How Does Online Learning Work?

USF Health’s online graduate programs in health informatics cover the same rigorous curriculum as the ground-based programs and prepare you for a career just like a traditional class.

The only difference is how you learn. Online classes offer students flexibility not available in traditional classrooms, from when classes begin to when you attend lectures. Hear from Dr. Robert Deschenes about what to expect as an incoming USF Health online student.

Classes

Benefits To Online Learning

Engaging Content

Each course is taught through the University of South Florida’s online learning platform, Canvas. Content includes videos, chat rooms and discussion boards.

Flexible Schedule
Access course content anytime, anywhere and consult and collaborate with classmates and professors in real-time via email and chat room.

Weekly Assignments

Professors may assign an easy-to-follow schedule for when certain assignments are due, typically on a weekly basis.
Classes

Student Engagement

Classmates

Students interact with one another through live chat and discussion boards. Some professors may assign projects that require you to work with other students.

Faculty

Students and program faculty communicate with each other through chat, discussion boards and email. They also provide feedback through the Canvas learning platform.

Classes

Requirements

Time Requirements

Courses begin every eight weeks. The time spent on each class depends on the coursework. Professors will inform students of the time requirements for each class. Make sure you log into each class within the first three full days of class to keep from being dropped from the course.

Technology Requirements

While some courses are available via mobile, it is recommended that students use a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable, daily internet connection. View full system requirements here.

an open laptop with the elearning course for foundation of management info systems course from USF on the screen
Have Questions?

Get started or reach out to us if you need more information.

Academic Calendar

SUMMER II – 2025

Application Deadline June 13, 2025
Start Date June 30, 2025
End Date August 24, 2025

FALL I – 2025

Application Deadline August 8, 2025
Start Date August 25, 2025
End Date October 19, 2025

FALL II – 2025

Application Deadline October 3, 2025
Start Date October 20, 2025
End Date December 14, 2025

Spring I – 2026

Application Deadline December 19, 2025
Start Date January 12, 2026
End Date March 8, 2026

Spring II – 2026

Application Deadline February 20, 2026
Start Date March 9, 2026
End Date May 3, 2026

Get Our Program Guide

If you are ready to learn more about our programs, get started by downloading our program guide now.