Admission criteria
The KU Center for Health Informatics selects applicants who, in the judgment of the Student Admission and Progression Committee, demonstrate the academic achievement, integrity and motivation necessary for successful leadership in interprofessional health informatics. The Committee looks for applicants who will contribute academic, nonacademic and socioeconomic diversity to the class. Health care experience is beneficial but not required.
We do not require that applicants complete the GRE.
You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission to master’s degree program:
- Bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited university or college
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- If interested in the clinical leadership focus area, clinical work experience with patients is preferred
- Potential to provide expert service and leadership in health informatics
- Graduate-level statistics course (may be completed prior to admission or during the first semester of master’s degree program enrollment)
- Students from outside the U.S.: See Information for International Students for eligibility information.
- Technical Standards: Individuals admitted to the health informatics program will be asked to verify that they can meet the program technical standards with or without accommodation(s). We will make reasonable accommodations for any accepted student who has a documented disability and can meet program expectations.
Background Check Requirement
For KU programs to maintain accreditation status, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires that all persons, employees, volunteers and students involved in patient care activities have background checks. This status is very important to health care organizations to demonstrate to patients and professionals that they meet the highest of standards for patient care.
This background check will be done at the applicant's expense after provisional acceptance has been granted. The information from this report is held in confidence by the school. Learn more about the background checks for students.
Student Spotlight
Madison Boshers, Master of Science in Health Informatics Student
In December 2020, Madison Boshers finished her first semester in her Master of Science program, studying health informatics with a clinical focus. Boshers said, "I always knew I wanted to continue my education and stay in healthcare. I decided health care informatics would be the perfect way to incorporate my bachelor's degree in nursing, into a career transition."
Bosher works as a registered nurse at The University of Kansas Health System. Pursuing a degree that allows flexibility with her job was a priority when Boshers considered a graduate program. Ultimately, Boshers chose KU for the program's online format. Boshers said she enjoys her coursework and feels connected to online peers and faculty through discussion boards.
Boshers offers advice to future students: "Do your research and see what jobs are out there and consider if you would enjoy them. Know that you can come from any background and pursue this degree. Don't limit yourself."
Upon graduation, Bosher hopes to work at Cerner Corporation as a consultant or in The University of Kansas Health System's Health Information Technology Department as a clinical specialist.