Top 10 Master’s Programs in Health Informatics in the United States
January 8, 2024Health informatics focuses on optimizing patient care by merging healthcare expertise with information technology skills. Professionals in this field play a crucial role in enhancing patient outcomes and improving healthcare delivery within hospitals and other healthcare settings. Students in health informatics programs not only deepen their core medical and healthcare knowledge but also acquire skills in data science, computer programming, and organizational dynamics.
How to Apply for a Master’s in Health Informatics: Applicants to master’s programs in health informatics typically need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While programs often accept students from various academic backgrounds, relevant full-time experience in the healthcare field is usually preferred. Some programs may require additional foundational courses in health informatics or GRE scores for applicants without relevant experience. Application requirements typically include undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. Some programs may also involve in-person or distance interviews. For programs with rolling admissions, timely submission of all application materials is recommended. Programs designed for working professionals may also require proof of employment.
Earning Potential with a Master’s in Health Informatics: Healthcare informatics is a rapidly growing field, at the intersection of healthcare and technology. The demand for healthcare services is increasing, driving the need for efficient care delivery. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a growth of over 10% in the job market for health information professionals in the coming decade, resulting in nearly 25,000 new jobs. Graduates with master’s degrees can expect competitive salaries, with some earning close to $70,000 per year.
- Stanford University
- Location: Stanford, California
- Average Net Price: $17,271
- More Information: [Link to Stanford’s Health Informatics Program]
Stanford University offers a Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics through its distance learning service. The program, completed in approximately 3.5 years, requires 37 units of coursework covering core biomedical informatics, STEM, and social/ethical issues.
- Regis University
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Average Net Price: $26,273
Regis University’s Master of Science in Health Informatics enhances students’ healthcare experience with IT and data management skills. The program includes 36 credit hours, with specializations in Information Technology, Health Care Services, or Data Science.
- University of Kansas
- Location: Lawrence, Kansas
- Average Net Price: $18,415
The University of Kansas offers a Master of Science in Applied Health Informatics program, requiring 40 credit hours. GRE scores are not required, and students choose an area of focus from project management, clinical, health policy, or public health.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Average Net Price: $11,649
- More Information: [Link to UNC-Chapel Hill’s Biomedical and Health Informatics Program]
UNC-Chapel Hill provides a Master of Professional Science in Biomedical and Health Informatics, offering two specialization tracks: Clinical Health and Public Health. The program, with 35 credit hours, includes practicum/internship experience.
- Harvard University
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Average Net Price: $17,590
Harvard Medical School’s Master of Biomedical Informatics program caters to those pursuing biomedical careers in data science. Students choose between a traditional program (48 credit hours) and an accelerated program (36 credit hours).
- University of Iowa
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
- Average Net Price: $15,817
The University of Iowa offers a Master of Science in Health Informatics as part of its Ph.D. program. With 32 credit hours, students choose between a thesis or non-thesis degree plan, covering foundational courses and electives.
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Average Net Price: $14,987
UNC Charlotte’s Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analysis focuses on applied research. The program includes 36 credit hours, covering core competencies, research, and business skills, with the option of face-to-face or online formats.
- Duke University
- Location: Durham, North Carolina
- Average Net Price: $19,785
Duke University’s Master of Management in Clinical Informatics is a one-year program delivered in a blended format. With a focus on patient care optimization, the program includes courses like Business Strategy, Applied Data Science, and Clinical Informatics Ethics Seminar.
- Marshall University
- Location: Huntington, West Virginia
- Average Net Price: $8,850
Marshall University’s interdisciplinary Master of Science in Health Informatics, offered through its colleges of Health Professions, Business, and Information Systems, covers 39 credit hours. Students choose from specializations like Health Informatics Practicum.
- University of Utah
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Average Net Price: $13,460
The University of Utah offers a Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics with tracks in Bioinformatics, Data Science, and Applied Clinical Informatics. The program, with at least 30 credit hours, caters to working professionals.
These top 10 master’s programs provide a comprehensive overview of the diverse offerings in the field of health informatics across various prestigious institutions in the United States.
