Admission
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Below is a list of requirements for acceptance into the Master of Science in Health Informatics program. For specific questions regarding the admissions process, contact an adviser at 312-503-2579.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or its foreign equivalent. A competitive undergraduate record that indicates strong academic ability is required. Work or research experience in clinical, computing or information technology fields is highly desirable but not a requirement for admission. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but strong scores bolster chances for admission.
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Duration
The Health Informatics program is designed to be completed in two to three years of uninterrupted part-time study (one to two classes per quarter), although students are allowed five years to finish the program.
Please note that courses completed in the certificate program cannot be transferred to the corresponding graduate degree.
Application Checklist
- Meet application deadlines
- Complete the online application
- Include all supplemental materials
- Submit a nonrefundable application fee of $75
Supplemental Materials
Supplemental materials, with the exception of transcripts, must be uploaded to the online application. Official transcripts may be sent to our Admissions office at spsadmissions@northwestern.edu or mailed to our Chicago office. Please be sure to include the name of your intended program when addressing transcripts. Applicants will be notified once all materials have been received and the application is complete.
- One sealed copy of official transcripts from ALL previously attended colleges and universities. Official transcripts must arrive in our office in the original sealed envelope issued by the institution. Northwestern University School of Professional Studies accepts electronic transcripts from U.S. institutions via secure electronic transcript providers. Consult with your institution to see if they are part of a secure e-delivery network. All electronic transcripts should be sent to spsadmissions@northwestern.edu. Please note transcripts are not accepted by fax or email. If you are currently enrolled, please submit an official transcript showing courses in-progress. Applicants with international transcripts must request an official course-by-course evaluation of transcripts from a NACES member such as WES or ECE. A course-by-course evaluation will translate courses, degrees and grades to U.S. equivalency.
- Two letters of recommendation focusing on academic and professional achievement and ability
- Statement of purpose
- Current résumé or curriculum vitae
Transcript mailing address:
MHI Graduate Admissions
Northwestern University School of Professional Studies
Wieboldt Hall, Sixth floor
339 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611-3008
Statement of Purpose
Applicants must submit a 300-word statement of purpose explaining how the degree program will help them meet their academic and professional goals. Those without previous education or training in health informatics or a related field should explain how other academic and nonacademic experiences have equipped them to undertake graduate study in the program.
Application Tips
Your application will be evaluated by the MHI Admissions Committee. The following considerations will guide the Committee in their review:
- The statement of purpose demonstrates if a student's academic and professional goals are appropriate for this degree. This statement also helps the committee to determine if the prospective student possesses the necessary writing skills and intellectual maturity for succeeding in the program.
- The letters of recommendation serve to underscore the applicant's commitment to graduate education and ability to succeed in graduate level work and the field after completing the degree.
- The résumé is used to provide evidence of an applicant’s continuing commitment to and/or understanding of the medical informatics field. While we prefer candidates to possess three to five years of work and/or research experience in a related area, recent college graduates and career changers are also encouraged to apply. These applicants must demonstrate to the committee their commitment to the MHI program by detailing previous internships, academic or volunteer work.
- Elements that will help bolster an application to the MHI program include clinical experience, IT experience and leadership experience. Integrating these qualities in your statement of purpose, résumé and recommendations will only further support your candidacy.
System Requirements
To ensure proper access to all online course materials, students in SPS online master's degree courses should verify that their computer meets the recommended system requirements.