Illinois Health Informatics Degree Programs

Why Study Health Informatics in Illinois?

Hospitals and health systems generate $117.7 billion annually and support about 445,000 jobs, highlighting steady demand for data and informatics roles.

• Key health systems like Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and OSF HealthCare hire informatics professionals to optimize EHRs and care workflows.
• Tech firms such as Tempus AI and Intelligent Medical Objects also provide roles in AI, data science, and software engineering.

State Investments in Health IT
Illinois funds health IT infrastructure through major initiatives:

• The $200 million Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant supports capital upgrades across healthcare providers.
• The MATTER startup hub in Chicago, backed by state funds, nurtures the healthtech sector, offering informatics roles

Academic Programs and Market-Ready Skills
Illinois universities offer health informatics programs that include:

• Data analytics and visualization
• Clinical systems (EHRs)
• Cybersecurity and privacy
• Project management for IT projects
• Interoperability and data exchange

These programs deliver practical training and align with employer needs across hospitals, startups, research, and public health agencies—making Illinois a prime setting for aspiring informatics professionals.

2027 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Illinois

Looking for the best health informatics degree programs in Illinois? healthinformaticsdegree.org has ranked the top options based on curriculum, faculty, and career outcomes. We analyzed accredited programs across the state to help future professionals make an informed choice. From Chicago to Springfield, these schools offer strong training in health IT, data analytics, and system management. Whether seeking a bachelor's or master's degree, the list highlights programs that prepare students for real-world challenges. The rankings are designed to be transparent and useful, so you can trust the results. For details on how these rankings were created, see the methodology at https://www.healthinformaticsdegree.org/about-us/#rankings.

#1

DePaul University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - depaul.edu

Master's - Health Informatics (MS)

Online Learning - Visit Website

DePaul's online MS in Health Informatics prepares you to design, implement, and manage healthcare IT systems. This 48-credit program covers health data science, electronic health records, database design, and health sector management. You'll choose electives across three tracks—Databases and Systems, Analytics, and Innovations in Healthcare—with courses in AI, mobile health, robotics, and security. Key learning outcomes focus on sociotechnical systems, patient safety, and health information exchange. Practicum opportunities include internships or independent study, and course waivers are possible for experienced students. Ideal for professionals seeking technology-driven healthcare improvements. The admission process does not explicitly require an entrance exam, though requirements are not detailed.

• 48 total credit hours
• Three elective focus areas
• Introductory courses may be waived
• Practicum via internship or study
• Courses in AI, mobile health, robotics
• Health data science and analytics focus
• Graduate with distinction for 3.9 GPA

Master's - Health Informatics (MS) (Health Analytics)

Online Learning - Visit Website

The Health Analytics concentration within DePaul's online MS in Health Informatics is designed for those aiming to become data-driven healthcare leaders. Through coursework in data analysis, regression, machine learning, and data visualization, students build skills for roles like health data analyst or informatics specialist. Core classes include database design, health data science, and digital health, with elective options to deepen analytics expertise. The 48–56 quarter-credit program emphasizes real-world application, spanning health information exchange, patient safety, and AI in healthcare. Waivable introductory courses and internship or independent-study practicums add flexibility. No entrance exam is mentioned in the program materials, so applicants should verify admission details.

• 3 concentration options
• Waivable introductory courses for experienced students
• Internship and independent study practicum options
• Focus on patient safety and health information exchange
• Designed for health sector IT and management roles
• Elective flexibility: at least one course from each group
• Graduate with distinction for GPA 3.9+
• Quarter-based system with 48-56 total hours
• Foundation courses include health data science and database design

Master's - Health Informatics (MS) (Innovations in Healthcare)

Online Learning - Visit Website

DePaul University's online MS in Health Informatics with an Innovations in Healthcare concentration prepares students to drive technological advancement in medical settings. This 48-credit hour program explores AI entrepreneurship, mobile health, robotics, and user-centered design alongside core coursework in health data science, digital health, database design, and health sector management. Students develop competencies in systems analysis, patient safety, and health information exchange. The curriculum integrates practical experience via practicum and internship courses. Graduates pursue roles as informatics specialists, clinical systems analysts, or healthcare IT consultants. The program's focus on emerging technologies positions professionals to transform healthcare delivery. Admission information does not specify a required entrance exam, so applicants are urged to check the university's website for current policies.

• 3 concentration options
• 48 total credit hours
• Courses in AI health entrepreneurship
• Mobile health (mHealth) course
• Robotics in healthcare course
• Practicum and internship options
• Health data science foundation
• User-centered design course
• Public health informatics course

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

University of Illinois Chicago

Chicago, IL - Public 4-Year - uic.edu

Doctorate - PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics

Campus Based - Visit Website

The PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics at the University of Illinois Chicago is a research-intensive 96-credit program, the first of its kind in Illinois. Students complete at least 40 hours of focused research, supported by two mentors: one for specialized research and one for methodology. The program leverages collaboration across seven health sciences colleges and access to a 495-bed tertiary care hospital, offering real-world settings for health informatics challenges. Graduates pursue careers as clinical informatics research scientists, faculty, or directors of medical informatics. Chicago's healthcare and biomedical research community enriches networking and learning. While the program description does not explicitly state whether an entrance exam is required, doctoral applicants should verify testing expectations with the admissions office.

• 96 total credit hours
• First program of its kind in Illinois
• Access to 495-bed tertiary care hospital
• Primary and secondary research mentors
• Collaboration across seven health sciences colleges
• Career paths in academia and industry
• Located in Chicago healthcare hub

#3

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL - Public 4-Year - siue.edu

Master's - Master of Healthcare Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Master of Healthcare Informatics is a 100% online program for professionals at the health-tech intersection. Coursework covers planning, designing, implementing, and managing information systems, plus clinical data analysis, care delivery improvement, and cost reduction. Students integrate medical and computing knowledge, and learn to drive organizational change. A capstone project addresses a real-world informatics issue. The program is CAHIIM-accredited through 2027-2028, with a 100% employment rate within three months and a 73.5% two-year graduation rate. Corporate partners like BJC Healthcare enable tuition reimbursement. Graduates become healthcare informatics specialists, clinical data analysts, or IT project managers. Admission does not specify a standardized entrance exam requirement.

• CAHIIM accredited
• 100% job placement rate
• Capstone required
• Employer reimbursement supported
• 100% online coursework
• CAHIIM accredited through 2027-2028
• 100% employment rate within 3 months
• 73.5% graduate in 2 years
• Corporate partnership with BJC Healthcare
• Designed for clinical technology professionals

#4

Governors State University

University Park, IL - Public 4-Year - govst.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Governors State University offers a Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) delivered on campus. This graduate program integrates healthcare and information technology, preparing students for leadership roles in healthcare data management and patient outcome improvement. The curriculum is academically demanding, with a required culminating field experience/capstone. Students must submit a degree candidacy application and can receive only one grade of C throughout the program. Graduates are equipped with practical skills for careers in the healthcare IT field, making this MSHI a solid pathway for professionals seeking advancement.

• Capstone required
• Degree candidacy application required
• Maximum one grade 'C' allowed

#5

Illinois State University

Normal, IL - Public 4-Year - illinoisstate.edu

Bachelor's - Health Informatics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Illinois State University offers a campus-based Bachelor's in Health Informatics that merges medical science with information technology. Students work hands-on with real digital health records and design electronic health record systems in a dedicated lab equipped with 30 dual-screen computers. The curriculum includes health information system design, data analysis, and healthcare quality monitoring. An internship places students in professional healthcare settings, building practical skills for high-demand informatics roles. The program has been recognized on the Best Value Health Information Management Bachelor's programs list. Financial aid and scholarships are available. The university does not specify whether ACT or SAT scores are required for admission to this program.

• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Named best value Health Information Management bachelor's program (2019)
• Hands-on experience with real digital health records
• Dedicated lab with 30 dual-screen computers
• Internship experience in professional settings
• Prepares for careers in health information systems

#6

Roosevelt University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - roosevelt.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Roosevelt University's 36-credit Master of Science in Health Informatics is a 2-year, cohort-based program offered 100% online or hybrid from its Chicago campus. The curriculum blends Python programming, data visualization, and advanced data management with a social justice lens to address healthcare inequities. Coursework also covers ethics and healthcare behavior. All students complete an internship or applied research project. Graduates pursue careers as healthcare data analysts, clinical informatics specialists, and data scientists in clinics, tech firms, and Fortune 500 companies. With fall and spring start dates, a 2.8 minimum GPA, and no GRE required, this STEM-designated option is accessible for working professionals.

• 2-Year program
• 36 total credit hours
• 12 total courses
• 2 start dates per year
• Starts fall/spring
• Cohort-based structure
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• 100% online or hybrid
• Social justice lens
• Internship or research project

#7

Concordia University-Chicago

River Forest, IL - Private 4-year - cuchicago.edu

Bachelor's - BS Health Informatics & Information Management

Campus Based - Visit Website

Concordia University-Chicago’s Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics & Information Management, delivered in partnership with Resurrection University, is a competitive, cohort-based program for students pursuing careers at the intersection of healthcare and technology. The curriculum covers health information systems, data management, and informatics principles, preparing graduates for roles such as health information manager, clinical data analyst, or healthcare IT specialist. Admission is selective, requiring a minimum 2.75 GPA and an ACT score of 23 or SAT of 1070—standardized entrance exams are mandatory. Students develop practical skills in managing patient data, ensuring privacy, and improving healthcare delivery. This Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod institution is military-friendly and focuses on both technical and managerial competencies, meeting growing demand in hospitals, clinics, and health organizations.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: ACT, SAT
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Partnership with Resurrection University
• Competitive admission program
• Minimum ACT 23 or SAT 1070

*IPEDS 2025, U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.

How to Choose the Best Program for You

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Traditional Health Informatics Bachelor’s

• Illinois State University (Normal) – Health Informatics Bachelor’s
  • Campus-based program with hands-on focus
  • State-of-the-art lab with 30 dual-screen computers
  • Strong internship program mirroring post-graduation work
  • Recognized in “Best Value” programs list
  • Combines medical science with information technology
• Concordia University-Chicago (River Forest) – BS Health Informatics & Information Management
  • Partnership with Resurrection University
  • Focus on healthcare information management
  • Military-friendly institution
  • Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod affiliated
  • Emphasizes electronic health records and healthcare data analysis

Master’s Degree Programs

Comprehensive Health Informatics Master’s

• DePaul University (Chicago) – Master of Science in Health Informatics
  • 48-56 credit hours, fully online
  • Focus on health IT processes and management
  • Covers health data science and digital health
  • Includes analytics training and leadership preparation
  • No entrance exam required
• Loyola University Chicago (Chicago) – Master of Science in Health Informatics
  • 39 credit hours with full-time or part-time options
  • Integrates Jesuit values emphasizing ethical data use
  • Capstone or internship requirement
  • Online delivery format for working professionals
  • Focus on social justice in healthcare technology
• Roosevelt University (Chicago) – Master of Science in Health Informatics
  • 36 credit hours, 100% online with optional campus courses
  • Fall and Spring start dates
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA requirement
  • No entrance exam required
  • Prepares for Healthcare Data Analyst and Clinical Informatics Specialist roles
• Governors State University (University Park) – Master of Science in Health Informatics
  • Campus-based program with rigorous curriculum
  • Includes practical field experience
  • Maintains high academic standards
  • Focus on cutting-edge skills and knowledge
  • Designed for career advancement

Specialized Clinical Focus

• Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (Edwardsville) – Master of Healthcare Informatics
  • CAHIIM accredited (valid until 2027-2028)
  • 100% employment rate for graduates
  • Designed specifically for clinical professionals
  • Capstone project requirement
  • Corporate partnerships available
  • Focus on data management and care delivery improvement

Doctoral Programs

Advanced Research Degrees

• University of Illinois Chicago (Chicago) – PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics
  • First of its kind in Illinois
  • 96 credit hours, full-time face-to-face study
  • Extensive mentorship model
  • Access to UI Health resources
  • Prepares for roles as clinical informatics research scientists
  • Focus on research, scholarship, and interprofessional collaboration

Most Cost-Effective Options

Best Value Programs:

• Illinois State University – Recognized in “Best Value” programs list
• Roosevelt University – 36 credit hours (shortest master’s program)
• Loyola University Chicago – 39 credit hours with flexible pacing options

Cost-Saving Features

• No entrance exam fees at DePaul, Loyola, Roosevelt, and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
• Online formats eliminate commuting and housing costs (available at 5 out of 8 programs)
• Part-time options at Loyola University Chicago enable continued employment
• Corporate partnerships at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville may provide tuition assistance

Premium Investment Options

• University of Illinois Chicago PhD – 96 credit hours representing significant investment but leading to highest-level positions
• DePaul University – 48-56 credit hours offering comprehensive leadership preparation

Shortest Programs (Best for Quick Career Entry)

• Roosevelt University: 36 credit hours (approximately 12-18 months)
• Loyola University Chicago: 39 credit hours (12-24 months with flexible pacing)

Moderate Duration Programs

• DePaul University: 48-56 credit hours (18-28 months depending on pace)
• Master’s Programs Generally: 1.5-2.5 years for part-time professionals

Extended Programs (Comprehensive Training)

• University of Illinois Chicago PhD: 96 credit hours (4-5 years full-time)
• Bachelor’s Programs: Traditional 4-year timeline with hands-on training

Flexible Scheduling Advantages

• Multiple start dates available (Fall and Spring at Roosevelt University)
• Part-time and full-time options at Loyola University Chicago
• Online flexibility allowing self-paced learning at most institutions

Special Features and Innovative Approaches

Best Technology Integration

• Illinois State University: State-of-the-art lab with 30 dual-screen computers providing realistic professional environment
• DePaul University: Comprehensive coverage of health data science and digital health technologies
• Concordia University-Chicago: Focus on electronic health records and healthcare data analysis

Best Employment Outcomes

• Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville: 100% employment rate for graduates
• University of Illinois Chicago: High demand for PhD graduates in Chicago’s healthcare market
• Illinois State University: Strong internship program leading directly to employment

Best Ethical Framework

• Loyola University Chicago: Integration of Jesuit values emphasizing ethical data use and social justice
• Concordia University-Chicago: Lutheran values-based approach to healthcare technology

Best Hands-On Experience

• Illinois State University: Internships that mirror post-graduation work environment
• Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville: Capstone projects tackling real-world challenges
• Governors State University: Required practical field experience
• University of Illinois Chicago: Access to UI Health resources for hands-on learning

Unique Program Strengths

Research Excellence:

• University of Illinois Chicago: Pioneering research opportunities as Illinois’s first PhD program
• DePaul University: Focus on leadership roles in health IT sector
• Loyola University Chicago: Emphasis on healthcare data revolution leadership

Industry Connections:

• Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville: Corporate partnerships providing real-world experience
• Illinois State University: Strong industry connections through internship programs
• Chicago-based programs: Access to major healthcare systems and technology companies

Accessibility Features:

• No entrance exam requirements at most programs
• Flexible admission standards (2.75 GPA at Roosevelt University)
• Multiple delivery formats accommodating working professionals

Making the Best Choice for Your Career

Illinois offers exceptional diversity in health informatics education, from the best value undergraduate programs at Illinois State University to the most innovative doctoral research at University of Illinois Chicago. The state’s programs provide:

For Quick Career Entry: Roosevelt University’s 36-credit program offers the fastest path to employment in healthcare informatics.

For Guaranteed Employment: Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville’s 100% employment rate makes it the safest investment for career changers.

For Research Leadership: University of Illinois Chicago’s first-in-state PhD program provides unparalleled opportunities for academic and industry leadership.

For Ethical Practice: Loyola University Chicago’s Jesuit-values integration offers the best foundation for ethical healthcare technology leadership.

How Will You Degree Help You: Career Opportunities in Illinois

Illinois’s robust healthcare sector offers diverse, well-compensated health informatics opportunities. Strong demand exists statewide, from Chicago’s academic medical centers to regional health systems, for professionals bridging clinical expertise with advanced technology skills.

Here is a look at what employers need in job candiadates.

Epic Systems Expertise & EHR Mastery

Epic Certification Requirements

• Carle Health (Champaign) seeks Epic Clinical Informatics Trainers ($28.82-$49.57/hour) requiring Epic certification within 3 months, focusing on training enterprise users across multiple Epic modules and supporting patient safety initiatives
• Christie Clinic (Champaign) offers Informatics Specialist positions ($60,416-$83,072 annually) requiring Epic credentialing within 6 months, emphasizing EMR maintenance, troubleshooting, and comprehensive user training programs
• Deaconess Professional Practice (Marion) provides Clinical Informatics Specialist roles ($70,710-$101,014 annually) focusing on OpTime/Anesthesia Epic applications for peri-operative clinical settings

Advanced EHR Integration

• Endeavor Health (Chicago, Warrenville) offers Clinical Informaticist positions ($34.41-$53.34/hour) requiring expertise in EHR systems, ServiceNow, Clinical Decision Support tools, and data analysis for workflow optimization
• AdventHealth (Hinsdale) seeks Senior IT Nursing Informatics Advocates requiring Epic proficiency, BSN degree, 5+ years combined nursing/informatics experience, and professional certification within 3 years

Clinical Background Requirements

Nursing Informatics Specialization

• AdventHealth (Hinsdale) requires Bachelor of Science in Nursing, active RN license, and minimum 5 years total clinical/informatics experience, emphasizing mentoring capabilities and advanced project management
• Deaconess Professional Practice (Marion) mandates active clinical licensure, bachelor’s in clinical expertise area, plus minimum 2 years clinical experience for peri-operative informatics roles
• Graham Health System (Canton) accepts RN, LPN, or bachelor’s in health informatics with 1-2 years clinical experience, focusing on clinical integration and workflow coordination

Pharmaceutical Informatics

• Rush University Medical Center (Chicago) seeks Pharmacist Data Scientists ($58.29-$91.81/hour) requiring PharmD degree, PGY1 pharmacy practice experience, and Illinois pharmacist license eligibility, combining clinical pharmacy knowledge with advanced data analytics

Advanced Analytics & Research Capabilities

Biomedical Research Integration

• University of Chicago (Chicago) offers Biomedical Informatics Specialist positions ($75,000-$125,000 annually) requiring master’s in biomedical informatics with 2+ years clinical research experience, expertise in medical vocabularies (ICD, SNOMED, LOINC), and OMOP/i2b2 data model proficiency

Data Science & Analytics Focus

• Rush University Medical Center emphasizes advanced programming languages (Python, R, SQL), pharmaceutical standards knowledge, and cloud platform expertise (AWS, Azure) for clinical research applications
• SIU Medicine (Springfield) provides Medical Informatics Support Associate roles ($3,458-$3,804 monthly) requiring IT coursework or experience, 2+ years EHR experience, focusing on clinical workflow data interpretation

Leadership & Management Roles

Executive-Level Positions

• Carle Health (Champaign) offers Director of Health Information Management roles ($55.69-$95.79/hour) requiring RHIA/RHIT certification, bachelor’s/master’s in HIM or health informatics, plus 5+ years leadership experience managing comprehensive HIM functions
• Ohio State University (Campus) seeks Health System Informatics Managers requiring bachelor’s in allied health/computer science with 5+ years applications technology leadership, managing clinical applications teams

Specialized Management

• IMO Health (Rosemont) provides Manager, Health Informatics Engineering positions ($120,000-$140,000 annually) requiring 7-10+ years health informatics experience, deep clinical terminology knowledge, and proven team leadership capabilities

Technical Systems Integration

Laboratory Informatics

• Abbott (Illinois) offers Informatics Technical Specialist II roles ($75,300-$150,700 annually) requiring bachelor’s in computer science/medical informatics with 1-3 years laboratory informatics experience, emphasizing diagnostics workflows and LIS/middleware systems

Health Information Management

• Southern Illinois University (Springfield) provides Medical Informatics Support Associate positions ($48,624 annually) requiring high school diploma plus IT/healthcare experience, focusing on EHR optimization, document management, and TouchWorks system support

Cross-Disciplinary Integration

Clinical-IT Interface

• Endeavor Health positions require degrees supporting clinical licensure (nursing, respiratory therapy, dietitian, PT, OT, PharmD, APRN, PA, MD, DO) or bachelor’s in related field, emphasizing 4 years healthcare experience including clinical or health IT backgrounds
• Christie Clinic integrates associate’s degree in applicable field with Epic credentialing, emphasizing train-the-trainer programs and cross-departmental collaboration

Quality & Compliance Focus

• Graham Health System emphasizes healthcare compliance standards knowledge and clinical integration coordination
• Carle Health Director role encompasses regulatory compliance, HIPAA privacy laws, and federal/state documentation requirements

Educational Requirements & Certifications

Advanced Degrees Preferred

• Rush University Medical Center requires PharmD with PGY2 informatics residency preferred
• University of Chicago mandates master’s in biomedical informatics, clinical informatics, or related sciences
• Carle Health Director position requires RHIA/RHIT certification plus bachelor’s in HIM or master’s in health informatics/MBA

Professional Certifications

• AdventHealth requires completion of professional certification (ANCC Informatics, CAHIMS, CPHIMS) within 3 years
• Christie Clinic mandates Epic credentialing maintenance as applicable
• Endeavor Health prefers Epic certifications specific to portfolio responsibility

Geographic Distribution & Salary Ranges

Chicago Metropolitan Area

• Rush University Medical Center: $58.29-$91.81/hour for specialized pharmaceutical informatics
• Endeavor Health: $34.41-$53.34/hour for clinical informaticists
• University of Chicago: $75,000-$125,000 annually for biomedical research specialists

Downstate Illinois

• Carle Health (Champaign): $28.82-$49.57/hour trainers, $55.69-$95.79/hour directors
• Christie Clinic (Champaign): $60,416-$83,072 annually for specialists
• SIU Medicine (Springfield): $3,458-$3,804 monthly for support associates

Specialized Industry

• Abbott (Statewide): $75,300-$150,700 annually with 80% travel requirements
• IMO Health (Rosemont): $120,000-$140,000 annually for management roles

Unique Illinois Market Features

Academic Medical Integration

• Strong emphasis on research capabilities and clinical trials support
• Integration with medical education and training programs
• Advanced analytics and biomedical research focus

Enterprise-Level Systems

• Comprehensive Epic implementation and optimization
• Multi-facility system coordination and standardization
• Advanced clinical decision support tool development

Illinois’s health informatics market offers exceptional career progression opportunities, competitive compensation reflecting the state’s major healthcare markets, and diverse pathways spanning clinical care, research, education, and technology innovation. The emphasis on Epic systems mastery, clinical background requirements, and advanced analytics capabilities positions Illinois as a leading destination for health informatics professionals seeking comprehensive career development.