The M.S. in informatics is a non-research, course-based program for students who wish to enhance their careers with advanced knowledge of informatics. The coursework combines core informatics courses with cognate courses in one of these areas: geoinformatics, health informatics, or human-computer interaction.
Learning Outcomes
Students will exhibit:
- understanding of computational thinking concepts,
- experience in software development,
- expertise in data analytics methods,
- comprehension of and practice applying human-centered computing concepts,
- awareness of professional ethics, and
- domain-specific knowledge and skills related to the cognate area.
The Master of Science program in informatics requires a total of 31 s.h. of graduate credit, including 19 s.h. of core courses and 12 s.h. of coursework in a chosen subprogram: geoinformatics, health informatics, or human-computer interaction. Students must maintain a program g.p.a. of at least 3.00.
The non-research, course-based program is for students who wish to enhance their careers with advanced knowledge of informatics. Students must also complete the requirements for the degree as described in the Manual of Rules and Regulations, Section X, on the Graduate College website.
The M.S. with a major in informatics requires the following coursework.
Core Courses
All students complete the following core courses.
Programming
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| This course: | ||
| CS:5110/IGPI:5110 | Introduction to Informatics | 3 |
| One of these: | ||
| CS:3210 | Programming Languages and Tools | 3 |
| CS:3980 | Topics in Computer Science I | 3 |
| GEOG:5055/IGPI:5055 | Geospatial Programming (required for geoinformatics cognate) | 3 |
Statistics
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| BIOS:4120 | Introduction to Biostatistics (required for health informatics cognate) | 3 |
| STAT:4143/PSQF:4143 | Introduction to Statistical Methods | 3 |
Data Science
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| BAIS:6480 | Knowledge Discovery | 3 |
| STAT:4540/BAIS:4540/IGPI:4540 | Statistical Learning | 3 |
| An approved course (consult advisor) | 3 | |
Databases
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| CS:4400 | Database Systems | 3 |
| GEOG:4580/IGPI:4581 | Introduction to Geographic Databases (required for geoinformatics cognate) | 3 |
Human Factors
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| CS:4500 | Research Methods in Human-Computer Interaction | 3 |
| CS:4510 | Human-Computer Interaction for Computer Science | 3 |
| GEOG:5540/IGPI:5540 | Geographic Visualization (required for geoinformatics cognate) | 3 |
Ethics
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| This course: | ||
| CS:5980 | Topics in Computer Science III | 1 |
Subprograms
Students choose one of three subprograms and complete the requirements.
Geoinformatics Subprogram
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Four of these: | ||
| GEOG:3010/IGPI:3010 | Geographic Information Systems and Science | 3 |
| GEOG:3500/IGPI:3500 | Introduction to Environmental Remote Sensing | 3 |
| GEOG:3520/IGPI:3520 | GIS for Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GEOG:3570 | Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR): Principles and Applications | 3 |
| GEOG:4150/GHS:4150/IGPI:4150 | Health and Environment: GIS Applications | 3 |
Health Informatics Subprogram
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Four of these: | ||
| BIOS:5120/IGPI:5120/STAT:5610 | Regression Modeling and ANOVA in the Health Sciences | 3 |
| BMB:3310/CBIO:3310/MMED:3310 | Practical Data Science and Bioinformatics (recommended for students with a biology background) | 3 |
| CS:4470 | Health Data Analytics | 3 |
| EPID:4400 | Epidemiology I: Principles | 3 |
| IGPI:5220/EPID:5200 | Principles of Public Health Informatics | 3 |
Human-Computer Interaction Subprogram
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Three of these: | ||
| PSQF:6243/STAT:6513 | Intermediate Statistical Methods | 3 |
| PSY:3060 | Sensation and Perception | 3 |
| An approved elective (consult director) | 3 | |
| One of these: | ||
| CS:4500 | Research Methods in Human-Computer Interaction (if not taken to satisfy Human Factors requirement) | 3 |
| CS:4510 | Human-Computer Interaction for Computer Science (if not taken to satisfy Human Factors requirement and if have not taken CS:2520) | 3 |
| ISE:6211 | Human Factors in Healthcare Systems | 3 |
| ISE:6220 | Cognitive Engineering | 3 |
For more information about the Master of Science requirements, see the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Informatics website.
M.S. (Health Informatics Subprogram)/Pharm.D.
The purpose of the combined program is to provide an opportunity for professional students in the College of Pharmacy to receive formal training in health informatics in addition to training in pharmacotherapy and health care. Students completing the degree program receive an M.S. in informatics with the health informatics subprogram (without thesis) from the Graduate College and a Pharm.D. from the College of Pharmacy. Students develop special expertise in information technology, including management of electronic health records, health information exchange standards, electronic prescribing, medication management, decision support, and other competencies.
The combined program requires a total of 34 s.h. beyond the bachelor’s degree. Courses that can be used to count toward both programs include 19 s.h. of core courses, 6 s.h. of courses from the health informatics cognate, and 9 s.h. from the Pharm.D. curriculum selected from the following.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PHAR:8250 | Applications of Pharmacy Practice I | 2 |
| PHAR:8255 | Discovery II: Design and Methods | arr. |
| PHAR:8265 | Applications of Pharmacy Practice II | 2 |
| PHAR:8374 | Applications of Pharmacy Practice III | 2 |
| PHAR:8375 | Advanced Topics in Health Services | 2 |
| PHAR:8378 | Pharmacy Law and Ethics | 2 |
Separate application to each degree program is required. Applicants must be admitted to both programs before they may be admitted to the combined degree program. It is recommended that students apply to the Graduate College for admission to the M.S. program before entering the spring semester of their first year in the pharmacy program. For more information, see Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharm.D. in the College of Pharmacy section of the Catalog.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website. They also must meet the admission requirements of the informatics subprogram they want to enter; see Ph.D. and M.S. Admission on the program's website.
Sample Plans of Study
Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI.
Informatics, M.S.
Geoinformatics Subprogram
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| 31 s.h. must be graduate level coursework; graduate transfer credits allowed upon approval. More information is included in the General Catalog and on department website. a | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS:5110 | Introduction to Informatics | 3 |
| Geoinformatics Cognate course b | 3 | |
| BIOS:4120 or STAT:4143 |
Introduction to Biostatistics or Introduction to Statistical Methods |
3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| BAIS:6480 or STAT:4540 |
Knowledge Discovery or Statistical Learning |
3 |
| GEOG:5055 | Geospatial Programming | 3 |
| GEOG:4580 | Introduction to Geographic Databases | 3 |
| CS:5980 | Topics in Computer Science III c | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Geoinformatics Cognate course b | 3 | |
| Geoinformatics Cognate course b | 3 | |
| GEOG:5540 | Geographic Visualization | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Geoinformatics Cognate course b | 3 | |
| Verify completion of all degree requirements | ||
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 31 | |
- a
- Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.
- b
- Take four courses from IGPI:3010, IGPI:3500, IGPI:3520, GEOG:3570, IGPI:4150.
- c
- Typically this course is offered in spring semesters only. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
Health Informatics Subprogram
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| 31 s.h. must be graduate level coursework; graduate transfer credits allowed upon approval. More information is included in the General Catalog and on department website. a | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS:5110 | Introduction to Informatics | 3 |
| CS:4400 or GEOG:4580 |
Database Systems or Introduction to Geographic Databases |
3 |
| BIOS:4120 | Introduction to Biostatistics | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| STAT:4540 or BAIS:6480 |
Statistical Learning or Knowledge Discovery |
3 |
| GEOG:5055 |
Geospatial Programming or Topics in Computer Science I or Programming Languages and Tools |
3 |
| Health Informatics Cognate course b | 3 | |
| CS:5980 | Topics in Computer Science III c | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS:4510 |
Human-Computer Interaction for Computer Science or Geographic Visualization or Research Methods in Human-Computer Interaction |
3 |
| Health Informatics Cognate course b | 3 | |
| Health Informatics Cognate course b | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Health Informatics Cognate course b | 3 | |
| Verify completion of all degree requirements | ||
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 31 | |
- a
- Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.
- b
- Take four courses from BMB:3310, BIOS:5120, CS:4470, EPID:4400, IGPI:5220.
- c
- Typically this course is offered in spring semesters only. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
Human-Computer Interaction Subprogram
| Academic Career | ||
|---|---|---|
| Any Semester | Hours | |
| 31 s.h. must be graduate level coursework; graduate transfer credits allowed upon approval. More information is included in the General Catalog and on department website. a | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CS:5110 | Introduction to Informatics | 3 |
| CS:4400 or GEOG:4580 |
Database Systems or Introduction to Geographic Databases |
3 |
| BIOS:4120 or STAT:4143 |
Introduction to Biostatistics or Introduction to Statistical Methods |
3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| BAIS:6480 or STAT:4540 |
Knowledge Discovery or Statistical Learning |
3 |
| CS:3210 |
Programming Languages and Tools or Geospatial Programming or Topics in Computer Science I |
3 |
| CS:4500 |
Research Methods in Human-Computer Interaction or Human-Computer Interaction for Computer Science or Geographic Visualization |
3 |
| CS:5980 | Topics in Computer Science III b | 1 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Human-Computer Interaction Cognate course c | 3 | |
| Human-Computer Interaction Cognate course c | 3 | |
| Human-Computer Interaction Cognate course c | 3 | |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Spring | ||
| Human-Computer Interaction Cognate course c | 3 | |
| Verify completion of all degree requirements | ||
| Hours | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 31 | |
- a
- Students must complete specific requirements in the University of Iowa Graduate College after program admission. Refer to the Graduate College website and the Manual of Rules and Regulations for more information.
- b
- Typically this course is offered in spring semesters only. Check MyUI for course availability since offerings are subject to change.
- c
- See the General Catalog for list of approved courses.