In the field of health informatics, how users store and retrieve data is an important part of providing high-quality patient care. Hospitals and other medical centers rely on computer information systems to track important patient information, healthcare history, and billing data to operate efficiently.

Degree programs such as the Master of Health Informatics & Health Information Management (MHIHIM) were designed to train professionals to work with computers in healthcare settings. This degree program is especially helpful for people interested in working with computer information systems in a clinical setting.

The Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management degree program focuses on topics common to most IT degree programs – including courses in computer coding, program design, and technology management. This degree program also takes into account the need for advanced knowledge of healthcare organizations and programming, as this information will be stored in the field. The MHIHIM is similar to the Online MHI program, but also has distinct differences.

Health informatics and health information management can play a significant role in developing effective public health policies and programs. Information gained through research and everyday operations can provide data used in the creation and improvement of public health programs across the country.

Health information systems are also a major part of effective treatment in clinical settings. Hospitals require experienced computer information systems professionals to assist with teaching new systems to employees, training employees on how to store and retrieve data, and responding to system failures. These programs have grown into a vital piece of the healthcare community.

Students who are interested in pursuing careers as health informatics specialists or information systems managers can benefit from obtaining a master’s level education within their field. Some educational programs require students to have an undergraduate degree in computer information systems or public health before acceptance. 

The MHIHIM degree program contains diverse information from the fields of computer technology and healthcare. Students trained in these areas can pursue careers vital to the daily operations of large hospitals and medical centers. Some common roles for this degree are listed below for your review.

Sponsored Online Public Health Programs

University and Program Name	Study Length	Test Requirement	Number of Credits
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Master of Public Health (MPH) info AD	As few as 20 months	No GRE Required	42
George Washington University Master of Public Health info AD	As few as 12 months	No GRE Required	45
George Washington University Doctor of Public Health info AD	36 months	No GRE Required	48
George Washington University Master of Health Administration info AD	As few as 24 months	No GRE Required	50
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Institute of Health Professions Master of Health Administration info AD	As few as 12 months (full time) or 24 months (part time)	No GMAT or GRE Required	36

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Information updated as of April 2026