Biomedical informatics has become a core element across the entire spectrum of biomedicine, from bench biology to medicine to development of public health policy. This transdisciplinary field “studies and pursues the effective uses of biomedical data, information, and knowledge for scientific inquiry, problem solving and decision making, motivated by efforts to improve human health.” (Kulikowski et al.) 

The demand for individuals with formal training in health informatics, a sub-discipline of biomedical informatics, is growing rapidly, particularly in light of national emphasis on electronic health records (EHR), artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, learning health systems, clinical and translational science, healthcare reform, population and public health surveillance, and global health. Opportunities and careers in health informatics exist in a broad range of environments including clinical care and research, personal health management, public and population health, health policy, and translational science.

The ScM in Health Informatics program consists of a combination of coursework and practicum experiences, which are organized into seven major competency areas:

1. Health and Healthcare
2. Data Science
3. Social and Behavioral Science
4. Health Information Technology and Digital Health
5. Professionalism
6. Leadership
7. Team Science

The program aims to provide foundational and applied training for learners with diverse backgrounds, interests, and career paths (e.g., computer science and data science graduates, medical students, clinicians, and other health professionals). The adapted curriculum for each learner involves participation in and engagement with the following four components:

1. Courses
2. Projects and Practicums
3. Seminar Presentations, Journal Club Discussions, and Workshops
4. Community Resources and Events

The ScM in Health Informatics program is designed to be completed in 2 years (4 semesters) or at an accelerated pace in 1 year (2 semesters and 1 summer). The latter would accommodate undergraduate students interested in the Fifth-Year Master’s Degree option or medical students who could take a leave of absence to participate.

Template Schedule of Courses and Thesis Work (Two-Year Program)

Template Schedule of Courses and Thesis Work (One-Year Program)

To learn more about the program, attend an upcoming information session or visit the application site.

Info Sessions Application Process