Emphasis in Health Informatics

The Master of Science in Health Informatics at California State University is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare students for careers at the intersection of healthcare and information technology. This program equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively analyze, implement, and manage health information systems in a variety of healthcare settings. Through a curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, students gain expertise in health data management, electronic health records, health information exchange, and healthcare analytics. The program emphasizes current industry standards, best practices, and emerging technologies to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare delivery.

Students will explore topics such as health data standards, privacy and security of health information, clinical decision support systems, and health informatics project management. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of healthcare policies and regulations. Courses are offered by experienced faculty with backgrounds in health sciences, information systems, and healthcare management, providing a multidisciplinary approach to learning. The program also includes opportunities for hands-on experience through internships, capstone projects, and collaboration with healthcare organizations, enabling students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Graduates of the Health Informatics program at California State University will be prepared for a variety of roles including health informaticist, clinical analyst, health IT project manager, and health data analyst. They will be equipped to support healthcare providers in improving patient outcomes, enhance the efficiency of healthcare operations, and contribute to innovative health technology solutions. The program aligns with industry standards and accreditation requirements, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets the needs of the evolving healthcare landscape.

Whether you are a healthcare professional looking to expand your expertise or a technology enthusiast interested in making a positive impact in healthcare, the Master of Science in Health Informatics at California State University offers a pathway to a rewarding career. With a flexible format that includes online coursework and on-campus options, students can tailor their educational experience to fit their professional and personal commitments. Join a vibrant academic community committed to advancing health informatics and transforming healthcare delivery through innovative technology and data-driven decision making.

Common Core (39)

BIOL 210 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I Units: 4

BIOL 211 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II Units: 4

CHEM 110 - Chemistry of Life Units: 4

HLTH 100 - Medical Terminology Units: 1

HLTH 101 - Overview of Health Care Industry and Its Delivery Units: 3

HLTH 102 - Community Health Organizations and Their FunctionsUnits: 2

HLTH 300 - Nutrition, Exercise and Wellness Units: 3

HLTH 301 - Introduction to Public Health Administration Units: 3

HLTH 302 - Introduction to Health Care Informatics Units: 3

NRS 348 - Healthy Aging (Cross-listed as PSY 348, SOC 348) Units: 3

SOC 303 - Statistical Applications in the Social Sciences (Cross-listed as PSY 303, POLS 303) Units: 4

BIOL 203 - Quantitative Methods for Biology (3, B3, B4) or MATH/ PSY 202-Biostatistics (3, B3) taken as pre-nursing student at CI may be accepted for Health Science major in lieu of SOC 303.

Complete 2 units of the following:

HLTH 492 - Service Learning in Health Sciences Units: 1-2

HLTH 494 - Independent Research Units: 1-2

HLTH 497 - Directed Study Units: 1-2

and

HLTH 499 - Senior Capstone Project Units: 3

Health Informatics Emphasis (24)

IT 152 - Programming for Health Informatics Units: 4

IT 403 - Advanced Programming for Health Informatics Units: 3

IT 420 - Database Theory and Design (Cross-listed as COMP 420) Units: 3

IT 424 - Computer System Security (Cross-listed as COMP 424) Units: 3

IT 428 - Computer Networks for Health Informatics Units: 3

HLTH 200 - Diagnostic and Procedural Coding Units: 2

MATH 301 - Discrete Mathematics for IT Units: 3

MIS 310 - Management Information Systems Units: 3

 International Freshmen Checklist  

International Transfer Checklist 

Financial Affidavit for Undergraduate applicants 

Submit all application documents to the Center for International Affairs. 

*Transfer Students: We are currently accepting applications from all community colleges in the U.S.  Please make sure that you have at least 60 units and have completed “Oral communication”, “Written communication”, “Critical thinking” and “College level mathematics/quantitative reasoning” with “C” or better.  Please note that the Nursing programs are closed for international students.  

English Score

Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other acceptable test (see below for list of tests).  Scores must be sent directly to CSUCI from testing agency.

Acceptable English Placement Exams

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum Paper-Based score of 500, a minimum Computer Based score of 173 or a minimum Internet Based score of 61.

IELTS – International English Language Test System with an overall band score of 6.0.

*Transfer students: It’s not necessary to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score if you have completed the required Freshman Composition Class at your community college.

Financing studies for the Health Informatics program at California State University primarily consist of a combination of in-state and out-of-state tuition fees, along with additional costs for mandatory fees, supplies, and personal expenses. As a public institution, CSU offers comparatively affordable tuition rates for in-state residents, with current undergraduate tuition approximately $6,800 per academic year, whereas graduate tuition for the program is around $8,100 annually. For out-of-state students, tuition increases to roughly $17,600 per year, which includes additional fees. Students are often encouraged to explore various financial aid options, including federal and state grants such as the Federal Pell Grant and Cal Grants, which can significantly offset the costs of education for eligible students.

In addition to grants, students may consider applying for scholarships specifically aimed at health informatics or related fields, offered by the university or external organizations. The university also provides opportunities for students to secure work-study positions and assistantships, which can help fund their studies while gaining relevant professional experience. Student loans, including federal Stafford and Grad PLUS loans, are available to help cover remaining expenses not met by grants or scholarships. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive services to assist students in navigating application processes, understanding loan obligations, and planning budgets for their educational costs.

It is important for prospective students to consider additional expenses such as books, supplies, health insurance, housing, and personal costs, which can vary depending on the location and lifestyle choices. Some students may choose to participate in part-time employment, either on-campus or off-campus, to supplement their income during their studies.

CSU may also offer payment plans that allow students to spread tuition payments across multiple installments during the academic year, easing financial burden. Moreover, since the program is designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare and information technology, some employers may offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship opportunities to employees pursuing relevant graduate degrees. Overall, students are encouraged to thoroughly explore all available financial resources and plan accordingly to ensure they can complete their health informatics education with minimal financial stress.

The Health Informatics emphasis at California State University offers students an opportunity to develop expertise in the intersection of healthcare and information technology. This program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in various health-related fields that require advanced knowledge of health data management, healthcare information systems, and the application of technology to improve patient care and health outcomes. The curriculum typically includes courses in health information systems, electronic health records, medical data analysis, health data standards, and privacy and security in healthcare. Students are also introduced to health informatics concepts, including the use of big data, health analytics, and telehealth technologies.

The program aims to equip students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge, enabling them to develop, implement, and manage health information systems within healthcare organizations. It emphasizes understanding regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, and the ethical considerations involved in handling sensitive health data. Many programs incorporate hands-on experiences through internships, project-based learning, or collaboration with healthcare organizations, ensuring that students are prepared to meet real-world challenges in the health informatics field.

Graduates of this emphasis often pursue careers as health informaticians, health IT specialists, clinical analysts, or health data managers. They may find employment in hospitals, clinics, public health agencies, health technology companies, or government agencies overseeing healthcare data and policies. The program also provides a solid foundation for those interested in pursuing further studies or certifications in health informatics or health information management.

Given the growing importance of health informatics in improving healthcare quality, efficiency, and patient safety, this emphasis is highly relevant to current and future developments in the healthcare sector. California State University’s focus on practical training, combined with its commitment to academic excellence, makes it a strong choice for students interested in contributing to the advancement of healthcare through technology. The program typically balances coursework with opportunities for research and collaboration, helping students build a professional network and develop skills that are highly valued in the evolving health informatics landscape.