Admissions Questions
Who would be a good fit for the Master of Science in Applied Health Informatics (MS/AHI) program?
The MS/AHI program is designed for clinically-prepared healthcare professionals, as well as non-clinical professionals in fields such as computer science, technology management and healthcare management interested in implementing and managing health care information systems in complex environments. Successful students are engaged and motivated to seek opportunities to learn and work in a collaborative environment.
Do I need a specific undergraduate degree or background to apply?
No. The program welcomes students from various educational and professional backgrounds. We do, however, highly recommend that students have an affinity for and interest in gaining technical skills given that students learn technical tools such as SQL, Python, R and Tableau.
What are the admission requirements?
Please read the admission requirements for the program.
Do I need to take the GRE for this program?
The GRE is not required for admission.
I am an international student. Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS?
If your native or primary language is not English, English proficiency must be established based on the results of your TOEFL or IELTS examinations.
"Native or primary speakers" of English have been raised or educated in an English-speaking environment. Native or primary speakers may speak a language other than English at home but speak English exclusively outside the home in social and/or educational contexts.
Please see the Graduate Admissions FAQs for more information.
Do you have information sessions that I can attend?
Yes, please see the information sessions page.
When is the application deadline?
The program classes begin in the summer (late May). We are now accepting applications for Summer 2023 admission. The application deadline is March 15, 2023. For international students, the application deadline was December 15, 2022.
I am an international student. Can I complete this program online from my home country?
Yes. Non-New York State resident students who do not have a permanent or local presence in New York State may be eligible for the Online out-of-state rate, which is only 1.2 times the New York State resident rate for the program. This applies only to the program's Online mode.
I am an international student. Where can I get more information?
To learn more about international student services, please see information provided by Stony Brook's Visa and Immigration Services office.
Is this program STEM-designated?
Yes.
Program Questions
When does this program begin?
The program begins during the summer with courses starting in late May. Please note that the program starts in the Summer I session (in May) and not in the Fall semester.
What is the duration of the program?
Full-time students can complete the program in 15 months (including 2 summers). Part-time students can complete the program in as little as 27 months. Part-time plans of study need to be approved by the program.
Can the program be completed on a Part-Time basis?
Yes. Part-time students can complete the program in as little as 27 months. Part-time plans of study need to be approved by the program. More information on Masters degree completion time limits can be found here.
How many credits will I need to complete during the program?
The MS/AHI is a 48-credit program.
Where are classes held?
In-person classes are held at the Stony Brook Southampton campus. Online synchronous classes are typically delivered via Zoom.
When are classes scheduled?
Classes are held in the evenings starting at 6:00 PM ET. Classes are typically delivered Monday-Thursday evenings.
I am a working professional. Can I attend this program?
Yes. To meet the needs of busy professionals, our program can be completed 100% online. Our classes are also delivered during weeknights.
What is the difference between the HyFlex mode and the Online mode?
The HyFlex mode is a hybrid format whereby select core classes are offered as a traditional in-person experience and simultaneously as an online synchronous experience. Students can choose to attend some or all classes online or in person.
The fully Online mode allows students to complete the program exclusively through online synchronous instruction. Students who select this option are not allowed to be on campus, and must complete a Quality Improvement Project (these students cannot participate in the Practicum experience).
There are no content differences between the two modes of instruction; it is the same class delivered at the same time.
Review specific differences between the two formats here.
Can I attend the program completely online?
Yes. The program is offered in a fully Online (synchronous) mode as an option.
What is the cost for the program?
Program fees vary based on residency status, program mode and student fees levied by the University. Per-credit tuition rates are available through Student Financial Services. Other costs may include materials, books, compliance, and transportation to and from practicum sites.
Non-New York State resident students who do not have a permanent or local presence in New York State may be eligible for the Online out-of-state rate, which is only 1.2 times the New York State resident rate for the program. This applies only to the program's Online mode.
Who can I contact about program costs for my specific situation?
You can contact a staff member in Student Financial Services.
Is transportation available to the Southampton campus?
Yes. A shuttle bus is available from the Stony Brook campus to the Southampton campus when classes are in session.
Is housing available at the Southampton Campus?
Yes, housing is available. Please read the Stony Brook Southampton Housing information page.
What courses are offered in the program?
Please see the Typical Course Schedule page for the program curriculum and courses offered.
Will I gain hands-on experience through this program?
Yes. This program includes the option of a 360-hour practicum/internship or a quality improvement (capstone) project. The internship allows students to gain practical work experience in a professional environment as part of an information technology team. Students are able to apply the knowledge and skills obtained in the classroom to real world experiences that help promote growth and confidence.
Can I get involved with projects during the program?
Yes. We collaborate with several departments within our own school, at the Renaissance School of Medicine, other programs and departments across the University, as well as external organizations, to bring projects into the classroom as much as we can. Review our list of selected past projects that AHI students have worked on.
Can I choose my internship site?
The program faculty will work with each student to match them to a site.
Do I have to do the internship/practicum?
No. This program includes the option of a 360-hour practicum/internship or a quality improvement (capstone) project. However, completion of one of these options is a requirement.
What is the Quality Improvement Project?
Under faculty supervision, students are given the opportunity to demonstrate integration, synthesis, and application of their knowledge and skills gained during the didactic portion of the program. Students are asked to identify a real-world health informatics problem and research best practices that can be utilized to develop a solution for the problem. A majority of the course work is completed independently.
Careers in Health Informatics
What is Applied Health Informatics?
Applied Health Informatics is a specialty field in which technology is used to store, retrieve and analyze health information. Health informatics professionals are a critical part of multidisciplinary teams representing clinical, administrative and information technology disciplines that develop, implement and support the tools needed to improve patient outcomes. Health information technology solutions include:
- population health tools that support value-based medicine
- activity trackers and other consumer-facing apps that help people achieve and maintain good health
- electronic medical record systems that allow providers to document and communicate medical information
- patient portals that link people with their health care information
- big data and predictive analytics tools that provide behavioral insights that improve patient outcomes
- and much more
What type of job opportunities are available after I graduate?
Health information technology is a dynamic, growing field with a wide array of opportunities. Our graduates are working in healthcare technology roles with titles such as Application Analyst, Business Analyst, Clinical Analyst, Data Analyst, EMR Specialist, Health Business Consultant, Product Manager, Project Coordinator, Project Manager, Revenue Cycle Analyst, Quality Data Analyst, and Solution Support Analyst. Review a list of Health Information and Technology Job Descriptions.
Where are your graduates working?
Our graduates are employed at health systems, community practices, health IT vendors, health technology companies and payers, representing world-renowned institutions such as Allscripts, Catholic Health, Cerner, Cognizant, Epic, Mount Sinai Health System, Netsmart, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine, Northwell Health, NYU Langone Health, ProHEALTH/Optum, Softheon, sema4, Stony Brook Medicine, and Yale New Haven Health.
What do your graduates have to say about the program?
See what our alumni have to say about the program by visiting our Alumni Perspectives page.
Are there opportunities to network with informatics experts while enrolled in this program?
Of course! The MS/AHI faculty themselves are highly skilled and knowledgeable leaders in the industry. In addition, faculty routinely invite guest speakers and other experts to speak to students about various health technology topics.
