Applied Health Informatics, MS

Department Chair: Rajiv Lajmi

The School of Health Professions offers a Master of Science degree in Applied Health Informatics (MS/AHI). The MS/AHI is a 48 credit degree program. The program can be completed full-time or part-time. Full-time students complete two traditional 15 week fall and spring semesters and four 6-7-week summer sessions. Full-time students are expected to complete the degree program within 15 months, and part-time students are expected to complete the program within 27 months.

The MS/AHI program is delivered in two formats (students must select one at the beginning of the program):

HyFlex: This is a hybrid mode whereby select core classes are offered as a traditional in-person experience and simultaneously as an online synchronous experience. Students can choose to attend some or all classes online or in person.

Online: The fully online option allows students to complete the program exclusively through online synchronous instruction. Students who select this option are not allowed to be on campus.

Review specific differences between the two formats here.

The MS/AHI curriculum:

• Fosters critical thinking, evidence-based practice, leadership and professionalism with an emphasis on the development of professional knowledge, skills and competencies that are valued and needed by healthcare organizations.
• Utilizes problem-based learning, case studies, and student presentations as instructional methodologies.
• Focuses on the application of health informatics with the primary purpose of responding to the high demand workforce needs.
• Includes 12 credits of Capstone experiential learning pathway. Options available*:
  • A 360-hour practicum internship that provides the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum and build hands-on skills and competencies that will enhance students’ ability to find gainful employment.
  • A quality improvement project that is available to students with well-developed health information technology (HIT) experience, and allows for flexibility to focus on a specific problem within HIT.

*Note: Sites for approved internships are limited and typically require students to be in person full time over the summer. Fully online students, especially those out of state, may be required to complete the capstone pathway: quality improvement project.

Program Requirements

The MS/AHI curriculum includes a core sequence of courses (24 credits), as a foundational base of knowledge, skills, and competencies in Health Informatics put forth by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics Education (CAHIIM), taken during the summer I, II and fall semesters. Students then select a specialization of study (12 credits) taken during the spring semester in Clinical Systems Lifecycle Management or Data Analytics. Each specialization requires students to choose between a traditional experiential practicum OR a quality-improvement project that is completed during summer sessions I and II.

Admissions Requirements

The MS in Applied Health Informatics accepts applicants for admission each summer. The program admission requirements are as follows:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
• An overall 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• A CV/resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Essay demonstrating an in-depth understanding of, and commitment to, this dynamic profession
• For additional international applicant information, visit https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/grad/admissions/apply/health-sciences-programs.php

Note: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission

For applicants with an overall GPA of less than 3.0, but substantive coursework (minimum of 14 credits) that is directly applicable to the study of health informatics, applications will be evaluated by faculty based on the GPA of this applicable coursework to be considered for conditional admission. The student will be required to achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA by the end of the first enrolled term.