Master of Science in Health Informatics Frequently Asked Questions

The program has two start dates. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for the Spring (January) and Fall (August) semesters. Check the admissions page for details on application deadlines.

No, there are no required prerequisites. We accept students with many different backgrounds.

Yes, all of the students maintain employment outside of the program. The program is designed for working professionals.

• Qualified and dedicated faculty and staff: The faculty are excellent teachers, currently working in the field and recognized for delivering a high quality educational experience.
• Ideal class size: Students get to know the faculty, classmates, and practitioners well and benefit from small group discussion and experiential learning in health care facilities.
• Solid curriculum: The MSHI curriculum provides a strong education background in health care informatics and data analytics through its core curriculum and encourages students to work interprofessionally with other students in the program.
• Internet: Online tools are used to facilitate communication between class sessions and provide students access to up-to-date, relevant material. 

MSHI students have varied backgrounds. The department believes diversity enriches the learning experience and creates an environment in which students can challenge each other with new ideas and approaches. Some of our students work in information technology, other are practicing clinicians or allied health professionals, and many are new to the field.

Students are surrounded by health care professionals and are able to gain exposure to real world issues and situations. They frequently have occasion to work as part of interdisciplinary teams, which is similar to what students will experience in the work environment.

Please visit Tuition and Fees for up-to-date program costs.

Students are eligible to apply for financial aid through the MUSC Office of Financial Aid. Students in the MSHI program may also eligible to apply for scholarships within the College of Health Professions, including the Warren Family Scholarship.

The MSHI Faculty Admissions Committee reviews all student applications. Admissions decisions are holistic and are based on the student's grade point average (GPA), personal statement and three references.

U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics lists the field as growing much more rapidly than other fields over the next ten years, which means demand is high. There is also great local and regional need for graduates of informatics programs. Our graduate placement rate is very high.

Students can expect to spend four days (Thursday through Sunday) fall and spring semesters and three days (Thursday through Saturday) summer semester on campus.

Students enrolled in the full time option take three courses each semester and students enrolled in the part time option take two courses per semester. View the full curriculum.

Students enrolled full-time in the MSHI program can complete the requirements in 4 semesters. Part time students will require 6 semesters to complete the program.