University of Scranton Online MS in Health Informatics (MSHI)

The University of Scranton offers a 100 percent online master of science in health informatics (MSHI), which provided in part through the AACSB-accredited Kania School of Management. There is also a fully online graduate certificate in the same discipline. The school is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The MSHI program prepares students with the skills they need to succeed in the data-driven healthcare field, including knowledge of communication, business, leadership, computer science, and information systems. The degree focuses on a patient-centered, data-driven healthcare approach that integrates the tools of healthcare informatics with leadership skills to promote better patient care.

The graduate certificate covers the first four classes of the full MSHI degree and provides a foundation in health informatics. The knowledge can be applied to all healthcare arenas including patient clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, home healthcare, dentistry, pharmaceuticals, physical therapy clinics, and more.

The graduate certificate in health informatics prepares graduates to use software applications to solve real-world problems, and arms them with knowledge of computer security issues, as well as how computers store data, access it, and process it into meaningful reports. The graduate certificate credits can be applied directly to the full MSHI degree.

Those interested in the MSHI degree or graduate certificate might be doctors, nurses, health technicians, or others desiring to move into the healthcare arena. Those without a healthcare or informatics background may need to take two foundational modules to prepare for the degrees. No work experience or GMAT/GRE scores are required.

Overall, these programs prepare students for advanced careers in health information technology fields, including electronic medical record keepers, nurse informaticists, medical records and coding managers, medical informatics analysts, clinical documentation managers, clinical informaticists, and chief medical information officers, among others.

What to Expect from the University of Scranton Online MS in Health Informatics

Admission Requirements: Students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Application materials include an online application, three letters of reference, official transcripts, a statement of intent, and a background check. No work experience or GMAT/GRE scores are required, but students may submit graduate exam scores to strengthen their application. Please note that international students must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or STEP test scores and verification of a visa if living in the U.S.

Study Plan: Students can begin the online MSHI or graduate certificate in May, August, and January. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions that occur back-to-back, excluding a three-week break at the end of December and a one-week break during another part of the year. There are six terms per year. Students usually complete the MSHI program within two years, but have up to six. A capstone course completes the MSHI degree program. The graduate certificate can be completed in less than a year.

Curriculum: The University of Scranton online MSHI consists of 33 credits.

MSHI core courses include an introduction to health informatics, healthcare knowledge for health informatics, principles of computer science and software development, information technology for health informatics, database principles and applications, community health for health informatics, business management and communication for health informatics, current trends in health informatics, and public policy for health informatics. MSHI students also complete a health informatics capstone course.

MSHI students also choose one elective from the following course offerings: business intelligence, hospital administration, long term care administration, end-of-life care, rural health, issues in advanced practice nursing, healthcare financial management I, integrated enterprise management systems, global health management, project and change management, and medical practice management.

The graduate certificate in health informatics consists of 12 credits covering the first four core courses of the MSHI program: an introduction to health informatics, healthcare knowledge for health informatics, principles of computer science and software development, information technology for health informatics.

Those without a healthcare or information technology background may need to take the following foundation course modules for the MSHI and graduate certificate: introduction to healthcare and computer information technology for health professionals.

Online Experience: The University of Scranton uses the Engage learning management system for the online MSHI and graduate certificate. Courses are asynchronous and can be accessed anywhere students have a high-speed internet connection. Students interact with peers and faculty through email, online forum discussions, instant messaging, and virtual chat sessions. In addition, there may be group projects with peers.

Students should have a current browser, Microsoft Office programs, Microsoft Access, and free plugins. Students have access to office hours with professors, a student services coordinator, and all services on-campus students enjoy, including 24/7 technical support.

On-Site Requirements: There are no on-site requirements for the online MSHI or graduate certificate in health informatics. Students are welcome to visit campus anytime and are encouraged to participate in the commencement ceremony on campus in May of each year.

Paying for the University of Scranton Online MS in Health Informatics

The University of Scranton online MSHI and graduate certificate tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. Prospective online students should check with the University of Scranton for cost clarifications and updates.

Graduate students may be eligible for federal graduate student loans through the FAFSA. Additionally, students may seek outside help in the form of scholarships and grants, as well as tuition reimbursement from employers. Students can find out more about financial aid by contacting the University of Scranton Financial Aid Office.

The University of Scranton Master of Science in Health Informatics

  • Focus on communication, business, computer science, information systems, and leadership
  • Learn to create, maintain, and utilize meaningful reports from from health information systems and databases
  • Faculty members offer real-world experience and a passion to teach a new generation of healthcare professionals
Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates 3 - May, August, January
Credits Needed to Graduate 33
Time to Complete? Can be completed in 2 years or less
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation AACSB
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No (but GRE may be submitted to bolster chances of admission)
Work Experience Required? No, but students may be required to take one or both of two foundational modules
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 33
Average Cost Per Credit $757
Estimated Program Tuition * $24,981.00

The University of Scranton Online Certificate in Health Informatics

  • The certificate may be applied to the Master of Science in Health Informatics
  • Prepare to meet the high demand for administrative professionals who can effectively use information technology
  • Program focuses on knowledge and practical application of IT in healthcare fields
Program Essentials
Degree Level Post-Bachelor's Certificate
Program Start Dates 3 - May, August, January
Credits Needed to Graduate 12
Time to Complete? Can be completed in less than 12 months
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation AACSB
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelor's degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No (but GRE may be submitted to bolster chances of admission)
Work Experience Required? No, but students may be required to take one or both of two foundational modules
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 12
Average Cost Per Credit $757
Estimated Program Tuition * $9,084.00

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.