Minnesota Health Informatics Degree Programs

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.

2026 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in Minnesota

Looking for the best health informatics degree programs in Minnesota? We at healthinformaticsdegree.org have done the research for you. Our team carefully reviews schools across the state to highlight top options that fit your career goals. You can explore our detailed rankings to find programs that offer strong curricula, experienced faculty, and good job prospects. We focus on what matters most to students like you. For a full look at how we create these rankings, check out our methodology page. Learn more about our process here: https://www.healthinformaticsdegree.org/about-us/#rankings

#1

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 Master of Health Informatics at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is a 31-credit online program that prepares tech-savvy professionals to revolutionize healthcare through innovative IT solutions. Students develop advanced skills in data analytics, clinical systems, and population health management. This program emphasizes quantitative skills and database principles, with a strong analytics and data science focus. Programming experience is preferred, and the GRE may be waived for qualified applicants. The curriculum includes a required capstone project and offers dual degree options with PharmD and MD programs.

• 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

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a 36-credit Master of Science in Health Informatics online program that combines health informatics and biostatistics coursework. With a 3.3 GPA admission requirement and average completion time of 2.3 years, this program provides flexibility through thesis or additional coursework options. The curriculum prepares graduates for high-demand careers with median incomes around $90,000. No entrance exam is explicitly required, making it accessible for working professionals seeking to advance in health informatics.

• 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 Clinical Informatics concentration at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities provides comprehensive training in health data analysis, systems analysis, and human-computer interaction. This 70-credit campus program requires GRE scores for admission along with a 3.5 GPA and background in life sciences. Students gain expertise in decision support systems and predictive modeling through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The program includes internship and teaching opportunities, preparing graduates for leadership roles in clinical informatics research and practice.

• 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

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers a PhD in Health Informatics concentrating in Data Science and Informatics for Learning Health Systems. This campus-based program requires completion of a Master's in Data Science and focuses on applying advanced analytics to healthcare. Admission requires GRE scores and a 3.5 GPA, with preference given to applicants with strong backgrounds in calculus, linear algebra, and statistics. The 70-credit curriculum prepares students for impactful research merging data science with health sciences through specialized coursework and research thesis components.

• 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

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#2

The College of Saint Scholastica

Duluth, MN - Private 4-year - css.edu

Bachelor's - Health Informatics and Information Management

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management at The College of Saint Scholastica is a campus-based program preparing students for leadership in health records and information systems. It combines clinical, technology, and management courses, enabling graduates to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam. The curriculum covers database modeling, systems analysis, and health data analytics, requiring 76 major credits and a minimum 2.7 GPA. As a bachelor's program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams, though specifics are not stated.

• 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's online Master of Science in Health Informatics equips working professionals with skills in healthcare data storage, analysis, and system improvement. This graduate program integrates computer science and information sciences to enhance patient care through electronic health records and data analytics. Flexible for busy schedules, it requires a foundational course in inferential statistics and maintains a 3.0 GPA graduation requirement across 42 credits. No entrance exam is specified for admission, focusing on practical skills in technology creation and stakeholder collaboration.

• 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.

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#3

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 is an on-campus program totaling 120 credits, with 76 major credits, focusing on designing and applying technology-based innovations in healthcare. Students gain skills in data acquisition, storage, retrieval, and use to tackle healthcare challenges, along with collaborative team abilities and project management. Admission requires meeting general education prerequisites and specific course requirements, but no entrance exams like ACT or SAT are mentioned. Graduates are prepared for impactful roles in health informatics, emphasizing data-informed decision-making and hands-on experience in Health Information Technology.

• 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 in Health Informatics and Analytics is a campus-based program recognized by the PSM Commission, taking two years to complete. It prepares graduates for roles like Clinical Informatics and Informatics Analyst by leveraging Information Systems and Health Information Technology in healthcare. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, a minimum 3.25 GPA or GRE scores, a personal statement, and a resume. International students must meet TOEFL iBT 61 or IELTS 5.5 minimums. This program emphasizes innovation in healthcare delivery and management, with rolling admissions for U.S. applicants and no explicit waiver of entrance exams.

• 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

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#4

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - stkate.edu

Master's - Master of Health Informatics

Online Learning - Visit Website

St. Catherine University's online Master of Health Informatics is a 28-month inter-professional program tailored for working adults, focusing on healthcare data analytics, visualization, and security. It prepares graduates for leadership roles by covering Python, R, database principles, and project management, with an emphasis on ethical decision-making. The program includes a practicum for hands-on experience and does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible for those advancing their careers 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.

*Data retrieved from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

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.