Key Takeaways:
- A master’s degree in health informatics can open up many opportunities in the healthcare and IT sectors.
- Potential career paths include health informatics specialist, clinical information manager, health data analyst, IT data consultant, and health information manager.
- The median salary with a degree in health informatics is $74,500, according to PayScale.
This ranking examines our picks for the top-value online master’s degrees in health informatics.
An online master’s in health informatics offers some of the best career opportunities in today’s healthcare landscape. With an aging population, insurance reforms, and rising privacy concerns, health informatics professionals are in high demand. This field needs experts skilled in data analysis tailored to healthcare, making a health informatics degree a smart investment. Many colleges and universities are expanding their health informatics master’s programs online, so students now have a variety of options to find the right fit for their goals. This ranking spotlights the top 25 values in 2024 for a master’s in health informatics online.
Featured Programs
Ranking Methodology
Awards and Recognition (Related to Health Informatics)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
20-Year Net ROI
• Above 800,000 – 8 points
• Above 700,000 – 7 points
• Above 600,000 – 6 points
• Above 500,000 – 5 points
• Above 400,000 – 4 points
• Above 300,000 – 3 points
• Above 200,000 – 2 points
Customization Options
• Content Customizations (e.g. Concentrations and Specializations) – 1 Point
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid, Synchronous, etc.) – 1 Point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Health Informatics – 1 point
Internship Opportunities in Health Informatics – 1 point
Scholarship Opportunities in Health Informatics – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Wow Factor
• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
Best Value Colleges for an Online Master’s in Health Informatics
To determine the best value colleges offering online master’s in health informatics programs, our editors reviewed 81 programs. To narrow this initial pool, we then chose the programs with the highest 20-year ROI as reported by PayScale.com.
To rank these schools, we applied the methodology above, using information from the NCES College Navigator database regarding the school’s graduate tuition and fees to break any ties.
#1 –Dakota State University
Online Master of Science in Health Informatics
Madison, South Dakota
Points: 9
Dakota University offers a flexible online master’s in health informatics that can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Students can also choose to customize their program around one of three available specializations: the database specialization, the healthcare specialization, or the privacy and security specialization.
Some core courses are required, however, including topics in Healthcare Information Infrastructure, Data Management in Health Informatics, and IS Tools and Applications for Healthcare Research. Full-time students may complete this master’s in health informatics online program in just two years.
Tuition & Fees: $9,116
#2 –Stanford University
Online Master of Biomedical Informatics
Stanford, California
Website
Points: 9
Stanford University offers an online master’s in health informatics through the Stanford Center for Professional Development. This program is offered as a Professional/Honors Cooperative Program, which means that students are required to continue working full-time throughout the duration of their coursework.
The curriculum consists of three main components: Core Biomedical Informatics; Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics & Engineering; and Social and Ethical Issues. Research projects are not required for this master’s in health informatics online degree, but they are available to interested students.
Tuition & Fees: $46,320
#3 –Northeastern University
Online Master of Science in Health Informatics
Boston, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 8
Northeastern University’s interdisciplinary online master’s in health informatics is offered through a partnership between the school’s Bouve College of Health Sciences and the College of Computer and Information Science.
The curriculum for this 33-credit hour program is customizable, including just two required courses: Introduction to Health Informatics and Health Information Systems and The American Healthcare System.
Beyond that, students can choose from a variety of electives as well as a Technical Track or Business Management Track to design the ideal master’s in health informatics online program to meet their career goals.
Tuition & Fees: $22,061
#4 –Drexel University
Online Master of Science in Health Informatics
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 8
Drexel University’s online master’s in health informatics is offered through a collaboration between the university’s College of Computing and Informatics and College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Students can choose to take classes on a full or part-time basis and can also customize the curriculum for their program, thanks to a wide variety of available electives.
In addition to core courses such as Human-Computer Interaction and Web Systems & Architecture, master’s in health informatics online students can choose to study topics such as The Business of Healthcare, Introduction to Biostatistics, Public Health Informatics, and Methods for Heath Research.
Tuition & Fees: $31,519
#5 –University of Cincinnati
Online Master of Health Informatics
Cincinnati, Ohio
Website
Points: 7
The University of Cincinnati offers an interdisciplinary online master’s in health informatics designed for professionals with backgrounds in healthcare as well as those with backgrounds in business and information technology.
The 36-credit hour program is comprised of courses such as Health Information Legislation, Privacy and Security; Leadership and Strategic Management in Health Care Settings; The Healthcare and Public Health Landscape; and Project and Program Management.
Master’s in health informatics online students are enrolled in two classes per semester and finish the program within two years.
Tuition & Fees: $14,468
#6 –Michigan Tech University
Online Master of Medical Informatics
Houghton, Michigan
Website
Points: 7
Michigan Tech University offers a flexible online master’s in health informatics that can be completed entirely online. Students can choose between three available tracks: the thesis track, the independent study track, or the coursework track.
Each track requires students to earn a minimum of 30 credit hours. Enrolled master’s in health informatics online students may take some of the following courses: Clinical Decision Support and Improving Healthcare, Application Integration and Interoperability, Human-Computer Interaction in Healthcare, and Statistical Methods for Intrusion Detection.
Tuition & Fees: $15,755
#7 –University of Illinois—Chicago
Online Master of Science in Health Informatics
Chicago, Illinois
Website
Points: 7
The online master’s in health informatics offered by the University of Illinois-Chicago approaches the subject of health informatics from a business perspective. The 45-credit hour program can be completed entirely online and consists of core courses such as Ethics & Legal Issues in Health Informatics, Management of Health Care Communication Systems, and Healthcare IT Vendor Management.
This master’s in health informatics online program can be completed in just two years, but students may take up to six years to earn their degrees if necessary.
Tuition & Fees: $16,527
#8 –University of Massachusetts—Lowell
Online Master of Health Informatics and Management
Lowell, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 6
The University of Massachusetts—Lowell offers an online master’s in health informatics through its Department of Community Health and Sustainability. This balanced program features six required courses and six elective courses, providing students with a strong foundation in health informatics while still giving them some flexibility to individualize their program of study.
The curriculum for this master’s in health informatics online includes course titles such as Operations Analysis for Quality Improvement, Health Information System Planning, Electronic Health Record Systems, and Healthcare Database Design.
Tuition & Fees: $13,799
#9 –Vanderbilt University
Online Master of Health Informatics
Nashville, Tennessee
Website
Points: 6
Vanderbilt University’s online master’s in health informatics is an MSN with a specialty in nursing informatics. Coursework is designed to be completed on a full-time basis and includes topics such as Technology Components of Informatics, Web Development for Health Care Applications, Consumer Health Care Informatics, and Informatics of Evidence-Based Practice.
Master’s in health informatics online students will enjoy the convenience of completing coursework from a distance and on their own schedules without sacrificing one-on-one instruction from Vanderbilt’s distinguished faculty.
Tuition & Fees: $44,050
#10 –Boston University
Online Master of Computer Information Systems: Health Informatics
Boston, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 6
Boston University’s online master’s in health informatics offering is technically an MS in Computer Information Systems with a concentration in Health Informatics. The 40-credit hour program is comprised of 10 courses: 5 core courses and 5 courses specific to the Health Informatics concentration.
Some course topics include Biomedical Sciences and Health IT, Information Systems Analysis and Design, Electronic Health Records, and Enterprise Information Security. Most of the school’s master’s in health informatics online students complete the program in 18-24 months.
Tuition & Fees: $48,082
#11 –Northwestern University
Online Master of Health Informatics
Evanston, Illinois
Website
Points: 6
Northwestern University’s online master’s in health informatics is offered in partnership with the university’s Feinberg School of Medicine. The program is comprised of 12 total courses, five of which are required courses. Students choose their elective courses based on their chosen specialization.
The three specializations currently offered as part of the master’s in health informatics program include Clinical Informatics, Health Administration Informatics, and Health Technology Informatics.
Specialty course topics include Global Health and Technology, Information Systems Project Management, Health Care Organization Operations, and Big Data Management & Analytics.
Tuition & Fees: $49,064
#12 –University of Missouri
Online Master of Health Informatics
Columbia, Missouri
Website
Points: 5
The University of Missouri offers an online master’s in health informatics executive program designed for professionals with at least three years of experience working in a healthcare setting. The 33-credit hour program requires nine core courses as well as an individual research project.
Sample course titles include Methods of Health Services Research, Biomedical and Health Vocabularies and Ontologies, and Individual Executive Management Studies. It is important to note that online students with master’s degrees in health informatics are required to make three weekend visits to campus to complete the requirements for this degree.
Tuition & Fees: $9,506
#13 –Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Nursing: Health Informatics
Phoenix, Arizona
Website
Points: 5
Grand Canyon University’s online master’s in health informatics offering is technically a master’s in nursing with an emphasis in healthcare informatics. Unlike many of the other offerings in this ranking, this program is designed specifically for working nurses who already hold a BSN.
The 36-credit hour curriculum is a prescribed one, featuring courses such as Health Care Research Analysis and Utilization, Health Care Information Systems and Technology, and Business/Project Plan Evaluation and Development. Students take nine 8-week courses to earn their master’s in health informatics online in just 18 months.
Tuition & Fees: $10,124
#14 –University of South Florida
Online Master of Health Informatics
Tampa, Florida
Website
Points: 5
The University of South Florida offers an online master’s in health informatics through the Morsani College of Medicine. The 32-credit hour program includes core courses such as Health Data Management, Integrated Electronic Medical Records, and Managerial Communications, as well as elective courses in Healthcare Project Management and Medical Terminology.
This asynchronous master’s in health informatics online program features streaming video, interactive discussion boards, social media collaboration, and downloadable lectures so that working professionals can benefit from an interactive learning experience while studying from anywhere at times that are convenient for them.
Tuition & Fees: $10,428
#15 –University of Pittsburgh
Online Master of Nursing Informatics
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 5
The online master’s in health informatics offering from the University of Pittsburgh is actually a master of science in nursing with a concentration in nursing informatics. The 18-month program features a prescribed curriculum, including course titles such as Methods in Technology Evaluation & Usability, Information Technology/Project Management, and Informatics Theories & Issues.
Graduates of this master’s in health informatics online program are thoroughly prepared to sit for the American Nurses Credentialing Center Nursing Informatics certification exam.
Tuition & Fees: $22,060
#16 –Brandeis University
Online Master of Science in Health and Medical Informatics
Waltham, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 5
The online master’s in health informatics from Brandeis University is a 30-credit hour program comprised of six core courses and four elective courses.
Required courses include Perspectives on Health/Medical Information Systems, Legal Issues in Health and Medical Informatics, and Health Data and Electronic Health Records, while elective courses include topics such as Health Care Delivery in the U.S., Emerging Technologies in Health/Medical Informatics, and Population Health Informatics.
Students enrolled in this master’s in health informatics online program enjoy small class sizes and a dedicated student advisor.
Tuition & Fees: $45,988
#17 –Louisiana Tech University
Online Master of Health Informatics
Ruston, Louisiana
Website
Points: 4
The online master’s in health informatics program at Louisiana Tech is offered through the school’s Department of Health Informatics & Information Management. A background in healthcare is not required for admission, but students new to the field may be required to take additional prerequisite courses.
The 45-credit hour master’s in health informatics online curriculum is an entirely prescribed one featuring course titles such as Medical Vocabularies and Classification Systems, Healthcare Information Analysis, Database Architecture, and Clinical Information System. A capstone project is also required for graduation.
Tuition & Fees: $8,893
#18 –University of Colorado—Denver
Online Master of Health Informatics
Denver, Colorado
Points: 4
The University of Colorado-Denver offers a 35-credit hour online master’s in health informatics offering that is technically a master of science in nursing with a specialty in health informatics. Enrolled students will take four core nursing classes, four informatics core courses, and three specialty course titles.
These include topics such as Digital Tools for Connected Health, Human Computer Interaction Design, and Database Management Systems. A practicum is also required for this master’s in health informatics online program, but it can be arranged in the student’s local area.
Tuition & Fees: $9,092
#19 –Regis University
Online Master of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management
Denver, Colorado
Website
Points: 4
Regis University offers a 36-credit hour online master’s in health informatics that can be completed in just two years. Enrolled students take 8-week courses in topics such as Data Mining for Decision Support in Health Care Settings, Workflow and Change Management in Adoption of Health IT, and Ethics in Information Technology.
The curriculum for this master’s in health informatics online is a prescribed one, leaving little room for content customization, but students will graduate with a solid understanding of health informatics issues as well as fundamental business principles.
Tuition & Fees: $10,800
#20 –Sacred Heart University
Online Master of Science in Health Informatics
Fairfield, Connecticut
Website
Points: 4
Sacred Heart University offers an online master’s in health informatics program that combines practical lessons with scholarly research in the growing field of health informatics.
The 36-credit hour program includes 9 core courses in topics such as Healthcare Industry and Policy, Workflow Design & Reengineering, and Healthcare Information Exchange.
In addition, students choose three elective courses from an impressive array of topics, including Emerging Technologies, Strategic Application of Information Technology in Healthcare, and Population Health, for instance. This master’s in health informatics program can be completed in just two years.
Tuition & Fees: $23,125
#21 –Wilkes University
Online Master of Nursing Informatics
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 4
Wilkes University’s online master’s in health informatics offering is an MSN program with a concentration in nursing informatics. The 39-credit hour program typically takes 26 months to complete, but ambitious students may choose an accelerated option that will allow them to earn their degree in less than 20 months.
Specialty course topics include Foundations of Nursing Informatics, Data Management in Healthcare, and Nursing Informatics Leadership in Healthcare Systems and Project Design. Prospective students must hold a current RN license to be eligible for admission into this master’s in health informatics online program.
Tuition & Fees: $23,280
#22 –George Washington University
Online Master of Health Informatics
Washington, D.C.
Website
Points: 4
George Washington University’s online master of health informatics program is offered through the Milken Institute School of Public Health. This comprehensive, 45-credit hour offering is designed for professionals with a minimum of three years of clinical or administrative experience in a healthcare setting.
The curriculum is delivered through 10-week-long modules, covering topics such as Management and Strategy, Health Informatics and Decision Science, Population and Community Health Analytics, and Connected Devices and the Internet of Things (IoT).
To meet the requirements of this master’s in health informatics online program, students do have to complete two on-campus immersions.
Tuition & Fees: $28,211
#23 –Northern Kentucky University
Online Master of Health Informatics
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Website
Points: 3
Northern Kentucky University offers an online master’s in health informatics that focuses on health informatics as it applies to both clinical scenarios and institutional administration. The 33-credit hour program is comprised of 21 credit hours of foundational courses, 9 credit hours in electives, and a 3 credit hour capstone.
Students may choose to specialize in one of three available specializations: Healthcare Data Analytics, Healthcare Process Management, and Healthcare Cybersecurity. As an added requirement for this master’s in health informatics online program, students must also maintain an electronic portfolio of work over the duration of their studies.
Tuition & Fees: $9,996
#24 –University of Mary
Online Master of Nursing and Health Informatics
Bismarck, North Dakota
Website
Points: 3
The University of Mary’s online master’s in health informatics offering is an MSN in nursing with a concentration in nursing informatics.
The curriculum for the program is a prescribed one, but includes diverse topics such as Principles of Informatics in Healthcare Professions, The Human Technology Interface, Leadership and the Future of Nursing, and Healthcare Law and Policy.
Prospective students must hold a current, unencumbered RN license to be eligible for admission into this master’s in health informatics online program.
Tuition & Fees: $12,820
#25 –University of Denver
Online Master’s in Medical and Health Information Technologies
Denver, Colorado
Website
Points: 3
The University of Denver’s online master’s in health informatics is technically an MS in Leadership with a concentration in Medical and Health Information Technologies.
The comprehensive, 48-credit hour program requires students to take core courses in topics such as Healthcare Systems and Regulatory Environments, Ethical Considerations in Healthcare, Research Practices and Applications, as well as concentration courses such as Telehealth and Electronic Health Records Systems.
This master’s in health informatics online program also allows students to choose electives in order to customize their degree plans.
Tuition & Fees: 43,458
Related:
- MSN
- Health Administration (Master’s)
- Gerontology (Graduate)
- Nursing Administration (MSN)
- Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration
- Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology
This concludes our ranking of the top 25 values for an online master’s in health informatics degree.
Sources:
Payscale.com
NCES College Navigator
CVO Staff