Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics
The BS in Health Informatics degree program prepares students in the field of health informatics, which integrates health sciences, information technology, computer science, data science, and behavioral sciences. The program combines interdisciplinary knowledge from these areas with practical, specialized skills in health informatics to improve patient care, and individual and population health.
Health informatics is a discipline that brings together the worlds of health care, medicine, information technology, computer science, information and data science, and business. It is an applied interdisciplinary science that utilizes methods and technologies from different fields for the purpose of problem-solving and decision-making within the broad spectrum of the patient health care experience and health care management. Health informatics includes the application and study of how: 1) health data are collected, stored, and communicated; 2) the data are processed and analyzed for decision making; 3) computer and telecommunication technologies can provide support in the above; and 4) technology projects are managed to achieve success in health applications.
Within the 70-credits of health informatics courses included in the major requirements, topics such as health information systems, information security, data science, computer programming, health care databases and data mining, data analytics, project management, and process improvement are covered. Students learn theory, methods and applied technical skills needed to succeed in the field.
Courses are offered in both on-campus and online formats. The program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis leading to completion of the objectives of the undergraduate BS program. A minimum grade of C must be obtained in all major requirements. Students must check with their advisor to ensure that all requirements have been met prior to graduation. Maria Perez advises students in the program. Additionally, Professor Sanja Avramovic is the faculty advisor.
Have more questions about the field of health informatics? Read our Health Informatics FAQ.
Curriculum Information
The program may be completed on a full- or part-time basis leading to completion of the objectives of the undergraduate BS program.
The program curriculum, including short descriptions of the required courses, is available in Mason’s University Catalog.
Admissions Information
You can find information regarding the admissions process on the Undergraduate Admissions for HAP Programs web site. Detailed admissions requirements for each program along with the online application can be found on the University Admissions web site.
If you are a current Mason undergraduate student and wish to declare health administration as your major, please print the Change/Declaration of Academic Program Form and meet with a health administration advisor to obtain his/her signature. Please visit the CPH Advising page to determine which advisor you should contact.
Opportunities
The BS in health informatics gives students a strong background in information systems, health management, computing science, and health care. It provides students with the necessary business skills and scientific knowledge for the field of health informatics. It also prepares graduates with the right skills to enter a fast growing and in-demand job market.
Graduates from the program typically work as support staff in technology firms focused on health informatics applications. Top graduates continue their education toward an MS in health informatics. An accelerated BS-MS program in health informatics and an undergraduate Health IT minor are also available.