San José State University offers a flexible online informatics master’s degree for students who want to apply data, information systems, and technology in healthcare. The Health career pathway combines a broad informatics foundation with focused study in health informatics, epidemiology, and health data analytics.
Quick Facts
| School | San José State University |
| Location | San José, California |
| Degree | Master of Science in Informatics – Health Career Pathway |
| Credits | 30 units |
| Format | 100% online, mostly asynchronous |
| Typical Length | 18 to 24 months |
| Estimated Tuition | About $19,590 in base tuition |
| Admissions | Bachelor’s degree, 2.8 minimum GPA, and technical readiness |
Program Overview
The SJSU Master of Science in Informatics is a 30-unit executive-style program from the university’s School of Information. Students learn to organize, analyze, secure, and present data for use in information systems and workplace decisions.
Students select a career pathway in Health, including Telehealth, or Cybersecurity and Privacy. The health option is a clear fit for students who want an informatics degree with healthcare-focused coursework instead of a degree centered only on clinical practice, computer science, or health administration.
The program does not require an internship. Students complete a culminating project and may choose an organizational consulting project with a real partner or a program-based e-portfolio.
Curriculum and Health Career Pathway
All students complete 21 units of required informatics courses. The shared core covers technical, management, user experience, data, records, and security topics:
- Informatics Fundamentals
- Informatics Technology Foundations
- Information Security Overview
- Big Data Analytics and Management
- Human Centered Design
- Informatics Project Management
- Electronic Records Foundations
- Digital Assets Management
- Information Security and Information Assurance
The Health career pathway adds three 3-unit courses: Health Informatics, Epidemiological Methods, and Health Data Analytics. Together, these courses address healthcare information systems, public health methods, health data analysis, electronic records, privacy, and the use of technology to improve patient-centered services.
The final 3-unit Informatics Culminating Project asks students to apply skills from the full program. The official course-load plans show options for faster and slower completion.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. SJSU lists a minimum overall GPA of 2.8 in the bachelor’s degree or the final 60 semester units or 90 quarter units.
Applicants must also assess their technical readiness. SJSU expects prior coursework or work experience in at least one of these areas: HTML5 and CSS, a programming language, or information systems. The program does not require the GRE or GMAT, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, or a resume.
The School of Information accepts applications for fall and spring entry. Students apply through Cal State Apply and submit official transcripts. Review the official admissions requirements and current deadlines before applying.
Tuition and Financial Aid
SJSU lists a 2026 fee of $653 per unit for INFM courses offered through its special-session Open Classes program. Applying that rate to the 30-unit degree gives an estimated base tuition of $19,590. This estimate does not include possible university, technology, books, or other fees, and the university may change rates.
The university’s general graduate cost-of-attendance budget includes tuition, housing, food, transportation, books, and personal expenses for financial aid planning. Online students should use the program’s current fee schedule for degree tuition and contact SJSU to confirm the total before enrolling.
Online Format and Time to Completion
The program is fully online and requires no campus orientation or other in-person event. Most coursework is asynchronous, although some classes may include occasional live online sessions. Courses run in 8-week sessions.
SJSU says students may finish in 12 to 18 months with an accelerated schedule. The typical completion time is 18 to 24 months, and students may take longer when they need a lighter course load. This structure can work well for professionals who plan to remain employed while earning the degree.
Career Preparation
The Health pathway can support roles such as health information specialist, clinical data analyst, health services manager, nursing informatics specialist, or healthcare information systems professional. The degree also develops skills in project management, human-centered design, data management, electronic records, information assurance, and stakeholder communication.
The program does not promise a specific role or salary. Career fit will depend on a student’s prior education, healthcare experience, technical skills, and project work.
Who Is This Program For?
SJSU may be a strong option for working professionals who want an online program that connects healthcare data with broader informatics skills. It may fit students who value short 8-week sessions, asynchronous study, a practical capstone, and a curriculum that covers both technology and information management.
Students who want a clinical practicum, a required internship, extensive computer science theory, or a degree titled specifically “Health Informatics” should compare this program with other options. The awarded degree is an MS in Informatics, and Health is the selected career pathway.
Related Health Informatics Programs
- National University - San Diego
- University of California, Davis - Davis
- University of California, Los Angeles - Los Angeles
- University of San Diego - San Diego
- University of San Francisco - San Francisco