Health Informatics, MS

Master of Science in Health Informatics

Gain the specialized knowledge and skills essential for a successful career in health informatics with George Mason University’s Master of Science in Health Informatics. You will learn to utilize and integrate health information systems and data science tools for clinical, administrative, and research applications. Our MS in Health Informatics is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

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CAHIIM

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM), ensuring high-quality standards in Health Informatics education.

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CEPH

The program meets the rigorous standards set by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), demonstrating excellence in public health education and training.

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Curriculum

Build a strong foundation in health informatics with core courses and specialized concentrations in Data Analytics, Informatics Management, Public Health, and Quality Informatics. Explore the full curriculum in the University Catalog.

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Faculty

Learn from experienced faculty who are leaders in health informatics, combining academic expertise with real-world industry knowledge to prepare students for success in the field.

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Research

Faculty and students conduct impactful research addressing real-world challenges in health informatics, including advancements in AI, patient outcomes, and healthcare system efficiency.

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Capstone

Students collaborate with leading organizations to develop practical solutions for healthcare challenges, including predictive analytics, AI-driven clinical tools, and improved healthcare delivery strategies.

Concentrations

Health Data Analytics

Develop expertise in health data analysis, data mining, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics applied to clinical, administrative, and consumer health data. Hands-on projects with real-world data prepare students for technical roles in health informatics. Offered on-campus and online.

Health Informatics Management

Develop the knowledge and skills to manage IT projects in healthcare organizations. This concentration covers the entire project lifecycle, from identifying information needs to designing, implementing, and improving IT systems. Students also explore management, informatics, and privacy/security policy concepts, preparing them for leadership roles in health informatics. Offered both on-campus and fully online. 

Public Health Informatics

Prepare to manage and analyze population-level data for public and community health. This concentration focuses on electronic tools and methods to improve health outcomes while reducing costs. Combining public health concepts with hands-on data training equips students to address health challenges within diverse communities. Currently offered on-campus only. 

Quality Informatics

Learn to analyze and improve healthcare quality using electronic health records. This concentration covers advanced analytical methods for evaluating the severity of illness, conducting root cause analysis, and utilizing statistical process control tools. Designed for roles in HMOs, hospitals, and government agencies, it combines healthcare knowledge with data-driven insights. Currently offered on-campus only. 

Opportunities

The MS in Health Informatics program prepares students for roles such as health IT specialists, data analysts, and healthcare managers. Graduates work in: 

  • Healthcare organizations and IT firms 
  • Public health agencies and consulting firms 
  • Research institutions and government sectors 

Students gain practical skills aligned with industry needs and can pursue advanced degrees like the PhD in Health Services Research, specializing in Knowledge Discovery and Health Informatics. 

Outcomes

The following outcomes were measured for the MS in Health Informatics program during the academic year 2022–2023: 

  • Graduation Rate: 100% of full-time students graduated within 2.5 years. 
  • Employment Rate Within One Year: 75% of domestic job-seeking graduates secured employment or pursued doctoral studies within one year of graduation. 
  • Student Satisfaction Rate: 73% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the program. 
  • Average Time to Graduate: 2.4 years for all MS in Health Informatics students. 

Note: Reporting for the academic year 2023–2024 will be available soon.

Quick Facts

What is health informatics?
Health informatics integrates healthcare, IT, and data management to improve patient care and operational efficiency.

What are the career opportunities?
Graduates excel in roles such as IT analysts, consultants, and data scientists across hospitals, IT firms, and public health sectors.

Can I complete the program online? 
Yes, the MS program offers fully online, on-campus, and hybrid formats for flexibility.

Have more questions? 
Visit our Health Informatics FAQs Page or contact us directly at hap@gmu.edu for more information about the program and admissions.

Information for International Students

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for the MS in Health Informatics is 51.2706, listed as Medical Informatics. It is considered a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field. International students who wish to apply to Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training (CPT/OPT) opportunities when graduating from the program should contact George Mason's Office of International Programs and Services.

Accreditation Information

The Health Informatics accreditor of George Mason University is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The College’s accreditation for the Master’s degree in Health Informatics has been reaffirmed through 2027. All inquiries about the program’s accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at (312) 235-3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org

Additionally, George Mason University’s Master’s degree in Health Informatics is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). CEPH accreditation ensures quality in public health education and training, promoting excellence in practice, research, and service. For any inquiries regarding the program’s accreditation status, please contact CEPH by mail at 800 I Street NW, Suite 4008, Washington, DC 20001, or by phone at (202) 789-1050.

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