Master of Science in Health Data Science and Informatics

KU School of Medicine

Master’s in Health Data Science Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Master’s in Health Data Science program will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in industry-standard statistical software, including R, Python, and Tableau.
• Design and implement statistical analyses for health science research projects and assist with data management system development.
• Function effectively as a collaborator on multidisciplinary project teams.
• Prepare reports and publications from analyses and communicate findings to audiences with varying statistical backgrounds.
• Serve as an advocate for sound statistical design, ethical practice, and good data science principles.

What Careers Are Possible With a Master’s in Health Data Science?

Graduates of the Master’s in Health Data Science program at KU are well-prepared to enter the workforce in a variety of roles across the healthcare, government, and private sectors. Potential career opportunities include:

• Health Data Scientist
• Biostatistician
• Epidemiologist
• Healthcare Data Analyst
• Public Health Researcher

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Health Data Science?

A Master’s in Health Data Science opens the door to many career paths in public health, healthcare administration, and private industry. Many graduates go on to work in hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and health-focused technology firms, using their skills to improve healthcare outcomes through data-driven insights.

According to Lightcast, employment for graduates with a masters in health data science will increase 7% over the next 10 years, with current median compensation of $54,000/year nationally.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost of the program varies depending on your residency status and other factors. Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) and Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) may be available through the Department of Biostatistics & Data Science. While slots are limited and highly competitive — and primarily reserved for Ph.D. students — master’s students may be eligible. Master’s GRA appointments are at .40 FTE (approximately 16 hours/week, $29,920/year) and include tuition coverage of up to 6 credit hours per fall and spring semester and 3 credit hours per summer, plus 50% of student fees.

For more information, visit the Department’s Graduate Assistantships page.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Master’s in Health Data Science program at KU, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Letter grade of B or better in Calculus I and II (or the equivalent) or completion of STAT 655: Foundations of Mathematics for Data Science with a grade of B or higher.
• GRE scores (or equivalent graduate exam scores such as the GMAT) are recommended, but not required.
• Contact information for three references (academic advisors, supervisors with advanced degrees, or similar) who will complete an online reference form and letter of recommendation on your behalf.
• A personal statement describing your career goals and interest in the program.
• Applicants who are not native speakers of English, whether domestic or international, must demonstrate they meet the Minimum English Proficiency Requirement.
• A background check.
• Successful completion of a course in any computer programming language or demonstration of mastery via credentials or work experience.
• Current resume or CV.

For more detailed admissions information, please visit the Department of Biostatistics and Data Science.

Student Life and Learning Experiences

At KU, students in the Health Data Science program have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research in areas such as epidemiology, healthcare analytics, and public health policy. You will have access to advanced software tools and work with faculty who are leaders in the field, ensuring that you gain valuable hands-on experience that is directly applicable to the real world.

As a student in the Health Data Science program at KU, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive community. KU offers numerous student organizations, networking events, and career development opportunities that allow you to build professional connections, gain insight into the health data science industry, and enhance your academic experience. KU’s collaborative environment ensures that students are prepared for success in their careers.

Master’s in Health Data Science Sample Courses

The curriculum for the master’s in health data science includes courses designed to build a strong foundation in both data science and health systems. Sample courses include:

• Introduction to Programming and Applied Statistics in R
• Categorical Data Analysis
• Linear Regression
• Statistical Learning I
• Clinical Data Management
• Data Visualization and Acquisition (Health Data Science emphasis)
• Processing and Analysis of Medical Information Systems (Health Informatics emphasis)

For more information on course offerings and detailed descriptions, visit the KU Catalog.