University of Central Florida Online Master of Science in Health Care Informatics (MS-HCI)

The University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education offers a fully online master of science in health care informatics (MS-HCI) degree. This cohort-based program was designed for recent graduates from health services bachelor’s programs, experienced professionals in the health care industry, and those seeking a change of career.

Depending on experience and education, students may be required to take a set of foundational courses with the program. Topics covered include project management, health care informatics privacy and security, information technology, data modeling, project management, and systems analysis and design.

A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to apply, however some provisional slots are available to applicants who may not meet that requirement. Program graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) certification exam.

What to Expect from the Online Master of Science in Health Care Informatics (MS-HCI)

Admissions Requirements: Regular applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0, however some provisional slots are available to those whose GPA may not meet requirements. Additional application requirements include an application and fee, official transcripts, a goal statement explaining how the MS-HCI degree will contribute to the student’s career goals (minimum one page), and a resume (no more than two pages). GMAT/GRE scores are not required.

International students must provide a detailed course credit evaluation through WES or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc., including TOEFL test scores and a calculated GPA.

Time to Completion: The program is designed to be completed in two years in a prescribed sequence, including fall, spring, and summer terms.

Study Plan: This ten-course program consists of 38 credits on a semester schedule. Health care informatics students are able to begin courses in the fall or spring semesters. The cohort-based program requires a specific course sequence including a capstone course and internship during the last semester.

Coursework: Courses for the online MS-HCI include biostatistics and decision analysis; project management in health care informatics; health care data architecture and modeling; health care database management; epidemiology, analytics, and quality management; privacy and security in health care informatics; health care informatics and information technology; and system analysis and design.

Students also complete health care informatics capstone and internship. During the internship, students complete the required number of hours under the supervision of a site preceptor on an applicable informatics project.

If students do not possess the necessary experiential and/or educational background, they may be required to complete three foundational courses. These are a survey of health information management; the foundation of health services administration; and medical terminology for informatics professionals.

Online Experience: To begin, UCF online students complete the Knights Online orientation to learn what it takes to be a successful online student, as well as how to use the Webcourses@UCF user interface. The health informatics courses are asynchronous and include assignments, assessments, and collaborative tools. The cohort-based program allows students and faculty to interact, develop relationships, and network. Student services include admissions counseling, an online coach, the writing center, the UCF library, the MYUCF platform, accessibility services, and email.

On-Site Requirements: The MS in health care informatics program is 100 percent online and requires no campus visits; however, students must complete a local internship where they live and work. Students also are encouraged to visit a UCF campus and to participate in graduation on campus.

Paying for the Online Master of Science in Health Care Informatics (MS-HCI)

UCF Online MS-HCI program tuition numbers are listed in the table below, and are the same for both residents and non-residents of Florida, and for international students.

UCF Online offers financial aid in the form of academic merit fellowships to qualified students, as well as assistantships, tuition support, and loans. Students may also seek outside resources for help paying for their MS-HCI degree, as well as inquiring their employer about tuition reimbursement programs.

University of Central Florida Master of Science in Health Care Informatics

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall, Spring
Credits Needed to Graduate 38
Time to Complete? Complete in as little as 2 years
100% Online? Yes, plus a local internship
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No
Work Experience Required? No, however foundational courses may be required depending on experience and prior education
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 38
Average Cost Per Credit $772.69
Estimated Program Tuition * $29,336.00

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.