Health Informatics, MS

Master of Science in Health Informatics

The Master of Science in Health Informatics degree provides students with highly specialized knowledge and skills needed to support the adoption and use of health information systems and data science tools for a variety of clinical, administrative, and research purposes. Mason’s Master of Science in Health Informatics degree is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). There are four concentrations offered: Health Data Analytics,  Health Informatics Management, Public Health Informatics, and Quality Informatics.

This degree is offered through the Department of Health Administration and Policy in the College of Public Health, and applications are accepted for both fall and spring admissions. It is offered in traditional and fully online formats. Have more questions about the field of health informatics? Read our FAQ.

The 30-36 credit program curriculum includes core courses taken by all students, and concentration courses chosen by students. After completing coursework, students can choose between a Capstone Practicum or a Master’s Thesis. Both options require two semesters to complete. 

Health Data Analytics Concentration

This concentration provides students with a deep understanding of health data, advanced analytic methods, data mining and artificial intelligence, as well as data science skills applied to clinical, administrative, and consumer-generated health data. The health data analytics concentration is intended for health informatics professionals with a focus on data science. It is the most technical of the three concentrations and provides students hands-on experience with real health data. This concentration is offered on-campus or fully online.

Health Informatics Management Concentration

This concentration provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to support the management and organization of IT projects in health organizations (ranging from evaluation of information needs to design, development, acquisition, implementation, operation, and improvement). It combines management, informatics, and privacy/security policy concepts. This concentration is offered on-campus or fully online.

Public Health Informatics Concentration

This concentration provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to collect, analyze, and manage population-level data and understand electronic tools used in public and population health. It involves knowledge of organizations and individuals within a community and is viewed as a promising model to improve health outcomes and reduce cost. The concentration combines an understanding of public health concepts with hands-on data training.

Quality Informatics Concentration

This concentration prepares analysts who would work on quality of care, using electronic health records.   In the recent decade, the data in electronic health records has become uniformly available.  Analytical methods for measuring severity of illness in these electronic records have been clarified.  Government agencies now use statistical process control tools to routinely report changes in quality of care across health care organizations.  Recently, new analytical methods have been designed to conduct root cause analysis.  The health care industry, specially Health Management Organizations (HMOs) and Hospitals are looking for analysts that understand health care concepts (insurance, severity of illness, case mix adjustments, etc.) and can analyze massive data available through electronic health records.

 

Additional 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.

On-campus Program

Most courses for the on-campus MS in Health Informatics are taught in the afternoons and evenings on the Fairfax Campus, and some courses are also available online. Although not all coursework for all concentrations can be completed online, the number of courses available online increases every year.

Completion of the on-campus program typically requires 2 years full-time and 2.5-3 years part-time, depending on course load.

Online Program

Two of the MS in Health Informatics program concentrations are offered fully online – the Master of Science in Health Informatics with a concentration in Health Data Analytics and the Master of Science in Health Informatics with a concentration in Health Informatics Management. Courses are offered in a condensed 8-week format, with students taking one course at a time. Content of courses, objectives, evaluation methods, and outcomes are identical to those for the on-campus program. Only the delivery format is different.

The online program is intended to be completed in 2 years. Request additional information for the online program.

Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Degree 

Accelerated BS to MS students typically require one year to complete program in addition to their BS. Mason undergraduate students can apply after completing 60 credits towards their bachelor’s degree. Students who have completed at least 75 credits toward their bachelor’s degree and no more than 100 credits toward the degree can begin taking graduate-level coursework. Students already admitted to the BAM Pathway will be admitted to the MS program if they meet the following criteria: a 3.25 overall GPA, a 3.50 GPA in major coursework, successful completion of Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation), and completion of the application for graduation. Students should consult with their academic advisor and health informatics program advisor to discuss the advantages and options.

See Accelerated Master's degree program in Health Informatics in the University Catalog. 

Opportunities

The Master of Science in Health Informatics degree program prepares students to become health information systems specialists, health data scientists/analysts, health care managers, and consultants. Graduates of the program may be employed in health information technology (health IT) firms, health care/service organizations and their business partners, as well as public health entities. Students graduating from the program have in-depth knowledge and practical skills aligned with the industry needs.

Students can also continue their education towards doctoral degrees, including PhD in Health Services Research, concentration in Knowledge Discovery and Health Informatics.

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 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.