Program Overview

Master of Health Informatics and Analytics

The Master of Health Informatics and Analytics (MHIA) program is designed to prepare students to design, implement, and manage informatics solutions incorporating digital and AI technologies. This program is entirely online and available via full-time or part-time studies, offering flexibility to advance careers while balancing commitments.

Program Overview

• The program can be completed in as little as 16 months or up to four years.
• It offers specialized tracks in Health Informatics or Advanced Analytics.
• A four-month professional practicum provides hands-on, experiential learning in a real-world public health or healthcare setting.

Specialized Tracks

• Health Informatics: Equips students with foundational knowledge and practical skills to manage, implement, and evaluate information systems in health settings.
• Advanced Analytics: Focuses on developing expertise in health data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to support data-driven decision-making in healthcare and public health.

Career Opportunities

• Health Informatics Consultant
• Clinical Data Analyst
• Public Health Data Analyst
• Manager of Clinical Trial Operations and Informatics
• Health IT Solutions Architect
• Senior Health Business Consultant

Courses and Specializations

The MHIA program is a course-based curriculum consisting of eight required courses (including a 12-16 week practicum course) and two electives. Students can complete the recommended core sequence or direct their course selection to complete one of the two specialized tracks.

MHIA Courses (Without Specialization)

Required courses:

• Data Structures and Standards in Health Informatics
• Quantitative Methods and Analysis
• Information Technology Fundamentals for Health Professionals
• Applications and Evaluation of Health Information Technology
• Ethics and Privacy Considerations for Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Health
• Leadership in Digital Health and Transformation
• Professional Experience Practicum

Restricted electives:

• Security and Privacy for Health System
• Principles of Database Management and Use
• Requirements Specification and Analysis in Health Systems
• Fundamental Research Methods in Health Informatics
• Application of Artificial Intelligence in Health
• Machine Learning Techniques in Health
• Advanced Artificial Intelligence in Health I
• Natural Language Processing Algorithm and Application in Health

Free electives: Two to four graduate-level courses at UWaterloo, depending on credit weight.

MHIA with Health Informatics Specialization

Required courses:

• Data Structures and Standards in Health Informatics
• Quantitative methods and analysis
• Information Technology Fundamentals for Health Professionals
• Applications and Evaluation of Health Information Technology
• Ethics and Privacy Considerations for Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Health
• Leadership in Digital Health and Transformation
• Requirements Specification and Analysis in Health Systems
• Security and Privacy for Health System
• Principles of Database Management and Use
• Professional Experience Practicum

Free electives: Two to four graduate-level courses at UWaterloo, depending on credit weight.

MHIA with Advanced Analytics Specialization

Required courses:

• Data Structures and Standards in Health Informatics
• Quantitative methods and analysis
• Information Technology Fundamentals for Health Professionals
• Applications and Evaluation of Health Information Technology
• Ethics and Privacy Considerations for Digital Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Health
• Leadership in Digital Health and Transformation
• Application of Artificial Intelligence in Health
• Machine Learning Techniques in Health
• Advanced Artificial Intelligence in Health I
• Natural Language Processing Algorithm and Application in Health
• Professional Experience Practicum

Free electives: Two to four graduate-level courses at UWaterloo, depending on credit weight.

Professional Practicum

• Gain work experience by completing a 420-hour professional practicum at a hospital, provincial or federal governmental agency, or non-governmental organization.
• The practicum can be completed on a full-time basis over one term or part-time over two terms.

Previous Practicum Sites and Projects

• Canadian Institute for Health Information - Health data and information governance strategy
• University Health Network - Use of data analytics in streamlining lung metastases
• Public Health Ontario - Implementation of surveillance of healthcare-associated infections in long-term care homes in Ontario
• Brampton Civic Hospital - Unified communications project and meditech MSO project

Admission Requirements

Application deadline: February 1

• Admission requirements and application materials
• How to apply
• Tuition costs

The Master of Health Informatics and Analytics program at the University of Waterloo is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of health informatics and analytics. With its flexible online format and specialized tracks, this program offers a unique opportunity for professionals to advance their careers in healthcare and public health.