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.

2026 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Illinois

Looking for the best health informatics degree programs in Illinois? You have come to the right place. At healthinformaticsdegree.org, we carefully rank these programs to help you find the perfect fit for your education and career goals. Our team evaluates schools based on factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and career support. We give you clear, reliable information to make your decision easier. For a detailed look at how we create our rankings, check out our https://www.healthinformaticsdegree.org/about-us/#rankings page.

#1

DePaul University

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

Master's - Health Informatics (MS)

Online Learning - Visit Website

DePaul University's online Master of Science in Health Informatics prepares students to implement IT solutions in healthcare through a curriculum blending technical knowledge with management skills. The program focuses on health IT processes, information management, and analytics, covering health data science, digital health, and healthcare systems. Designed for working professionals, it offers flexibility and prepares graduates for leadership roles in health IT. This graduate program does not explicitly mention entrance exam requirements.

• Online program format.
• 48-56 credit hours.
• Focus on health IT.
• Covers health data science.
• Includes digital health.
• Management skills included.
• Flexible for professionals.
• Prepares for leadership roles.
• Health information management.
• Analytics training.

Master's - Health Informatics (MS)

Concentration: Health Analytics - Online Learning - Visit Website

DePaul University's online MS in Health Informatics with a Health Analytics concentration equips professionals with cutting-edge skills to transform healthcare technology. Students explore health data science, digital health systems, electronic health records, and data analytics, preparing them to tackle complex technological challenges. The program blends technical knowledge with strategic insights, focusing on analytical skills and healthcare delivery improvement. This graduate program does not explicitly mention entrance exam requirements.

• Online graduate program
• Concentration in Health Analytics
• 48 total credit hours
• Technical and management skills
• Focuses on health IT solutions
• Comprehensive healthcare technology curriculum
• Practical systems analysis training
• Emphasizes patient safety technologies

Master's - Health Informatics (MS)

Concentration: Innovations in Healthcare - Online Learning - Visit Website

DePaul University's online MS in Health Informatics with an Innovations in Healthcare concentration prepares professionals to transform healthcare through innovative technology solutions. The curriculum covers health information processing, enterprise management, data security, health data science, digital health, mobile health, and healthcare robotics, positioning graduates at the intersection of technology and healthcare. This graduate program does not explicitly mention entrance exam requirements.

• Online graduate program
• 48 total credit hours
• Concentration in Healthcare Innovations
• Requires 2.5 GPA minimum
• Technical and management focus
• Covers emerging health technologies
• Multiple course specialization tracks
• Practicum and internship options

Show 2 More Programs ˅

#2

Loyola University Chicago

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

Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Loyola University Chicago's online Master of Science in Health Informatics is a 39-credit program designed for working professionals, offering flexible full or part-time study options. It blends core informatics principles with elective courses for customization, culminating in a capstone or internship for hands-on experience. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and no entrance exam is specified. Graduates are prepared for roles like health care data analyst or clinical informatics specialist, with a strong emphasis on ethical data use, practical application, and Jesuit values to improve patient care and healthcare system efficiency.

• Online delivery format
• 39 credit hours
• Full or part-time options
• Capstone or internship
• Bachelor's degree required
• Focus on ethical data use
• Jesuit values emphasized
• Prepares for diverse careers
• Flexible for professionals
• Improves healthcare systems

#3

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's Master of Science in Health Informatics is a campus-based program that emphasizes rigorous academics and practical experience. Students must maintain specific grade standards and complete a field experience, preparing them for advanced roles in health informatics. This program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for career-focused individuals seeking to enhance their skills in managing health data and technology.

• Rigorous academic program
• Campus-based learning
• Specific grade standards required
• Field experience included
• Master's degree requirements

#4

University of Illinois Chicago

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

Doctorate - PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Illinois Chicago offers a PhD in Biomedical and Health Informatics, the first program of its kind in Illinois. This campus-based, full-time program requires 96 credit hours and emphasizes research, scholarship, and interprofessional collaboration to address complex health informatics challenges. Students benefit from extensive mentorship and access to UI Health resources, enhancing practical learning. The program prepares graduates for high-demand roles such as clinical informatics research scientists and directors of medical informatics in academia and industry. An entrance exam is required for admission, though specific details are not provided in the source material.

• 96 credit hours
• First of its kind in Illinois
• Face-to-face, full-time study
• Extensive mentorship model
• Access to UI Health resources
• Focus on research and scholarship
• Interprofessional collaboration
• Prepares for academia and industry roles
• High demand for specialists
• Career opportunities in Chicago

#5

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 fully online program tailored for clinical professionals seeking to integrate technology into healthcare. It focuses on developing skills in managing and analyzing clinical data to enhance care delivery and operational efficiency. Accredited by CAHIIM until 2027-2028, the program reports a 100% employment rate for recent graduates. The curriculum emphasizes planning, designing, and implementing IT systems in healthcare, with a capstone project for real-world application. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for those advancing in this growing field.

• Fully online program
• Accredited by CAHIIM
• 100% employment rate
• Capstone project required
• Designed for clinical professionals
• Focus on healthcare IT
• No student visa for internationals
• Corporate partnerships available
• Skills in data management
• Improves care delivery

#6

Illinois State University

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

Bachelor's - Health Informatics

Campus Based - Visit Website

Illinois State University's Health Informatics program integrates medical science with information technology, equipping students for careers managing health information systems and analyzing data. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience with digital health records and electronic health record system design in a dedicated lab featuring 30 dual-screen computers. Internships bridge classroom learning with real-world applications, preparing graduates for diverse informatics roles. Recognized for its value, this campus-based program has competitive admissions with priority deadlines for scholarships. As a bachelor's-level program, it requires ACT or SAT entrance exams for admission.

• Hands-on digital health records experience
• Dedicated lab with 30 dual-screen computers
• Internship mirrors post-graduation work
• Strong focus on information technology
• Recognized in Best Value programs list
• Practical, hands-on curriculum
• Prepares for wide range of informatics positions
• Combines medical science and IT
• Design and manage health information systems
• Gather and analyze critical data

#7

Roosevelt University

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

Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

Roosevelt University's Master of Science in Health Informatics is a 36-credit hour program that blends healthcare, business, and technology to equip students for data-driven roles in patient care improvement. Delivered entirely online with optional Chicago campus courses, it suits working professionals through flexible fall and spring starts. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, a minimum 2.75 GPA, and computer literacy, with no entrance exam specified. Graduates pursue careers as Healthcare Data Analysts and Clinical Informatics Specialists, benefiting from cohort-based learning, networking, and practical experiences like internships or research projects in a data-focused curriculum.

• 36 credit hours
• 100% online option
• Chicago campus courses
• Fall and Spring starts
• Bachelor's degree required
• GPA 2.75 or above
• Computer literacy needed
• Healthcare Data Analyst careers
• Clinical Informatics Specialist roles
• Flexible course options

#8

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 offers a BS in Health Informatics & Information Management, a competitive on-campus program that prepares students for key roles in healthcare technology. Developed with Resurrection University, it emphasizes managing complex information systems and electronic health records. Admission requires strong ACT/SAT scores and a minimum 2.75 GPA in high school science, math, and overall coursework. The curriculum builds technical skills for analyzing healthcare data and supporting infrastructure in medical settings, fostering professional competencies without a specific concentration.

• Competitive admission program
• Partnership with Resurrection University
• Minimum 2.75 GPA requirement
• Strong ACT/SAT score prerequisites
• Focus on healthcare information management

*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/, IPEDS 2023 release.

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.