Master of Science in Public Health – Health Informatics program
Course Objective:
The objective of the Master of Science in Public Health – Health Informatics program is to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in utilizing information technology and data analytics to improve healthcare delivery, health outcomes, and population health. The program aims to prepare students for leadership roles at the intersection of public health and health informatics by equipping them with the necessary technical expertise, analytical capabilities, and strategic vision. Through a combination of coursework, hands-on projects, and practical experiences, students will develop proficiency in leveraging health information systems, data analytics tools, and information governance principles to address contemporary challenges in public health informatics.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the MScPH – Health Informatics program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles, concepts, and applications of health informatics in the context of public health.
- Analyze health data from diverse sources, including electronic health records, health information exchanges, and public health surveillance systems, to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
- Design, develop, and implement health information systems and technologies to support healthcare delivery, public health surveillance, epidemiological studies, and health interventions.
- Apply advanced data analytics techniques, such as machine learning and predictive modeling, to derive actionable insights and inform decision-making in public health.
- Evaluate the usability, interoperability, and security of health information systems and technologies to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals, public health practitioners, data scientists, and policymakers, to address complex public health challenges.
- Communicate effectively about health informatics concepts, methodologies, findings, and recommendations to diverse stakeholders, including non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrate ethical and responsible use of health data, respecting principles of confidentiality, privacy, and data protection.
- Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and policies in health informatics through continuous learning, professional development, and engagement with the professional community.
Career Scope:
Graduates of the MScPH – Health Informatics program can pursue diverse career opportunities in healthcare organizations, public health agencies, government agencies, research institutions, technology companies, consulting firms, and academia. Some potential career roles include:
- Health Informatics Specialist/Analyst
- Health Data Scientist
- Clinical Informatics Manager
- Population Health Analyst
- Health IT Project Manager
- Public Health Informatics Officer
- Health Information Manager
- Research Scientist in Health Informatics
- Health Informatics Consultant
- Health Informatics Educator/Trainer
Additionally, graduates may choose to pursue professional certifications, such as Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA), Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS), or Certified Health Informatics Systems Professional (CHISP), to enhance their credentials and career prospects. The increasing demand for professionals with expertise in health informatics, driven by the growing importance of data-driven decision-making and healthcare transformation, ensures abundant career opportunities and potential for advancement in improving healthcare outcomes and population health.
