Program Overview
The master’s in health informatics at the University of Kansas equips students with the skills needed to transform healthcare through the integration of technology, analytics, and clinical insight. This interdisciplinary graduate program blends healthcare operations, information management, and data science to prepare professionals who can improve care delivery, optimize systems, and support evidence-based decision-making. Designed for working professionals and recent graduates alike, the master’s in health informatics prepares you to lead innovation across hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, insurance organizations, and health technology companies.
As demand grows for professionals who can translate complex health data into meaningful action, this program emphasizes both technical expertise and applied problem-solving. Students learn to manage electronic health records, evaluate clinical workflows, analyze large data sets, and ensure compliance with privacy and security standards. Through this balanced approach, the master’s in health informatics develops leaders who understand the intersection of healthcare, information systems, and patient-centered outcomes.
KU’s program features a curriculum grounded in national informatics competencies and industry standards. Students explore health information systems architecture, database management, data governance, analytics, cybersecurity, and healthcare policy. The master’s degree in health informatics integrates theory with applied learning, helping graduates connect classroom knowledge to real-world healthcare challenges.
Program features include:
- Interdisciplinary Focus: Blend healthcare knowledge with advanced information systems and analytics skills.
- Flexible Learning Options: Complete the master’s in health informatics fully online, allowing professionals to continue working while advancing their education.
- Applied Curriculum: Engage with coursework centered on electronic health records, health data analytics, and information governance.
- Scholarly Project: Demonstrate mastery through a Health Informatics Scholarly Project, a culminating academic requirement in which you apply informatics methods to a real-world health information problem and present your findings in a formal defense.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from faculty with expertise in health information management, data analytics, and healthcare systems leadership.
In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes ethical leadership and regulatory compliance. Students examine HIPAA requirements, data privacy frameworks, and governance models that protect sensitive patient information. By graduation, students earning a master’s degree in health informatics are prepared to support healthcare organizations in managing digital transformation responsibly and effectively.
Learn more about KU
Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Health Informatics, MSKU School of Health Professions
The Master’s in Health Informatics is part of the School of Health Professions, where top-notch training programs and research put our graduates in high demand.Master’s in Health Informatics Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the master’s in health informatics, graduates will be able to:
- Use health informatics methods and tools to solve health information problems by applying systems thinking, information science, and technology best practices.
- Design and evaluate information systems and technology using social behavioral theories and human factors engineering methods.
- Contribute to the health of individuals, populations, and organizations by applying theories and models that improve social and behavioral aspects of healthcare.
- Apply ethical, legal, economic, and cultural considerations to health informatics solutions.
- Demonstrate a commitment to information literacy, lifelong learning, and professional excellence.
- Collaborate to solve complex health and health information problems through relationship-building, mutual respect, and shared values.
- Employ leadership methods and tools to motivate others toward a vision for health informatics solutions.
These outcomes ensure graduates of the master’s degree in health informatics are prepared to lead data-driven initiatives across healthcare environments.
What Careers Are Possible With a Master’s in Health Informatics?
Graduates of the master’s in health informatics are prepared for diverse roles that combine healthcare expertise with information technology and analytics. Common career paths include:
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Healthcare Data Analyst
- Health Information Manager
- Clinical Informatics Coordinator
- Health IT Consultant
Professionals in master’s in health informatics jobs often work in hospitals, integrated health systems, insurance organizations, consulting firms, and government agencies. According to Lightcast, employment in health informatics–related roles is projected to grow in the coming decade, with strong national median wages for experienced professionals.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of the program depends on factors like residency and the number of credits taken. For detailed information on tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and how to apply for financial assistance, please visit KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
To be considered for the Master’s in Health Informatics program at KU, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Applicants who are not native speakers of English, whether domestic or international, must demonstrate they meet the Minimum English Proficiency Requirement.
- A current resume or CV.
- Two letters of recommendation, one assessing your academic aptitude and one speaking to your professional potential. Letters may not be from family members or friends.
- A personal statement outlining your reasons for pursuing graduate education in health informatics, your career objectives, and any additional information that would help the admissions committee get to know you.
- Background check.
- Note: Due to the online nature of this program, it does not currently meet U.S. student visa requirements. Applicants on student visas are not eligible. Individuals in the U.S. on other visa types should contact him@kumc.edu for additional requirements.
For more detailed admission information, please visit the Department of Health Information Management.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
Students enrolled in the master’s in health informatics engage in applied learning through case studies, collaborative projects, and a culminating capstone experience. Coursework emphasizes practical skill development aligned with workforce expectations for master’s in health informatics jobs.
As part of a comprehensive academic health center environment, students benefit from interdisciplinary exposure and professional networking opportunities. The online format of the master’s degree in health informatics allows working professionals to participate in a supportive academic community while maintaining career commitments.
Master’s in Health Informatics Sample Courses
The master’s in health informatics curriculum includes courses that integrate healthcare systems knowledge with advanced informatics competencies. Sample courses include:
- Introduction to Health Informatics
- Transforming Health Care through Use of Information Systems and Technology
- Health Data Theory and Practice
- Abstraction and Modeling of Healthcare Information
- Healthcare Analytics in Informatics Practice
For more information on specific courses, please visit the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Health Informatics Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Students are admitted for fall and spring semester starts. For application deadlines, visit the Department of Health Information Management website.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
The Master of Science in Health Informatics requires a minimum of 31 credit hours and can be completed in as few as two years, with a maximum of seven years allowed. Part-time students typically complete the program within three years.
What can you do with a master’s in health informatics?
A master’s in health informatics opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can work in hospitals, health systems, government agencies, private companies, or even consulting firms. This degree equips you with the expertise to manage and analyze healthcare data, improve patient care, and contribute to policy-making.
Contact Information
Department of Health Information Management 913-588-2423Accreditation & Notes
The Master of Science in Health Informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) and meets the standards set by the American Medical Informatics Association® (AMIA®). The college’s accreditation for the master’s degree in Health Informatics has been reaffirmed through 2030. Inquiries about the program’s accreditation status may be directed to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
The Master of Science in Health Informatics is the official degree awarded. References to “masters in health informatics” or similar terms are used for clarity and student understanding.