify their preferred career options to determine their earning potential.
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