If you’re considering an online master’s degree or graduate certificate in health informatics or healthcare analytics, one of the first questions to answer is simple: What does it take to get in?
USF Health offers four online programs in these fields through the Morsani College of Medicine. The programs include the Master of Science in Health Informatics, MSHI Healthcare Analytics, Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics and SAS Approved Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Analytics.
The admission requirements are straightforward, but they vary somewhat between the master’s degrees and graduate certificates. Here’s what you’ll need to apply.
When is the next USF Health application deadline?
For the Spring I 2027 term, the application deadline is December 18, 2026. Classes begin January 11, 2027.
USF Health’s online programs use eight-week terms, so application deadlines vary by start date. If you’re applying for a future term, check the USF Health Online Academic Calendar for the current deadline.
It’s also a good idea to request transcripts and gather other application materials early. USF Health requires official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended, and processing times can vary.
Which USF Health programs are included?
USF Health offers four online programs focused on health informatics and healthcare analytics:
- MS in Health Informatics
- MSHI Healthcare Analytics
- Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics
- SAS Approved Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Analytics
The master’s programs lead to graduate degrees, while the certificate programs provide a shorter course of study in a specific area of health informatics or healthcare analytics.
Do I need a specific bachelor’s degree?
Not necessarily.
USF Health requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university in the biological, chemical, computer or management information sciences, or another acceptable field. Equivalent degrees from foreign institutions may also meet the requirement, subject to USF’s additional requirements for international applicants.
That means applicants do not need to come from one specific undergraduate major. The accepted fields include scientific, computer and information-related disciplines, as well as other fields considered acceptable by USF Health.
Even if your degree isn’t in one of these fields, relevant experience can also help meet this requirement. If that applies to you, be sure to address it in your statement of purpose. The review committee looks for a clear explanation of how your background and experience have prepared you for the program, even when your degree isn’t directly related to the field.
What GPA do I need for health informatics or healthcare analytics?
USF Health requires a minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale, along with a minimum 3.00 GPA in science coursework.
If your undergraduate GPA falls below the 3.0 minimum, you can address this in your statement of purpose by explaining what contributed to a lower GPA, how your circumstances have since changed, and what your plan is for succeeding academically in graduate school. This is what the review committee looks for when an applicant’s undergraduate GPA doesn’t meet the 3.0 minimum.
Official transcripts from every college or university attended are required to verify academic history and GPA.
If you’re close to the application deadline, requesting transcripts early can help give you time to address any issues before submitting your application.
What do I need to apply to the master’s programs?
The application requirements for the MS in Health Informatics and MSHI Healthcare Analytics include:
- A completed application
- A $65 non-refundable application fee
- A qualifying bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- A minimum 3.00 overall GPA
- A minimum 3.00 science GPA
- A resume
- Two professional or academic letters of recommendation
- Completing the Statement of Purpose PDF
USF Health does not accept recommendation letters from friends or family members.
What do I need to apply to the graduate certificate programs?
The Graduate Certificate in Health Informatics and SAS Approved Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Analytics have a similar academic foundation but a different application process.
USF Health lists the following requirements:
- A completed application
- A $65 non-refundable application fee
- A qualifying bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- A minimum 3.00 overall GPA
- A minimum 3.00 science GPA
- A resume
- Completing the Statement of Purpose PDF
Because requirements can change, applicants should review USF Health’s current admission requirements before applying.
Do I need the GRE, MCAT or VAT?
No. GRE, MCAT and VAT scores are not required.
USF Health allows applicants to submit GRE, MCAT or VAT scores as additional application materials. Applicants may also submit evidence of substantial health informatics experience. These materials are optional and may be used to provide additional information about an applicant’s background.
The published minimum GPA requirements still apply.
Do I need healthcare experience to study health informatics?
A healthcare background is not the only path into these programs.
USF Health’s admission requirements recognize academic backgrounds in areas including biological sciences, chemical sciences, computer sciences and management information sciences, along with other acceptable fields. Applicants may also submit evidence of substantial health informatics experience as an optional component of their application.
The mix of backgrounds in health informatics reflects the field itself, which sits at the intersection of healthcare, information technology, data and management.
Do I need a statistics or data background for Healthcare Analytics?
Some familiarity with statistics is expected.
USF Health says candidates for the Healthcare Analytics program should understand basic statistics. Experience with data management and statistical software is preferred, but it is not required for admission.
The MSHI Healthcare Analytics curriculum covers topics such as data preparation, data visualization, descriptive statistics, predictive analytics and healthcare data. Students also work with technologies including SAS Studio, SAS Visual Analytics and SAS Viya.
So while applicants should have a foundation in statistics, previous experience with healthcare analytics software is not listed as an admission requirement.
What should I include in my Statement of Purpose?
The Statement of Purpose gives you an opportunity to explain why you’re pursuing graduate study and provide context for your application.
USF Health’s admissions guidance asks applicants to address:
- A brief biography
- Why they chose a USF Health Morsani College of Medicine graduate program
- Personal, academic and/or professional achievements
- Goals after completing the program
- Any additional personal, academic or professional information that may be relevant — for example, if your degree isn’t healthcare-related, how your professional experience strengthens your application; or if your GPA fell below 3.0, the circumstances behind it and your plan for success in graduate school.
USF Health also asks applicants to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their application when appropriate.
A strong statement should be specific to the program you’re applying to rather than simply repeating information from your resume.
Is the MS in Health Informatics CAHIIM accredited?
Yes. USF Health’s MS in Health Informatics is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). USF Health states that the program’s accreditation has been affirmed through 2029.
USF Health also identifies the MSHI Healthcare Analytics program as CAHIIM accredited.
How long do the programs take?
USF Health lists the master’s programs as approximately two years and the graduate certificates as approximately eight months, with courses offered in eight-week sessions.
Actual completion time may vary based on course enrollment and an individual’s circumstances.
Ready to apply?
Start by reviewing the USF Health Online Admissions Overview and admission requirements. Then gather your transcripts and other required materials and start your application.
If you’re applying for Spring I 2027, the deadline is December 18, 2026. For later terms, check the USF Health Online Academic Calendar for the applicable deadline.
