Health Informatics MS Degree Program

Michigan Tech's MS in Health Informatics offers a flexible, challenging curriculum that can be completed both on-campus and entirely online. The program utilizes a robust cloud-based computing environment, allowing students to access a secure virtual lab remotely from any web browser to conduct applied hands-on labs and develop advanced skills in health informatics and biomedical data science. 

Health informatics, a multi-disciplinary professional field, studies and pursues the effective uses of biomedical data, information, and knowledge for scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and decision making. The advancement of technology in the medical field, accompanied by the requirements to keep sensitive data confidential, has created a robust need for health informatics specialists who work at he intersection of information science, computer science, and health care.

Research Focus

Deep-learning algorithms to improve differentiation of breast abnormalities in mammography images. Health identifiers to prevent patient misidentification, enhance data security, improve patient safety, and lower health care costs. Research in labs dedicated to developing new, more effective techniques and technologies that forge new pathways to secure and comprehensive information for every member of the health care community.

An interdisciplinary approach to research, focusing on innovations that benefit society and the environment brings students and faculty together at the Institute of Computing and Cybersystems and Health Research Institute. CyberS, the Center for Cybersecurity, expands innovation in the field most crucial to Information Technology, from information security and biometrics to trusted software engineering. DataS, the Center for Data Sciences, unites diverse faculty and students to discover new knowledge in interdisciplinary collaboration. At the Center for Human-Centered Computing, Michigan Tech students learn to become future creators, finding the balance of computing, humanity, and interaction.

Stackable Graduate Certificates

The curriculum is structured around four graduate certificates, beginning with the 12-credit Foundations of Health Informatics certificate, which covers core courses in the health informatics field. Students then choose two of three additional 9-credit "stackable" certificates in specialized areas: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Security and Privacy in Healthcare, and Public Health Informatics. With a minimum of 30 credits required for the MS degree, most students graduate with both the master's degree and three graduate certificates. 

MS Requirements

  • Health Informatics Graduate Foundations Courses (12 credits)
  • Focus Areas (9-18 credits)
  • Elective courses or Report option or Thesis option (6-10 credits)

Graduate Handbook

Elective Courses

  • A maximum of two courses or six credits may be used for elective credit.
  • Any SAT 5000 level course not taken from above and the following.

Degree Options

The program offers research, thesis, and reporting options for both on-campus and online students, and openly encourages those completing the "coursework only" option to participate in faculty research projects. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers as biomedical data scientists, clinical EHR integration specialists, clinical data analysts, and other in-demand roles in the healthcare sector.

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Taking the Leap to Graduate School?

Learn more about the Graduate Master's Applied Computing Program at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Funding Opportunities

Decisions on financial support and contract offers for the upcoming academic year are typically made in the spring semester. Financial support is not guaranteed. Applicants for GRA (Graduate Research Assistant) positions should submit a current vita emphasizing their research qualifications.

Financial Aid Resources

Graduate students have many University-related aid options available to them. The Financial Aid Office provides an extensive list of resources to aid students in finding additional funding opportunities.

Cost of Education

Helpful cost of education links for students on fellowship, who qualify for educational tax credits, or who are nonresidents.

Tax Information (Residents | Nonresidents)

Learn about important tax information for resident and nonresident graduate students.

HIMSS Logo

Health Information Management System Society (HIMSS)

The Health Information Management System Society are leaders in health innovation, public policy, workforce development, research, and digital health transformation to advise leaders, stakeholders, and influencers from across the global health ecosystem on best practices. Free Membership to MTU Health Informatics Students!

Advantages of being a HIMSS Member:

  • Network with your peers
  • Access informative content
  • Develop leadership experience
  • Save money
  • Stay informed

LEAP Advantage

Students from India, earn your STEM master’s degree at one of the leading health informatics departments in the US with state-of-the-art labs and computer centers.

  • GRE scores are waived for students applying through Leap Advantage.
  • 1st semester, study online in India and then transition to Michigan Tech’s campus.
  • Academic mentoring, pedagogy, and coursework by MTU faculty and staff.
  • Non-academic support provided by Leap, including visa, counseling, mentorship, and soft skills training.
  • Save on overall costs and still have OPT opportunities.

Eligibility

An undergraduate degree in a health related or computing focused field from a regionally accredited academic institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

Learn More

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The Department of Data Science

The students of Michigan Tech’s Department of Data Science bring the future into the present, supported by experienced staff and the cutting edge of research and technology. Working at the forefront of data science and its applications, the Department of Data Science pioneers new computing technologies, collaborates with other departments to offer robust interdisciplinary programs, and prepares students for a professional life in the ever-changing world of data science computing. Students will learn to combine the structure of math and computing with the creativity of problem-solving, and graduate with the skills and experience to make a difference in the world.

Ready to get analytical? As a part of Michigan Tech's data science department, you can:

  • Access our vast virtual cluster to apply IT coursework in real-time scenarios wherever you are.
  • Participate in research on the cutting edge of computing technology.
  • Collaborate with classmates and faculty in the Rekhi Round Lounge and faculty-student lounge.
  • Cultivate skills across data science disciplines and focus your studies on your preferred area of concentration.
  • Develop models, apply theories, and work hands-on with data gathering and analysis.
  • Learn how your classroom work applies to real-world scenarios and modern problems.
  • Expand your skill set into interdisciplinary programs to address industry needs.
  • Work with award-winning faculty who nurture your studies and success.

MTU engineering

Tomorrow won’t wait. Neither will we.

Computing is for everyone, everywhere. Artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, and other forms of digital connectivity are ingrained in nearly every aspect of life. Cybersecurity has never been more important. These transformational technologies require intrepid problem-solvers, bold leaders, and fearless visionaries. You can be one of them.

Founded in 2019, Michigan Tech's College of Computing is one of the first colleges in the nation and one of the few institutions of its kind to focus solely on computing. Digital transformation has morphed every discipline into a computing discipline, reinventing industries like manufacturing, criminal justice, marketing, and healthcare. At Tech, we are making sure employers have the computing talent they need to thrive—and that our students are equipped for fulfilling careers now and for all the tomorrows to come.

The world needs Computing[MTU]. The world needs you.

Supercharge your future.

Study, do research, and build a future-forward career at a flagship R1 public research university powered by STEM. Get the theoretical knowledge and practical experience you need to succeed in a high-tech world.

Our students work alongside faculty on meaningful research, like helping to detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier and making machine learning more user-friendly. They connect at the intersection of engineering and computing in our mechatronics playground. They teach middle schoolers coding and cybersecurity basics, assist older generations with digital literacy essentials, and help each other persist through academic and life challenges through SAM, our unique peer mentoring program. Computing Huskies also partner with national entities like the US Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency as well as local businesses to analyze security and safeguard sensitive data. And, from robotics to the MTU RedTeam, Huskies train, run, and win national competitions.

Find your jam at Tech—whether it's competing in Esports, joining an Enterprise team, or working with a group of Huskies to build a robot in three days. Here, you’ll find opportunities to connect with what clicks. And when it’s time to blow off steam, the Keweenaw Peninsula’s trails, forests, and Lake Superior beaches await, along with Michigan Tech’s Mont Ripley Ski Hill.

When it comes to preparing for life after graduation, our Career Fair offers more than a one-day event—it’s a series of workshops and meetups, leading to co-ops, internships, and full-time, well-paying positions. If you want to be ready for what tomorrow needs, your future starts now, in the Michigan Tech College of Computing.