Master of Science in Health Care Informatics
Health Care Informatics Specialization
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Health Care Informatics Specialization
The Health Care Informatics (HCI) specialization is the most popular track in the Health Informatics master’s degree program, as it gives students broad exposure to the many different aspects of health informatics. This track covers a wide range of technical, analytical and innovative health care technology skills that will enable students to be proficient in many health care applications. Learning from expert faculty with professional experience working in health informatics — from analytics to leadership and everything in between — gives students unique insights into all facets of the health informatics field. Graduates of this specialization will be prepared for any number of careers in the health informatics field.
This track is for students who: are new to health care informatics, and those who want exposure to different aspects of the field — including data analytics and leadership — without specializing in a single area. Students in this track can pursue a career as a health or clinical informaticist, health care consultant, EHR trainer or implementation specialist, clinical analyst or a health informatics team leader.
Curriculum for Students in the Health Care Informatics Specialization
- Take 8 core courses plus 2 specialization courses
- Optional elective courses may be available
- Graduate in 20 months (5 terms)
Orientation (Online Students Only)
Prior to beginning your first term, you’ll be required to complete the program orientation course, which generally takes about 12-16 hours. The course is self-paced but is mandatory. Please plan your schedule accordingly.
Orientation for on-campus students will be scheduled near the start of the term and coordinated with you directly by a member of our team.
Core Courses – Taken By All Students
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Learn foundational knowledge and skills in health information management, informatics, and U.S. healthcare delivery, with a focus on compute… |
3 |
|
Equips students with the essential knowledge and skills required for the planning, analysis, design, and implementation of computer-based in… |
3 |
|
Acquire advanced database skills such as database design, data structuring, modeling and the development of database management systems.… |
3 |
|
Learn to use data analytics in addressing specific clinical queries, crafting clinical decision support rules, and employing precision medic… |
3 |
|
Examine the intricate hardware and software requirements essential for Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and trace the historical trajectory… |
3 |
|
Explore the role of leadership in driving innovation and change in healthcare organizations by examining leadership theories, ethics, values… |
3 |
|
Develop skills to evaluate data for the purpose of formulating, resolving, and empirically testing data-driven hypotheses.… |
3 |
|
Explore how information technology and healthcare intersect to address modern challenges in health sciences, emphasizing the evaluation of h… |
3 |
Informatics Specialization Courses
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Explore advanced healthcare information management topics, focusing on cybersecurity, interoperability, emerging trends in technology, and h… |
3 |
|
Explore the legal principles and strategies for minimizing risk and liability within healthcare systems, and review legal and ethical dilemm… |
3 |
Optional Elective for On-Campus Students (Not Part of Your Degree Requirements)
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
|
Gain practical experience in real-world healthcare informatics and data analytics settings, translating theoretical knowledge into practical… |
3 |
DEGREE PLAN For campus Students
All campus-based students will start in the Fall term.
Domestic students will take 3 classes each Fall and 2 classes each Spring term, with no course requirements during the Summer term. Students have the option to take 3 classes in the Spring terms (similar to the international student schedule outlined below), but this may have implications for financial aid which can be mitigated by taking additional optional elective classes.
International and military-funded students will take 3 classes each Fall and Spring term, with no course requirements during the Summer term. In their final term, students will have only one required course, plus the option to take electives if desired.
All on-campus students will have the option to take a practicum course (HCIN 545) during the Summer terms.
DEGREE PLAN For Online Students
Degree candidates are admitted throughout the year to begin their program during one of three terms (spring, summer or fall). Students will take two courses during each 14-week term, focusing on one seven-week course at a time. This master’s degree program can be completed, on average, in five terms (20 months).
Download a PDF of your degree plan that corresponds with your start term.
Important dates for your starting term will be found in the degree plan. Important dates for subsequent terms can be found in your student success center after acceptance.
Frequently Asked questions
How much time will I need to dedicate to this program?
While this will vary from student to student, most students spend approximately 20 hours per week on their studies.
What is the difference between the online and on-campus versions of this program?
In terms of the quality of education you will receive, there is no difference between the online and the on-campus formats of the HCI program.
- Both formats are 30 units
- The same material is taught by the same faculty across both formats
- The course learning outcomes and program learning outcomes are the same across both formats
Minor differences include:
- On-campus students interact with one another directly within the classroom while online students engage in virtual sessions and online discussion forums.
- The campus section only admits new students in the Fall, whereas the online section admits new students in Fall, Spring and Summer.
- Online students will take one accelerated class at a time, and classes are taken year-round. Campus students will take 3 courses each Spring and Fall term, and have the Summer term term off. Optional elective coursework is available over the Summer for campus students.
What courses will I take that are unique to the Health Care Informatics Specialization?
- HCIN 544: Advanced Health Care Information Management
- HCIN 630: Health Care Law and Risk Management
What careers can I pursue with a Health Care Informatics Specialization?
Typical job titles that graduates of this track pursue include:
- Electronic Health Record Administrator/Trainer
- Clinical Analyst
- Informatics Analyst
- Health Care IT Project Manager
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