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

Spring I – 2025

Application DeadlineDecember 20, 2024
Start DateJanuary 13, 2025
End DateMarch 9, 2025

Spring II – 2025

Application DeadlineFebruary 21, 2025
Start DateMarch 10, 2025
End DateMay  4, 2025

Summer I – 2025

Application DeadlineApril 18, 2025
Start DateMay 5, 2025
End DateJune 29, 2025

SUMMER II – 2025

Application DeadlineJune 13, 2025
Start DateJune 30, 2025
End DateAugust 24, 2025

FALL I – 2025

Application DeadlineAugust 8, 2025
Start DateAugust 25, 2025
End DateOctober 19, 2025

FALL II – 2025

Application DeadlineOctober 3, 2025
Start DateOctober 20, 2025
End DateDecember 14, 2025

Spring I – 2026

Application DeadlineDecember 19, 2025
Start DateJanuary 12, 2026
End DateMarch 8, 2026

Spring II – 2026

Application DeadlineFebruary 20, 2026
Start DateMarch 9, 2026
End DateMay 3, 2026

Get Our Program Guide

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