Information Science with a concentration in Health Informatics, MS

The concentration in health informatics prepares students for positions in the private and public sectors that deals with various aspects of health information management processes and practices. Opportunities for health information professionals are diverse and challenging. Career possibilities could include specialized positions in large research or teaching institutions, personalized service roles in hospital libraries, extensive information services in biotechnology companies, and interaction with other health care providers engaged in applications of health informatics and bioinformatics. The program focuses on the fundamental concepts and activities in health information management, including but not limited to, health data informatics and analytics, digital health, health care information systems, and legal, ethical, and philosophical concerns in health informatics.

The Department of Information Science provides preparation relevant to several specializations within health informatics, including:

Academic Health Sciences Centers
Health Care Systems
Health Sciences Libraries
Consumer and Patient Health Information Agencies
Pharmaceutical Industry
Government Health Information Agencies
Community-based Health Information Agencies
Public Health Information Agencies
Biomedical/Biotechnology Industry

General Requirements

Total coursework of 36 credit hours (12 courses).
Enrollment in INFO 5090 (practicum/internship), unless officially waived based on previous professional and industry experience.
Completion of the Capstone Experience.

Required courses, 9 hours

A grade of B or better must be earned in all three core courses.

Guided electives, minimum 6 hours

Completion of at least two of the following major prescribed courses (6 hours) with the guidance of the academic advisor. Students are allowed to pursue courses other than the ones listed below and in their areas of interest with the approval of the advisor:

Health informatics concentration, minimum 12 hours

Completion of at least four courses (12 hours) from the list below.

INFO 5365 - Health Sciences Information Management
INFO 5503 - Knowledge Management Processes and Practices
INFO 5631 - Searching for Evidence
INFO 5634 - Disaster/Emergency Management for Information Professionals
INFO 5635 - Genomics and Translational Medicine for Information Professionals
INFO 5636 - Community-Based Health Information
INFO 5637 - Medical Informatics
INFO 5709 - Data Visualization and Communication
INFO 5737 - Information and Cyber-Security
INFO 5770 - Introduction to Health Data Analytics
INFO 5960 - Library and Information Sciences Institute or Seminar (when topic is “Searching for Evidence in Health”)
INFO 6880 - Seminar in Information Science and Technology (when topic is “Health Research Methodology”)

General electives, 9 hours

Completion of additional three elective courses (9 hours) selected from the list of courses below or transferred from other programs, such as from the School of Public Health at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Other courses may be taken with academic advisor approval.