Health Sciences

The online Master of Science in Healthcare Data Analytics program is a targeted, two-year initiative designed to meet the rising demand for experts in healthcare data analysis. The curriculum blends theory and practice across key subjects like data modeling, machine learning, and ethical considerations. It caters to healthcare practitioners, recent graduates, and IT professionals seeking a healthcare focus, and features collaborations with industry experts and state-of-the-art analytics tools. The program offers a modular curriculum. Students can enter through the master’s program or certificate pathways, ensuring flexible entry and the opportunity to earn a certificate even if not completing the full program. To achieve the master’s degree, students need to complete three certificates and a culminating experience as defined in the curriculum.

A. Requirements for Admission to the Program

All successful applicants must meet the following criteria before enrolling in the program. Please note that in some instances, the department’s requirements may exceed those of the University. The department will assess whether a student meets the additional prerequisites necessary for entry into the Healthcare Data Analytics graduate program.

1. Completion of Minimum University Requirement: Fulfillment of the university’s minimum criteria for admission to graduate programs.
2. Educational Background: Either (a) A bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Data Science, or Computer Science is required, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants with degrees in pre-med, nursing, pharmacology, or other healthcare-related fields are also eligible. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a different field but with relevant healthcare work experience may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis, or (b) Completion of a relevant certification program in either healthcare, data analytics, or information technology with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
3. Statement of Purpose: A two-page statement detailing the applicant’s undergraduate background, any relevant work experience, and career goals in healthcare data analytics upon completing this degree.
4. Resume or Curriculum Vitae: A current CV or resume outlining the applicant’s educational background, work experience, and any relevant projects or publications.
5. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s potential for success in graduate studies, preferably from academic advisors or professionals in healthcare, data science, or information technology.
6. Interview: Should the admissions committee require verification of a candidate’s writing or communication skills, they may initiate an interview or email communication. This step is reserved for candidates whose experience raise concerns for the committee.

B. Program Requirements

A minimum of 35 units of approved coursework is required, including at least 32 units of core courses at the 500-level, along with 3 units dedicated to a graduate project. The specific required courses include:

1. Required Core Courses (32 units)

MHDA 500 U.S. Healthcare, Digital Health, and Technology (3)
MHDA 501 Healthcare Data and Analytics (3)
MHDA 502 Programming for Health Analytics (3)
MHDA 503 Leadership and Ethics in Healthcare Data Analytics (3)
MHDA 504 Epidemiology and Biostatistics for Health Analytics (3)
MHDA 505 Data Modeling for Health Analytics (3)
MHDA 506 Healthcare Data Visualization (3)
MHDA 507 Statistical Analysis for Health Analytics (3)
MHDA 508 Quality and Operational Management in Healthcare (4)
MHDA 509 Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (4)

2. Culminating Experience (3 units)

MHDA 598 Graduate Project (3)

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 35