Minnesota offers diverse pathways into the rapidly growing field of health informatics, with programs designed to meet students at different career stages and educational backgrounds.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs typically require 120 total credits with 76 credits dedicated to major coursework. These comprehensive 4-year programs are offered at institutions like The College of Saint Scholastica and Minnesota State University-Mankato, providing campus-based learning experiences that combine clinical knowledge, technology, and management principles.
Master’s Degree Programs offer accelerated pathways for working professionals, with options ranging from 28-month programs to 31-credit hour curricula. The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and St. Catherine University both provide fully online master’s programs designed specifically for busy healthcare professionals seeking career advancement.
Core Areas of Study
Health informatics programs in Minnesota emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, covering:
- Data Analytics & Visualization: Programming languages including Python and R, database principles, and health data analytics
- Clinical Systems & Technology: Health Information Technology (HIT) implementation, electronic health records, and systems analysis
- Healthcare Management: Project management, leadership skills, and evidence-based decision making
- Security & Compliance: Data privacy, cybersecurity, and medicolegal issues in healthcare
- Population Health: Public health informatics and technology-driven solutions for healthcare challenges
Program Requirements & Admission
Academic Prerequisites: Most programs require a minimum GPA ranging from 2.7 to 3.0, with bachelor’s programs accepting high school graduates and master’s programs requiring completed undergraduate degrees. Programming experience is preferred but not always mandatory.
Flexible Admission Policies: Many Minnesota programs offer streamlined admission processes, with institutions like the University of Minnesota potentially waiving GRE requirements and focusing on professional experience and academic readiness.
Professional Preparation: Programs include practical components such as capstone projects, practicum experiences, and professional practice opportunities. Graduates from bachelor’s programs are often eligible for professional certifications like the RHIA exam.
Dual Degree Opportunities: Advanced students can pursue specialized combinations such as PharmD/MHI or MD/MHI dual degrees, integrating clinical practice with informatics expertise.
2025 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Minnesota
Looking for the best health informatics degree programs in Minnesota? You're in the right place. At healthinformaticsdegree.org, we've done the homework to help you find top-notch programs that match your career goals. Whether you're starting fresh or aiming to advance in the health informatics field, our list highlights schools that offer quality education, hands-on experience, and strong job prospects. We understand how important it is to choose a program that fits your needs, which is why we've carefully evaluated each option. Curious about how we rank these programs? Check out our ranking methodology to see what makes our picks stand out.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN - Public 4-Year - twin-cities.umn.edu
Master's - Master of Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a Master of Health Informatics, a 31-credit online program designed for professionals aiming to lead in healthcare technology. With a focus on data analytics, clinical systems, and population health, the program requires a bachelor's degree and a 3.0 GPA. GRE scores may be waived, offering flexibility for applicants. The curriculum emphasizes quantitative skills and includes a capstone project, preparing graduates for roles that enhance patient care through digital solutions.
- 31 total credit program
- Accredited through 2029-2030
- Capstone project required
- Multiple degree options available
- Quantitative skills emphasized
- Dual degrees: PharmD/MHI, MD/MHI
- GRE may be waived
- Courses in database principles
- Analytics and data science focus
- Programming experience preferred
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
At the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, the Master of Science in Health Informatics is a 36-credit online program blending health informatics and biostatistics. Designed for both newcomers and health professionals, it offers a thesis or coursework option, with an average completion time of 2.3 years. Admission requires a 3.3 GPA, and the program prepares graduates for high-demand careers, with median incomes around $90,000. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible to a broad range of students.
- Online program
- 36 credits total
- 3.3 GPA requirement
- $1,665 per credit (resident)
- $2,601 per credit (nonresident)
- Average graduation in 2.3 years
- Master's thesis or coursework option
- Focus on health informatics and biostatistics
- Prepares for high-demand careers
- Median income $90,000 for graduates
Doctorate - PhD in Health Informatics
Concentration: Clinical Informatics - Campus Based - Visit Website
The PhD in Health Informatics with a Clinical Informatics concentration at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a campus-based program requiring a 3.5 GPA and GRE scores. This 70-credit program focuses on health data, systems analysis, and human-computer interaction, offering internships and teaching opportunities. Ideal for aspiring leaders in clinical informatics research, it requires a background in life sciences and includes a blend of theoretical and practical coursework.
- Concentration in Clinical Informatics
- 3.5 GPA required
- GRE scores mandatory
- 70 total credits
- Internship opportunities available
- Teaching opportunities included
- Background in life sciences needed
- English proficiency for internationals
- Blend of theory and practice
- Focus on decision support systems
Doctorate - PhD in Health Informatics
Concentration: Data Science and Informatics for Learning Health Systems - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a PhD in Health Informatics with a Data Science and Informatics for Learning Health Systems concentration. This campus program requires a 3.5 GPA, GRE scores, and a strong foundation in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. It includes an MS in Data Science and focuses on applying advanced analytics in healthcare, preparing graduates for impactful research in health informatics. Admission involves an interview, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
- PhD in Health Informatics
- Data Science concentration
- Campus program
- 3.5 GPA preferred
- GRE required
- 70 total credits
- Includes MS in Data Science
- Focus on health analytics
- Advanced coursework required
- Research thesis component
The College of Saint Scholastica
Duluth, MN - Private 4-year - css.edu
Bachelor's - Health Informatics and Information Management
Campus Based - Visit Website
At The College of Saint Scholastica, the Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management is a campus-based program designed for future leaders in health information systems. It uniquely combines clinical knowledge, technology, and management, preparing students for roles that bridge healthcare and IT. Graduates are eligible for the RHIA exam, a testament to the program's comprehensive coverage of health data analytics, systems analysis, and database modeling. With a 2.7 GPA requirement and 76 major credits, this program is ideal for those aiming to impact healthcare information management without direct patient care. Entrance exams like ACT or SAT are not specified, suggesting a focus on academic readiness and professional potential.
- 76 major credits required
- Minimum GPA 2.7
- Eligible for RHIA exam
- Campus-based program
- Combines clinical, tech, management
- Includes database modeling
- Systems analysis covered
- Health data analytics focus
- Professional practice experience
- Medicolegal issues included
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The College of Saint Scholastica offers a Master of Science in Health Informatics online, tailored for professionals seeking to enhance healthcare through technology. This program emphasizes the critical role of data in improving patient outcomes, integrating computer science, information sciences, and healthcare. With a curriculum that includes electronic health records, data analytics, and database management, students are equipped to drive innovation in healthcare IT. The program requires a foundational course in inferential statistics and a 3.0 GPA for graduation, offering flexibility for working students. No entrance exam is mentioned, making it accessible for eligible candidates ready to advance their careers in health informatics.
- Online graduate program.
- Focuses on healthcare data.
- Blends computer and info sciences.
- Improves patient care.
- Covers electronic health records.
- Includes data analytics.
- Flexible for professionals.
- Requires inferential statistics.
- 42 credits needed.
- 3.0 GPA requirement.
Minnesota State University-Mankato
Mankato, MN - Public 4-Year - mnsu.edu
Bachelor's - Health Informatics BS
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Health Informatics BS at Minnesota State University-Mankato prepares students to utilize Information Systems and Health Information Technology (HIT) effectively in the healthcare sector. Emphasizing the creation, assessment, and implementation of technology-driven solutions, the program covers data management to tackle healthcare issues. It enhances teamwork, project leadership, and technical abilities for evidence-based decisions. Requiring 120 credits, with 76 in the major, this on-campus course demands fulfillment of general education and specific course prerequisites, setting graduates up for significant contributions in health informatics fields.
- 120 total credits
- 76 major credits
- On-campus program
- Focus on HIT innovations
- Collaborative team skills
- Project management training
- Data-informed decision making
- General education prerequisites
- Specific course requirements
- Prepares for healthcare roles
Master's - Health Informatics Analytics
Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota State University-Mankato's Professional Science Master's (P.S.M.) in Health Informatics and Analytics is tailored for those eager to apply Information Systems and Health Information Technology in healthcare. Accredited by the PSM Commission, this program paves the way for roles such as Clinical Informatics Specialist and Informatics Analyst. Prospective students must hold a bachelor's in a related field, achieve a minimum GPA of 3.25, or submit GRE scores, alongside demonstrating a keen interest in health informatics. International applicants have additional criteria. Spanning two years, this campus-based program equips graduates to revolutionize healthcare delivery and management.
- Professional Science Master's degree
- Recognized by PSM Commission
- 2 years to completion
- Campus-based program
- 3.25 minimum GPA required
- GRE scores accepted
- Bachelor's degree prerequisite
- Related field degree required
- Personal statement needed
- Resume submission required
St Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - stkate.edu
Master's - Master of Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
St. Catherine University offers a Master of Health Informatics (MHI) program online, tailored for professionals seeking to advance in the healthcare data field. This 28-month program emphasizes healthcare data analytics, visualization, and the critical aspects of data privacy and security. Designed with working adults in mind, it prepares students for leadership positions by covering essential topics like health informatics, cyber security, and project management. The curriculum also includes practical skills in Python and R languages, alongside a practicum for hands-on experience. Admission does not explicitly require an entrance exam, focusing instead on program admission and prerequisite courses. The program stands out for its commitment to ethical leadership and critical thinking in health informatics.
- 28-month program duration.
- Online format for flexibility.
- Focus on data analytics and security.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Includes practicum experience.
- Courses on Python and R languages.
- Emphasizes ethical leadership.
- Tailored for working adults.
- Covers health informatics fundamentals.
- Project management skills included.
List of Minnesota Colleges With Health Informatics Degree Programs
Minnesota offers several colleges with health informatics degree programs. These programs prepare students for careers in managing health information. Below is a table listing schools, their locations, program highlights, and links to more details. This information helps you find the right program for your needs. Check each school's page for the latest updates on their offerings.
Duluth, MN
The College of Saint Scholastica
- Bachelor's - Health Informatics and Information Management
Campus Based - Website
- 76 major credits required
- Minimum GPA 2.7
- Eligible for RHIA exam
- Campus-based program
- Combines clinical, tech, management
- Includes database modeling
- Systems analysis covered
- Health data analytics focus
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- Online graduate program.
- Focuses on healthcare data.
- Blends computer and info sciences.
- Improves patient care.
- Covers electronic health records.
- Includes data analytics.
- Flexible for professionals.
- Requires inferential statistics.
Mankato, MN
Minnesota State University-Mankato
- Bachelor's - Health Informatics BS
Campus Based - Website
- 120 total credits
- 76 major credits
- On-campus program
- Focus on HIT innovations
- Collaborative team skills
- Project management training
- Data-informed decision making
- General education prerequisites
- Master's - Health Informatics Analytics
Campus Based - Website
- Professional Science Master's degree
- Recognized by PSM Commission
- 2 years to completion
- Campus-based program
- 3.25 minimum GPA required
- GRE scores accepted
- Bachelor's degree prerequisite
- Related field degree required
Minneapolis, MN
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Master's - Master of Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 31 total credit program
- Accredited through 2029-2030
- Capstone project required
- Multiple degree options available
- Quantitative skills emphasized
- Dual degrees: PharmD/MHI, MD/MHI
- GRE may be waived
- Courses in database principles
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- Online program
- 36 credits total
- 3.3 GPA requirement
- $1,665 per credit (resident)
- $2,601 per credit (nonresident)
- Average graduation in 2.3 years
- Master's thesis or coursework option
- Focus on health informatics and biostatistics
- Doctorate - PhD in Health Informatics
Concentration: Clinical Informatics - Campus Based - Website
- Concentration in Clinical Informatics
- 3.5 GPA required
- GRE scores mandatory
- 70 total credits
- Internship opportunities available
- Teaching opportunities included
- Background in life sciences needed
- English proficiency for internationals
- Doctorate - PhD in Health Informatics
Concentration: Data Science and Informatics for Learning Health Systems - Campus Based - Website
- PhD in Health Informatics
- Data Science concentration
- Campus program
- 3.5 GPA preferred
- GRE required
- 70 total credits
- Includes MS in Data Science
- Focus on health analytics
Saint Paul, MN
St Catherine University
- Master's - Master of Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 28-month program duration.
- Online format for flexibility.
- Focus on data analytics and security.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Includes practicum experience.
- Courses on Python and R languages.
- Emphasizes ethical leadership.
- Tailored for working adults.
What Are the Career Options Like for Degree Holders?
Minnesota employers seek professionals capable of bridging clinical expertise with advanced technical skills, particularly in Epic systems, data analytics, research applications, and emerging AI/ML technologies across healthcare delivery, academic research, and public health settings.
Below is a look at what employers are looking for based on a review of recent job openiings.
Technical and Data Management Skills
Advanced Analytics and Programming Expertise
Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) recruits Informatics Analysts with salaries ranging $56,908–$93,280, requiring Master’s degrees in computer science, analytics, engineering, informatics, nursing, statistics, or business with 3+ years of experience. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in SQL, Tableau, Power BI, Looker, Excel, Oracle, and Google Cloud Platform tools including Big Query and ML/AI applications. The role emphasizes data mining experience in R, Python, or SAS for statistical modeling and predictive analytics.
Research Data Engineering and Pipeline Management
Essentia Health (Duluth, MN) offers Research Informatics Analyst positions at $74,090–$111,134 annually, focusing on complex research database management including Virtual Data Warehouse (VDW), OMOP, and PCORnet Common Data Model. Candidates need strong Python programming skills with pandas, pyodbc, and SQLAlchemy for data transformation, plus experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and modern pipeline orchestration tools like Airflow and Databricks Workflows.
Epic and EHR System Specialization
Multiple employers emphasize Epic proficiency. Mayo Clinic requires Epic certification within six months for Clinical Informaticist positions ($77.4K–$123K), while Fairview Health Services seeks Mobile Senior Clinical Informaticists with Epic certifications and user-centered design expertise. HealthPartners (Minneapolis) specifically recruits Epic Health Informatics Analysts preferring Epic Clarity experience alongside data visualization and SQL skills.
Clinical Informatics and Healthcare Integration
Trauma and Specialty Registry Management
Fairview Health Services (Edina, MN) employs Trauma Informatics Specialists at $27.34–$38.59 hourly, requiring Associate’s degrees in healthcare fields or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credentials with 2+ years trauma registry experience. Specialists must master ICD-10 coding, injury severity scoring, and regulatory compliance for MN Trauma Registry, MN TBI/SCI Registry, and TQIP submissions.
Clinical Decision Support and Workflow Optimization
UCare (Minneapolis, MN) recruits Clinical Informaticist Leads earning $104,966–$131,207 annually, requiring Bachelor’s degrees in health informatics, statistics, mathematics, finance, or business administration with 8+ years of health IT experience. Candidates must understand clinical terminologies (LOINC, SNOMED, ICD10, NDC) and demonstrate expertise in population health management, risk stratification, and clinical decision support systems.
Nursing Informatics and Clinical Systems
Multiple positions target nursing professionals transitioning into informatics. Mayo Clinic offers Informatics Nurse positions ($39.48–$64.75 hourly) requiring Bachelor’s degrees in nursing with 3+ years clinical experience and Epic certification. Fairview Health Services (Hibbing, MN) seeks Nurse Informaticists requiring Minnesota RN licensure with CHCI or CPEHR certifications for electronic documentation system management.
Leadership and Strategic Management
Clinical Informatics Leadership
Fairview Health Services recruits Mobile Senior Clinical Informaticists requiring Bachelor’s degrees in healthcare fields with 5+ years clinical healthcare or informatics experience. These remote positions focus on shared clinical services, laboratory systems, and order set management with emphasis on PDSA methodology and change management expertise.
Healthcare Data Strategy and Governance
UCare’s Clinical Informaticist Lead role bridges clinical knowledge and information technology, requiring experience with healthcare metrics, managed care concepts, and statistical calculation. Candidates must demonstrate team leadership experience and understand Agile software development, product ownership, and human-centered design principles.
Academic and Research Leadership
University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) offers Institute for Health Informatics Faculty positions ($120,000–$135,000) for Natural Language Processing and Knowledge Representation specialists. Positions require doctoral-level training in AI, Computer Science, or Computational Linguistics with extensive health sciences training and nationally-impactful research accomplishments.
Government and Public Health Applications
State Government Health Informatics Coordination
State of Minnesota (Rochester and Marshall) employs Health Informatics Program Coordinators as Management Analyst 2 positions supporting Department of Human Services initiatives. Roles require 1+ years health informatics or healthcare administration experience with EHR systems, data management practices, and healthcare regulations knowledge, offering telework eligibility and comprehensive state benefits.
Population Health and Data Analytics
University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute recruits Clinical Data Analysts/Informatics Consultants requiring BA/BS with 6+ years analytical experience or advanced degrees with 4+ years experience. Positions emphasize healthcare data extraction, formatting, and analysis of clinical records, labs, medications, and claims data with strong T-SQL, SAS, and R programming requirements.
Specialized Technical Competencies
Natural Language Processing and AI Applications
University of Minnesota’s Institute for Health Informatics specifically seeks faculty expertise in Biomedical NLP using Deep Learning, causal inference, and knowledge representation including computable guidelines and biological pathway modeling. Positions require formal doctoral training with capabilities in relational database analysis and unconventionally-structured data modeling.
Healthcare Business Intelligence and Visualization
HealthPartners (Minneapolis) recruits Epic Health Informatics Analysts requiring Bachelor’s degrees in quantitative fields with data visualization experience in Power BI, Tableau, and strong SQL knowledge. Candidates must demonstrate ability to “tell stories using data” and work within collaborative scrum teams including developers, data scientists, and data engineers.
Quality Management and Performance Analytics
Mayo Clinic’s Quality Informatics Specialist positions ($56,908–$93,280) require Bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science or Healthcare Informatics with 3+ years healthcare informatics experience. Specialists focus on healthcare data collection, analysis, and research initiatives supporting quality reporting, patient safety, and performance improvement.
Educational Requirements and Career Pathways
Advanced Degree Expectations
Leadership positions consistently require Bachelor’s degrees minimum with strong preferences for Master’s or doctoral degrees. Mayo Clinic’s Informatics Analyst role requires Master’s degrees with 3+ years experience or Bachelor’s with 5+ years. University of Minnesota faculty positions demand doctoral-level training with extensive health sciences backgrounds.
Clinical Credential Integration
Many positions value clinical backgrounds. Mayo Clinic prefers Clinical credentials or Health Information Management credentials (MSN, RN, BSN, RHIA, RHIT) for analytics roles. Nursing informatics positions specifically require current RN licensure with specialized certifications like CHCI, CPEHR, or ANCC National certification in Nursing Informatics.
Interdisciplinary Background Value
Employers highly value candidates bridging multiple disciplines. ClinDCast LLC (St. Paul) seeks Clinical Informaticist Analysts with healthcare IT experience who can interpret clinical guidelines from CMS and Health Plans while collaborating with both clinicians and engineers for automation model development.
Geographic and Compensation Trends
Salary Ranges Across Experience Levels
- Entry-level specialists: $27.34–$38.59 hourly (Trauma Informatics)
- Mid-level analysts: $56,908–$111,134 annually (Research/Quality Analytics)
- Senior leadership: $104,966–$131,207 annually (Clinical Informaticist Leads)
- Academic positions: $72,000–$135,000 annually (Faculty/Research roles)
Geographic Distribution and Remote Opportunities
Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area dominates the market with major employers including Mayo Clinic (Rochester), University of Minnesota, UCare, HealthPartners, and Fairview Health Services. Many positions offer remote work options, particularly senior roles, though most require occasional on-site presence for collaboration and training.
Benefits and Professional Development
Minnesota employers emphasize comprehensive benefits including Mayo Clinic’s industry-leading packages, University of Minnesota’s Regents Tuition Benefit Program, and State of Minnesota’s public sector benefits with PSLF opportunities. Multiple employers provide tuition reimbursement, professional development funding, and continuing education support reflecting the rapidly evolving nature of health informatics.
Industry Specialization Opportunities
The Minnesota market shows strong specialization in trauma informatics (Fairview), research data management (Essentia Health, University of Minnesota), academic AI/NLP research (University of Minnesota), and managed care informatics (UCare), providing diverse career pathways within the broader health informatics field.