Advance your career as a health professional
The Master of Health Informatics (MHI) program is designed for professionals with backgrounds in public health and/or health care who require more knowledge about computer science and health informatics.
Graduates can use this knowledge to identify, design and manage informatics solutions relevant to health and health systems.
Program overview
- Designed for professionals with backgrounds in public health and/or health care: professionals who require more knowledge about computer science and health informatics in order to identify, design and manage informatics solutions relevant to health and health systems.
- You will learn from faculty who lead research in public health sciences and public health intervention design and evaluation.
- Through the experiential learning of a practicum position, you will experience what it is like to use the knowledge, tools, and skills learned in the MHI Program in a real public health setting.
- The MHI program is flexible for the working professional and is completed online as a part-time or full-time student.
 Offered online |
Application deadline: February 1
In order for an application to be considered, all required documentation, including academic references, must be submitted on or before this date. Please aim to apply by January 18 to allow adequate time to upload supporting documents and ensure that your referees are aware of this firm deadline.
NOTE: Due to the competitive nature of the professional programs at the University of Waterloo the ideal GPA for admission is based on the current pool of applicants and the previous years GPA cut-off. The minimum Graduate Studies application standard for admission is a CGPA of 3.0 or 75%. Successful applicants in the professional programs in 2023/2024 had an average GPA of 78%.
Course offerings and program sequence
The MHI program consists of 10 required courses (seven core courses, the practicum course, and two electives).
Click on the links below to view the course offerings and program sequence for part- and full-time students. These sequences are subject to change but can be used as reference for planning your future terms.
Professional practicum
Gain work experience by completing a 420-hour professional practicum at a hospital, provincial or federal governmental agency or non-governmental organization. You will work closely with the Experiential Learning and Communications Specialist to find a meaningful practicum that will provide you with an opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in a professional setting and to connect with future employers.
The practicum can be completed on a full-time basis over one term or part time over two terms.
Previous practicum sites and projects
| Site | Project |
|---|---|
| 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 |
During her practicum placement for her Master of Health Informatics program, Acrifa Fears worked for a software company where she worked on a project that utilized digital health technology to monitor patients post-sugery at home wile faciltating administration of care and communication between patient and the healthcare system.
Learn more about her practicum experience →
Funding and awards
A variety of scholarships, assistantships, and other forms of financial aid are available for graduate students in any professional graduate program. Most of these awards are for full-time graduate students only.
Learn more about funding and awards for professional programs →
Frequently asked questions
We've compiled the answers to the most common questions about the MHI program. Read through for helpful information about admissions, the practicum and more.