Wake Forest University Online Master of Health Informatics

Wake Forest University (WFU) Online offers an online master of health informatics (MHI) program for working professionals through the School of Professional Studies. The program is fully online, with no campus visits required. Nine core courses and one elective can be completed in any order, allowing more flexibility for working professionals.

The health informatics program focuses on improving public health and patient outcomes through the use of data analytics. The course on population health specifically addresses health information quality, health equity, and patient safety, analyzing cultural, economic, social, behavioral, and environmental factors that play into decision-making. Health informatics is a multidisciplinary field examining concepts and skills in healthcare, technology, and computer and information science.

The healthcare data analytics course covers health data visualization and application, data analytics tools, machine learning, and the skills needed to make effective decisions based on the data and communicate that data to the necessary entities. Other courses focus on healthcare databases, digital health technologies, health information privacy and security, healthcare leadership, and quality management.

Graduates of the WFU online master of health informatics program may secure data analytics leadership and management positions with various healthcare and research organizations. Wake Forest University is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers several online master’s programs. It is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

What to Expect from the Wake Forest University Online Master of Health Informatics

Admission Requirements: Applicants to the online Wake Forest MHI must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. No GMAT or GRE test scores are required. Although no work experience is required, the application materials require the submission of a resume as well as unofficial transcripts. Additionally, applicants must complete a virtual interview with a Student Success Manager. Official transcripts must be submitted upon acceptance.

Study Plan: The online Wake Forest MHI consists of nine core courses and one elective. Students take courses in whatever order suits them and depending on when they are offered. Start dates land in the fall, spring, and summer.

Online students can expect to spend 15 to 25 hours on each course per week. On average, the online master of health informatics takes two years to complete.

Curriculum: The Wake Forest University MHI consists of 30 credits, including a capstone project. Courses include Population Health and the American Healthcare System; Healthcare Databases; Healthcare Data Analytics; Digital Health; Healthcare Leadership and Impact; Health Information Regulation, Privacy, and Security; Quality Management in Healthcare; Health Informatics Today; and Capstone in Health Informatics. Students also choose one elective from the following: Project Management Essentials, Artificial Intelligence for Health Informatics, and Telehealth Today and Tomorrow.

Online Experience: Wake Forest University utilizes the Canvas online learning management system (LMS). Courses may include synchronous and asynchronous elements, with recorded lectures, readings, videos, assignments, assessments, and discussion boards. Other communication tools include email and chat. The capstone project combines all of the health informatics content learned throughout the MHI program to create a Health Informatics case study, project, or business case that positively impacts healthcare outcomes.

Resources for online students include Student Success Managers, faculty office hours, academic advising, library and bookstore services, technical support, and career counseling.

On-Site Requirements: The WFU online master of health informatics program is 100 percent online and does not require any campus visits.

Paying for the Wake Forest University Online MHI

The WFU School of Professional Studies online MHI tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. There are no student fees for this degree. Prospective students should contact the Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies for cost clarifications and updates.

Graduate MHI students may be eligible for unsubsidized graduate Stafford and Plus loans through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Employers may also offer tuition reimbursement programs to their employees. Outside scholarships and grants may also be available through community or religious organizations, and students may secure private loans. Candidates can find out more about financial aid from the WFU Admissions Office.

Wake Forest University Master of Health Informatics

Program Essentials
Degree Level Master's Degree
Program Start Dates Fall, Spring, Summer
Credits Needed to Graduate 30
Time to Complete? Graduate in about 2 years.
100% Online? Yes
Program Accreditation None
Program Admissions
Level of Education Required? Bachelors degree or higher
GRE or GMAT Required? No GMAT/GRE required
Work Experience Required? No
Program Tuition
Credit Hours 30
Average Cost Per Credit $1,217
Estimated Program Tuition * $36,510.00

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.