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Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI)

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Mission
The mission of the Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) program is to prepare innovative, ethical, and culturally responsive leaders who leverage health information, data, and technology to improve healthcare delivery, advance health equity, and transform the health of individuals and communities. Through an interdisciplinary, student-centered curriculum, we empower graduates to solve complex healthcare challenges, drive digital transformation, and improve outcomes across the healthcare ecosystem. 

Vision
To shape the future of health informatics by preparing leaders who harness advanced solutions in AI, cybersecurity,and data governance, transforming policy, practice, and health equity for underserved communities worldwide. 

Program at a Glance

• • Credits to Graduate: 35 credit hours  
  • Program Length: 14 months  
  • Delivery Format: 100% online  
  • Course Format: Asynchronous and designed for working professionals  
  • Program Structure: Two 8-week terms per semester, Two courses per term 
  • Start Terms: Fall and Spring  
  • Practicum: Applied leadership practicum with an external organization  
  • Career Preparation: Executive mentorship and professional portfolio development  
  • Standardized Tests: GMAT/GRE not required  
  • Tuition: $950 per credit hour  
  • Estimated Tuition: $33,250, excluding fees and other expenses  
  • Financial Support: Scholarships may be available to eligible students  
  • Accreditation Status: MSM is SACSCOC Accredited. The Master’s Degree Health Informatics Program is in Candidacy Status, pending accreditation review by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). 

   

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  September 10, 2026 @ 6:00 PM ET   October 8, 2026 @ 6:00 PM ET   November 12, 2026 @ 6:00 PM ET

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What Makes the MSM MSHI Different
The Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) at Morehouse School of Medicine is more than a graduate degree. It is a program designed to prepare professionals who will transform healthcare through innovation, technology, and a commitment to health equity. 

• Purpose-Driven Education -As one of the nation's leading academic health centers focused on health equity, Morehouse School of Medicine prepares students to use health information and technology to improve care for underserved communities and reduce disparities in healthcare. 

• Built for Working Professionals The fully online, flexible curriculum allows students to earn their degree while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.  

• Certification Preparation Students gain experience preparing for CAHIIMS/CPHIMS certification examinations though intensive study prep with industry experts. 

Partnerships Students engage with healthcare executives, informatics leaders, alumni, and industry partners through mentoring, guest lectures, networking opportunities, and experiential learning that strengthen professional connections and career readiness.

The MSHI program combines technology, leadership, business strategy, and a mission of advancing health equity to prepare graduates who are ready to lead the future of healthcare. 

Who Should Apply
The Master of Science in Health Informatics is designed for professionals who want to improve healthcare through data, technology, leadership, and innovation. 

You should apply if you are: 

• A healthcare professional ready to move into informatics, analytics, leadership, or technology. 
  
• An IT, data, or cybersecurity professional interested in applying your skills to healthcare. 
  
• A recent graduate seeking a career in one of healthcare’s fastest-growing fields. 
  
• A clinical research, public health, or health administration professional who wants to expand your technical expertise. 
  
• A career changer looking for a meaningful role at the intersection of healthcare and technology. 
  An emerging leader who wants to help address health disparities and improve outcomes in underserved communities.  

No clinical background is required. We welcome applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are curious, motivated, and ready to lead change. 

If you want to turn health data into better decisions, stronger systems, and healthier communities, the MSHI program at Morehouse School of Medicine is built for you. 

Admission Requirements 

Applicants should possess: 

• A master's degree from an accredited institution 

Demonstrated leadership experience in healthcare or a related field

Applicants should submit:

• A completed online application 
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae 
• Official transcripts (see Official Transcripts below) 
• One professional letter of recommendation (see below) 
• A $50 non-refundable application fee 
• Completion of a required virtual admissions interview (see below) 
• Professional Letter of Recommendation 
• Submit one professional letter of recommendation from a current or former supervisor, organizational leader, or professional mentor who can speak to your potential for success in health informatics.
   
  The letter should address your: 
• Leadership style and potential  
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills  
• Professional maturity and judgment  
• Written and verbal communication skills  
• Ability to collaborate, influence, and lead others  
• Commitment to continuous learning  
• Aptitude for data, technology, and innovation  
• Readiness for graduate-level study  
• Potential to succeed in the evolving field of health informatics  
• Choose a recommender who knows your work well and can provide specific examples of your skills, achievements, and professional growth. 

Official Transcripts
Submit your official transcripts electronically through Parchment, selecting Morehouse School of Medicine as the recipient. Within Parchment, search for msmonline@msm.edu to ensure your transcripts are routed correctly.

Applicants with collegiate coursework completed outside of the United States must upload an unofficial copy of a course-by-course credential evaluation as part of the application process. Please do not upload unofficial international transcripts without the accompanying credential evaluation. 

Admissions Interview 

All eligible applicants are required to complete a virtual admissions interview as part of a holistic review of the completed application. The interview gives applicants the opportunity to discuss their professional experience, leadership aspirations, and readiness for doctoral study, and gives the Program Director and faculty the opportunity to assess fit, communication, and executive potential. 

Application Deadlines & Key Dates - Spring 2027 Cohort
The Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) program welcomes new cohorts twice each year, in January and August. The 35-credit, 14-month program follows a structured cohort format, allowing students to begin and complete the program together. 
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as completed applications are received. Early application is strongly encouraged. Submit all required materials by the Early Decision Deadline to receive priority consideration. 

Milestone Date 
Applications Open: Monday, August 24, 2026 
Early Decision Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026 
Final Application Deadline: Friday, November 27, 2026 
New Student Orientation (Virtual): Monday, December 7, 2026 
Financial Aid Workshop: Tuesday, December 8, 2026 
Classes Begin: Monday, January 4, 2027 
 
A completed application includes: 

• A completed online application  
• Official transcripts  
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae  
• One professional letter of recommendation  
• Payment of the $50 nonrefundable application fee
  
  Applications will enter the review process only after all required materials have been received. Applying early gives you more time to complete financial aid, prepare for orientation, and plan for a successful start

Important Admissions Information
The Morehouse School of Medicine Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) program attracts a strong volume of applications from professionals and emerging leaders interested in healthcare, data, technology, and innovation. To support a fair and equitable admissions process, applications are reviewed in the order that completed applications are received. 
Due to the volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual application status updates by phone or email. Applicants will receive updates from the Admissions Office as their application moves through the review process. 

Information Sessions
We strongly encourage prospective students to attend a live virtual information session before applying. You will have the opportunity to meet the Program Director and MSHI faculty, explore the curriculum and admissions process, discover what makes the MSM MSHI experience distinctive, and ask questions in an interactive setting. 

Program Tracks
What is the difference between the General Track and the Leadership Track? 
Both tracks provide a strong foundation in health informatics, healthcare data, technology, and applied problem-solving. The primary difference is the area of emphasis. 
The General Track provides broader technical preparation in areas such as health information systems, clinical data analytics, artificial intelligence, interoperability, and emerging technologies. It is ideal for students pursuing technical, analytical, or systems-focused roles. 
The Leadership Track combines core health informatics training with focused preparation in healthcare leadership, finance, negotiation, relationship building, conflict resolution, and organizational strategy. Students also complete a Leadership Practicum that provides experience working with healthcare leaders on real organizational challenges. 
Which track should I choose? 
The General Track may be right for you if you want to: 

• Analyze healthcare and clinical data  
  
• Support or implement health information systems  
  
• Work with electronic health records  
  
• Explore artificial intelligence and emerging technology  
  
• Build technical and analytical expertise  
  
• Pursue informatics, analytics, or systems-focused roles
   
  The Leadership Track may be right for you if you want to: 
  
• Lead healthcare teams, projects, or departments  
  
• Manage organizational change and digital transformation  
  
• Strengthen your executive communication and decision-making  
  
• Develop skills in finance, negotiation, and conflict resolution  
  
• Prepare for management, consulting, or executive-level opportunities  
  
• Apply informatics solutions to organizational challenges  

Will my diploma identify my track? 
Both tracks lead to the Master of Science in Health Informatics degree from Morehouse School of Medicine. Any formal recognition of the selected track on the diploma or academic transcript follows current institutional policy. 
Can I change tracks after enrolling? 
Track change requests are subject to course availability, program sequencing, academic progress, and approval from the Program Director. Students should discuss a possible change as early as possible to avoid delaying degree completion. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions 
General Program 
What is the Master of Science in Health Informatics? 
The Morehouse School of Medicine Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) prepares professionals to use data, technology, leadership, and innovation to improve healthcare systems and outcomes. Students develop skills in health data analytics, electronic health records, artificial intelligence, interoperability, project management, information security, and healthcare leadership. 
Who should apply? 
The program welcomes healthcare professionals, information technology specialists, data analysts, clinical research professionals, public health practitioners, health administrators, recent graduates, and career changers who want to work at the intersection of healthcare and technology. 
A clinical background is not required. Applicants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 
Is the program fully online? 
Yes. The MSHI program is delivered fully online. Students are not required to travel to campus for classes or orientation. 
How long does the program take? 
The MSHI is a 35-credit program designed to be completed in approximately 14 months. 
How are the courses structured? 
Students progress through the program in a structured cohort. Courses are delivered in focused eight-week terms, allowing students to build their knowledge and skills in a logical sequence. 
Can I complete the program while working? 
Yes. The online format was designed to provide flexibility for working professionals. Students should still plan for consistent weekly study, assignments, group projects, and course participation. 
Admissions 
When does the MSHI program admit new students? 
The program admits two cohorts each year, Spring in January and Fall in August. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the final deadline for each cohort. 
What constitutes a completed application? 
A completed application includes: 
A completed online application  
Official transcripts submitted through Parchment  
A current résumé or curriculum vitae  
One professional letter of recommendation  
Payment of the $50 nonrefundable application fee  
An application will not enter the admissions review process until all required materials have been received. 
Is the GRE or GMAT required? 
No. The GRE and GMAT are not required. 
Is an admissions interview required? 
Yes. All eligible applicants must complete a virtual admissions interview as part of the holistic application review process. 
The interview gives you an opportunity to discuss your professional experience, career goals, interest in health informatics, and readiness for graduate study. It also allows the Program Director and faculty to learn more about your potential for success in the program. 
How do I submit my official transcripts? 
Request official transcripts electronically through Parchment. Select Morehouse School of Medicine as the recipient and use msmonline@msm.edu to help ensure correct routing. 
Applicants with academic coursework completed outside the United States must also submit a course-by-course credential evaluation. 
Is the application fee refundable? 
No. The $50 application fee is nonrefundable. 
Curriculum and Applied Learning 
What will I learn in the MSHI program? 
The curriculum develops knowledge and practical skills in areas such as: 
Electronic health records  
Health data analytics  
Artificial intelligence and machine learning  
Clinical decision support  
Health information exchange and interoperability  
Data governance, privacy, and security  
Project management  
Healthcare operations  
Strategic leadership  
Health equity  
Do I complete a thesis or dissertation? 
No. The MSHI does not require a traditional thesis or dissertation. Students complete applied learning experiences that allow them to address real healthcare challenges and demonstrate their technical, analytical, and leadership skills. 
Does the program include a practicum? 
Yes. The program includes an applied practicum experience. Students use the knowledge gained throughout the program to address a real organizational need, engage with healthcare professionals, and develop a professional project or portfolio. 
How is the curriculum aligned with industry needs? 
The curriculum reflects current health informatics workforce needs and nationally recognized graduate-level competencies. Faculty members, healthcare leaders, industry experts, and the MSHI Advisory Board help the program evaluate emerging technologies, employer expectations, and changes across the healthcare industry. 
Is the MSM MSHI Right for Me? 
The MSM MSHI is designed for people who want to improve healthcare through data, technology, and leadership. 
The program may be a strong fit if you want to: 
Transition into health informatics or healthcare technology  
Advance into an informatics, analytics, or leadership role  
Work with electronic health records and clinical information systems  
Use data to improve healthcare decisions and patient outcomes  
Lead digital transformation and process improvement  
Explore artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or data governance in healthcare  
Help reduce health disparities through better information and stronger systems  
Grounded in Morehouse School of Medicine’s mission to advance health equity, the MSHI prepares you to lead with technical skill, professional confidence, and purpose. 
Tuition and Financial Aid 
Are scholarships or financial aid available? 
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities may be available to eligible students. Prospective students are encouraged to attend a live information session and contact the appropriate financial aid office to learn about current opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines. 
Technology 
Which learning management system is used? 
The program uses Canvas as its learning management system. Students use Canvas to access course materials, submit assignments, participate in discussions, review grades, and communicate with faculty. 
What technology will I need? 
Students need reliable internet access and a computer capable of supporting online coursework, virtual meetings, data analysis, and required software. Individual courses may have additional technology or software requirements. 
Graduation 
Will I attend commencement? 
Eligible graduates may participate in Morehouse School of Medicine’s commencement activities. Participation is optional and based on the student’s preference. 
Can I transfer credits into the program? 
Transfer-credit requests are subject to current Morehouse School of Medicine and MSHI academic policies. Prospective students should contact the program before applying for an official review of prior graduate coursework. 
 

Program Statistics

Program Measure	Result
Enrollment Yield	68.4%
Average Time to Degree Completion	14.9 months
Graduation Rate	90.5%
Retention Rate	75.0%
Employment Rate After Graduation	68.8%
Student Satisfaction Rate	84.6%

Program Statistics The Master’s Degree Health Informatics Program is in Candidacy Status, pending accreditation review by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). 

Admissions and Tuition Information

Click here for information on admissions and tuition.

Curriculum

Click here for information about the MSHI curriculum

The Master’s Degree Health Informatics Program is in Candidacy Status, pending accreditation review by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).