The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a 45-credit Master of Science in Health Informatics for professionals who want to lead healthcare technology, analytics, user experience, artificial intelligence, or research projects. Students complete online classes plus two required residential visits each year. The cohort-based program takes 24 months and does not require prior healthcare or information technology experience.
UAB MS in Health Informatics: Quick Facts
| Degree | Master of Science in Health Informatics |
|---|---|
| Location | Birmingham, Alabama |
| Format | Mostly online; two residential visits each year |
| Credits | 45 |
| Length | 24 months |
| Tracks | Healthcare Data Analytics, Healthcare User Experience, Healthcare Artificial Intelligence, or Research |
| Estimated tuition | $744 per online credit; about $33,480 in tuition |
| Required program fee | $750 each fall in years one and two; $1,500 total |
| Estimated tuition and program fees | About $34,980 before travel, books, and other costs |
| Accreditation | CAHIIM-accredited through 2027 |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 for the last 60 undergraduate credit hours |
| Entry term and deadline | Fall entry; March 1 early deadline and May 31 regular deadline |
Program Overview
UAB’s MSHI is housed in the School of Health Professions and follows a core-and-track model. Every student completes 28 credits of health informatics core courses and 17 credits in one specialty track. The program combines technical subjects with project management, leadership, privacy, healthcare operations, and an applied capstone.
UAB states that the degree is built for working professionals. Classes are online, but students must attend two residential visits each year in Birmingham. This structure makes the program more flexible than a weekly campus program, but it is not fully online.
See the official UAB MSHI page for the current cohort schedule and residential requirements.
Core Curriculum
The 28-credit core gives students a shared foundation in healthcare systems, data, information technology, privacy, strategy, and leadership. Required subjects include:
- Introduction to Health Informatics and Healthcare Delivery connects informatics work with healthcare organizations and care delivery.
- Analysis and Design of Health Information Systems covers the planning and evaluation of healthcare information systems.
- Clinical and Administrative Systems examines the systems used in clinical care and healthcare operations.
- Databases and Data Modeling develops practical skills in database structure and healthcare data.
- Security and Privacy in Health Care addresses regulatory, privacy, and information-security issues.
- Strategic Planning, Project Management, and Contracting focuses on managing health IT initiatives.
- Leadership Theory and Development prepares students to lead teams and organizational change.
Health Informatics Tracks
Students choose one 17-credit track. Each option includes a sequence of specialized courses and a three-part capstone project.
- Healthcare Data Analytics covers advanced data management, business intelligence, quantitative methods, data visualization, and analytics tools.
- Healthcare User Experience focuses on human factors, user research, design methods, prototyping, and the evaluation of healthcare IT systems.
- Healthcare Artificial Intelligence covers AI foundations, medical applications, clinical workflow integration, and an AI-focused capstone.
- Research prepares students for health informatics research through biomedical informatics methods, electives, and a research capstone.
Online Format and Residential Visits
UAB delivers coursework online and requires two visits to Birmingham each year. Students move through the 24-month curriculum with a cohort, which provides a defined schedule but less pacing flexibility than a self-directed program.
The residential requirement can support faculty and peer interaction, but students should budget for travel, lodging, and time away from work. UAB’s published tuition does not include these travel costs.
Admission Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. UAB expects a GPA of at least 3.0 across the final 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. The program does not require the GRE or a healthcare background.
The application requires official transcripts, a personal essay, a current resume or CV, two professional recommendations, and an admission interview. Domestic applicants pay a $50 application fee, while international applicants pay $60.
Students must also show recent preparation in statistics and SQL. UAB requires three credits of statistics completed with a grade of B or better within the last five years. An introductory SQL course is required, although relevant work experience may satisfy the programming requirement.
The MSHI admits students for the fall term only. The nonbinding early deadline is March 1, and the regular deadline is May 31.
Tuition and Estimated Cost
UAB lists 2026–2027 online graduate tuition of $744 per credit for the School of Health Professions. Multiplying that rate by 45 credits produces an estimated tuition total of $33,480. The university also lists a $750 professional development fee for MSHI students in the fall of years one and two, adding $1,500.
Estimated tuition and required program fees therefore total about $34,980. This figure excludes books, travel for residential visits, lodging, application fees, and future tuition changes. International online tuition is higher at $833 per credit.
Students should confirm current charges on UAB’s detailed tuition and fees page before enrolling.
Accreditation and Reported Outcomes
UAB’s MSHI is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education, with accreditation reaffirmed through 2027. UAB also participates in the AMIA Academic Forum.
For its 2023 reporting group, UAB lists a 98% retention rate and a 90% two-year graduation rate. The university states that 100% of survey respondents were employed in health informatics within six months and would recommend the program. These figures come from UAB and may reflect limited survey response groups, so students should read them as program-reported outcomes rather than guarantees.
Who Is This Program Best For?
UAB may suit working professionals who want a structured health informatics degree with a clear specialization. The four-track choice is a major advantage for students who already know whether they want to focus on analytics, UX, AI, or research. The program also offers strong healthcare context without requiring prior clinical experience.
Students who need a fully online program with no travel should compare other options. UAB’s twice-yearly residential visits add time and expense, although they also provide direct contact with faculty and classmates.
The Verdict
UAB offers Alabama’s clearest graduate-level health informatics option. Its 45-credit curriculum is broader than many competing programs, and the four tracks allow meaningful specialization. CAHIIM accreditation, a fixed 24-month schedule, and published outcomes strengthen the program’s case.
The main tradeoffs are the 45-credit load, the required Birmingham visits, and an estimated $34,980 cost before travel and books. For students who value a cohort structure and focused track options, UAB is a strong choice.
Review UAB alongside other health informatics programs in Alabama and nearby or fully online alternatives.
- No related programs found for state AL.