Health Informatics (MS)

Format(s)
On-campus, Online
Degree Type
Master of Science or Certificates
Duration

Full-time:
12-16 months
(3-4 terms, including 1 summer term)

Part-time:
2 years
(6 terms, including 2 summer terms)

Format(s)
On-campus, Online
Degree Type
Master of Science or Certificates
Duration

Full-time:
12-16 months
(3-4 terms, including 1 summer term)

Part-time:
2 years
(6 terms, including 2 summer terms)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there part-time job opportunities on campus for international students?

On-campus work is available for international students who have completed the Office of International Services (OIS) orientation. More details can be found in the Student Employment section on the OIS website. 

Does Pitt offer supplemental English language support?

Yes, students can utilize Pitt’s English Language Institute for additional support.

What support services are available specifically for international students in the Health Informatics (MS) program?

International students benefit from university-wide support through the Office of International Services (OIS) and additional resources within SHRS. Faculty and staff are also available to provide academic and career guidance.

Are there mentorship or alumni network opportunities for international students?

Students can join the HI Mentorship program, designed to support Health Informatics students with 24 credits in Pitt’s HI (MS) program. The Office of International Services’ (OIS) International Alumni page is also a great resource to stay connected to our Pitt community. 

What career services are available to support international students?

Students can visit the Immigration page of the Office of International Services (OIS) website to learn more about employment based on one’s visa status.  

What career opportunities are available after completing the program?

Graduates pursue roles across various health and technology sectors. Example job titles can be found on our Outcomes page. International students may also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT Extension through the Office of International Services (OIS).

What is the total cost of tuition for the Health Informatics (MS) program?

Please visit our Cost page for up-to-date information on costs for this academic year.

Does Pitt match external scholarships?

No, Pitt does not provide matching funds for external scholarships.

Are there scholarships or financial aid options for international students?

We do not currently offer scholarships for international students. However, we recommend EducationUSA as a trusted resource for identifying third-party funding opportunities. Learn more about funding resources and program costs on our Cost page.

Are there assistantship positions available in the Health Informatics (MS) program?

No, assistantships are not currently offered within this program.

Are there research opportunities available for international students?

Yes. International students can participate in any available research opportunities. Visit the HIM research page to learn more and connect with faculty. 

What types of organizations typically offer internships for international health informatics students?

The internships are commonly offered by health care systems, technology companies, public health agencies and research institutions.

What kinds of internship or clinical experiences are available in this program?

Learn more about the hands-on opportunities available on our Applied Skills page.

Does the Health Informatics (MS) program assist students in securing internships?

Graduate students are responsible for securing their own internships. However, faculty share internship resources and opportunities to support student searches.

Can international students participate in internships? Are there any visa restrictions?

Yes, international students may participate in internships. Off-campus internships for international students are not available until the third semester and any internships during the first year must be on-campus.

Does the Health Informatics (MS) program qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes. Students may apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension during a valid period of post-completion OPT. The Office of International Services (OIS) provides guidance on completing the STEM OPT I-20 on their website.

Can international students apply for the online format of the program?

Yes, international students may apply for the online format. Note that English language proficiency score requirements are different for each format.Please refer to the Admissions page for more information.

If I am an international student, what English language proficiency tests are accepted and what are the minimum score requirements?

Accepted tests and score requirements are listed at the bottom of our Admissions page.

What are the Guaranteed Admissions programs?

Pitt’s Guaranteed Admissions Programs (GAP) offer students a secure pathway to graduate study, ensuring admission to select Pitt graduate programs while allowing them to pursue any* undergraduate major that aligns with their interests and career goals. While it does not shorten the time required to complete a degree, you will gain special access to faculty, current students and opportunities to learn more about the field throughout your undergraduate studies.

Students applying to Pitt as first-year undergraduate students may be eligible for the GAP offered by select SHRS graduate programs. Answer the question “Would you like to be considered for a Guaranteed Admission Program?” on your first-year application to be screened for a guarantee.

SHRS Guaranteed Admissions Programs include:

*The Communication Science and Disorders Guarantee requires students to complete an undergraduate degree in Communication Science (BA).

Do I need a data analytics or data-related undergraduate degree to apply?

We encourage applicants from all academic and professional backgrounds to apply.

A core focus of the program is to improve the data acumen of students, regardless of their experience in data analytics and IT. However, the Data Science track is intended for students who have a prior knowledge of coding and programming. For a more detailed look at the tracks, visit our Curriculum page.

I’m an out-of-state student interested in the online program. Do I pay out-of-state tuition rates?

All those applying to our online MS and/or certificate programs will be billed the in-state tuition rate, regardless of where they are located. Learn more on the Costs page.

Which academic track should I choose? What if I don’t have prior experience with programming?

Students are free to pursue any of the four academic tracks that interest them most. Only the Data Science track is intended for students who have prior experience or college coursework in coding and programming.

All four academic tracks provide students the opportunity to take coursework related to certain roles in the health care industry, as well as electives that will expand their knowledge in these key areas of the Health Informatics field. For a more detailed look at the tracks, visit our Curriculum page.