Northern Arizona University offers two campus-based graduate paths that connect informatics with health and biological data. The 30-credit MS in Informatics provides broad training in computing, statistics, machine learning, and scientific data analysis. Students can shape the degree around population health, epidemiology, or bioinformatics through electives and research. The PhD in Informatics and Computing offers a formal Health and Bioinformatics emphasis for students who want advanced research training.
NAU fits this guide, but applicants should understand the difference between the programs. The MS is an interdisciplinary informatics degree with health-related study options. It is not a dedicated clinical health informatics degree. The PhD provides the stronger health and bioinformatics identity through its research emphasis.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Flagstaff, Arizona |
| Degrees | MS in Informatics; PhD in Informatics and Computing |
| Health focus | Population health, epidemiology, bioinformatics, genomics, and health data research |
| Format | Campus-based |
| Credits | 30 units for the MS; 60 units for the PhD |
| MS options | Thesis or non-thesis |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 for graduate admission |
| 2026-27 tuition | $13,582 per year for Arizona residents; $33,800 for nonresidents, before fees |
Graduate Programs
MS in Informatics
The MS in Informatics prepares students for informatics work or later doctoral study. The program covers computing foundations, large-scale data organization, statistical analysis, machine learning, and applied scientific problem-solving. Health and biological applications appear through coursework, electives, faculty research, and partnerships.
Students choose a thesis or non-thesis route. The thesis route centers on faculty-guided research and ends with a written thesis and oral defense. The non-thesis route uses additional electives and project-based learning. Both routes require 30 graduate units.
PhD in Informatics and Computing
The PhD serves students who want research careers in universities, government, health organizations, or data-intensive industries. The Health and Bioinformatics emphasis connects computing with genomics, pathogen detection, infectious disease, epidemiological modeling, population health, and other biological or medical data problems.
The doctoral program requires 60 units and includes advanced coursework, research, comprehensive examinations, a dissertation, and an oral defense. NAU describes the program as a campus-based research path in Flagstaff. The university’s existing Arizona program information lists a typical five-year timeline, although each student’s research and prior preparation can affect completion time.
MS Curriculum
The 30-credit MS curriculum divides into four parts:
- Computing foundations: 6 units, including INF 502 and INF 503.
- Statistical methods: 9 units, including INF 504, INF 511, and INF 512.
- Professional development: 3 units selected from approved informatics courses.
- Thesis or non-thesis work: 12 units of thesis research and electives or additional informatics electives.
Elective choices can include bioinformatics, epidemiology, computer science, biology, statistics, ecology, and related fields. Students should confirm course availability and prerequisites with the program before selecting a health-focused plan.
Health and Bioinformatics Research
NAU’s health and bioinformatics work combines molecular biology, genomics, public health, epidemiology, statistics, and computer science. Research topics include pathogen detection, infectious disease, metagenomics, population genetics, molecular evolution, cancer, and secondary health-data analysis.
The School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems works with NAU research centers and regional partners. These relationships can support thesis and dissertation research, but an applicant should review current faculty projects before applying because research fit matters most for the thesis MS and PhD.
Admission Requirements
Graduate applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. NAU also requires transcripts. The MS program asks applicants to show preparation in a relevant scientific or technical field, such as biology, computer science, ecology, education, or public health.
The MS application may also require a statement of purpose, recommendations, and a resume or CV. NAU lists the GRE as recommended rather than required. Doctoral applicants should review the current program application because research background, faculty alignment, and prior graduate preparation can affect admission.
Tuition and Fees
For 2026-27, NAU lists annual Flagstaff graduate tuition of $13,582 for Arizona residents and $33,800 for nonresidents. Mandatory fees add $1,625, which brings the published annual totals to $15,207 for residents and $35,425 for nonresidents. Program fees, books, housing, and other costs can increase the final amount.
These are annual university estimates, not fixed total-program prices. MS costs depend on the number of terms and credits taken each year. PhD applicants should ask the department about current assistantships, tuition waivers, stipends, and health insurance support before comparing the listed tuition with other doctoral programs.
Online or Campus Format
NAU lists the MS in Informatics at the Flagstaff campus. The PhD also requires campus-based research and faculty mentorship. Applicants who need a fully online health informatics degree should compare NAU with online programs elsewhere in Arizona or nationally.
Who Is NAU Best For?
- Students who want strong computing and statistical training with health or biological applications.
- Applicants interested in population health, epidemiology, genomics, or bioinformatics research.
- Students who can attend classes and conduct research in Flagstaff.
- MS students who want a choice between a professional non-thesis route and a research thesis route.
- Doctoral applicants who can identify NAU faculty whose research matches their goals.
NAU may be a weaker fit for healthcare professionals who want an online, practice-focused program centered on electronic health records, clinical workflow, or healthcare administration. Its programs lean more heavily toward computational science and research.
Official NAU Resources
- MS in Informatics program and curriculum
- Health and Bioinformatics research area
- PhD in Informatics and Computing
- Graduate admissions
- 2026-27 graduate tuition and fees
Related Arizona Programs
- Arizona State University - Online
- Grand Canyon University - Phoenix
- University of Arizona Global Campus - Online
Compare NAU with other health informatics degree programs in Arizona.