Master of Science in Health Care Informatics
Admission Requirements
Request Information
Ready to Learn More About the MS In Health Care Informatics?
applying to the ms in health care informatics program
To apply to the MS in Health Care Informatics (MS-HCI) program, please submit an application, official transcripts, letters of reference and your resume. International applicants must also submit official TOEFL/ILETS/Duolingo scores and an official evaluation of foreign transcripts by one of the agencies listed at the bottom of this page.
- New students are admitted to the MS-HCI online program three times a year: spring, summer and fall.
- The MS-HCI campus program admits students every fall.
USD is pleased to offer a dedicated enrollment staff to assist interested students throughout the application process. There is no charge for this service. Simply fill out the inquiry form at the top of this page and an advisor will reach out to you. You may also reach us by phone at (619) 260-4580.
Application Materials
College/University Transcripts
Applicants are required to provide official transcripts documenting their undergraduate degree. Official transcripts are sent directly from the college or university to the University of San Diego Office of Graduate Admissions. This is usually done electronically to [email protected]. If your undergraduate university cannot send transcripts electronically, they can be sent via postal mail to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
University of San Diego
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110-2492
Please note that transcripts sent via postal mail will likely cause delays in the processing of your application. Electronic transfer of official transcripts is strongly recommended.
Resume
A resume describing the nature, scope and areas of responsibility of all your work experience is required. Please upload your resume with your application.
Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement
The essay, required of all candidates, gives us a better understanding of you as a person, your career goals, and your familiarity with the range of health informatics positions you might assume after graduation. It also provides a sample of your writing ability. The statement is submitted with your application.
Recommendations
Applicants are required to submit one letter of support, ideally from a current employer. Letters of support from professional colleagues, past supervisors, or academic advisors will also be accepted.
Interview
All prospective students will be scheduled for an admissions interview once their application is complete and ready for review. This interview will be held via Zoom teleconference with the Academic Director, with the goal of exploring your career aspirations, discussing the academic expectations and requirements of the program, and answering any remaining questions you have.
Additional requirements for admission
- Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, from a nationally or regionally accredited university
- Basic computer and information management skills, including familiarity and experience with Microsoft Office products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Basic understanding of medical terminology (Non-health care professionals will need to complete the online medical terminology course by the end of the first term. This course is not part of the degree curriculum.)
- One year of work experience (preferred but not required)
- Students wishing to enroll in the online program must reside in an approved state. Confirm that your state of residency allows enrollment in a University of San Diego online degree program.
Are you an international applicant?
Admission for Fall 2025 is now closed. The application period for Fall 2026 will open in mid August, 2025.
International students applying to our on-campus MS-HCI program need to be accepted earlier than the published deadlines to allow time for visa processing.
The next available start term for International Students is Fall 2026 (classes start September 2026). Please note these deadlines:
- May 1, 2026 – Your application and all supporting documents (course-by-course transcript evaluation, letters of recommendation, English proficiency scores) must be complete and on file with the Office of Graduate Admissions, and an admission interview scheduled with the MS-HCI program director. The admission interview is a required step and cannot be scheduled until your application and all support documents are on file.
- May 8, 2026 – Non-refundable tuition deposit is due from all admitted applicants
- May 20, 2026 – if accepted, all required immigration documentation must be uploaded to the University’s iTorero portal. Accepted students will need to pay their tuition deposit, confirm their acceptance and set up their student account prior to gaining access to iTorero.
Required Documentation for International Applicants
International students with private funding who are interested in applying for the on-campus MS-HCI program will be required to meet additional requirements for admission, including:
- English Language Exam Score. Acceptable exams include:
- An official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Langage (TOEFL) iBT exam. Acceptable options include:
- the traditional computer-based test at a test center
- the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition (available in select countries only)
- An official score report from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic exam:
- the traditional computer-based or paper test at a test center
- the IELTS Online
- An official score report from the Duolingo English Test
- An official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Langage (TOEFL) iBT exam. Acceptable options include:
- Transcript and Credential Evaluation – If you earned a degree from an institution outside the United States, you are required to submit an official international transcript evaluation (also called a foreign credential evaluation) as part of your application. Please note that the evaluation must be a course-by-course evaluation. You must order your official course-by-course evaluation from one of the following evaluation services:
- Verify that your country allows access to essential software like VPN or DUO, which is vital for seamless online access during your studies.
Important Visa & Eligibility Information for International Students
- The University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing & Health Sciences does not offer scholarships or graduate assistantships to international students. If you plan to study at the University of San Diego in F-1 or J-1 international student status, and are in need of the F-1 or J-1 Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or Form DS-2019) from the University, you will be required to submit documentation showing that you have the minimum amount of expenses estimated for your program available in cash assets. For students starting in Fall 2025, this amount is $93,832 USD.
- If you are currently in the U.S. on an F-1 or M-1 student visa, you are not eligible to pursue the online section of our program, per U.S. immigration regulations.
- International students who are currently in the United States on an F-1 student visa may be able to transfer the F-1 record to the University of San Diego. Please contact an enrollment advisor if you think this situation applies to you.
- Please review the immigration requirements for new admitted international students
I’ve Applied… What Happens Next?
Once your enrollment advisor has submitted your application materials to the admission review committee, you should expect to receive a determination within a week. Your official decision will be sent to you via email by the Office of Graduate Admissions.
If accepted, you will be provided a link and instructions for making your admission deposit and confirming your intent to enroll. The non-refundable deposit equal to 5% of your first term’s tuition will be applied to your first tuition payment when you enroll in the program.
At a Glance
Prepare for your career in Health Care Informatics or Healthcare Data Analytics with our HIMSS-approved program. Earn your degree at our San Diego campus or completely online.
20 months
30 Units
$995
August 1
20 months
42 Units
$1,820
August 1
May 1
20 months
30 Units
$1,820
August 1