Northeastern University

Overview

The Health Informatics and Public Health dual-degree program at Northeastern University equips students with the expertise to enhance population health through the effective use of data, clinical information systems, and evidence-based public health practices. This innovative program merges health informatics with public health administration, policy, and community health to foster a comprehensive understanding of both fields.

This dual-degree pathway is thoughtfully designed to address the increasing convergence of health informatics and public health, particularly within urban environments. By allowing specific coursework to fulfill requirements for both degrees, students can achieve their educational goals more efficiently, reducing both time and financial investment compared to pursuing each program independently. The program holds accreditation from the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and is affiliated with HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society).

What you'll study

The curriculum integrates essential public health coursework with specialized training in health informatics. The program covers a range of topics to develop practical skills in data management, systems analysis, and public health decision-making.

• Public health core courses: Biostatistics in Public Health; Environmental Health; Public Health Administration and Policy; Society, Behavior, and Health; Race, Ethnicity, and Health in the United States; Urban Community Health Assessment; Health Education and Program Planning
• Health informatics core courses: Database Design, Access, Modeling, and Security; Key Standards in Health Informatics; Improving the Patient Experience through Informatics; Quantifying the Value of Informatics

Curriculum note: As a dual-degree pathway, certain courses can be shared between the degree requirements, offering a streamlined approach to achieving two qualifications. For detailed term-by-term plans, electives, and any capstone or thesis requirements, please consult the program's official website.

Entry requirements

Admission to the program is competitive, requiring a strong academic background, standardized test scores (if applicable), and a complete application submitted through SOPHAS.

• GPA: A minimum of 3.0
• GRE® General Test: Required
• English proficiency:
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 100
  • IELTS: Minimum score of 7.5
• Additional documents (beyond SOPHAS):
  • Official transcripts from all U.S. and English-speaking Canadian colleges attended
  • Statement of purpose and objectives
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Academic and professional references only
  • Standardized test scores
  • English proficiency test scores for non-native speakers or those who attended institutions outside the U.S. and English-speaking Canada
  • WES ICAP course-by-course evaluation for academic records from institutions outside the U.S.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Health Informatics and Public Health dual-degree program are well-positioned for diverse career opportunities in healthcare and public health sectors. With a unique blend of skills in data management and public health policy, alumni can pursue roles in health informatics, epidemiology, health program management, and public health research, contributing significantly to improving community health outcomes.