Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics Programs of 2023
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- The healthcare industry generates 30% of the world's data — and those who work in health informatics make sense of it all.
- An online master's degree in health informatics will prepare you to analyze data and improve data systems.
- Health informatics graduates work at the intersection of technology and healthcare to improve public health systems, healthcare delivery systems and patient outcomes.
- The job outlook for health informatics graduates is strong and growing.
During the pandemic, we learned just how powerful and necessary it is to handle health data properly. This is why people who study health informatics are so important. They play a major role in tracking, collecting, and analyzing health data in order to optimize healthcare solutions and improve patient care.
If you want to work at the intersection of healthcare, data analysis, and technology, an online healthcare informatics degree offers a strong job outlook and good pay.
What Is Health Informatics?
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Definition: Health informatics is a discipline that uses the technology of information to analyze and improve healthcare systems and outcomes.
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What the degree is about: This degree will help you master the systems, software, and analytical methods used in the wider healthcare industry. It provides interdisciplinary training in both healthcare and computer sciences.
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How long it takes: A master's degree typically takes two years.
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Career path: Health informatics grads can go on to work in hospital systems, public health organizations, private clinics, healthcare technology companies, pharmaceutical companies, and insurance companies.
Featured Health Informatics Programs
Best Online Master's in Health Informatics Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $475
Out of State | $1,440
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
IUPUI's master's in health informatics degree — offered through the Luddy School of Informatics — allows you to customize your degree with elective courses. You can also complete an internship to satisfy elective requirements.
You'll learn to analyze and organize data through this 36-credit program that requires seven core courses, three thesis courses, and two electives. IUPUI's health informatics core courses incorporate project management, applied statistics methods, terminology, and decision support systems. Plus, you can attend part time or full time and choose from a capstone project or thesis.
University of New England
Biddeford, ME - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $770
Out of State | $770
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education
Earning a master's in health informatics online degree at UNE allows you to specialize in healthcare leadership, health data analytics, or training and development. Or, you can choose an individualized plan of study. UNE's health informatics program doesn't require on-campus visits and only takes two years or six semesters to finish.
You'll study health administration, healthcare quality for enhanced value-based patient outcomes, and computer information technologies. New students gain admittance in the spring, summer, and fall because the admissions office accepts applications on a rolling basis. Eligible applicants need at least a 2.75 GPA.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $933
Out of State | $1,950
Credits to Graduate
35
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
UNC-Chapel Hill's master's in health informatics degree includes tracks in clinical informatics and public health informatics. It gives you the option to fast-track your degree in one year or study on a part-time basis and graduate in 2-4 years.
This non-thesis program focuses on managing large-scale public health projects, developing health information systems, and analyzing and organizing health data. UNC-Chapel Hill's health informatics program is an interdisciplinary degree. It also provides hands-on experience with an optional 400-hour internship and partnerships with NC Research Triangle Park companies.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $900
Out of State | $900
Credits to Graduate
52
Program Information
Program Accreditation | The Higher Learning Commission
DePaul's master's in health informatics program offers specializations through electives in health analytics, enterprise management, and health information management. Another specialization option is innovations in health.
Depaul's master's in health informatics includes foundational courses that incorporate health sector management, accounting and financial management in healthcare, and database design for information systems. You must also complete an independent study project or internship. You can find opportunities available through a school partnership with the Sinai Health System.
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Unit
In State | $4,883
Out of State | $4,883
Credits to Graduate
26
Program Information
Program Accreditation | The Higher Learning Commission
Students enrolled in Northwestern's master's in health informatics degree can specialize in clinical informatics, health technology informatics, or health administration informatics.
The core requirements cover healthcare systems, health informatics, legal and ethical issues, and health analytics. Northwestern's health informatics degree culminates with a capstone project that can be completed at your workplace. And you can begin the program in the spring, summer, fall, or winter.
The University of Findlay
Findlay, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $815
Out of State | $815
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | The Higher Learning Commission
With Findlay's online master's in health informatics program, you can earn your degree in one year. It takes 33 credits to earn a master's in health informatics degree, including a culminating capstone project. The curriculum integrates statistical methods, data mining, data visualization, and research methods. You'll also study healthcare project management.
To apply, you'll need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must also have completed prerequisites that include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and database applications.
University of Scranton
Scranton, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $757
Out of State | $757
Credits to Graduate
33-41
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Scranton's online master's in health informatics degree emphasizes data analytics with virtual learning and hands-on experiences. You can complete the program in two years.
Required curriculum covers computer science and software development, information technology, and database principles and applications. You must also complete a capstone project for the master's in health informatics program.
The program offers three start dates every year with no application fee. You'll need a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, a resume, personal statement, and three recommendation letters.
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $725
Out of State | $735
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | The Higher Learning Commission
In KSU's master's in health informatics degree, you can graduate in just one year. You'll have the option to complete an internship, project, research paper, or thesis for your capstone experience.
You can curate an education that suits your career goals by taking electives in topics such as clinical decision support systems and semantic analysis. Plus, KSU's health informatics program gives you a strong foundation in medical terminology, management, human factors, and analytics.
You'll need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA and three letters of recommendation. You must also submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose, and a resume.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $705
Out of State | $769
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Pursuing FIU's master's in health informatics degree takes only 16 months and can lead to a certificate in business analytics or global healthcare administration.
Courses provide hands-on experience in information security and privacy, business statistical analysis, and database systems. FIU's master's in health informatics can be tailored to your interests. You can choose a capstone or a health informatics and analytics practicum experience.
This cohort-based program admits no more than 40 students every September,and you'll need to apply by August for fall consideration.
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,396
Out of State | $1,396
Credits to Graduate
45
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
Drexel's master's in health informatics degree offers an accelerated format with four 10-week quarters that let you take more courses and graduate in under two years. This master's in health informatics program requires you to complete 45 credits in web systems and architecture, database management systems, and data analytics.
You'll need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Plus, you must submit official transcripts, a recommendation letter, an essay, a resume, and GRE scores.
Why Should You Get a Master's in Health Informatics?
Getting a master's in healthcare informatics is a great way to capitalize on the growing demand for healthcare workers of all kinds. It's an excellent career for people who are data-minded and systems-thinkers.
You will also have the satisfaction of going into a field that makes a positive impact in the world. Your training will prepare you to help fix structural and technical problems in healthcare that lead to medical errors, inflated costs, treatment delays, and poor patient outcomes.
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Health Informatics Degree
- Qualify for a number of healthcare and public health careers you can't access without an advanced degree
- Opportunities in higher ed and applied research
- Become an expert in health systems and information technology
- Learn about IT systems and research within a booming industry
- Develop strong interpersonal, analytical, and research skills
- Create positive change in the healthcare system
- Make patients' lives better
Benefits of Getting Your Master's in Health Informatics Online
- Increased flexibility
- Reduced opportunity costs
- Complete coursework remotely
- Ability to learn from anywhere
- Great for career-changers
Read More:
How Much Does an Online Master's in Health Informatics Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree
Public Institution | 2019-2020
$12,394
Private Institution | 2019-2020
$26,621
Total Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree | 2020-2021
Public Institution
$27,359
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$54,718
When you're considering the costs of pursuing a master's degree, you need to think beyond tuition. While online students don't have to calculate room and board or most on-campus fees, they may encounter some other unexpected costs, like technology or virtual library fees.
If you want to lower the cost of your graduate degree, there are a few ways to go about it:
- Attend public, in-state institutions
- Apply for grants and scholarships
- Transfer credits from a community college
- Earn credits for work, volunteer, or military experience when applicable
Read More:
How Long Does an Online Master's in Health Informatics Take?
Typically, an online master's in health informatics will take two years. Working students who attend part-time can expect to take longer. And some online schools offer accelerated programs to get you to the finish line early.
Average Length of Time*
2 years
*Varies depending on your school/program
Required Course Credits*
30-50 credits
*Varies depending on your school/program
Be sure to consider the program format when choosing a school. Choosing an asynchronous rather than synchronous program allows you more control over your schedule.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Master's in Health Informatics Degree?
There are several lucrative career paths you can pursue with a master's in health informatics.
| Job | Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Informatics Specialist | $65,270 |
| Health Information Management Director | $76,360 |
| Clinical Informatics Specialist | $78,100 |
| Nursing Informatics Specialist | $85,590 |
| Privacy Manager | $93,610 |
| Health IT Project Manager | $100,980 |
| Nursing Informatics Director | $116,870 |
| Medical Information Officer | $160,940 |
The career outlook for health informatics grads is strong. The BLS projects a 13% growth in healthcare occupations over the next ten years –– much faster than the average for all occupations.
Several specialties within the field have even better projections. For example, health information technologists and medical registrars can expect a 17% job growth between 2021 and 2031.
Health informatics students may also pursue careers in IT fields. The BLS projects a 15% growth for all computer and information technology careers between 2021 and 2031.
Read More:
Is a Master's in Health Informatics Worth It?
Yes. For people who are interested both in technology and healthcare, getting a master's in health informatics will most likely offer a good return on investment.
That's because healthcare organizations generate an overwhelming amount of data. According to RBC Capital Markets, approximately 30% of the world's data is produced by the healthcare industry. As that percentage continues to grow, so will the demand for IT specialists who can translate data into usable information.
How Do You Choose an Online Master's in Health Informatics Program?
- Cost
- Program Format
- Location
- Accreditation
- Student Support
Still Looking for the Right Fit in Healthcare? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Health Informatics
What are the admission requirements for a master's in health informatics program?
Most online master's in health informatics programs have similar admission requirements:
- Application
- Test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Application essay
- Bachelor's degree in a related field
Are health informatics careers in demand?
Yes! The BLS projects a high 13% growth for all healthcare occupations over the next 10 years. Plus, computer and information technology careers are projected to grow 15% over the same period.
How much money will you make with a master's in health informatics?
According to Payscale, the average base salary of someone with a master's degree in health informatics is $72,000 a year.
