Master’s in Healthcare Analytics Degree Overview
If you have a healthcare or analytic background and would like to deepen and broaden your expertise or enter the healthcare field, a master’s in healthcare analytics (MSHA) degree is for you. This graduate STEM program will provide you with the technical and management you need to succeed in healthcare analytics, following all best practices in data analytics and the ability to apply them to the many facets of modern healthcare. This master’s in healthcare analytics program will prepare you to knowledgeably engage with stakeholders around health data science and analytics so that you can make a difference in your chosen healthcare organization.
Healthcare is more than just doctors, nurses, and insurance providers; it includes the people working behind the scenes to support the healthcare system and ensure it functions properly. As a healthcare analyst, you’ll make critical predictive and prescriptive analytic decisions, managing data and information. Your expertise in health data analytics will be welcomed in a variety of roles within hospitals, clinics, healthcare devices or services companies, the pharmaceutical industry, insurance companies, and more. The MSHA program delivers a quality education in advanced healthcare data analysis with emphasis on information systems design, foundation of policy, optimization of clinical and medical service quality, the integration of statistical data, and more.
A Master’s in Healthcare Analytics is a strategic decision for professionals who want to learn the relationship of healthcare management to big data, and health information technology. Data science and information technology courses from an accredited university open up high-demand careers across healthcare, business, and technology sectors. This interdisciplinary STEM program merges information system, data management, and healthcare administration principles to equip graduates with the skills needed to drive innovation in the health services sector.
Now more than ever, as the pandemic has raised awareness in this STEM field and the volume of health data continues to grow, opportunities for healthcare professionals who know how to analyze and perform data mining to improve patient care are on the rise. With the exponential growth of big data in the healthcare industry, proficiency in health data management is becoming increasingly in demand. Some topics we explore in our health analytics’ core courses include: design and management for healthcare informatics, methods for healthcare data analytics, public health informatics, and healthcare database design. Learn more about our course offerings below.
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Alliant CSML Celebrates New Partnership with HIMSS
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) recently designated the California School of Leadership and Management (CSML) at Alliant International University as an approved education partner (AEP). HIMSS is a premier reputable, recognized global advisor, thought leader, and member association committed to transforming the health ecosystem. This is a huge honor, and we truly appreciate their recognition of the CSML. HIMSS praised our well-developed graduate programs that provide students with the latest skills, knowledge on a variety of healthcare topics and courses, and a real-world application of the educational content. We are thrilled to join this exclusive group of AEP organizations.
The benefits of being an AEP with HIMSS are numerous. CSML is authorized to offer the MSHA and MSDA programs with their robust curricula now as HIMSS-approved programs. This partnership further strengthens the credibility of the skills and competencies which students receive throughout CSML degree programs. Earning a degree from an HIMSS/AEP partner school will make you a more desirable candidate to recruiters, and more competitive in the healthcare related marketplace. HIMSS members are also eligible for a 15% tuition savings toward CSML master’s and doctoral programs.
MSHA Program Highlights
Hands-on Learning
Learn through applied research, writing, presentations, discussions, debates, and an internship or a team-based capstone project using data queries, statistical modeling, algorithmic routines, and procedural logic you can use to benefit your current organization.
A Versatile Degree
This health analytics program prepares you to succeed in a wide range of jobs in varying departments within hospitals, clinics, healthcare device companies, the pharmaceutical industry, insurance companies, and more.
Honors Program
Students have the opportunity to participate in a research project which could lead to authorship and publication in a peer-reviewed journal, blog or SIGs (special interest groups) through the school’s technology and quantitative analysis programs.
Practical Training (CPT)
Practical training in the health professions is required and intended to develop professional and applied practice related skills and expertise in the student’s program through a variety of work and learning experiences which could involve supervised practical training and/or applied client projects. Learn More
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MSHA Degree Information
Honors Program
The MS in Healthcare Analytics program now has an honors program for high-achieving students.
This honors program cohort will meet once a month for a deep-dive discussion on contemporary trending industry issues, gaps, advances, and opportunities. It will engage in research projects led by faculty that are designed to further the reach of their education in a manner commensurate with their existing academic achievement. This research can lead to pieces for publication in scientific, peer-reviewed journals, and the teams who successfully publish pieces will be listed as research authors in the publication itself.
Each and every student within the honors program will also receive professional executive mentoring on their selected career path, CV creation, and interviewing advice, as we guide our graduates to be prepared to make their impact in their career as soon as possible.
Finally, honors program members will assist instructors and gain invaluable experience as both a teacher and a leader as they work with these professors on assignment preparation, assist students with coursework, and ultimately conduct student-perspective evaluations in courses where they will provide feedback to instructors on student perceptions of course instruction.
The honors program is for students that have maintained a GPA of 3.5 or above for two consecutive terms, and will be required to pass a CSML faculty interview as well.
Industry Curriculum Partners
Program content and curriculum are developed in collaboration with industry experts including:
- Sriram Bharadwaj, previous Director of Applications and Chief Information Security Officer, Acting Interim CIO, UC Irvine Health
- Brett Garcia, Health Plan Supervisor at Kaiser Permanente
- Dr. Aaron Wester, core faculty at CSML, previous Technical Products Specialist for Press Ganey Associates, and previous National Director Advanced Analytics, Data Science and Research for iProspect / Dentsu Aegis conducting data analytics for Anthem healthcare.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Students in the MSHA ground program are required to participate in curricular practical training as part of their experiential learning throughout the program. Practical training is intended to develop professional and applied practice related skills and expertise in the student’s program through a variety of work and learning experiences which could involve supervised practical training and/or applied client projects. This is required throughout the academic program from start on Day 1 to program completion. Domestic students can contact the CSML Professional Development (CPD) Coordinator directly for guidance. International students must apply for authorization for Curricular Practical Training to the Designated School Official (DSO).
CSML CPT Application Process for International Students
- Obtain a job offer letter from your employer. The offer letter needs the following:
- To be on company letterhead
- Start and end date. (For example: CPT start date is 10/17/22, End date is 08/20/2023)
- Include specific duties to perform, office location, direct supervisor name and contact number.
- State that it is a part-time position
- Include the following statement: “employer agrees to cooperate with the school in achieving the curricular purposes of the employment/training”
- Complete the Application for CPT and the Advisor Verification Form for CPT. These forms are located on the student portal: https://alliantintluni.sharepoint.com/sites/IntlStudent/SitePages/International-Forms.aspx
- Email your offer letter and the 2 forms to your Program Director/Faculty Advisor at Alliant.
- Once they have signed the forms, please follow up and email ISSO@alliant.edu. The DSO is the one who will give you the authorization to start working.
- Also, if it is your first time in the USA, you will need to go to the Social Security Administration office to obtain a social security number, this process can take 2 or more weeks. Your employer will need your social security number for you to work. So please start the process as soon as possible. For the address of local Social Security Administration offices, see: www.ssa.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of job can I expect to get with an MS Health Data Analytics?
In addition to working as a healthcare analyst, graduates of the MSHA degree program can also find themselves working as a clinical manager, health data scientist, insurance analyst, health information technologist, pharmacist, physician, nurse, healthcare consultant, nursing home administrator, or in federal and state government agencies that value this specialized expertise. A master of science in health data analytics prepares you to improve patient outcomes. Whether studying online or on campus, students learn essential analytics concepts and models that inform decision-making across healthcare business units.
What scholarship and financial aid options are available?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
Are there licensure exams I’ll need to pass after graduating from the program?
While there are no required licensure exams for health care analysts, the American Health Information Management Association does offer examinations for those looking to achieve unique distinction in this field and become a certified health data analyst (CHDA). Earning the CHDA certification can help you:
- Validate mastery and specialized competence
- Demonstrate professionalism and commitment
- Exhibit broad organizational knowledge
- Facilitate professional development
When does the MSHA degree program start?
The MS in Healthcare Analytics is offered as an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar.
How long does it take to complete the degree program?
The health analytics master’s program is a 33-credit program and takes approximately one year to complete across eight terms.
"Analytics driven clinical outcomes help achieve greater performance in healthcare management and alleviate the pressures on health systems, which ultimately drives greater patient care and support structures."
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Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.
Why CSML
CSML is a business management school that trains you to have a competitive edge in the technology and quantitative fields. CSML offers management and leadership degrees where you can learn to guide and mentor the next generation of professionals and make your mark as an innovator in the modern business world.
