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Nov 21, 2024
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2023-2024 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Health Informatics, MS
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The healthcare landscape continues rapidly evolving as the digitization of health progresses with advancements in technology. Health data is being generated at a pace never witnessed before; new models of health services delivery continue changing, and the available technology is making healthcare more consumer-centric. All of this means that health informatics professionals need to be equipped with the competencies to address technical and societal challenges with a data science approach. Currently, there is only one other master’s program in Health Informatics in Texas at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The differentiating factor with the UNT Master’s of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) program would be the focus on combining health informatics and data science. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has numerous hospitals and biotech, pharmaceutical, and health information technology companies that would bring opportunities for engagement with the MSHI program as well as serve as potential employers of graduates. Building upon the successful MS in Information Science (MSIS) with a concentration in health informatics (named one of the 2022 Best Master’s Programs in Health Informatics by THE EDVOCATE) and MS in Data Science programs, we are proposing to develop an MS in Health Informatics (MSHI) program to be housed in the Department of Information Science in the College of Information.
As with the previous MSIS in Health Informatics, this would be a STEM graduate degree. The College of Information has a long tradition of supporting interdisciplinary curricular and research activities. The purpose of the MSHI program is to educate leaders in health informatics who can apply data science methods and techniques to improve the delivery of healthcare with a patient-centered focus. We want to educate forward-thinking health informatics professionals that will impact the delivery of healthcare in diversified health environments. The program will be delivered in two formats: (1) hybrid format combining online and face-to-face course delivery and (2) online format with completely online course delivery. The key courses in the program will have face-to-face and online sections.
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Admission requirements
Students may enter the master’s degree program in the fall, spring or summer term/semester. Prospective students must apply to both the Toulouse Graduate School and the Department of Information Science and must meet all of the requirements listed below.
- Completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Overall undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) or at least 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate work; or completed master’s degree or other post-baccalaureate degree with GPA of at least 3.5.
- For international students, a satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or successful completion of the UNT Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) through level 6.
- Two recommendations from former professors, employers or others who can give evidence of personal aptitude for, as well as interest in, a career in the information field.
- Personal statement (300–500 words) of career objectives, which may cover professional areas of special interest and how the UNT program will help meet career objectives. Background information may help demonstrate motivation, commitment and potential for leadership in a dynamic and multicultural environment, such as relevant educational, work and community experiences and accomplishments (publications, presentations, awards); communication skills including multilingual proficiency; and information technology skills.
- Interview (optional). Prospective students are invited to visit the department and schedule a meeting with an academic advisor. Applications are due by the deadline set by the Toulouse Graduate School for the semester in which admission is sought. Applications will be considered only if all required materials have been received. Admissions are competitive; applicants who meet the criteria are not guaranteed admission. Prospective students are welcome to visit the department and can schedule a meeting with an academic advisor for an in-person or online session.
Application materials and instructions are available from the Toulouse Graduate School (gradschool.unt.edu) and the Department of Information Science (http://informationscience.unt.edu/).
Degree requirements
The program may be completed in one calendar year of full-time study, although many students extend their work over a longer period. Students must complete all planned course work with a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better, successfully complete a portfolio and file an application for the degree. At the time of graduation, all course work used to satisfy degree requirements may be no more than six years old.
Additional requirements
At least 24 additional hours of guided and general electives, planned in consultation with a faculty advisor, are required.
Up to 9 advisor-approved hours from any institution (including other programs at UNT) may be transferred in to the master’s program. (The core cannot be transferred in.) At least 24 of the 36 hours in the master’s program must be from organized INFO courses (excludes transfer courses, practicums and independent study).
Master’s students must present evidence of relevant work experience by meeting a field experience requirement. This requirement may be satisfied through appropriate prior experience as approved by the faculty or through a practicum or internship. Students without prior experience are required to take INFO 5090 - Practicum and Internship in the Field Study . INFO 5090 does not count toward the 36 hours of graduate credit required for the degree.
Further information concerning these requirements may be obtained through the department.
Required courses, 12 hours
Prescribed electives, 15 hours
Students select 5 courses from the list below:
General electives, 9 hours
Additional three elective courses (9 hours) selected from the catalog or transferred from other programs with the approval of the academic advisor.
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