Joint MS in Health Information Management and MS in Health Informatics
Earn two complementary degrees on an accelerated pathway
The healthcare industry is generating data at an unprecedented rate, driving a critical need for leaders who can bridge the gap between advanced technology and clinical operations. The 100% online, asynchronous Joint Master of Science in Health Information Management (MSHIM) and Master of Science in Health Informatics (MSHI) dual-degree program equips high-achieving graduate students to lead the future of data-driven healthcare.
This integrated program combines information systems governance with digital health innovation. By completing shared coursework, students earn both master's degrees in a streamlined timeline while saving up to 19 credit hours of tuition compared to pursuing each degree independently.
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Program at a glance
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Two Degrees
Master of Science in Health Information Management and Master of Science in Health Informatics (conferred simultaneously)
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Total credits
58 combined credits (instead of 77 credits if taken separately)
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Format
100% online, asynchronous
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Time to completion
Approximately 36 months
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Credential eligibility
Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam
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Enrollment track
Full-time plan of study only (part-time tracks are not available for this joint program)
Why choose the joint MSHIM/MSHI program?
Accelerated two-degree pathway
Streamline your academic journey by earning two distinct master’s degrees through a single, coordinated curriculum. The integration of 20 shared credit hours eliminates redundant requirements, saving you both time and tuition costs.
Dual competency for healthcare’s digital future
Unlike blended programs at other universities that confer only a single degree, UIC’s joint program provides formal, dual validation of your expertise. You will develop robust skills in data governance and regulatory compliance through the MSHIM curriculum, paired with advanced expertise in data science, predictive systems, and digital health technologies from the MSHI curriculum.
The RHIA credential advantage
The joint curriculum maintains full accreditation standards through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Completing the program satisfies the academic requirements to sit for the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) exam.
Preparation for executive leadership
Position yourself for high-level leadership roles, such as chief health information officer, director of clinical informatics, or healthcare analytics professional, where you will manage complex data systems across expansive health networks.
What you will learn
Students develop comprehensive competencies across health data management, informatics infrastructure and executive leadership.
The 58-credit-hour curriculum is structured as follows:
- Â Â Â 19 credit hours of specialized MSHIM coursework
- Â Â Â 19 credit hours of core MSHI coursework
- Â Â Â 20 credit hours of integrated, shared coursework
Note on program constraints: Due to the integrated nature of the shared coursework, joint degree students are not eligible to pursue individual MSHI concentrations (Health Data Science, Consumer and Mobile Health, or Leadership) or the traditional practicum/research track.
Career opportunities
Graduates are uniquely qualified to bridge the gap between technical IT departments and clinical operations. Potential career pathways include:
- Â Â Â Chief health information officer
- Â Â Â Director of clinical informatics
- Â Â Â Health informatics manager
- Â Â Â Healthcare systems analyst
- Â Â Â Data governance analyst
- Â Â Â Revenue cycle and HIM operations leader
- Â Â Â Privacy or compliance specialist
- Â Â Â Digital health project manager
Admissions
Who should apply
This intensive program is designed for high-performing graduate applicants seeking a rigorous, efficient path to two in-demand credentials, as well as for first-year UIC Guaranteed Professional Program Admission (GPPA) students seeking an accelerated pathway.
International students
International students must consult the UIC Office of International Services to verify visa and eligibility requirements for this 100% online program before submitting an application.
Enrollment policy and sequencing
Students must decide to pursue the joint program prior to matriculation to ensure advising and course sequencing align from the start. You may not apply to the joint degree pathway once you have already matriculated into either individual program.
Tuition and waivers
The joint program operates as a full-cost recovery program. Discretionary tuition waivers are not permitted. Applicants holding employee or Board of Trustees waivers should verify their options with a financial aid advisor before applying.
Admission requirements
Applicants must meet the baseline criteria for the UIC Graduate College alongside the following program-specific requirements:
- Separate program applications: Candidates must apply to, and be accepted by, both the MSHIM and MSHI programs independently, alongside completing a joint degree application.
- Grade point average: A minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale for the final 60 semester (or 90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study, or for all terminal graduate coursework.
- Foundational prerequisites: Based on your academic background, foundational coursework may be required prior to beginning core classes.
- MSHIM prerequisites: Anatomy and Physiology Lecture I and II (KN 230/231), Medical Terminology for HIM (BHIS 406), and Medical Sciences and Pathophysiology (BHIS 405).
- MSHI prerequisites: Medical Terminology for HIM (BHIS 406) and Fundamentals of Health Information Management (HIM 486).
Contact information
We’re here for you
If you have questions about the curriculum, credit structure, or the admissions process, reach out to our graduate program directors:
Health Information Management
Lois Hitchcock, MHA, RHIA, FAHIMA
Graduate HIM program director
LMHitch@uic.eduÂ
Health Informatics
Laura Mills
Graduate HI program director
LMills16@uic.edu