Health Informatics (MS)
Program Summary
100% Online
Duration: 22 to 28 months
Credits: 36 total
Cost Per Credit: $800
Degree: MS
Accreditation: CAHIIM
College/School: College of Public Health
Next Start Date: 1/19/2027
Find Your Calling
Program Description
George Mason University’s CAHIIM accredited online Master of Science in Health Informatics, with concentrations in Health Data Analytics and Health Informatics Management, prepares students in a highly specialized area of health informatics that bridges technical and health disciplines. Students learn central concepts of health informatics including IT tools, data standards, information systems, and databases.
Health Data Analytics Concentration focuses on the specialized area of health data analytics, data science, and machine learning. Students learn theory and practical skills in the context of analyzing real health data.
Health Informatics Management Concentration provides students with knowledge and skills needed to administratively manage health information systems (ranging from system analysis and design, project management, privacy, security, and various statistical analyses), and support the increased adoption and use of electronic health records.
Read MoreLearning takes place at the intersection of healthcare, technology, policy, and data science through a flexible, multidisciplinary, online curriculum designed for working professionals.
The online MS in Health Informatics is 36 credit hours, with the possibility of waiving two introductory courses depending on the student’s educational background and work experience.
Prior work experience in the healthcare or information technology is not required for admission but is considered as part of the admission process.
For students who are new to Health Informatics or who want to brush up on their skills, George Mason offers an MSHI Bridge course. This free course option is meant to create a successful transition for individuals interested in the Health Informatics field who might not have sufficient background in math, computing, and informatics.
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Application Details
Who should apply?
The online MS in Health Informatics is designed for data and technology-driven clinicians and health administrators, or IT professionals seeking to pursue a career in the health care industry and its business partners. Graduates of the program are found in health information technology (health IT) firms, health care/service organizations and their business partners, as well as public health entities.
Flexible, online courses, expert faculty, and competitive tuition make this online Master of Science in Health Informatics ideal for many academic and professional backgrounds, including:
- Clinical or administrative professionals who would like to maintain their healthcare connection while transitioning into IT or data analytics.
- Data science or IT professionals who seek career advancement in a rewarding leadership role within the healthcare domain.
- Technology-driven career changers outside of the IT and health industries who wish to pursue new opportunities and leadership in health informatics and data analytics.
Prior healthcare or information technology experience is not required for admission, but is a plus.
What are the admissions recommendations?
- Completed online application
- $75 application fee
- Resume
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose essay
- Undergrad GPA-minimum 3.0 (submit all undergraduate and graduate transcripts)
- GPA Addendum essay if undergrad GPA below 3.0
What are the admission criteria?
Applicants must hold a BA or BS degree or equivalent from an accredited university or college with a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants with a lower GPA must submit a GPA Addendum essay explaining low grades.
Although your current field or past major is not a criterion for admission, applicants are expected to have taken basic-level computer science/technology, mathematics, and statistics, and be familiar with these fields. Please write a statement identifying and briefly describing any previous coursework or experience you have with math and IT. If you have taken a previous course in these areas, please identify the institution, course number, course name and what you covered. If you have work experiences with these areas, please identify the employer, dates, and describe what activities or tasks you have completed. Students who do not meet these requirements may be required to take additional prerequisite courses.
Career Opportunities
Health informatics is a fast-growing, in-demand healthcare career. From trauma centers to teaching clinics, public sector agencies to private sector firms, insurance companies to research institutes; trained data analysts, and health informaticists play a crucial management role across the health and science spectrum.
Innovative programs, like the online MS in Health Informatics, prepare future U.S. and global healthcare leaders to successfully manage public and private healthcare organizations, think tanks, and research facilities.
Graduates of George Mason’s online MS in Health Informatics program, data analytics concentration typically do data analytics for healthcare providers, software vendors, and local as well as the federal government. Graduates from health informatics management concentration typically lead IT projects in healthcare, provide consulting services, and help end users accomplish their goals.
Courses
Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the University Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
MSHI Core Courses
- GCH 500 Foundations of Public Health*
- HAP 799 Master’s Thesis**
- HI 618 Computational Tools in Health Informatics*
- HI 670 Introduction to Health Informatics
- HI 671 Health Care Databases
- HI 672 Health Data: Vocabulary and Standards
- HI 786 Workshop in Health Informatics
- HI 795 Health Informatics Pre-Capstone
- HI 796 Health Informatics Capstone Practicum
*HI 618 and GCH 500 may be waived. Please speak with an engagement specialist for more information.
**After completing coursework, and with permission of advisor, students choose between the Capstone Practicum (HI 786, 795, 796) and Master’s Thesis (HAP 799). Both options require two semesters to complete.
Required Courses in the Concentration of Health Informatics Management
- HAP 697 The Healthcare Quality Environment
- HAP 698 Quality Measurement and Evaluation
- HAP 707 Human Resource Management in Healthcare
- HAP 716 Health Economics and Policy
- HI 602 Statistics in Health Services Management
- HI 613 Project Management in Health Information Technology or SWE 625 Software Project Management
- HI 621 Organization Behavior and Healthcare Leadership
- HI 677 Health Care Security Policy
- HI 750 Legal Issues in Health Administration
Required Courses in the Concentration of Health Data Analytics
- HI 719 Advanced Statistics in Health Services Research I
- HI 720 Health Data Integration
- HI 725 Statistical Process Control in Healthcare
- HI 780 Data Mining in Health Care
- HI 823 Comparative Effectiveness Analysis using Observational Data
New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition & Fees (2025-2026)
Tuition is $800 per credit hour. An additional charge of $35 per credit hour applies for a Distance Learning fee.
Financial Aid
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department.
Study at the First and Only College of Public Health in Virginia
The College of Public Health at George Mason University is the first and only College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The College's transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public's health and well-being throughout the lifespan.
With more than 500 partners, the College serves the community through research, practice, and clinical care with a focus on the social determinants of health and health equity. Our graduates are uniquely prepared to thrive in an increasingly multi-cultural multidisciplinary, community-focused public health landscape.
- One of only a few online programs in the country accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
- George Mason’s MS in Health Informatics provides an opportunity to build knowledge, technical skills, and direct experience within an immersive, competitively priced curriculum.
- Online class format gives working students both flexibility and in-depth experience.
- The online MS in Health Informatics can be completed in as little as 22 to 28 months, allowing students to quickly apply their skills to a growing industry demand for qualified health informaticists and data analysts.
- Students enrolled in the MS in Health Informatics online program learn from the same on-campus faculty of health informaticians, health services researchers, healthcare and technology experts and innovators, and experts in data science.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the online MS in Health Informatics cost?
Tuition for the MS in Health Informatics program at George Mason University is $800 per credit hour across 30-36 total credits, plus a $35-per-credit distance learning fee. George Mason’s Office of Student Financial Aid provides information on scholarships and aid packages.
What distinguishes health informatics from health information technology (IT) and bioinformatics?
While often mistaken for one another, health informatics, health information technology (IT), and bioinformatics are distinct disciplines that have some similarities but focus on different areas.
The key differences are outlined below:
- Health Informatics: This discipline centers on health data, information, and knowledge, encompassing their collection, processing, analysis, and application in decision-making. It emphasizes how data are applied in health care and public health settings. Computer science and information technology serve as tools to support this work.
- Health IT: A specialized field that focuses on the implementation and management of information technology systems within the health care sector. It covers a broad range of topics, from computer networking and system administration to advanced data processing and security.
- Bioinformatics: Bioinformatics applies computational methods to biology and, to some extent, medicine. It specializes in analyzing genomic, proteomic, and other biological data to support basic research in biology, medicine, drug discovery, and related fields. George Mason University offers bioinformatics degrees within the College of Science.
Do I need an IT background to apply?
While no formal IT training is required, applicants are encouraged to be familiar with Python and SQL and to be comfortable with advanced computer use. Prospective students from nontechnical backgrounds are encouraged to complete at least one course in Python and one in SQL prior to applying. In the application, students should indicate any relevant coursework or training completed. These courses do not need to be taken at a university and may include reputable online offerings.
Upon admission, students receive complimentary access to an online bridge course covering math review, computer basics, informatics, and programming. This course should be completed before the first semester begins.
We strongly recommend consulting with program faculty before applying to ensure the program aligns with your academic and career goals. If you do not have a strong interest in developing technical skills, the Department of Health Administration and Policy offers alternative career pathways within the health care sector.
How long does it take to complete the program?
The 30-36 credit program takes as few as two years for most online students.
Can I complete the program entirely online, and what is the class format?
Yes. The MS in Health Informatics program is offered in both traditional (on-campus) and fully online formats. Students may also have the option to take some courses online and others in person, depending on availability.
Can I transfer credits from another university?
Graduate students may transfer up to 12 semester hours of directly corresponding coursework from another accredited college or university. Transfer credit policies are in the University Catalog.
Virtual Open House
The George Mason University faculty dedicates time throughout the year to hold interactive sessions online for those who want to learn more about the programs we offer. If you would like to find out more about what you can expect from an online MS in Health Informatics, visit our pre-recorded Virtual Open House and watch at your convenience. For information on upcoming sessions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Accreditation
George Mason University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
The MS in Health Informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). CAHIIM is an independent accrediting organization whose mission is to serve the public interest by establishing and enforcing quality accreditation standards for health informatics and health information management educational programs. Learn more about our accreditation.
Contact
If you are unable to find the answers to your questions, submit a Request Information form or contact our admissions representative via the contact information below.
Phone: 844-851-0923
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