Applying to the MS in Health Informatics Program

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is necessary to be competitive. Previous graduate work should reflect a GPA of 3.0 or above.

  •  If the applicant does not have a combined GPA of 3.0 from all post-secondary schools, a competitive score on the GRE or the GMAT is required. A GRE score of 1000 (verbal + quantitative) or a GRE score of 301 on the current GRE, and 4 or higher on the analytical section; or GMAT score of 500 suggests a student's ability to be successful in the program.

  • Applicants with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores. Waivers will be granted to applicants with earned masters or doctoral level degrees.

• Three reference forms from individuals who can comment on your professional background, academic capabilities, and motivation. (Applicants provide the email address of three individuals on the application, and the recommendation form is electronically sent to those individuals to complete.)
• Applicants should have working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases.

Eligibility for admission is based on the GPA, the GRE or GMAT, the personal statement, work experience, interviews, resume, and references. One or more years of healthcare or IT work experience is preferred but not essential.

Qualified candidates may be interviewed by the Admissions Committee and/or program director; the interviews will be held in person or via distance.

International Applicants

MUSC’s MSHI degree program is unable to admit international students requiring an F-1 visa. Applications will only be accepted from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those holding other valid nonimmigrant visa classifications that allow participation in lawful study while in the United States.

Distance Education Information

MUSC has been approved by South Carolina to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. Currently, MUSC accepts applications to the Master of Science in Health Informatics from students who live in all states.

To learn more please see the Office of Institutional Effectiveness' State Authorization page.

Application Process

In addition to the application itself, the applicant must complete supplemental materials specific to this program. These forms are available in PDF format within the application and are also sent through email once an application is submitted. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts from each post-secondary school attended, and all materials must be received by the application deadline.

Use of Marijuana and/or CBD Products

Marijuana is a Schedule 1 drug and is illegal to purchase in South Carolina. Apart from a narrow and limited scope of codified/documented medical exceptions, it is illegal for individuals to use marijuana/tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in South Carolina. Although cannabidiol (CBD) products may be purchased and used in South Carolina, please be aware that CBD products may contain higher levels of THC than represented on packaging and use of CBD products can result in a positive drug screen for THC/marijuana. Be aware that current drug testing methods cannot accurately ascertain the origins of THC metabolites (i.e., whether from marijuana or CBD products). Your academic program has the authority to conduct random and/or scheduled drug testing; if your test result is reported as positive for THC metabolites (even if you only used a CBD product), your ability to be accepted into the program, progress in the program, and/or successfully complete the program may be negatively impacted.

Scholarship Eligibility

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means those scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC’s code: 003438. We encourage you to submit the FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit the FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the Fall.

Application Deadlines