Boston University Online Health Informatics Programs

Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) offers an online master of science in computer information systems (MSCIS) with a concentration in health informatics. In addition, MET offers a graduate certificate in health informatics. These programs are 100 percent online with asynchronous course delivery and no campus visits required.

The MSCIS in health informatics focuses on the study of health information technology, biomedical databases, electronic health records (EHRs), and the collection, use, and storage or medical data. Topics covered may include medical terminology, diseases and treatments, diagnostics, human anatomy and physiology, healthcare infrastructures, medical algorithms, privacy and security, government regulations, and the analysis and processing of medical data.

The MSCIS is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Graduates are eligible to take certification exams offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), such as those for the Certified Health Data Analyst (CDHA) or the Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI) credentials. The health informatics degree program can be completed in just 18 to 24 months on a part-time basis with no campus visits required. Class sizes are kept small, and courses are taught by full-time Ph.D. faculty.

The graduate certificate comprises just four courses for a total of 16 credits and can be completed in eight to 12 months on a part-time basis. The courses can then be applied to the MSCIS in health informatics.

A computer science degree is not required to apply for the MSCIS or graduate certificate in health informatics; however, the Department of Computer Science will review all applications and determine the need for the prerequisite course introduction to computer information systems. No prior work experience or graduate exams are required for these programs.

Graduates of the MSCIS and the graduate certificate in health informatics may go on to careers as information security analysts, computer systems managers, information research scientists, medical records technicians, and information systems managers.

What to Expect from the Boston University Online Health Informatics Programs

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the MS and graduate certificate in health informatics programs must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. No work experience is required, and applicants do not need a degree in computer science to apply. Also, GRE and GMAT test results are not required. Admissions materials include an application for graduate admission, a resume or CV, college transcripts, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).

Study Plan: The Boston University online MSCIS in health informatics can be completed in just 18 to 24 months on a part-time basis. The graduate certificate in health informatics can be completed in just eight to 12 months on a part-time basis. Start dates land six times yearly in September, October, January, March, May, and July. Admissions are rolling with priority deadlines. Courses run for seven weeks with 100 percent online coursework and no campus visits.

MSCIS in Health Informatics Curriculum: The MSCIS in health informatics program comprises 32 credits. Core courses include business data communication and networks; information systems analysis and design; database design and implementation for business; and IT strategy and management. Students also choose between information structures with Java or information structures with Python.

Health informatics concentration courses include biomedical sciences and health IT; health informatics; electronic health records; advanced health informatics; and enterprise cybersecurity.

Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics Curriculum: The graduate certificate in health informatics comprises 16 credits and is also fully online. There are four required courses: biomedical sciences and health IT, electronic health records, health informatics, and advanced health informatics.

Online Experience: Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) delivers health informatics classes online in an asynchronous format. Online programs through MET provide innovative online learning components, including interactive multimedia, recorded lectures, web conferencing, animations, readings, group projects, case studies, discussion boards, and guest lectures. The Boston University Distance Education Team collaborates with faculty to foster the innovative use of technology in the online classroom.

Online students can access technical support through the Distance Education office, library and bookstore services, email and phone communication with faculty, academic advising, and career counseling.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the Boston University online health informatics programs as they are 100 percent online.

Paying for the Boston University Online Health Informatics Programs

Boston University online health informatics program numbers are listed below. Interested students should contact the Boston University Metropolitan College for cost clarifications and updates.

Boston University may offer financial aid including scholarships, grants, and federal student aid through unsubsidized student loans. In addition, students should ask their employers about the possibility of a tuition reimbursement program. Finally, graduate students may choose to seek outside opportunities for funding such as scholarships or grants through community organizations.

Boston University Health Informatics (Grad Certificate)

  • Focus on electronic medical data including data collection, processing, and storage
  • Credits earned from this certificate may be transferred to the MSCIS in Health Informatics
  • Graduate in just 8 months with no campus visits required
Program Essentials
Degree Level Post-Bachelor's Certificate
Program Start Dates 6 - September, October, January, March, May, July
Credits Needed to Graduate 16
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 8 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree
GRE or GMAT Required? No
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 16
Average Cost Per Credit $955.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $15,280.00

Boston University Health Informatics (MS in CIS - Health Informatics)

  • Gain an in-depth understanding of biomedical databases, health information technology, computer networks, electronic health records (EHRs), and data communication
  • The MSCIS is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
  • Graduates are eligible to take certification exams offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 6 - September, October, January, March, May, July
Credits Needed to Graduate 32
Time to Complete? Graduate in as little as 18 months.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree
GRE or GMAT Required? No
Work Experience Required? None
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 32
Average Cost Per Credit $955.00
Estimated Program Tuition * $30,560.00

Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.

Sara Navratil
Sara Navratil
Writer

Sara Navratil is a freelance writer and a Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She's the owner of Sara Liza Life, a company dedicated to helping people rewrite their lives. She enjoys researching and writing about healthcare-related topics, including information on online MHA programs. When not working she likes to read, bake, and spend time with her family.