The University of Utah offers two distinct graduate paths in informatics: a biomedical informatics MS for clinicians and technical professionals, and an online nursing informatics MS for licensed nurses. Its Department of Biomedical Informatics also offers a PhD and a 15-credit graduate certificate.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| School | University of Utah |
| Location | Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Degrees | MS and PhD in Biomedical Informatics; MS in Nursing Informatics, Digital Health, and AI |
| Other option | 15-credit Informatics Graduate Certificate |
| Credits | Biomedical MS: at least 30; nursing MS: 38 in the Fall 2026 plan; PhD: about 35 coursework credits plus research |
| Format | Applied Clinical Informatics MS: hybrid remote sessions and online work; nursing MS: asynchronous online |
| Length | Nursing MS: four semesters full time or a part-time plan |
| Tuition | Online nursing MS: $996.64 per credit, or about $37,872 for 38 credits before fees at the posted rate |
Program Overview
The MS in Biomedical Informatics is an applied program for healthcare professionals, biologists, and graduates in IT or data science. It requires at least 30 credits, including core study, emphasis courses, and a practicum. The department describes this MS as practice focused; its PhD is the research route.
The College of Nursing’s MS in Nursing Informatics, Digital Health, and Artificial Intelligence serves registered nurses who want to improve clinical systems and lead digital health work. The Fall 2026 plan totals 38 credits, with full-time and part-time sequences.
Biomedical Informatics MS: Three Emphases
- Applied Clinical Informatics: health systems improvement, database design, standards, clinical decision support, human systems interaction, and implementation. The department offers a hybrid mix of live remote and asynchronous courses.
- Biomedical AI and Data Science: data analysis and decision support. The department says this emphasis is not available as a traditional online program.
- Translational Bioinformatics: computational work with biological and clinical data. Applicants benefit from biology and Python preparation.
Students complete an applied practicum and capstone. The applied clinical sequence shows a two-year course plan, but credit totals depend on the selected emphasis and approved electives.
Nursing Informatics MS: Curriculum and Format
The Fall 2026 full-time sequence spans four semesters and includes human systems interaction, databases, AI in healthcare, standards, project management, clinical decision support, systems implementation, and a master’s practicum. The nursing program says students learn asynchronously and may arrange practicum experiences locally or online.
The 38-credit part-time sequence extends through Fall 2028 in the published sample plan. A separate UOnline overview still describes five semesters, so applicants should use the current College of Nursing plan and confirm their individual sequence with the program.
Other Graduate Options
The PhD in Biomedical Informatics is for independent research. It calls for about 35 coursework credits, qualifying exams, at least 14 research credits, and a dissertation. The department says it attempts to fund admitted candidates and lists a $41,000 annual stipend and tuition coverage as its funding package.
The Informatics Graduate Certificate requires at least 15 credits. Students can select courses across clinical, nursing, public health, data science, and bioinformatics topics with the program manager.
Admissions Requirements
Biomedical informatics MS: Applicants need a bachelor’s degree and a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. The application includes transcripts, a résumé, personal statement, and three recommendations. GRE and GMAT scores are not required, and the program lists no formal prerequisites, though biology, programming, and statistics are useful preparation.
The biomedical MS accepts fall entrants only. Applications open September 1, with a January 15 priority deadline and February 15 final deadline for the following fall. Confirm the application cycle before submitting.
Nursing informatics MS: Applicants need a bachelor’s degree, an active unencumbered RN license, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program asks for transcripts, a résumé, three professional references, and a professional goal statement. The College of Nursing lists a March 1 fall application deadline; its UOnline page lists March 15, so applicants should verify the deadline with the college.
Tuition and Funding
UOnline lists $996.64 per credit for the nursing informatics MS. At 38 credits, that is about $37,872.32 in tuition at the posted rate, before books and other fees. Rates may change. The biomedical MS uses the university’s graduate tuition schedules; the total depends on residency, course load, and the selected emphasis, so applicants should obtain a term-by-term estimate from the bursar.
PhD funding is handled separately through admission and research support. The department lists a $41,000 annual stipend and full tuition coverage for its funding package, but applicants should confirm the terms of an individual offer.
Who Should Consider Each Path?
- Choose the biomedical MS if you want a broad applied informatics degree and have a clinical, computing, biology, or data background.
- Choose the nursing MS if you are a licensed nurse and want an online curriculum focused on clinical systems, AI, and nursing leadership.
- Choose the PhD if you want research training and a dissertation. The graduate certificate offers a shorter route for focused coursework.
Official Program Sources
- Biomedical Informatics MS and MS admissions
- Nursing Informatics MS and Fall 2026 plan
- UOnline tuition and application information
- Biomedical Informatics PhD
Related Programs
Compare Weber State University’s health information programs or return to the Utah programs guide.
Related Health Informatics Programs
- Weber State University - Ogden
- Western Governors University - Salt Lake City