Health Informatics (M.S., Certificate)

Applicants to the health informatics M.S. program must have earned:

• A bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 3.00 or higher; a 2.75 GPA is acceptable for bachelor’s degrees in IT and life, health or computer sciences; or
• The health informatics certificate from Hood College (or demonstrating sufficient progress toward the certificate) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; or  
• An M.A. or M.S in a health, computer science or information technology-related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. 
• Personal Statement of Intent (250 words): How will learning health informatics help you achieve your future goals? 
• Please respond to one of the following prompts (no more than 600 words) to guide your placement in the appropriate foundational courses: 
  • From your perspective in computer, health or information sciences, what are the main challenges and opportunities for health informatics in the era of big data and artificial intelligence? How can health informatics leverage these technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and innovation? 
  • If your background does not include health, computer science or information technology, describe the education and experiences that have prepared you to study health informatics. 

Transfer credit policy for admitted students

Students may transfer a maximum of 6 graduate credits from an external, accredited institution, or another Hood graduate program prior to the first semester of study in the current program. Please review the full graduate transfer credit policy in the College catalog.

The 30-credit M.S. in health informatics includes a 3-credit capstone project. All of the classes are taught in the evening or online by experts in the field, who interact personally with their students. The degree includes a required “gateway” foundational course that differs according to the student’s background in either biology or computer science.

Foundation Courses

The foundation coursework represents background knowledge and skills necessary for successful completion of degree requirements. The foundation course may be waived by the program director, based upon an analysis of the student’s previous work. A student holding a baccalaureate degree in computer science will normally be granted exemption from, but not receive graduate credit for, the foundation course. Any foundation course required is in addition to the 30 credits required for program completion.

If exemption is not granted, students must complete one of the following foundation courses:

Core Requirements

Students in the health informatics M.S. program must complete the following core requirements:

Electives

Students in the health informatics M.S. program must complete an additional 9 credits of electives:

Applicants to the health informatics certificate program must have earned: 

• A bachelor’s degree in any field with a GPA of 3.00 or higher; a 2.75 GPA is acceptable for bachelor’s degrees in IT and life, health or computer sciences; or
• An M.A. or M.S in a health, computer science or information technology-related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. 
• Personal Statement of Intent (250 words): How will learning health informatics help you achieve your future goals? 
• Please respond to one of the following prompts (no more than 600 words) to guide your placement in the appropriate foundational courses: 
  •  From your perspective in computer, health or information sciences, what are the main challenges and opportunities for health informatics in the era of big data and artificial intelligence? How can health informatics leverage these technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and innovation? 
  • If your background does not include health, computer science or information technology, describe the education and experiences that have prepared you to study health informatics.

Application Requirements 

An information technology or healthcare background is not required but is a plus on admission. Students with a relevant information technology or healthcare background are encouraged to apply and discuss possible course waivers and substitutions with their assigned adviser. 

Students planning to change their careers are encouraged to contact a health informatics adviser to discuss the program and its requirements. For these students, it is also particularly important to describe in the goals statement how they envision themselves in the health informatics field. 

Transfer credit policy for admitted students

Students may transfer a maximum of 6 graduate credits from an external, accredited institution, or another Hood graduate program prior to the first semester of study in the current program. Please review the full graduate transfer credit policy in the College catalog.

Foundation Course

The foundation coursework represents background knowledge and skills necessary for successful completion of degree requirements. The foundation course may be waived by the program director, based upon an analysis of the student’s previous work. A student holding a baccalaureate degree in computer science will normally be granted exemption from but not receive graduate credit for the foundation course. Any foundation course required is in addition to the 12 credits required for program completion.

If exemption is not granted, students must complete one of the following foundation courses:

Core Courses

Students in the health informatics certificate program must complete the following core requirements:

*ITMG 516 cannot be applied to the health informatics M.S. program; however, the nine other credits earned in the certificate are applicable toward the M.S.

What is health informatics?

Health informatics is a cross-disciplinary field that utilizes information technology to improve healthcare outcomes and protect patient data. By leveraging technology, health informatics professionals organize and analyze healthcare data to improve communication and management of medical records.

How long will it take to earn my degree?

The 30-credit master’s program typically can be completed within two years, while the 12-credit certificate program typically can be completed in less than a year. Both programs are flexible, and courses can be completed at your own pace.

Do I need a degree in health science or information technology to enroll in this program?

No, a degree in health science or information technology is not required for admission. Both the health informatics master’s and certificate programs are open to bachelor’s degree holders in any field. See the above admission requirements for more detailed information.

How much does the program cost?

Learn more about tuition and fees here.

Are there scholarships or other financial aid opportunities available for this program?

Learn more about funding your education here.

Active duty soldiers stationed at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland, are eligible for a full-tuition waiver for this program or any other graduate certificate and master’s program at Hood College. Learn more here.

What career options are available in the field of health informatics?

Health informatics professionals usually work in healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, community health centers and private practices, but there are also opportunities for work in research and development, pharmaceuticals, government agencies and senior living centers. Possible roles include medical or pharmaceutical technician, health information technologist, data architect or scientist, AI and cloud solution specialist, medical registrar, outcome analyst and more.

How fast is the field of health informatics growing?

Health information technology is a rapidly growing field, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 16% job growth by 2032, much faster than the national average.

What is the average salary for health informatics professionals?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for health information technologists is $62,990.

Where can I learn more about health informatics?

Listen to the Current Trends in Health Informatics webinar presented by Tim Coffin, Ph.D., health informatics program director or view The Future of AI in Healthcare webinar.