University of San Francisco Masters Degrees in Health Informatics

The Art and Science of Health Data Analytics

USF’s Master of Science in Health Informatics program is focused on training the next generation of informaticists in the art and science of health data analytics. Healthcare and technical professionals learn everything from the basics of programming to cutting-edge statistical and machine learning methods in interprofessional, project-based classrooms.

Two tracks are available for students to pursue. Students may follow a track, or take any combination of courses that best suit their goals:

• Health Data Analytics - for students who want advanced training in data science
• Clinical Informatics - for clinicians and executives who are preparing for leadership positions

We seek highly motivated students who have a passion for improving healthcare through the application of data science and information technology. Our ideal student will have either:

• Clinical background (e.g., MD, RN, DPT, PsyD, PharmD, Allied Health, other post-baccalaureate clinical degree, or equivalents)
• Science or Engineering background with an interest in healthcare
• Healthcare Executives, Health IT leaders, and others involved in healthcare that wish to gain broad and deep knowledge in Health Informatics.
• Strong academic background, passion for healthcare, and quantitative aptitude

Program Features

REAL-WORLD PROBLEMS IN THE CLASSROOM

Classroom projects engage interdisciplinary teams of students to tackle real-world problems from faculty research or industry partners.

PROGRAMMING AND DATA ANALYTICS SKILLS

All students, regardless of background, learn programming skills in the context of working with healthcare data.

ENTREPRENEURIAL PERSPECTIVE

Located in the epicenter of the global digital revolution, our program engages with the Silicon Valley startup community. Interested students are given startup mentoring opportunities.

INTERNSHIP AND PRACTICUM OPPORTUNITIES

Students are required to complete a Capstone Experience consisting of original research, substantial project in health and biomedical informatics, or an internship with industry partner. We provide support for students in finding their internships and projects.

ADVANCED CLINICAL TRAINING

Clinically trained students are able to take graduate level nursing courses that fully count toward an advanced nursing degree including Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at USF.

Job Outcomes

Our graduates are well-prepared for current and future challenges in this field. Importantly, our graduates have the technical skill to work with computer scientists and programmers, and a deep understanding of the healthcare environment to work with doctors, nurses, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals.

Our graduates have found opportunities in large hospitals or medical centers, research institutions, startups, government health agencies, and global health organizations. Positions have included Clinical Data Analyst, Director of Clinical Informatics Research, Statistical Analyst, Senior Programmer Analyst and Advanced Research or Clinical training (MD, DNP, PhD in Biomedical Informatics).

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Why get a dual degree in public and behavioral health?

The MPH-MSBH dual degree has been designed to prepare practitioners who are committed to eliminating health disparities, working with vulnerable populations, and creating social and physical environments that promote good health for all. This program is ideal for students who want a broad, in-depth knowledge base in public health with an emphasis on behavioral health skills. Courses are practice oriented and applied skills are emphasized. Dual degree students graduate with the knowledge to design, implement, and lead evidence-based health care and community programs.

The dual degree requires approximately 60 units. Full-time, dual degree students should be able to complete their course work in 6 semesters (24 months). Students can attend on a part-time basis and spread the program over three years. The course sequence can be adjusted on an individual basis.

On completing the dual degree program, graduates will have two degrees: Both the Master of Public Health and the MS in Behavioral Health. By pursuing this dual degree option, students will achieve a substantial savings in time and credits over completing these two degrees separately.

The dual degree has been designed to help students understand and address the social, emotional and environmental determinants of health and wellbeing. The program stresses the needs of underserved and at-risk populations. It teaches students how to implement and monitor programs; set up budgets, timelines and tracking tools; and write a grant proposal. Students also learn about ethics and policy, research methods, epidemiology, and statistical analysis and their roles in program development.

There is substantive focus on how to develop evidence-based interventions that have a high likelihood of success, use behavior change theory and holistic models and frameworks, and are based on community needs and assessment.

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USF’s Master of Science in Biology is research-intensive, providing personalized, hands-on training in a faculty member’s laboratory. Working together with their advisers, students design an independent, faculty-directed research project that culminates in a formal written thesis.

The focus of USF’s Master of Science in Biology program is hands-on lab research with full-time faculty and the completion of a major lab research project. Students who have successfully completed the program are prepared to pursue further postgraduate work or to enter into a technical position in a related research or industrial laboratory.

Spring 2018: Areas of Research

Unlike other programs, students are required to apply for a concentration and an opening in a specific faculty member’s laboratory. To qualify for admission to the MS in biology program, you must be interested in pursuing research in one of the following areas:

Conservation Genetics & Systematics - Jennifer Dever
Microbial Ecology, Mycology & Bioinformatics - Naupaka Zimmerman
Marine Biology & Physiology - Nicole Thometz
Parasitology - John Sullivan
Plant Evolution & Ecology - John R. Paul
Virology - Juliet Spencer

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