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 clinical and non-clinical professionals interested in implementing and managing healthcare information systems in complex environments. Successful students are engaged and motivated to seek opportunities to learn and work in a collaborative environment to solve healthcare and business problems using technology.
Do I need a specific undergraduate degree or background to apply for the MS/AHI program?
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 for the MS/AHI program?
Please read the admission requirements for the program.
Do I need to take the GRE for the MS/AHI program?
The GRE is not required for admission.
I am an international student. Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS for the MS/AHI program?
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 MS/AHI program information sessions that I can attend?
Yes, please see the information sessions page.
When is the application deadline for the MS/AHI program?
The program classes begin in the summer (late May). Applications for Summer 2024 admission will open in Fall 2023. The application deadline is January 15, 2024.
What is the application fee?
Please see application fee and checklist information provided by the Health Sciences Office of Student Services.
Can I get an application fee waiver?
Application fee waivers are limited to certain exceptional circumstances. Please visit the Stony Brook University Graduate School Bulletin page for more information.
I am not a resident of New York State. Can I complete the MS/AHI program online from outside New York State?
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. Can I complete the MS/AHI 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.
To obtain a program cost breakdown, please directly email, call or live chat with a Student Financial Services representative. They will provide individualized information about tuition and fees.
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. Please also visit the Graduate Admissions FAQs page for additional information.
Is the MS/AHI program STEM-designated?
Yes.
Program Questions
When does the MS/AHI 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 MS/AHI 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 (including 3 summers). Part-time plans of study need to be approved by the program.
Can the MS/AHI 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 Master's degree completion time limits can be found here.
How many credits will I need to complete during the MS/AHI program?
The MS/AHI is a 48-credit program.
Where are classes for the MS/AHI program held?
In-person classes are typically held at the Stony Brook Southampton campus. Online synchronous classes are typically delivered via Zoom.
When are MS/AHI program 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 the MS/AHI program?
Yes. To meet the needs of busy professionals, our classes are delivered during weeknights. The program can also be completed 100% online, and/or on a part-time basis.
What is the difference between the HyFlex mode and the Online mode for the MS/AHI program?
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 MS/AHI program completely online?
Yes. The program is offered in a fully online/remote (synchronous) mode as an option.
What is the cost for the MS/AHI program?
The MS/AHI is a 48-credit graduate professional program. Program fees vary based on residency status, program mode and student fees levied by the University. Per-credit tuition rates are available for both the HyFlex and Online instruction modes. 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.
To obtain a program cost breakdown, please directly email, call or live chat with a Student Financial Services representative. They will provide individualized information about tuition and fees.
Is financial aid available for the MS/AHI program?
To obtain financial aid and scholarship information, please directly email or call the Financial Aid Office. They will provide individualized information about financial aid and scholarship options.
Are scholarships available for the MS/AHI program?
Scholarships may be available through the University Financial Aid Office and the School of Health Professions.
Can I speak with somebody about MS/AHI program costs for my specific situation?
Yes. To obtain a program cost breakdown, please directly email, call or live chat with a Student Financial Services representative. They will provide individualized information about tuition and fees.
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 MS/AHI program?
Please see the Curriculum page for the program curriculum and courses offered.
Will I gain hands-on experience through the MS/AHI 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 MS/AHI 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.
Do I have to do the internship/practicum in the MS/AHI program?
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.
Can I choose my site for the MS/AHI program internship/practicum?
The program faculty will work with each student to match them to a site.
What is the MS/AHI program Quality Improvement Project?
In lieu of the internship/practicum, students can complete a quality improvement/capstone 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 type of job opportunities are available after I graduate from the MS/AHI program?
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 MS/AHI program 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 MS/AHI program?
See what our alumni have to say about the program by visiting our Alumni Perspectives page.
Are there opportunities to network with industry experts while enrolled in the MS/AHI 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.
