The University of Iowa offers an MS in Informatics with a Health Informatics subprogram in Iowa City. This campus option combines computing and health sciences and suits students who want technical training in the use of health data.
The university also offers an Informatics PhD and a combined Health Informatics MS/PharmD pathway. These programs have different goals and requirements, so applicants should compare them before choosing a degree.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| School | University of Iowa |
| Location | Iowa City, Iowa |
| Degree | MS in Informatics, Health Informatics subprogram |
| Format | Campus-based |
| MS credits | 31 semester hours |
| MS length | Sample plan spans two academic years |
| MS structure | Course-based; no research thesis |
| Other pathways | Informatics PhD; combined MS/PharmD |
| Minimum admission GPA | 3.0 |
| Entry and deadline | Fall only; January 1 |
| 2026–27 annual tuition and fees | Graduate College estimate: $14,244 resident; $33,295 nonresident |
MS Curriculum
The MS requires 19 core credits and 12 Health Informatics credits. The core covers informatics, programming, statistics, data science, databases, human factors, and research ethics. Students must maintain a graduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Health Data Analytics
- Introduction to Biostatistics
- Database Systems
- Knowledge Discovery or Statistical Learning
- Health electives such as epidemiology, bioinformatics, and regression modeling
Students select four approved health courses. Course prerequisites and availability affect the final plan. Applicants with limited coding experience should discuss preparation with an advisor before enrollment.
Format and Completion Time
The catalog’s sample MS plan covers four fall and spring semesters. It provides a planning guide, rather than a guaranteed completion date. Working students should confirm class times, course sequencing, and the feasibility of part-time study.
Admission Requirements
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The Informatics program accepts applications for fall entry only and lists January 1 as its deadline. GRE scores are optional.
- Graduate College application
- Transcripts; unofficial copies can support initial review, with official copies required after admission
- Statement of purpose of one to two pages
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Three signed recommendation letters, including at least one academic reference
The admissions committee reviews academic preparation, professional work, and supporting materials. Meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission. Applicants should explain their interest in health data and how the degree supports their goals.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The university’s 2026–27 Graduate College cost estimate lists $14,244 in annual tuition and fees for Iowa residents and $33,295 for nonresidents. These figures cover fall and spring and are annual planning amounts, rather than the total cost of the 31-credit MS.
| Cost item | 2026–27 amount |
|---|---|
| Annual tuition and fees, resident | $14,244 |
| Annual tuition and fees, nonresident | $33,295 |
| Books and supplies estimate | $650 annually |
| New-student records and document fee | $250, one time |
Actual charges depend on enrollment, program, and term. Housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses add to the budget. A two-year plan spans more than one tuition year, so multiplying the current annual amount does not establish a fixed program price.
The Informatics program identifies university assistantship opportunities for MS students. A qualifying research assistantship of at least 25% can provide resident tuition, a stipend, a partial tuition scholarship, and health insurance benefits. Availability and appointment terms must be confirmed with the program.
Informatics PhD
The PhD requires at least 72 graduate semester hours, including coursework and research. Students complete qualifying and comprehensive examinations, a proposal, and a dissertation defense. Health-related research depends on the advisor and committee-approved plan.
This route fits applicants interested in research or teaching. A master’s degree is not required before applying. Prospective doctoral students should review faculty interests and discuss research fit and funding before making a decision.
Combined Health Informatics MS/PharmD
The combined pathway awards an Informatics MS and a PharmD. Its 34-semester-hour informatics plan includes shared pharmacy coursework and addresses electronic records, medication information, prescribing, and decision support. Students need separate applications and admission to both programs.
Who Should Consider Iowa?
- Students who want computing and health-data coursework in a campus setting
- Applicants interested in a course-based MS
- Future researchers who want to explore faculty-supervised health informatics research
- Pharmacy students who want formal informatics training
Compare the MS with Iowa State’s online Healthcare Analytics and Operations program if your main goal is healthcare operations, business analytics, or remote study.
Official University Resources
- MS curriculum and combined pharmacy pathway
- Admissions requirements and deadlines
- Informatics PhD requirements
- Informatics funding information
- Tuition rates and fees
Related Iowa Programs
- Iowa State University - Ames