Top 20 Health Data Science Degrees 2020

 

Top 20 Health Data Science Degrees 2019

Health data science is a growing field that incorporates health informatics, data science, analytics, and computational modeling to assess large volumes of data from clinical trials, electronic medical records, genetic and genomic epidemiology and environmental health, or health care claims. The analysis of these datasets can help solve problems in public health or biomedical sciences. This interdisciplinary degree program typically includes coursework in areas like:

• data mining
• data acquisition
• data aggregation
• visualization
• predictive modeling

We created this ranking of the top 20 health data science master’s programs by using information obtained from College Navigator. We looked for institutions offering master’s degree programs in health data science or health analytics that feature:

• experiential learning opportunities
• highly educated faculty
• a comprehensive curriculum
• holds regional accreditation

We then applied our ranking criteria focused on average graduate tuition rates, student to faculty ratios, and whether the school offered areas of specialization.

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Ranking Methodology

The goal of this ranking list is to outline the top 20 Programs offering a degree in the growing field of Health Data Science or Health Analytics.

The ranking is as follows:
The student to Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less= 5 Points
• 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
• Greater than 20:1= 1 Point

Average Graduate Tuition

• Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
• $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
• $15,000 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
• $20,000 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
• Greater than $25,000 per year= 1 Point

Concentration or focus areas

• 1 point per area of concentration

Ranking the Top 20 Masters Programs in Health Data Science

#20 – Brown University – Providence, Rhode Island

Biostatistics Master’s Health Data Science

Program Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $54,320/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 7:1
Score: 6
The Department of Biostatistics at Brown University features a health data science track in its biostatics department. The program focuses on biostatistical theory and methods in addition to modern data science techniques. Courses cover areas like:

• statistical programming in R
• applied generalized linear models
• practical data analysis
• statistical learning/Big Data

Most students attend full-time (part-time students may be accepted with permission of the Graduate Program Director).

#19 – Northwestern University – Evanston, Illinois

Master of Science in Health Analytics Online

Program Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $54,120/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 6:1
Score:6
The top master’s in health analytics online at Northwestern University combines the interdisciplinary skills of data science with knowledge of the health industry. The 12-course program includes courses in:

• statistical analysis
• generalized linear models
• data visualization
• data security

All students complete a capstone course applying their knowledge and skills to a real-world health care problem. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores as part of their application packet.

#18 – Duke University – Durham, North Carolina

Online Master of Quantitative Management: Health Analytics

Program Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $53,540/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 7:1
Score: 6
The online master’s in quantitative management-health analytics at Duke University is an innovative program focused on helping health organizations make better decisions. Students will learn the business fundamentals and industry context to make sense of datasets using advanced data analytics. The program is designed for health leaderships from a variety of areas including:

• insurance
• pharmaceuticals
• medical device industries

Unlike many other health data science programs, Duke provides students with the depth and quality needed for career advancement. The online learning format follows a cohort model that allows students to feel like they are part of a community.

#17 – Dartmouth College – Hanover, New Hampshire

QBS Masters of Science degree in Health Data Science

Program Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $53,496/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 7:1
Score: 6
The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University features a top master’s in health data science for students interested in a career in:

• Big Data
• healthcare
• biomedicine

Students complete nine required courses and nine electives. They can complete the program in just five quarters. Courses cover areas like:

• data visualization
• exploratory data analysis
• programming
• communication

A summer internship may be completed through the capstone course.

#16 – Georgetown University – Washington, DC

Master’s in Health Informatics & Data Science

Program Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $49,560/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 11:1
Score: 6
The top master’s in health informatics and data science at Georgetown University is a three-semester program focused on cutting edge health technologies and concepts. Courses cover areas like:

• human factors engineering and usability
• imaging informatics
• EHR data mining
• digital health applications

All students complete a capstone project to showcase their knowledge and skills using a real-world problem. Applicants should submit transcripts showing completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. They do not need to submit GRE scores.

#15 – Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts

Master of Science in Health Data Science

Program Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $46,384/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 7:1
Score: 6
The T. H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University features a top health data science master’s degree. It takes just three semesters to complete. This career-oriented degree program is focused on statistics and computing with health science applications. All students complete a Health Data Project Course. This gives them practical skills to work with different types of Big Data in biomedical science and public health. There are no thesis or internship requirements.

#14 – University of Southern California – Los Angeles, California

Master of Science in Healthcare Data Science

Program Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $44,712/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 9:1
Score: 6
The top master’s in healthcare data science at the University of Southern California is offered through a partnership between the Keck School of Medicine and the Viterbi School of Engineering. Students will learn about:

• artificial intelligence
• data management
• data privacy
• visualization

Students work in teams with medical students to gain experience in a health care setting. To be considered for acceptance, students must submit transcripts and GRE scores.

#13 – Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Master of Science in Health Care Analytics and Information Technology (MSHCA)

Average Graduate Tuition: $43,815/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 10:1
Score: 6
Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University has the best master’s in health care analytics and information technology (MSHCA) according to U.S. News and Work Report for 2018. Students will learn to understand complex business models that drive our health care system while gaining the skills needed to create and analyze new models. Coursework covers areas such as:

• Python
• data mining
• econometrics
• unstructured data analytics

The program is designed for students with a technical background or those with strong quantitative skills.

#12 – Clarkson University – Potsdam, New York

MS in Healthcare Data Analytics Online

Program Website
Average Graduate Tuition: $33,312/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 14:1
Score: 6
The online master’s in healthcare data analytics at Clarkson University is an AACSB accredited program ideal for working professionals. Graduates are prepared to work in healthcare positions that require analysis of Big Data. The 36 credit hour curriculum features coursework in:

• healthcare accounting and finance
• health informatics
• data architecture
• data analytics and business intelligence

Students can complete most coursework online and only need to come to campus for two on-site sessions, each lasting three days.

#11 – Cornell University – Ithaca, New York

Master’s Track Biostatistics and Data Science

Average Graduate Tuition: $29,500/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 9:1
Score: 6
The Healthcare Policy and Research program at Cornell University features a biostatistics and data science track. It provides students with a strong foundation in biostatistics and hands-on training in data analysis. This unique program includes a faculty-mentored research project that starts during the first semester and culminates during the capstone experience. Courses cover areas like:

• statistical programming with SAS
• biostatistics
• categorical and censored data analysis
• data management in healthcare (SQL).

Both full-time and part-time program plans are available.

#10 – the University of South Florida – Tampa, Florida

Online Master of Science in Healthcare Analytics

Average Graduate Tuition: $8,350/yr in-state and $19,048/year out-of-state
Faculty to Student Ratio: 22:1
Score:6
The University of South Florida is a HIMSS Approved Education Partner and offers a top online masters in health informatics and analytics. The program is a good choice for healthcare professionals who want a greater understanding of data science applications and strategies to make data-driven decisions in the healthcare industry. Core courses cover areas such as:

• legal aspects of health information systems
• health data management
• healthcare analytics
• statistics

There are no on-campus residency requirements, making this a flexible option for working professionals.

#9 – University of North Texas – Denton, Texas

Master in Interdisciplinary Studies-Health Data Analytics

Average Graduate Tuition: $5,450/yr in-state and $12,920/year out-of-state
Faculty to Student Ratio: 26:1
Score: 6
The University of North Texas features an interdisciplinary studies program with a concentration in health data analytics. This is a 30 credit hour program. Students learn a variety of methods to analyze health-related data and share their findings with stakeholders. Courses include:

• large data visualization
• health delivery systems
• health services administration
• information systems for healthcare management

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles and career advancement.

#8 – Marquette University – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Master’s in Health Care Data Analytics Online

Average Graduate Tuition: $20,340/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 14:1
Score:7
Marquette University has a top health care data analytics master’s program available in a flexible online format. This 30 credit hour program takes just five semesters to complete for part-time students. Students learn how to view data science through an ethical lens. Courses cover areas like:

• translational research
• advanced database systems
• real-analysis
• enterprise architecture

Marquette University is a member of the HIMSS Academic Organizational Affiliate (AOA) Program, a membership organization focused on technology in healthcare.

#7 – Saint Louis University – Saint Louis, Missouri

Health Data Science, M.S.

Average Graduate Tuition: $20,340/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 9:1
Score: 7
Saint Louis University features a top masters in health data science that provides students with the skills needed to analyze large-scale databases. Courses are offered on-campus at convenient times to accommodate working professionals. Both full and part-time students are welcome. Programming skills are taught using R, SAS, SQL, and Python. Coursework covers:

• applied statistics
• practical computing
• health science applications

All students complete a capstone experience that allows them to practice their skills in an industry setting.

#6 – Carlow University – Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Healthcare Data Analytics Master’s Program

Average Graduate Tuition: $18,234/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 12:1
Score: 8
The Healthcare Data Analytics master’s degree program at Carlow University is a transfer-friendly two-year program. Courses cover areas like:

• health informatics and analytics
• health care leadership and management issues
• a professional practicum

The practicum experience is an internship. It gives students the knowledge and experience in health information management and analytics in the area of their choosing.

#5 – Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Jersey

Master’s of Business and Science (MBS) in Analytics-Health Informatics Pathway

Average Graduate Tuition: $17,232/yr in-state and $29.304/year out-of-state
Faculty to Student Ratio: 15:1
Score: 8
The Professional Science Master’s Program at Rutgers University features a fully online Master of Business and Science focused on analytics. Students with a background in health or the healthcare industry can complete the health informatics pathway which includes coursework in:

• business intelligence visual analytics
• project management
• Python
• the interpretation of data

Most of the program can be completed online but students do need to come to campus for a one-week intensive each year. Worried about finding a job after graduation? Over 96% of Rutgers graduates are employed within six months of graduation.

#4 – University of Alabama – Birmingham, Alabama

Master of Science in Health Informatics-Data Analytics

Average Graduate Tuition: $8,100/yr in-state and $18,540/year out-of-state
Faculty to Student Ratio: 19:1
Score: 8
The University of Alabama Birmingham School of Health Professionals features a master’s in data analytics. It’s designed for busy professionals who need an affordable degree option. The unique blended format includes online courses and two-three day residencies. Courses cover areas such as:

• healthcare requirements analysis
• databases and data modeling
• strategic planning and contracting
• principles of health informatics

Most students can complete their degree in just 24 months.

#3 – the University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Charlotte, North Carolina

Health Informatics and Analytics (HIAN) Program

Average Graduate Tuition: $4,337/yr in-state and $17,771/year out-of-state
Faculty to Student Ratio: 19:1
Score: 8
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte features a top masters in health informatics and analytics that have been recently revamped. Courses are focused on:

• data science
• system architecture
• health analytics

The addition of a capstone course to the internship requirement provides students with practical application opportunities. Full-time students can complete the program is about four semesters while part-time students finish in eight.

#2 – Northeastern University – Boston, Massachusetts

MS in Health Data Analytics

Average Graduate Tuition: $24,027/yr
Faculty to Student Ratio: 14:1
Program Tracks: Personal Health Informatics or Population Health
Score:9
The top master’s in health data analytics at Northeastern University is a flexible campus-based program that takes two to three years to complete. The competency-based curriculum focuses on relevant areas such as:

• data aggregation methods
• data mining algorithms
• visualization techniques
• predictive computational modeling

The program is designed for students with a background in health and medicine and skills in statistics and computer science. Graduates are prepared to become Certified Health Data Analysts.

#1 – University of Louisville – Louisville, Kentucky

MS in Health Data Analytics

Average Graduate Tuition: $12,684/yr in-state and $26,454/year out-of-state
Faculty to Student Ratio: 15:1
Score: 9
The Department of Health Management and System Sciences at the University of Louisville features a flexible masters in health data analytics that trains students in the practical application of data analytics to public health and medicine. The program is taught by world-class faculty with industry experience. The curriculum focuses on four main areas including: