Best Online Master’s Programs in Health Informatics

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Review today’s best online master’s in health informatics. Get program information and find top accredited schools.

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The number of master’s programs in health informatics online continues to grow. This falls in line with an increase in the collection and application of data in medicine and healthcare. Yet with so many degree options now available, it’s important to research which ones not only meet your cost and curriculum needs, but which ones stand the best chance to push your career forward. To help, EduMed has collected data on some of today’s best accredited online master’s in health informatics, and provided a detailed look into the coursework, credit loads, and admissions requirements. See if one of these schools has what you need for 2025.

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Dakota State University

Madison, South Dakota

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Public

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Logan University

Chesterfield, Missouri

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Private

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Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, Kentucky

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Public

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Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho

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Public

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East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

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Public

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Private

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University of Mary

Bismarck, North Dakota

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Private

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SUNY College at Oswego

Oswego, New York

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Public

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Regis University

Denver, Colorado

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Private

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Public

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George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia

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Public

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Private

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University of Scranton

Scranton, Pennsylvania

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Private

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Private

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DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois

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Private

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University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, Ohio

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Public

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St Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Private

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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Public

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Public

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Public

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Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Private

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Indiana University-Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana

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Public

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Fordham University

Bronx, New York

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Private

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Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Public

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Samford University

Birmingham, Alabama

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Private

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University of New England

Biddeford, Maine

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Private

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Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, Connecticut

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Private

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Public

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Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, New York

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Private

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University of San Diego

San Diego, California

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Private

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Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

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Private

The Importance of Accreditation

Accreditation often gets overlooked, but it can mean the difference between a program that pushes your health informatics career forward, and one that doesn’t. Failing to attend a properly accredited institution can result in the inability to transfer credits, seek qualifications, or compete for employment and/or promotions. Because of this, it’s critical to ensure you chosen school holds the accreditation you need.

Accreditation comes in two forms: institutional and programmatic. You should look for regionally accredited colleges and universities first. This means the school itself has met rigorous quality standards. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes six regional accrediting agencies, as outlined by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Institutional accreditation is also important because it ensures individual departments and programs meet requirements around curricula, support services, and student preparedness. The Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) maintains a searchable program directory so you can check the accreditation status of any program you’re interested in.

HI-Accreditation
HI-Accreditation

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Breaking Down the Online Master’s in Health Informatics

With options on the rise, vetting each online master’s in health informatics you’re interested in is critical. On the surface, a program may seem like it has what you need, until you research the cost structure or the course list. And some programs may seem like they’ll fall short at first, until you notice they have a concentration in the exact area your employer wants to grow. The best college decision is an informed one. Here are key answers you need to know before you start applying.

What do you learn in an online master’s program in health informatics?

Every master’s in health informatics is different, but many have core subjects in common. Some of the courses you can expect to encounter include:

Intro to Health Informatics

Typically taken in the first semester, this class introduces you to the core tenets of the discipline. The plan of study includes a history of the field, studies on how to effectively use electronic health records, and a discussion of various specialization areas.

Principles of Database Applications

This course familiarizes learners with the nuts and bolts of database applications with studies in relational database designs, data mining, SQL, recovery and security methods, data warehousing, and intelligent database query design.

Health Informatics and Population Health

Students taking this class learn how the wealth of information stored within digital health records can help improve health outcomes across communities. They consider questions around evidence-based practice, data mining, and collecting and storing useful information.

Current Trends in Health Informatics

With a look toward the future, this course examines emerging trends and topics within the field. Learners consider newly developed technologies and information management systems and how those can translate to healthcare.

Healthcare Data

With the increased importance of analytics in healthcare informatics, it’s important for professionals in this realm to understand how to capture and communicate findings from raw data and translate them into useable information.


Aside from developing a deeper knowledge of healthcare informatics topics, graduates also walk away with finely tuned skills that can help them excel in the workplace. When looking at prospective degrees, try to find information about programmatic outcomes. Common skills gained include:

  • Oral and written communications
  • Problem solving
  • Adaptability
  • Programming
  • Data mining

What concentrations are available in MHI programs?

Given that health informatics continually expands as the value of patient data grows, more and more programs now offer specializations. These can help you stand out from other job competitors while also allowing you to work in the area of the field that best speaks to your interests. Current specializations include:

Bioinformatics

Perhaps the most science-focused of specializations, bioinformatics looks at how factors such as genetics and biological makeup can be used when designing new medical procedures or pharmaceuticals. By collecting data around these topics, scientists and doctors can make more informed decisions.

Clinical Informatics

Clinical informatics looks to bridge the gap between research and clinical practices. Professionals in this area work to demonstrate how the collection of appropriate patient data can affect and strengthen healthcare delivery while also training practitioners on emerging data management systems.

Health Data Science

Health data scientists look at a variety of medical data, including patient surveys, electronic health records (EHRs), insurance and billing claims, and cost statements to find ways of improving the entire system of healthcare delivery. They work closely with executives to help them make informed decisions.

Healthcare Information Systems

This specialization focuses on the technical side of informatics, with emphasis on proper collection, organization, storage, and safety protocols. Areas of focus include setting up databases, developing security measures, and reducing errors.

Public Health Informatics

Designed for those who want to look at data around larger health questions, this specialization examines epidemics, illnesses, and health problems that affect individual communities or regions in a way to better understand how to eradicate them.

Social Informatics

This branch of the discipline focuses on capturing data around how social environments, lived experiences, and technology connect to health outcomes. Social informatics specialists use data to find links between each, particularly in areas of stress and depression.

What are the prerequisites to master’s in health informatics degrees online?

Institutional requirements for admission vary, but generally have a few elements in common. All programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, but this doesn’t necessarily need to be in healthcare or a related subject. Many set minimum GPA requirements but usually don’t demand GRE or GMAT scores. Some schools may request scores if the applicant does not meet the GPA benchmark. Other requirements include letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, an updated resume, and official transcripts.

How long does it take to earn a master’s in health informatics online?

As you research online master’s in health informatics, you may notice several timelines for graduation. Numerous factors can affect how long it takes to earn a degree, including whether you study on a full- or part-time basis and if the school offers an accelerated path. Many programs are designed to accommodate working professionals and take approximately two years to complete. Carefully research prospective degrees to learn what to expect. If you can’t find information online, reach out to a program administrator.

What does a master’s in HI cost?

Many factors affect the cost of a master’s in health informatics online. Private universities typically cost more than public colleges, part-time learners end up paying more in semester-based fees, and schools in cities with higher costs often charge higher tuition – even for online programs. It’s also important to consider how much funding you secure when thinking about how much you can afford. The schools below represent a sample of typical costs for both public and private universities.

Northwestern-University

M.S. in Health Informatics

Total Credits: 36

$1,480/credit

Kentucky-University

M.S. in Health Informatics

Total Credits: 33

$653/credit

Central-Florida

M.S. in Healthcare Informatics

Total Credits: 18

$773/credit

How to Fund Your Online Master’s Program in Health Informatics

Higher education is a serious investment, making it important for students to line up funding before entering a program. A number of funding options exist to help you lessen your financial burden both during your program and after graduation. A few options to consider include:

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Grants

Like scholarships, grants are a type of funding that do not require repayment as long as you meet the terms of the agreement. Federal, state, and local governments offer grants, as do health informatics associations, medical establishments, and schools.

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Fellowships

Fellowships are granted by colleges and universities in exchange for work from the student while enrolled. Common requirements include serving as a teaching or research assistant. In exchange, you can receive tuition remittance and/or a stipend.

After Graduation: Answering Your Questions

Before committing to any degree, you need to fully understand the career landscape you will enter after graduating. Take time to research jobs to which this degree qualifies you and how much you can earn. Look at specific job titles and ascertain whether they are projected to grow, stagnate, or decrease in the years to come.

Are there any professional licenses or certifications I need to get?

Health informatics is still seen as an emerging field; because of that, some parts of the discipline have yet to be formalized. No state currently requires health informatics professionals to hold licensure, but many employers view certifications as a way of differentiating candidates and validating their knowledge. Several professional associations and universities offer health informatics certifications in sub-disciplines for students who want to work in a niche area. Consider how these may support your interests before applying, as they may not always be needed.

How much can I earn with an online master’s in health informatics?

A master’s in health informatics can prepare you for a variety of management-level careers in the health services field. When it comes to management positions in healthcare, the future is very bright. We've listed in the first table below recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics long-term (2022-2032) growth figures for medical and health services jobs in the United States. These figures can be accurately described as astounding. For example, the projected growth estimate of 28.4% for medical and health services manager jobs in the U.S. overall is an impressive 10 times the 2.8% estimate for all U.S. occupations combined. With the exception of one outlier (Alaska at 10.5%), the state-specific growth estimates for health management professionals range from a robust 20.8% in Maine to a remarkable 54.7% in Utah.

Earnings for medical and health services managers are excellent as well, with median salaries ranging from over $83,000 (Mississippi) to nearly $145,000 (New York), and top salaries approaching—and sometimes surpassing—the $250,000 mark. You can check out the earnings estimates for your state in the second table.

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Area Curr. Jobs Proj. Jobs New Jobs Growth % Avg. Ann. Openings
United States 509,500 654,200 144,700 28.40% 54,700
Alabama 9,110 11,460 2,350 25.80% 950
Alaska 1,240 1,370 130 10.50% 100
Arizona 9,580 14,390 4,810 50.20% 1,310
Arkansas 6,680 8,760 2,080 31.10% 740
California 58,300 81,400 23,100 39.60% 7,140
Colorado 7,310 10,220 2,910 39.80% 900
Connecticut 7,370 9,600 2,230 30.30% 810
Delaware 1,300 1,780 480 36.90% 160
District of Columbia 2,040 2,590 550 27.00% 220
Florida 34,490 47,200 12,710 36.90% 4,100
Georgia 8,760 11,860 3,100 35.40% 1,020
Idaho 2,460 3,580 1,120 45.50% 320
Illinois 16,940 21,120 4,180 24.70% 1,740
Indiana 10,690 13,820 3,130 29.30% 1,160
Iowa 6,200 8,350 2,150 34.70% 720
Kansas 5,110 6,550 1,440 28.20% 550
Kentucky 9,660 12,440 2,780 28.80% 1,040
Louisiana 6,570 8,470 1,900 28.90% 710
Maine 2,260 2,730 470 20.80% 220
Maryland 15,250 19,840 4,590 30.10% 1,670
Massachusetts 6,820 8,870 2,050 30.10% 750
Michigan 14,350 18,190 3,840 26.80% 1,510
Minnesota 10,910 13,760 2,850 26.10% 1,140
Mississippi 4,860 6,230 1,370 28.20% 520
Missouri 9,950 13,050 3,100 31.20% 1,110
Montana 2,210 3,100 890 40.30% 270
Nebraska 4,410 5,360 950 21.50% 430
Nevada 4,050 5,610 1,560 38.50% 490
New Jersey 17,430 22,360 4,930 28.30% 1,870
New Mexico 2,790 3,960 1,170 41.90% 350
New York 27,110 33,470 6,360 23.50% 640
North Carolina 12,880 17,860 4,980 38.70% 1,560
North Dakota 630 820 190 30.20% 70
Ohio 18,720 23,310 4,590 24.50% 1,910
Oklahoma 7,420 9,360 1,940 26.10% 780
Oregon 5,080 6,880 1,800 35.40% 590
Pennsylvania 17,770 22,610 4,840 27.20% 1,880
Rhode Island 1,670 2,120 450 26.90% 180
South Carolina 7,780 10,710 2,930 37.70% 930
South Dakota 1,000 1,280 280 28.00% 110
Tennessee 12,170 17,400 5,230 43.00% 1,550
Texas 49,430 69,180 19,750 40.00% 6,080
Utah 4,590 7,100 2,510 54.70% 660
Vermont 1,050 1,370 320 30.50% 120
Virgin Islands 100 100 0.00% 10
Virginia 9,620 12,670 3,050 31.70% 1,080
Washington 7,540 9,440 1,900 25.20% 970
West Virginia 2,130 2,740 610 28.60% 230
Wisconsin 5,190 6,520 1,330 25.60% 540
Wyoming 940 1,250 310 33.00% 110

Source: Projections Central

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

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Area 10th Percentile Median 90th Percentile
U.S. $67,900 $110,680 $216,750
Alabama $60,490 $86,590 $144,660
Alaska $75,130 $123,530 $239,000+
Arizona $65,710 $109,490 $220,570
Arkansas $52,410 $83,680 $140,930
California $74,420 $139,430 $239,000+
Colorado $77,790 $125,840 $239,000+
Connecticut $79,000 $125,460 $239,000+
Delaware $85,840 $134,360 $239,000+
Florida $63,980 $104,310 $205,670
Georgia $79,920 $128,660 $225,560
Hawaii $76,840 $129,440 $204,970
Idaho $64,370 $107,250 $180,660
Illinois $75,910 $109,050 $215,050
Indiana $59,870 $99,290 $168,560
Iowa $70,250 $97,810 $161,510
Kansas $63,400 $101,450 $177,340
Kentucky $57,110 $97,550 $172,440
Louisiana $62,780 $100,340 $167,530
Maine $71,390 $105,260 $176,510
Maryland $80,660 $130,030 $228,060
Massachusetts $79,420 $131,340 $239,000+
Michigan $60,840 $101,840 $175,010
Minnesota $76,370 $113,460 $179,530
Mississippi $53,420 $83,640 $137,350
Missouri $61,310 $102,010 $176,130
Montana $66,720 $102,910 $239,000+
Nebraska $69,310 $101,330 $164,350
Nevada $61,760 $104,200 $181,420
New Hampshire $77,060 $122,380 $239,000+
New Jersey $87,290 $129,370 $239,000+
New Mexico $73,230 $112,810 $210,260
New York $84,490 $144,230 $239,000+
North Carolina $67,900 $105,640 $208,790
North Dakota $76,510 $108,450 $216,510
Ohio $63,860 $103,690 $175,650
Oklahoma $62,520 $98,940 $160,930
Oregon $82,540 $132,000 $232,950
Pennsylvania $68,860 $106,270 $192,980
Rhode Island $78,300 $122,940 $204,340
South Carolina $68,410 $104,140 $227,050
South Dakota $81,430 $110,110 $221,370
Tennessee $62,570 $103,220 $198,480
Texas $62,980 $105,460 $176,280
Utah $58,740 $101,400 $209,340
Vermont $76,980 $111,670 $200,310
Virginia $76,630 $121,610 $215,760
Washington $88,000 $135,800 $224,990
West Virginia $70,680 $105,510 $194,070
Wisconsin $86,420 $124,450 $239,000+
Wyoming $56,310 $102,210 $159,990

Source: Medical and Health Services Managers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.

After reviewing details about master’s in health informatics programs, you may find you want something a little different. Healthcare offers plenty of opportunities to advance with continuing education or pivot into a related career with a second degree. If you already possess a master’s degree, you may want to consider how a doctorate supports your professional goals. Take a look at a few of the options that may be a good fit if you’re studying or working in health informatics.

education

Related Degrees

Online MSN in Informatics

This degree supports existing registered nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree and want to qualify as an advanced practice nurse (APN). Bridge programs typically take two years and emphasize studies in how data collection and analyzation can help nurses better serve patients.

Online Master’s in Healthcare Administration

The MHA is a great option for business-minded students who desire to work in the upper echelons of administration. These programs emphasize business functions alongside improvement of patient outcomes, creating a multidisciplinary approach.

Online Master’s in Health Science

While the MHI, MSN, and MHA all prepare graduates for professional roles, the master’s in health science acts as a stepping stone to research-based positions and/or doctoral studies. Several paths exist within health science, so do your research before committing to a specific program.

certificate-education

Continuing Education

PhD in Health Informatics

Acting as a terminal degree for health informatics professionals, the Ph.D. is a great option if you aspire to senior-level professional roles, research positions, and/or professorial opportunities. These programs typically take five years to complete and give you an expansive and deep knowledge of the discipline.

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Kathleen Curtis AUTHOR

Kathleen Curtis is an American writer currently living in Louisville, Kentucky. She has developed content around education for more than a decade for both domestic and international clients.

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