Online Master's in Health Informatics
As the healthcare industry continues to grow, more and more professionals are going back to school for advanced degrees, such as an online health informatics master's degree. Graduate programs in this area combine healthcare, medicine, computer science, IT, and data analysis, offering a unique combination of skill sets to interested students.
Top 10 Online Master's in Health Informatics
#1 | Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Harrisburg, PA |
#2 | Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN |
#3 | University of North Texas Denton, TX |
#4 | The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Houston, TX |
#5 | SUNY College at Oswego Oswego, NY |
#6 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ |
#7 | East Carolina University Greenville, NC |
#8 | University of Scranton Scranton, PA |
#9 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN |
#10 | Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, SC |
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Many working adults apply to online programs in health informatics as a way to kick their careers in healthcare into high gear. Current nurses, technicians, office administrators, and even doctors might earn a graduate degree in this field. After graduation they can take this new education, added to their professional experience in medicine, to find even better jobs in the healthcare sector. Alumni can land competitive jobs as data analysts, hospital administrators, IT contractors, or even Chief Information Officers.
The 30 Best Online Health Informatics Graduate Programs Ranking Methodology
Selection Criteria
For this ranking, we focused on public and private (non-profit) colleges and universities that offer online health informatics graduate programs. Because the focus of this list is on affordability, we only considered programs with average* tuition rates of $25,000/year or less.
*For public schools, we calculated the average value of their in-state and out-of-state rates.
Ranking Factors
After compiling a list of all the colleges that offer health informatics master's degrees online and meet the above criteria, we collected data in four categories:
- Technological Focus: What percentage of the coursework focuses on informatics and tech-related subjects, rather than general healthcare/management topics? This helped us distinguish the programs that provide the most comprehensive training specifically in healthcare informatics.
- Flexibility: Does the curriculum include electives? How many classes (including those within a concentration) do students get to tailor to their own interests?
- Hands-on Learning: Does the program include an experiential learning component? Even better, can students choose from multiple options? Examples include internships, practica, thesis projects, research, and other hands-on capstone-type courses.
- Affordability: What is the average annual cost of attendance?
After collecting and sorting all the information, we ranked the candidates according to their performance in each area. Finally, we summed up the results and gave each school a final score using a curve so that the top-scoring program earned an even 100 points.
Read more about the best cheap online master's degrees in health informatics below!
Best Cheap Online Health Informatics Graduate Programs Ranking
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Harrisburg University of Science and TechnologyLocation
Harrisburg, PA
Tuition$7200
Graduation Rate21%
Here it is, the number one cheap online master's in health informatics. What did Harrisburg University do to earn this coveted spot? At just over $7,000 per year, it is one of the most affordable schools in our ranking, but Harrisburg has much more to offer than low tuition. In fact, this program has one of the most comprehensive, information-rich curricula of any college we evaluated. Core classes address everything from healthcare data and analytics to essential informatics skills, while a required experiential component will help you apply your knowledge through a research methodology class and applied project or thesis.
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Indiana University-Purdue University-IndianapolisLocation
Indianapolis, IN
Tuition$16722
Graduation Rate43%
At IUPUI, the focus is on practical technologies that reveal healthcare solutions. In other words, enroll in this top cheap online health informatics graduate program if you want to learn how to turn knowledge into real results. The curriculum is rich in cutting-edge coursework, addressing pertinent issues in security and privacy, clinical decision support systems, and informatics standards and terminology. Another benefit is that you'll be able to pick four of your classes as electives, which is more than the average program on this list. Lastly, you'll be able to choose to round out your studies by either writing a thesis paper or completing a project (typically in the form of research or a computer application).
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University of North TexasLocation
Denton, TX
Tuition$10855
Graduation Rate50%
We're not the only ones who think the University of North Texas has one of the best accredited health informatics master's degrees online; U.S. News also puts UNT on its top 10 list of programs! Housed within the Department of Library and Information Sciences within UNT's College of Information, this program has deep roots in IS. This is readily apparent in the curriculum, which includes required courses like Information Organization, Information Access and Knowledge Inquiry, and Disaster Management for Information Professionals. The program is also big on experiential learning, and you'll be required to complete an internship at a local organization - such as a hospital, biomedical company, or consumer health library - before graduating.
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonLocation
Houston, TX
Tuition$8954
As a student at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, you can rest assured that your education will fully prepare you for success in your chosen field. Indeed, UTHSC stands out on our online master's in health informatics ranking for its acutely career-oriented curriculum. Rather than offering specializations related to different academic areas, this program provides tracks based on two primary professional goals: traditional research and applied work. The former option focuses on data analysis and allows you to choose an additional focus area, while the latter emphasizes practical knowledge of the healthcare system (e.g. EHRs, standards and legislation, and security protocols).
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SUNY College at OswegoLocation
Oswego, NY
Tuition$17603
Graduation Rate63%
Not sure whether to go for a broad curriculum or more specialized study? At SUNY Oswego, you won't have to choose. That's because the school has designed a uniquely customizable curriculum that will appeal equally to applicants with backgrounds (and aspirations) in business, technology, and healthcare. For one thing, this affordable online master's degree in healthcare informatics only counts four core courses. Instead, the bulk of your studies will take place in one of three tracks: Health Information Management/Data Science, Health Informatics Professional, and Intelligent Health Systems. Each track then includes its own unique set of required, elective, and capstone courses.
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Rutgers University-New BrunswickLocation
New Brunswick, NJ
Tuition$19682
Graduation Rate81%
Compared to other schools on this online health informatics graduate programs ranking, Rutgers University puts much greater emphasis on science and technology topics than managerial topics. For example, the core curriculum covers biomedical modeling, disease processes, SAS applications, and medical terminology, but not project management or finance. And while the program does offer a concentration in Healthcare Management, the other three specialization options (Consumer/Patient Care, Nanomedicine, and Bioinformatics) are decidedly tech-focused. Not only that, but you'll have to complete an in-depth, directed research project before graduating.
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East Carolina UniversityLocation
Greenville, NC
Tuition$8604
Graduation Rate59%
There is no shortage of reasons why you might consider earning your master's degree from East Carolina University. First of all, ECU has one of the only accredited online master's degrees in healthcare informatics, and the only accredited program in North Carolina. In addition, the university has one of the cheapest tuition rates on this list, making it a great bargain from any angle. As if that weren't enough, ECU's program also offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from health data structures and electronic health records to decision support systems and evaluation methods.
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University of ScrantonLocation
Scranton, PA
Tuition$11427
Graduation Rate80%
While the University of Scranton's health informatics program has wide appeal for its affordable price and high-quality courses, the degree primarily targets professionals who do not have a background in healthcare or computer science. In fact, the course plan specifically incorporates foundational on-boarding classes that help new students gain essential skills in both fields. This is also one of the top online master's degrees in healthcare informatics for professionals who want to acquire knowledge in certain advanced fields. Why? Because Scranton offers electives in niche areas like Rural Health, End-of-Life Care, Global Health Managementand more.
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University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesLocation
Minneapolis, MN
Tuition$18483
Graduation Rate78%
The University of Minnesota stands out on this health informatics master's degrees online ranking due to its quick timeline; full-time students can graduate in just one calendar year! Of course, you can also attend part-time if your schedule requires it. Either way, you'll be more than satisfied with the education you receive from this top program, which provides a varied curriculum spanning from public health and nursing to health IT. One of the more interesting classes is a seminar course that requires you to keep up with current literature in the field and discuss topical research problems.
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Medical University of South CarolinaLocation
Charleston, SC
Tuition$21336
If you want to work in healthcare, it makes sense to get your degree from a school that dedicates itself entirely to medical science. The Medical University of South Carolina is one such institution. Here, you'll benefit from the hard-hitting, interdisciplinary resources that MUSC can offer, including expert faculty and researchers, first-hand knowledge of electronic health records (EHR) systems, and connections to top healthcare facilities throughout the state. And while it's certainly not the most affordable health informatics master's degree online, it still delivers a great bargain at just over $21k a year on average.
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Logan UniversityLocation
Chesterfield, MO
Tuition$10060
Logan University's online MSHI program is equally well suited for new and experienced health informatics professionals. The comprehensive curriculum aims to provide key knowledge and skills that will help you break into the field or earn that promotion you've been seeking. While enrolled in this cheap MS in Healthcare Informatics online, you'll take core classes in data and project management, business and financial skills, research methods, legal issues, and more. You'll also have a chance to pick electives covering topical concepts like Consumer Health Informatics and Leadership Skills for Health Informatics Professionals.
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Jacksonville UniversityLocation
Jacksonville, FL
Tuition$13320
Graduation Rate41%
Another great option for students who prefer simplicity over customizability, Jacksonville University's affordable online health informatics graduate program will get you out the door and on with your career in no time. The curriculum consists of a streamlined set of ten IT and healthcare management classes, including industry staples like Advanced Coding and Classification and Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Health Informatics. However, near the end of your studies, you will have one choice to make: research or internship? Opt for the former if you want to complete an exploratory project on a topic in your professional field of interest, or the latter if you want to get hands-on experience working with an industry partner.
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Chatham UniversityLocation
Pittsburgh, PA
Tuition$16722
Graduation Rate56%
Chatham University's MHI program casts a wide net with its broad-based curriculum, which attracts professionals not just from healthcare, but also business and information technology. Whether you're currently working as a nutritionist, software developer, lab administrator, social worker, or accountant, this accredited online health informatics graduate program can help you achieve your goals. The degree coursework reflects a similar variety; classes range from Project Management and Healthcare Delivery Systems to Informatics Immersion and Virtual Engagement to Improve Health. Featuring just ten required courses and no electives, this program will also attract candidates who want to get their degree from A to Z as efficiently as possible.
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The College of Saint ScholasticaLocation
Duluth, MN
Tuition$11160
Graduation Rate61%
The perks of earning your MS in Healthcare Informatics online from The College of St. Scholastica are almost too many to name. For starters, its faculty literally wrote the textbook on data analytics in healthcare - a resource that many other HIIM programs use in their courses! Second, its 100% online curriculum has been carefully crafted to prepare you for the professional world; upon graduation, you'll even be eligible to sit for the CPHI credentialing exam. The coursework also ensures that you're equipped with the most up-to-date industry intel on advanced topics like biostatistics, human factors, software development, and cybersecurity.
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Northern Kentucky UniversityLocation
Highland Heights, KY
Tuition$10584
Graduation Rate36%
Considering that Northern Kentucky University has an entire college devoted to informatics, it's no wonder it appears in our ranking of the top health informatics master's degrees online. Indeed, informatics is one of the things that NKU does best (it also offers programs in business, library, and media informatics, plus data science, computer IT, and more). You won't be surprised, then, to hear that this program is chockful of advanced technical courses like Application Development for Business Analysis and Enterprise Workflow Design and Reengineering. In addition, degree candidates will get their fill of hands-on learning by completing an on-site work experience, project, and electronic portfolio.
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University of Alabama-BirminghamLocation
Birmingham, AL
Tuition$12441
Full disclosure: UAB's MSHI program is not available entirely online. But it comes very close; you'll only have to complete two, four-day residencies each year. Plus, the department schedules these visits at convenient times so that you'll have no problem maintaining a full-time job (and other obligations) while you're enrolled. What's more, UAB is currently in candidacy status for CAHIIM accreditation, making it one of just a few schools on this online health informatics graduate programs ranking to (almost) earn approval from this prestigious association. Another selling point? The curriculum offers two concentrations - one in Data Analytics and another in User Experience.
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Dakota State UniversityLocation
Madison, SD
Tuition$6530
Graduation Rate41%
Dakota State University has created a Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management in response to what it calls the paperless revolution in healthcare. Designed for aspiring data analysts, researchers, and informatics consultants, this cheap online master's in health informatics will give you a high-quality education at a surprisingly low cost. For less than $7,000 a year (on average), you'll get access to a robust curriculum of career-oriented courses. Examples include Workflow Usability Optimization in Health Informatics, Health Information Lifecycle Governance, Classification Systems and the Revenue Cycle, and plenty of other classes that will make you an asset to potential employers.
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DePaul UniversityLocation
Chicago, IL
Tuition$19455
Graduation Rate71%
Housed within the College of Computing and Digital Media, DePaul's tech-savvy MSHI program will give you all the skills you need to work in the field of healthcare information technology. The accredited online master's in health informatics curriculum touches on technical topics like systems analysis, database design, and networking, as well as administrative concepts like financial management. In addition, degree candidates can choose their electives from one or more of six specialized subfields. Tech-centric options include Database Processing, Analytics, and Innovations in Healthcare, while leadership-focused students might opt for Enterprise or Security Management.
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University of New EnglandLocation
Biddeford, ME
Tuition$20622
Graduation Rate57%
The University of New England stands out on this online master's degrees in healthcare informatics ranking with a program that is highly organized but also flexible and customizable. To start, you'll take a sequence of ten required classes in relevant topics like information analysis and visualization, project management, healthcare quality, and database optimization. This sequence also includes a final practicum and master's project, during which you'll acquire direct workplace experience and reflect on the skills you've gained. But that's not all; you'll also have a chance to focus your studies by selecting two electives in one of four areas: Health Data Analytics, Training, and Development, Healthcare Leadership, or Generalist.
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Michigan Technological UniversityLocation
Houghton, MI
Tuition$17756
Graduation Rate64%
Interested in health informatics but not sure about your ultimate career field? Still trying to decide between applied work and research? Then Michigan Technological University's MS in Medical Informatics might be the perfect option for you. After enrolling in this accredited health informatics master's degree online, you can choose from three practice-oriented tracks: Course Work, Report, or Thesis. The latter is perhaps the most intense, requiring you to perform research and prepare a formal paper under the guidance of an advisor. Alternatively, the report track culminates in an independent study project, while students on the coursework path only need to pass a final exam (but they also take more classes overall).
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University of FindlayLocation
Findlay, OH
Tuition$15,428
Graduation Rate55%
In just two years, you can go from healthcare novice to informatics expert at the University of Findlay. The school's 33-credit MSHI program welcomes applicants not just from a health background, but also from computer science and other related fields. Once accepted, you'll dive right into a fast-paced, eleven-course curriculum that covers everything from healthcare delivery outcomes and organizational issues to networking, security, and research methods. And when you're about ready to graduate from this affordable MS in Healthcare Informatics online program, you'll cement your knowledge by participating in a professional practice experience and capstone.
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Nova Southeastern UniversityLocation
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Tuition$19,175
Graduation Rate50%
Interested in a challenge? Then you'll love Nova Southeastern University's MS in Biomedical Informatics. The robust, 44-credit curriculum is longer than most other programs on this online master's in health informatics ranking, but the extra courses are likely well worth the commitment. Degree candidates complete a full 32 credits worth of core courses in computational informatics, information systems, and organizational management, as well as a final practicum and project. But perhaps NSU's biggest appeal is for its lengthy list of electives; you can choose from more than two-dozen intriguing options, from Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare to Consumer Health Informatics.
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University of KansasLocation
Lawrence, KS
Tuition$10,917
Graduation Rate60%
The University of Kansas offers an interprofessional program that is ideal for anyone who wants to bolster their skills in information systems design, evaluation, and analysis. Powering the program's robust curriculum is KU's Center for Health Informatics, a dedicated, one-stop initiative that works to advance research and education while also providing resources and opportunities for students. It also serves as a central hub for health informatics faculty, who hail from diverse backgrounds in nursing, public health, and health policy. Indeed, the interdisciplinary nature of this program helps it stand out on our MS in Healthcare Informatics online ranking with unique classes like The Social Context for Healthcare Policy and Abstraction and Modeling.
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University of South FloridaLocation
Tampa, FL
Tuition$11467
Graduation Rate67%
If you decide to earn an affordable health informatics master's degree online from the University of South Florida, you'll become a member of one of the nation's top-tier medical schools. Yes, this MSHI program is part of USF Health's prestigious Morsani College of Medicine. It's because of this affiliation that the program can offer such highly-specialized, cutting-edge classes as E-Medicine Business Models and Integrated Electronic Medical Records. At the same time, the curriculum doubles down on hands-on learning; not only will you use real-world case studies to enhance your knowledge, but you'll also have the opportunity to complete an independent study project.
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University of Illinois-ChicagoLocation
Chicago, IL
Tuition$20820
UIC describes its health informatics and information management programs as innovative and comprehensive. And they're not wrong; HIIM students benefit from stellar resources (UI Chicago has the nation's largest medical school) and research-oriented professors (the school even offers a Ph.D. in Biomedical Informatics). Plus, this CAHIIM-accredited, online health informatics graduate program could do wonders for your career. About 80% of program grads say the degree helped them advance in their field, while nearly half are earning salaries north of $100k a year. Another perk? Students can opt for a Research Track that will prepare them for specialized work in data analysis and problem-solving.
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University of CincinnatiLocation
Blue Ash, OH
Tuition$15307
Graduation Rate21%
For a program that prioritizes convenience and flexibility, look to the University of Cincinnati. With its 100% web-based curriculum, six annual start dates, and painless application process (no GRE/GMAT needed!), UC's affordable online master's degree in healthcare informatics is hassle-free. This means you'll spend less time jumping through hoops and more time focused on your studies. And as long as you enroll in at least six credits per term, you'll be ready to graduate in just two years. Along the way, you and your classmates will pick up skills in project management, data analytics, IT training, and more. Plus, you'll cover topics that will prepare you to sit for certification exams like the CPHIMS and PMP.
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Slippery Rock University of PennsylvaniaLocation
Slippery Rock, PA
Tuition$18267
Graduation Rate68%
At Slippery Rock University, your education will prepare you to lead healthcare into the digital age. The university achieves this goal by employing experienced faculty who are knowledgeable about all the latest and greatest industry trends. In fact, this is one of the top health informatics master's degrees online for students who want to become technical experts in the field. While there are still some management-focused classes, the curriculum places more emphasis on computational coursework in biostatistics, data visualization, database modeling, and even software engineering. Finally, you'll round out your studies by completing a final capstone project or participating in a supervised internship.
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Southwestern Oklahoma State UniversityLocation
Weatherford, OK
Tuition$6981
Graduation Rate34%
Southwestern Oklahoma State's MSHIIM program may have only been around a few years, but it's already rising through the ranks of top cheap online master's degrees in healthcare informatics. In fact, the university plans to seek CAHIIM accreditation soon. If approved, it will make this the most affordable CAHIIM-accredited program online! But even without this distinction, SWOSU's program has plenty going for it. Most notably, the curriculum incorporates both thesis and non-thesis tracks. Choose the former if you want to get research experience and the latter if you'd rather complete a capstone course and professional practice experience.
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Temple UniversityLocation
Philadelphia, PA
Tuition$19601
Graduation Rate69%
In just two years of part-time study, you can earn an accredited MS in Healthcare Informatics online from Temple University. Indeed, this program has received approval from the prestigious Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM), which accredits just a handful of online HIIM degrees. And it's clear why Temple deserves this unique distinction. For starters, the curriculum is packed full of relevant, information-rich classes like Privacy and Security: Protecting Healthcare Data and Political and Economic Aspects of Health. On top of that, you can choose to complete your elective coursework in one of three targeted concentrations: Cybersecurity, Population Health Management, or Healthcare Data Analytics.
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Davenport UniversityLocation
Grand Rapids, MI
Tuition$13732
Graduation Rate40%
Davenport University's MS in Health Informatics and Information Management provides an interdisciplinary education in technology, leadership, and healthcare. The goal of the program is to provide up-to-date training in contemporary practices of the field so that graduates are well prepared to tackle professional challenges. As such, many of the classes in this affordable online health informatics graduate program focus on administrative topics like financial management, information governance, and risk mitigation. However, you'll still get plenty of technical training thanks to courses such as Information Security Planning and Data Mining. In addition, you'll complete a three-part research development class and a final capstone.
Featured Online Programs
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Thanks for reading our ranking of the 30 top cheap online master's degrees in healthcare informatics in the US!
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