On-Campus Online

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.

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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

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.

Core Courses – Taken By All Students

Course	Units
Health Information Management (HCIN 540) Learn foundational knowledge and skills in health information management, informatics, and U.S. healthcare delivery, with a focus on compute… Read More	3
Systems Analysis and Design for Health Care Informatics (HCIN 542) Equips students with the essential knowledge and skills required for the planning, analysis, design, and implementation of computer-based in… Read More	3
Database Design and Knowledge Management (HCIN 543) Acquire advanced database skills such as database design, data structuring, modeling and the development of database management systems.… Read More	3
Health Care Analytics (HCIN 547) Learn to use data analytics in addressing specific clinical queries, crafting clinical decision support rules, and employing precision medic… Read More	3
Clinical Documentation: Electronic Medical Record Systems Management (HCIN 552) Examine the intricate hardware and software requirements essential for Electronic Health Records (EHRs), and trace the historical trajectory… Read More	3
Health Care Leadership, Values and Social Justice (HCIN 556) Explore the role of leadership in driving innovation and change in healthcare organizations by examining leadership theories, ethics, values… Read More	3
Research Fundamentals and Biostatistics (HCIN 615) Develop skills to evaluate data for the purpose of formulating, resolving, and empirically testing data-driven hypotheses.… Read More	3
Health Care Informatics Capstone (HCIN 546) Explore how information technology and healthcare intersect to address modern challenges in health sciences, emphasizing the evaluation of h… Read More	3

Informatics Specialization Courses

Course	Units
Advanced Health Care Information Management (HCIN 544) Explore advanced healthcare information management topics, focusing on cybersecurity, interoperability, emerging trends in technology, and h… Read More	3
Health Care Law and Risk Management (HCIN 630) Explore the legal principles and strategies for minimizing risk and liability within healthcare systems, and review legal and ethical dilemm… Read More	3

Optional Elective (Not Part of Your Degree Requirements)

Course	Units
Health Care Informatics Practicum – Independent Study (HCIN 545P) Gain practical experience in real-world healthcare informatics and data analytics settings, translating theoretical knowledge into practical… Read More	3

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.