The field of health informatics is an essential area of patient care, focusing on the management and use of patient health care information. With a Master's of Science in Health Informatics degree, professionals will have the knowledge and the skills to put into action critical solutions for the information technology challenges of healthcare. Armed with their deep understanding of IT processes in healthcare, they will be able to design and support information technology systems. Program areas of expertise are enterprise management, information storage, health information processing, and security management. From 2018 through 2028, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) foresees that there will be an 18% growth in the need for medical and health services managers with advanced degrees. Chiefly because of the aging of Baby Boomers, this rise is much faster than the average for other occupations.The following job titles are common for those with health and medical informatics degrees: Life Sciences Analyst; Software Training Specialist; Housing Programs Supervisor; Project Manager/Coordinator; Senior Support Specialist; Application Specialist; Health System Specialist; Hematology Supervisor; Collection Team Lead; Pharmacy Technician; Project Manager; Project Specialist; and Registered Nurse.According to BLS, the median annual wage for medical and health services managers in 2018 was $99,730. The median annual wages that same year for medical and health services managers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
Government – $110,460Hospitals; state, local, and private – $108,730Outpatient care centers – $92,390Offices of physicians – $90,920Nursing and residential care facilities – $84,260As can be seen, the financial advantages of obtaining an advanced degree in the field of health informatics are enormous. This list of online schools and their masters degrees in health informatics will be useful to you as you decide your future.The schools reviewed below have been researched and ranked using the categories shown in the charts. Where ties occur in rankings, extra weight is given to schools with lower tuition. All figures come from the schools themselves or from the schools themselves, from BLS, or from Niche.com.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Hourly Tuition
Hourly Out of State Rate $600 and Below : 5 points
Hourly Out of State Rate $800 and Below : 4 points
Hourly Out of State Rate $1,000 and Below: 3 points
Hourly Out of State Rate $1,300 and Below: 2 points
Hourly Out of State Rate $1,700 and Below : 1 point
Salary Six Years After Graduation
$60,000 – $69,999: 5 points
$50,000 – $59,999: 4 points
$45,000 – $49,999: 3 points
$40,000 – $44,999: 2 points
$Below $39,999: 1 point
Student to Faculty Ratio
5:1 or fewer: 5 points
10:1 or fewer: 4 points
15:1 or fewer: 3 points
20:1 or fewer: 2 points
25:1 or fewer: 1 point
Graduation Rate
67% to 100%: 3 point
34% through 66%: 2 points
1 through 33%: 1 point
Regional Accreditation – 5 points
#1 – The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas
MS in Biomedical Informatics Online
The 39 credit hour, online master of science in biomedical informatics degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston boasts two tracks. The traditional research option grounds students in basic aspects of biomedical informatics along with an in-depth focus on areas of student interest. Track two gives students an understanding of the modern US healthcare system, from EHRs to health information security protocols. To apply to the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston for their online MS in Biomedical Informatics degree, submit transcripts, resume and/or CV, three letters of reference, a goal statement, and a $60 fee.
#2 – The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, Minnesota
Online MSHI
In 1935, the College of Saint Scholastica was the first school in the country to create a health informatics program. Their fully online master of science in health informatics degree is developed with the Benedictine values of community, hospitality, respect, stewardship, and love of learning. The 42 credit program includes these courses: IT project management; HI technology in practice; human factors and usability assessment; HI security systems; advanced biostatistics and health analytics; and methods of healthcare monitoring, evaluation, and research. To apply to the College of Saint Scholastica's online MSHI program, submit transcripts and proof of the pre-requisite course in statistics.
#3 – University of Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Online MSHI
As one of 27 Jesuit colleges in the US, the University of Scranton believes in the motto, "Go Forth and Set the World on Fire." The 33 credit hour, online master of science in health informatics degree is developed for students with or without a background in health, business, or technology; one-hour foundational modules are available to bring you up to speed. The focus of the degree is fivefold: information science; communication; business; information systems; and leadership. Applicants to the University of Scranton for their online MSHI degree should submit a professional resume, statement of intent, three letters of reference, and background disclosure and authorization.
#4 – Misericordia University
Dallas, Pennsylvania
Online MS in Health Care Informatics
Misericordia University features a 36 credit hour master of science in healthcare informatics degree that is predominantly online. The format is asynchronous, and all courses are 7.5 weeks in length. There are two options: academic track with academic thesis; or professional track with professional contribution. For each option, the ten required courses are the same, with the only difference being in the final six hours of credit. The required curriculum for Misericordia University's online MS in Health Care Informatics degree includes modeling HC process and information, project management, HI standards and best practices, and legal, ethical, and public policy issues in HI.
#5 – DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Online MSHI
DePaul University offers a 52 credit hour, fully online masters of science degree in health informatics with a choice of specializations that includes health analytics, enterprise management, and innovations in healthcare. A few of the courses within the specializations are information security management, management of innovation and technological change, and managerial and marketing epidemiology. Introductory courses for DePaul University's online MSHI degree may be waived if you meet certain criteria. Application calls for transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA and a $25 fee. The general curriculum includes health sector management, database design for IS, and accounting and financial management in HC.
#6 – George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
MSHI Online
#7 – Rutgers University-New Brunswick
New Brunswick, New Jersey
MSHI Online
Rutgers University-New Brunswick has designed a 36 credit hour, online master of science in health informatics degree. Molecular modeling and data mining are only two of the available courses. All students have access to the Writing Center for assistance with research, critical reading, and writing assignments. The Enrollment Management Academic Success Center provides such benefits as advisors, one-on-one academic coaching, peer support, and mentoring. Rutgers University-New Brunswick's admissions office calls for transcripts demonstrating a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, CV or resume, but no GRE scores, when applying to their online MS of Health Informatics program.
#8 – Brandeis University
Waltham, Massachusetts
Online MIH
Brandeis University's masters degree in health informatics is an online, 30-credit hour program consisting of seven required courses and three electives. All classes are taught by faculty who are trained in best practices of online learning, actively leading the discussions and grading your assignments. Founded in 1948 by the American Jewish community, Brandeis is nonsectarian. Admissions calls for transcript(s), resume, statement of goals, and a letter of recommendation from a current supervisor, manager, or employer. Curriculum for Brandeis University's online MIH includes the following: perspectives in health/medical systems; health data and electronic records; and legal issues and medical information.
#9 – Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network
Boston, Massachusetts
Online MSHI
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network has an online master of science in health informatics degree that may be completed in two to three years, depending on whether full-time or part-time. The program's objectives are threefold: "Understand how information technology, people, health, and the healthcare system interrelate; use information technology and information management concepts and methods to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes; [and] communicate effectively among healthcare practitioners, administrators, and IT professionals, and understand each of their needs and constraints." To apply to Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network's online MSHI program, submit transcripts, professional resume, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
#10 – Northwestern University
Evanston, Illinois
Online MSHI
The online master's of science in health informatics degree from Northwestern University boasts three specializations: clinical informatics; health technology; and health administration. The program calls for 12 courses, which include the following: American healthcare systems; introduction to clinical thinking; fundamentals of HI; healthcare operations; health information technology standards; legal, ethical, and social issues; and system acquisition and lifecycle. You may narrow your course selections by day or instructor. To apply to Northwestern University for their online MSHI degree, submit transcripts, a writing sample, resume, 300-550 word statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation, and a $75 fee.
#11 – University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
MSHI Online
University of Kansas has an online master of science in health informatics degree with four disciplines to choose from. Depending on the area of discipline, some classroom courses are required; the four disciplines are clinical, health policy and management, public health, and project management. The curriculum has three required cores: informatics; leadership; and research. Students are allowed seven years to complete the degree. No health care experience is mandated, but it is desired. Applicants to the University of Kansas's online MSHI program must be US citizens or US permanent cardholders. No GRE scores are required.
#12 – Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama
Online MSHI
Samford University has a master of science in health informatics program that is fully online except for two on-campus visits, one at the beginning and one at the end of your coursework. Application to the 40 credit hour, five-semester degree calls for a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE/GMAT/MAT scores (though these may be waived with three years of relevant work experience), three letters of reference, and an online video interview. The curriculum for Samford University's online MSHI degree includes these courses: health systems, organizations, and policy; electronic health records in diverse practice settings; and structured/unstructured data design and analysis.
#13 – Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
MSHI Online
Drexel University has a 45 credit hour master of science in health informatics degree that can only be taken online. The program may take two year of full-time study with four ten-week quarters per year, although the format can be part-time. Students may pursue a dual degree by combining the MSHI with any other graduate degree program in the College of Computing and Informatics. Curriculum in Drexel University's MSHI online degree program includes the following courses: human-computer interaction; introduction to data analytics; and managing HI projects. To apply, submit transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA.
#14 – University of Miami
Coral Gables, Florida
Online MSHI
The master of science in health informatics degree from the University of Miami is a fully online program, but the new student orientation is nevertheless beneficial and highly recommended as a way to get to know your future instructors and cohort members. The program may take as long as 22 months and concludes with a capstone practicum. Courses include the following: introduction to HI; structure and process in HC organizations; HC databases/design, development, and clinical applications: and HI information exchange. To apply to University of Miami for their online MSHI degree, submit two professional recommendations, transcripts, resume, and a one-page personal statement.
#15 – Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Online MS in Biomedical Informatics
Nova Southeastern University offers a 44 credit hour, online master of science in biomedical informatics degree with a very generous listing of 28 electives from which to choose. The required 32 credit, 11-course core curriculum includes database systems in HC, information security in HC, telecommunications and computer networking in HC, and leadership management and organizational behavior in informatics. Electives include epidemiology, biostatistics, artificial intelligence in HC, and maximizing talents in the health technology workforce. To apply to Nova Southeastern University's online MS in biomedical informatics program, submit transcripts showing a 3.0 GPA, a letter or recommendation, and a $50 fee.
#16 – University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, Ohio
Online MHI
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's master of health informatics degree is a 33 credit hour program that is 100% online with no required campus visits. If students have a minimum 3.0 GPA, no GRE/GMAT scores are needed; submit letter of intent, two letters of recommendation, resume/CV, and $65 fee. The curriculum for the online MHI degree at the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus includes the following courses: vocabularies, terminology, knowledge discovery, and related HI terminology; health information legislation, privacy, and security; workflow process analysis, system development, human factors, and usability; and leveraging analytics and business intelligence tools for healthcare.
#17 – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
MPS in Biomedical and Health Informatics Online
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a 35 credit hour, online master of professional science in biomedical and health informatics degree with two tracks: clinical, for students interested in working in information system divisions or as chief information officer in a clinical care setting; public health informatics, for those interested in applying information systems in population health and public health policy. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill requires applicants for its MPS in Biomedical and Health Informatics degree to submit a minimum 3.0 GPA, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume or CV, and a $85 fee.
#18 – Dakota State University
Madison, South Dakota
MSHI Online
Dakota State University mandates prerequisite knowledge in these areas before granting admission to the school's master's of science in health informatics program: health care; information systems; and statistics. The 33 credit hour program is full or part-time and calls for 30 hours of core courses and one masters problem/project, plus a comprehensive exam. Coursework includes HI lifecycle governance, exploration of population health data in HI, and workflow and usability optimization in HI. To apply to Dakota State University for their online MSHI degree, submit proof of a 2.7 minimum GPA and GRE scores within the past 5 years.
#19 – Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
MSHI Online
The online master's of science in health informatics degree from Kent State University at Kent has four options for the culminating experience in health informatics: internship; project; research paper; or thesis. The program is 36 credit hours in length, with seven required courses and four electives. Each course lasts seven weeks, with two courses taken sequentially each semester and three starts per year. Some of the required courses are HI management, legal issues in HI, and health records management. Application to Kent State University at Kent's online MSHI degree does not call for GRE scores unless your GPA is below 3.0.
#20 – University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Online MS in Biomedical Informatics
University of Utah features a 35 credit hour master of science in biomedical informatics degree that has one track available in their online program: applied clinical informatics. The degree takes four semesters and culminates in a non-thesis capstone project, consisting of a presentation and an exam. Coursework includes clinical database design, population and public health informatics, system analysis and implementation, principles of leadership, and business seminar series (one class each semester, ½ credit per class). Admission to University of Utah's online MS in biomedical informatics program calls for transcripts, GRE scores, and a statement of purpose.
#21 – Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
MSHI Online
Slippery Rock University's online master of science in health informatics degree uses Blackboard as the delivery format with training available for those needing it. The program can be started at any time, but if students begin in the fall, they may finish in ten months if full-time. Admission calls for transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA and a $25 fee but no GRE scores. The curriculum for the MSHI online degree from Slippery Rock University includes data mining and data analysis, foundations of public health, health services administration, biostatistics for public health, data visualization, and a capstone course.
#22 – Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
MSHI Online
Northern Kentucky University's 33 credit hour, online master of science in health informatics degree culminates with a capstone project and an electronic portfolio maintained by the student throughout the program. A total of 21 hours in foundation courses and nine hours of electives are required. The curriculum includes the following courses: technical foundations of healthcare informatics; systems analysis and design; information systems in healthcare organizations; database management systems; and evidence-based healthcare methods. The admission process for Northern Kentucky University's online MSHI degree calls for transcripts that show a minimum 2.5 GPA, resume, and a 500-1,000 word statement that expresses your personal interests.
#23 – East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Online MS in HIIM
East Carolina University offers a 39 credit hour online master of science in health information and information management degree with the option of a thesis. One's undergraduate degree may be in a completely unrelated field. To apply, you must submit transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA, GRE/GMAT scores, a statement of purpose letter, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and an application fee. The curriculum for East Carolina University's online MS in HIIM degree includes the following courses: ehealth care information systems; decision support system; electronic health records; health data structures; and evaluations methods in health informatics.
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