*Based on 2026–2027 Boston University tuition and fees. Merit scholarship may reduce cost.
Turn Health Data into Life-Changing Insights
The online Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) at Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) is designed to expose you to modern health information technology, including health data collection, processing, storage, and analysis.
As one of the few health informatics programs offered through a computer science department, the primary focus of the BU MET Health Informatics master’s program is on electronic medical data generated and stored in healthcare and public health organizations. As a graduate of the MSHI program, you will have a solid knowledge of healthcare information systems—including electronic health records (EHRs)—and command of the latest medical technologies.
BU’s Health Informatics master’s program offers optional concentrations in two high-demand areas of healthcare IT:
Comprising the systematic application of information technology and computer science in medicine, public health, and related disciplines, health informatics is essential for improving the experience of patient care, improving the health of populations, and reducing per capita costs of healthcare—primary aims of the US healthcare system.
The MS in Health Informatics is also available on campus in Boston. Learn more.
Curriculum
A total of 32 units is required.
Students who are not choosing a concentration must complete eight core courses. Students pursuing a concentration take two additional courses and should review the requirements for Applied Data Analytics or Health Information Management.
Preparatory Labs
All students are enrolled in the following free, online, non-unit preparatory labs designed to strengthen their academic foundation and serve as a key resource for the degree program. Requirements for completion are assessed during the application process.
*MS in Health Informatics students without business data communication and networks experience are recommended to take the course MET CS 625 (the prerequisite for MET CS 695) instead of MET CS 682.
Master’s Thesis Option
(Two courses/8 units)
Students have the option to complete a master’s thesis by taking two Master Thesis courses (8 units) in addition to the program’s eight course (32 units) requirement. The thesis must be completed within 12 months and is available to MS in Health Informatics candidates who have completed at least four courses toward their degree and have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.7 or higher. Students are responsible for finding a thesis advisor and principal readers within the department. The advisor must be a full-time faculty member; the principal readers may be part-time faculty. Department approval is required.
Learn about application requirements for BU MET graduate degree and certificate programs.
How You Benefit from a Boston University Education
Benefit from an average 24:1 student-to-instructor ratio.
BU’s master’s degree in Health Informatics is the first such program in New England to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education
(CAHIIM).
Completion of the CAHIIM-accredited master’s program entitles you to sit for professional certification exams offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), such as the Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI™) and the Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA®) exams.
Courses introduce case studies and real-world projects that ensure you gain in-depth, practical experience with the latest technologies—and you have access to BU MET’s
Health Informatics Research Lab (HILab),
which focuses on collaborative research and development in health informatics, bioinformatics, and clinical research.
Study closely with highly qualified Boston University faculty and industry leaders in computer science, medicine, and biomedical engineering.
BU MET’s Department of Computer Science was established in 1979 and is the longest-running computer science department at BU. Over the course of its existence, the department has played an important role in the emergence of IT at the University and throughout the region.
All graduate students are automatically considered for merit scholarships during the application process and nominated based on eligibility. Learn more.
Rankings & Accreditations
#12, Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs
MET’s online master’s degrees in computer information technology are ranked #12 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Students who complete BU MET’s Master of Science in Health Informatics will be able to:
Work on healthcare data, information, and knowledge management and analysis.
Identify and address challenges and opportunities as the American healthcare system transforms into a digital, patient-centered system.
Understand the process of healthcare information system (HCIS) acquisition, development, implementation, and support.
Discuss ethical issues, social and organizational behavior management, and leadership skills.
Grasp major healthcare delivery workflows and understand how HCIS changes the workflows—and how to manage that change.
Understand common algorithms for health applications and IT components in representative clinical processes.
Understand fundamentals of cybersecurity.
Understand legal, security, and privacy issues related to health information management.
Lead health IT initiatives, conduct biomedical research and design, and implement and manage advanced IT solutions.
“BU MET has prepared me well for my next career phase. It facilitated a seamless transition from biology to health informatics and data analytics. I gained not only exposure to the healthcare industry, but also delved into other realms. This gave me a diverse skill set and a broader understanding of various domains. It also gave me the necessary tools to think strategically, logically, and efficiently—skills applicable across different fields.” Read more.
Christel El Hayeck (MET ’23) Lead Associate, Strategy& MS, Health Informatics; Concentration, Applied Data Analytics
Advance Your Career
BU MET’s Master of Science in Health Informatics prepares you for a wealth of different roles, such as chief medical information officer, clinical application developer, clinical data analyst, EHR application specialist, EHR system integration specialist, health informatics specialist, health information manager/director, health information technician, quality officer, safety/privacy officer, among others.
Recent graduates have found job opportunities and career paths in organizations such as:
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston Children’s Hospital
Colorado Access
Grand Circle Corporation
HealthEdge
Hyperion Software Corporation
John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County
Jordan Marsh Company
Lifespan
Manhattan Vision Associates
Mantis Robotics
May Institute
Merck KGa/ EMD Group
Millipore Corporation
Modus Media International
Strategy&
Stryker
Suffolk University Sawyer School of Business
TASC
The Faxon Company, Inc
The Guidance Center
Truth Initiative
UMass Emergency Medical Services
University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center
Take Advantage of Career Resources at BU MET
You will find the support you need in reaching your career goals through MET’s Career Development office, which offers a variety of job-hunting resources, including one-on-one career counseling by appointment for online students. You can also take advantage of tools and resources available online through BU’s Center for Career Development.
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