A health informatics degree in South Carolina offers a wealth of opportunities in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
South Carolina’s major healthcare systems, such as MUSC Health, Prisma Health, and Lexington Medical Center, are continually investing in digital transformation, creating a consistent demand for skilled informatics professionals to drive innovation and efficiency.
Initiatives like the South Carolina Health Information Exchange (SCHIEx) are crucial for secure and confidential information sharing among providers.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) strategic plan also emphasizes data-driven decision-making underscoring the critical role of informatics in achieving public health goals and ensuring wise spending of taxpayer funds.
2026 Best Health Informatics Degree Programs in South Carolina
Clemson University
Clemson, SC - Public 4-Year - clemson.edu
Master's - Biomedical Data Science and Informatics, M.S.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Clemson University's Biomedical Data Science and Informatics M.S. is an interdisciplinary program that equips students to manage and analyze big data in biology, medicine, and public health. Focusing on prescriptive analytics and technological applications in biomedical contexts, it offers courses at multiple locations like The Medical University of South Carolina and University Center of Greenville. The 32-34 hour curriculum covers biomedical informatics, computing, math, stats, engineering, and population health. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, calculus, biology, and programming experience, with no GRE required for entrance exams.
- Interdisciplinary program
- Focus on big data
- 32-34 hours coursework
- Multiple campus locations
- No GRE required
- Fall semester admission
- Combined B.S./M.S. options
- Non-thesis available
- Prerequisites required
- 3-4 semesters completion
Doctorate - Biomedical Data Science and Informatics
Concentration: Precision Medicine - Campus Based - Visit Website
Clemson University's Ph.D. in Biomedical Data Science and Informatics with a Precision Medicine concentration prepares students for advanced roles by merging computing and engineering with biomedical expertise. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes analyzing large-scale data from sources like electronic health records and biomedical texts. Designed for those with backgrounds in computer science, math, engineering, or biomedical sciences, it includes specialized tracks and research opportunities. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in a related field, calculus, biology, and programming experience, with no specific entrance exam mentioned, though prerequisites are enforced.
- Interdisciplinary PhD program
- Concentration in Precision Medicine
- Combines computing and biomedical expertise
- Full-time program
- Requires bachelor's in related field
- Calculus and biology prerequisites
- Programming experience needed
- Financial assistance available
- Research opportunities in health informatics
- Prepares for careers in biomedical data science
Doctorate - Biomedical Data Science and Informatics
Concentration: Population Health - Campus Based - Visit Website
The Ph.D. in Biomedical Data Science and Informatics at Clemson University, with a Population Health concentration, is a joint initiative with the Medical University of South Carolina. It focuses on managing and analyzing large-scale biomedical data to address public health challenges. Ideal for students from computing, math, engineering, or biomedical sciences backgrounds, the program requires 67 graduate credits and emphasizes research, culminating in a dissertation. Admission necessitates a bachelor's degree in a related field, calculus, biology, and programming experience, with no entrance exam specified for this doctoral program.
- Joint program with MUSC.
- Focus on Population Health.
- 67 graduate credits required.
- Background in related field needed.
- Emphasis on research and dissertation.
Doctorate - Biomedical Data Science and Informatics
Concentration: Clinical and Translational Informatics - Campus Based - Visit Website
Clemson University's Ph.D. in Biomedical Data Science and Informatics, concentrating on Clinical and Translational Informatics, is an interdisciplinary partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina. It trains students to handle data from electronic health records, biomedical texts, and omics data, blending computing and biomedical skills. Aimed at full-time students with backgrounds in computer science, math, engineering, or biomedical sciences, the program is research-intensive and tailored to individual goals. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in relevant fields, calculus, biology, and programming experience, with no mention of an entrance exam requirement.
- Joint program with MUSC
- Focus on Clinical and Translational Informatics
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Full-time study requirement
- Background in relevant fields needed
- Skills in large-scale data analysis
- Prepares for informatics careers
- Research-focused
- Tailored to student goals
- Admission requires calculus
University of South Carolina-Upstate
Spartanburg, SC - Public 4-Year - uscupstate.edu
Bachelor's - Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
USC Upstate's online Bachelor of Arts in Health Informatics builds expertise in managing biomedical data systems for healthcare and science sectors, merging health information management with computer technology. This 122-credit program suits high school graduates, transfers, or career advancers, fostering skills in healthcare IT and leadership without requiring ACT or SAT exams for admission. Flexible online delivery accommodates diverse schedules, with admission counselors aiding the application process. Students gain a robust foundation to thrive in the expanding health informatics field, focusing on real-world data system applications.
- Online program available
- 122 credit hours required
- Focus on health IT
- Leadership skills development
- Flexible for career advancers
Master's - Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina-Upstate's online Master of Science in Informatics equips professionals with advanced knowledge in information technology, communications, and business theory. This 30-credit program allows customization through electives in Information Resource Management or Healthcare Information Management, emphasizing practical skills in innovation management, IT project leadership, and interoperability. Admission requires a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA, two recommendation letters, and a statement of intent, with no entrance exam specified. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across industries, leveraging hands-on experience in managing complex IT systems.
- 30-credit program.
- Online program type.
- Minimum GPA 2.5.
- Two recommendation letters.
- Statement of intent required.
- Core courses in IT.
- Electives in IRM or HIM.
- Focus on practical skills.
- Prepares for leadership roles.
- Independent study option.
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC - Public 4-Year - sc.edu
Master's - Health Information Technology, M.H.I.T.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Carolina-Columbia's hybrid Master's in Health Information Technology (M.H.I.T.) provides a comprehensive education through courses from the College of Engineering and Computing, Nursing, and Public Health. This CAHIIM-accredited program combines online and on-campus learning, offering in-state tuition for online students and potential fellowships for on-campus attendees. Designed for professionals with healthcare or IT backgrounds, it emphasizes leadership, project management, systems analysis, and innovation. Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in health IT, with a professional internship option available. No GRE is required for applicants with relevant experience, making it accessible for career advancement.
- Hybrid program format
- In-state tuition online
- Fellowships available
- CAHIIM accredited
- 95% alumni recommendation
- Professional internship option
- Diverse course offerings
- Leadership skill development
- Project management training
- Medical terminology focus
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC - Public 4-Year - web.musc.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Medical University of South Carolina's online Master of Science in Health Informatics prepares graduates for high-demand healthcare IT roles like data analysts and chief information officers. This CAHIIM-accredited program emphasizes practical data analytics skills for efficient patient care management. Designed for working professionals, it offers flexible online learning with small class sizes and strong faculty support. The program boasts high post-graduation employment rates and doesn't require entrance exams for admission. Financial aid is available, making this career-focused education accessible without academic transfer requirements.
- Online program format
- Prepares for healthcare IT roles
- Flexible for working professionals
- Accredited by CAHIIM
- Financial aid available
- Small class sizes
- Focus on data analytics
- High employment rate post-graduation
- No academic transfers required
- Strong faculty-student relationships
Limestone University
Gaffney, SC - Private 4-year - limestone.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Visit Website
Limestone University's Master of Science in Health Informatics is a fully online program tailored for working professionals, allowing completion in as little as one year. It merges computer science and healthcare in a multidisciplinary curriculum, emphasizing systems analysis, database design, and healthcare policy. The program does not require an entrance exam for admission, focusing instead on a bachelor's degree prerequisite. Graduates enter a high-demand STEM field with an 18% job growth outlook and median earnings around $100,980, supported by flexible scheduling and expert faculty to address the shortage of skilled informatics leaders.
- 100% online program
- Complete in as little as one year
- STEM field with 18% job growth
- Median pay of $100,980
- Flexible for working adults
- Multidisciplinary curriculum
- Focus on healthcare and IT
- Outstanding faculty support
- No on-the-job training required
- Bachelor's degree required for admission
Winthrop University
Rock Hill, SC - Public 4-Year - winthrop.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Professional Studies
Concentration: Health Informatics - Online Learning - Visit Website
Winthrop University's online Bachelor of Professional Studies with a Health Informatics concentration provides comprehensive training in healthcare data management, privacy protection, and programming with Python and SQL. This flexible program emphasizes competency-based learning and leadership development, preparing graduates for roles like health informaticist and medical registrar. The curriculum covers analytics, database management, and healthcare IT applications. Admission requires a 2.0 GPA and official transcripts, but no ACT or SAT entrance exam is needed. Designed for working professionals, it offers career advancement opportunities in healthcare settings without requiring prior work experience.
- Online program flexibility
- 18-credit concentration
- Focus on Health Informatics
- Python and SQL training
- Leadership skills development
- 2.0 GPA requirement
- No work experience needed
- Career in healthcare IT
- Data privacy focus
- Competency-based learning
2026 Most Affordable Health Informatics Programs in South Carolina
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
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| University of South Carolina |
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| Medical University of South Carolina |
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| University of South Carolina-Upstate |
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List of South Carolina Colleges With Health Informatics Degree Programs
Charleston, SC
Medical University of South Carolina
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- Prepares for healthcare IT roles
- Flexible for working professionals
- Accredited by CAHIIM
- Financial aid available
- Small class sizes
- Focus on data analytics
- High employment rate post-graduation
Clemson, SC
Clemson University
- Master's - Biomedical Data Science and Informatics, M.S.
Campus Based - Website
- Interdisciplinary program
- Focus on big data
- 32-34 hours coursework
- Multiple campus locations
- No GRE required
- Fall semester admission
- Combined B.S./M.S. options
- Non-thesis available
- Doctorate - Biomedical Data Science and Informatics
Concentration: Clinical and Translational Informatics - Campus Based - Website
- Joint program with MUSC
- Focus on Clinical and Translational Informatics
- Interdisciplinary curriculum
- Full-time study requirement
- Background in relevant fields needed
- Skills in large-scale data analysis
- Prepares for informatics careers
- Research-focused
- Doctorate - Biomedical Data Science and Informatics
Concentration: Population Health - Campus Based - Website
- Joint program with MUSC.
- Focus on Population Health.
- 67 graduate credits required.
- Background in related field needed.
- Emphasis on research and dissertation.
- Doctorate - Biomedical Data Science and Informatics
Concentration: Precision Medicine - Campus Based - Website
- Interdisciplinary PhD program
- Concentration in Precision Medicine
- Combines computing and biomedical expertise
- Full-time program
- Requires bachelor's in related field
- Calculus and biology prerequisites
- Programming experience needed
- Financial assistance available
Columbia, SC
University of South Carolina
- Master's - Health Information Technology, M.H.I.T.
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format
- In-state tuition online
- Fellowships available
- CAHIIM accredited
- 95% alumni recommendation
- Professional internship option
- Diverse course offerings
- Leadership skill development
Gaffney, SC
Limestone University
- Master's - Master of Science in Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- Complete in as little as one year
- STEM field with 18% job growth
- Median pay of $100,980
- Flexible for working adults
- Multidisciplinary curriculum
- Focus on healthcare and IT
- Outstanding faculty support
Rock Hill, SC
Winthrop University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Professional Studies
Concentration: Health Informatics - Online Learning - Website
- Online program flexibility
- 18-credit concentration
- Focus on Health Informatics
- Python and SQL training
- Leadership skills development
- 2.0 GPA requirement
- No work experience needed
- Career in healthcare IT
Spartanburg, SC
University of South Carolina-Upstate
- Bachelor's - Health Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- Online program available
- 122 credit hours required
- Focus on health IT
- Leadership skills development
- Flexible for career advancers
- Master's - Informatics
Online Learning - Website
- 30-credit program.
- Online program type.
- Minimum GPA 2.5.
- Two recommendation letters.
- Statement of intent required.
- Core courses in IT.
- Electives in IRM or HIM.
- Focus on practical skills.
A Look at the Health Informatics Job Market in South Carolina
Based on current job postings from major healthcare systems, academic medical centers, and government agencies across South Carolina, health informatics professionals have access to diverse, well-compensated opportunities spanning clinical analytics, system implementation, and specialized informatics roles. Here’s what employers are seeking:
Clinical Background Requirements
Nursing Credentials Essential
- Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System (Spartanburg) requires BSN plus 5 consecutive years licensed clinical nursing for their Nursing Informatics Analyst I role, with ANCC Informatics Nurse certification required within 18 months
- Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) (Charleston) mandates bachelor’s/master’s in professional healthcare discipline (nursing, radiologic technology, medical technology, therapy, pharmacy) plus 3 years clinical experience and 2 years clinical informatics experience for Clinical Informatics Analyst positions
- McLeod Health (Springdale) requires registered nurse license plus 5 years clinical setting experience and Epic Informaticist certification within 6 months for Nurse Informaticist roles
Specialized Clinical Disciplines
- McLeod Health (Florence) seeks PharmD degree plus acute care hospital and pharmacy informatics experience for Informatics Pharmacist Specialist, requiring South Carolina pharmacy license and Epic medication module certification
- Epic (Savannah, GA) targets physicians with several years inpatient/outpatient experience, preferably family medicine, pediatrics, or internal medicine, plus extensive Epic software experience for Applied Informatics roles
Technical Skills & Systems Expertise
Epic Systems Mastery
- Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System offers Informatics Instructional Designer I positions requiring Epic Application Curriculum Certification and Training Environment Build Accreditation within 90 days, plus Epic Clinical Informatics Certificate within 6 months
- Prisma Health (Columbia) seeks Epic Ambulatory Analysts ($75K-$100K) for implementation, support, and optimization of Epic Ambulatory systems
- MUSC requires Epic certification within 6 months for multiple informatics analyst positions
Advanced Technical Competencies
- Veterans Health Administration (Charleston) offers Program Analyst positions ($90K annually) requiring analytical research approaches, database administration, and forward thinking competencies
- Atrium Health (Charlotte, NC) seeks Clinical Informatics Coordinators ($74K-$99K) with healthcare informatics, IT, or computer science backgrounds plus HL7 and database management knowledge
Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree Minimum
- Most positions require bachelor’s in healthcare disciplines, information technology, or computer science
- MUSC accepts associate’s degree with 6 years experience or master’s with 2 years experience for certain analyst roles
Advanced Degrees Preferred
- Spartanburg Regional prefers MSN with informatics focus for nursing informatics positions
- Veterans Health Administration accepts PhD or equivalent doctoral degree, or 3 years progressive graduate education for senior analyst roles
- McLeod Health requires PharmD from accredited pharmacy school
Salary Ranges & Compensation
Entry to Mid-Level Positions
- Spartanburg Regional: Salary ranges not disclosed but comprehensive benefits packages included
- Atrium Health: $74K-$99K for Clinical Informatics Coordinator roles
- Prisma Health: $75K-$100K for Epic Ambulatory Analyst positions
Senior/Specialized Roles
- Veterans Health Administration: $90K annually for GS-11 Program Analyst positions with federal benefits
- McLeod Health: Salary not disclosed for Informatics Pharmacist Specialist but includes full-time 80 hours bi-weekly schedule
Cross-Disciplinary Integration
Clinical-IT Interface
- MUSC emphasizes integration of clinical practices with information technology for patient care enhancement
- Spartanburg Regional combines nursing science with information and analytical sciences to improve patient outcomes
- McLeod Health integrates pharmacy operations with medication-related technologies including automated dispensing systems and infusion pumps
Quality & Compliance Focus
- Veterans Health Administration requires knowledge of clinical decision support systems, regulatory compliance, and patient management systems
- MUSC emphasizes patient safety enhancement, National Patient Safety Goals compliance, and regulatory guidelines
- Atrium Health focuses on healthcare regulation compliance and quality patient care delivery
Specialized Requirements
Professional Certifications
- Spartanburg Regional prefers Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate/Professional in Health Information & Management Systems (CAHIMS/CPHIMS)
- MUSC requires industry-accepted informatics/IT certification within 6 months
- McLeod Health mandates current BLS certification and active professional licensure
Geographic Considerations
- Epic (Savannah) requires relocation to Madison, WI with full reimbursement and 25% travel commitment
- Veterans Health Administration offers flexible work arrangements and compressed schedules
- Spartanburg Regional provides hybrid work options for instructional designer roles
Training & Development Focus
Educational Leadership
- Spartanburg Regional emphasizes training delivery (50% of time), learning material development, and Epic training environment management
- MUSC includes mentoring junior staff and training material development responsibilities
- McLeod Health involves training pharmacy residents, students, and technician students
System Implementation & Optimization
- MUSC focuses on workflow optimization, process improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
- Atrium Health emphasizes system upgrades, testing, implementation coordination, and performance monitoring
- Prisma Health centers on system optimization, data analysis, and trend identification
The South Carolina health informatics market demonstrates robust opportunities across academic medical centers, regional health systems, and federal agencies, with strong emphasis on Epic systems expertise, clinical backgrounds, and comprehensive training programs. Career progression paths range from entry-level analyst positions to specialized leadership roles, offering competitive compensation and extensive professional development opportunities.