M.S. in Health Information Technology

The Master of Science in Health Information Technology develops professionals that can thrive in the ever changing world of healthcare data management.

Students can only be admitted to this program in the Fall semester. The application deadline is March 15th.

Medical and healthcare organizations are Information Technology (IT) intensive organizations and rely on IT professions with healthcare knowledge to design, implement, manage and utilize their IT resources better. Health information technology careers give professionals remarkable new opportunities to improve quality and coverage in healthcare by lowering costs, helping to maximize efficiency and putting a stop to avoidable medical mistakes. Those with a dual passion for computer and medical sciences have a perfect career choice in Health Information Technology (HIT).

Advances in information technologies will change the way patients receive services and consume healthcare information. At the same time, healthcare providers, hospitals and insurance companies are under increasing pressure to provide quality services at affordable cost, hopefully with the help of advanced use of technologies. Technicians are needed for emerging jobs such as healthcare integration engineer, healthcare systems analyst, clinical IT consultant and technology support specialist. Students graduating with a degree in HIT would be able to have a direct impact on helping the improvement process currently happening in healthcare organizations.

The program usually takes between 2 to 3 calendar years to be completed, depending on the course load each semester. Students may attend the program full- or part-time. Evening courses are available.

OPT STEM Extension

The M.S. in Health Information Technology qualifies for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security STEM degree designation. Students who complete this program are eligible for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM extension.

The MS in Health Information Technology prepares students to improve quality and coverage in healthcare by lowering costs, helping to maximize efficiency and putting a stop to avoidable medical mistakes.

What will I Learn?

The goals and objectives of the graduate degree in Health Information Technology are:

Goal 1: Students will apply IT knowledge to solve organizational problems.

Objectives: Students will be able to:

  • design an information system for an organization
  • evaluate IT security risks of an organization
  • manage an IT project

Goal 2: Students will be conversant with concepts, terminology, institutions, professionals, and methods in healthcare.

Objectives: Students will be able to:

  • communicate complex healthcare concepts orally to healthcare providers, patients and payers
  • communicate complex healthcare concepts effectively in writing to healthcare providers, patients and payers

Goal 3: Students will provide IT solutions in healthcare contexts.

Objectives: Students will be able to:

  • synthesize healthcare data using analytical tools
  • design IT solutions within a healthcare context

Visit the University Catalog to learn more about required coursework for the M.S. in Health Information Technology.

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to this program as a cohort in the Fall semester only.

Students must submit the follow items with their application by March 15th. The GRE is not required for admission to this program.  The Office of International Affairs lists additional admission requirements for international students.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  • 3.0 GPA or higher on submitted transcripts
  • Two professional letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement

Completion Requirements

Before exiting from the M.S. in Health Information Technology, you need to complete two steps:

  1. Apply for graduation.
  2. Submit an Exit Survey.

Exit Survey:

The purpose of this survey is to assist the College of Education, Health, and Human Services with the evaluation of the master’s degree program and to serve as a guide for program development. The Exit Survey is a requirement for completion of the program. Submit the exit survey.

Contact Information

CEHHS Office for Student Success
262 Fairlane Center South (FCS)
[email protected]
313-593-5090

Virtual Orientation Sessions