Master of Science in Healthcare Analytics

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Healthcare Analytics program is a 30-credit, online program that provides students with strategic approaches to healthcare decision-making within public and private institutions. These strategic approaches will be used to develop frameworks for solving analytical problems in the healthcare field. The tools and methods will also be used to make decisions on which data needs to be collected, what information systems can be effectively used to collect the data, and what analyses should be performed in order to inform healthcare decision-making.

Program Learning Objectives

The program provides students with the essential skills required in the field of healthcare analytics. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates should be able to:

• Leadership: Evaluate large stores of data as part of database design to discover patterns and trends that go beyond simple analysis to new and industry-leading insights.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Apply analytic tools such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to critically evaluate applied research globally.
• Disciplinary Knowledge: Analyze descriptive and inferential statistics and interpret the computer-generated statistical results with data visualization in healthcare applications using programming languages such as R or Python.
• Ethical Reasoning: Develop ethical decision-making competencies through statistical methods and the application of analytical tools such as Microsoft Power BI.
• Strategic Thinking: Strategize how the issues facing leaders and decision makers, in the healthcare field, can be resolved ethically.
• Managerial Communication: Analyze and present big data to make strategic decisions including resource allocation. Bridge the communication gap between technical and traditional healthcare professionals.
• Teamwork: Collaborate and contribute effectively to the achievement of organizational goals in a team environment.

Program Design

This 30-credit hour program is delivered through online instruction, providing flexibility and convenience for working professionals and adult learners. The program may be completed in as little as 15 months through full-time enrollment (typically 9 credits in fall and spring terms, 3-6 credits in summer terms). Part-time students may complete the program in two years. All students must complete the degree within six years of initial enrollment per the Graduate Time Limit for Program Completion Policy.

Prerequisites

In addition to a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university, applicants must have undergraduate-level or graduate coursework in statistics (3 credits) and information technology (3 credits) to be considered for admission. Students who are missing one or both prerequisites, but are otherwise qualified and accepted into the program, will be required to take the missing prerequisites before starting the core classes.

Program Curriculum

Total Credits:       30

Healthcare Analytics Capstone (HCAN 7010)

In this capstone course, students will delve into the complexities of the healthcare sector, applying analytical tools to real-world healthcare data. Students will be required to complete a capstone experience that tests their ability to apply analytical skills using real-world data. Projects will emphasize patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and healthcare policy. Students can select their capstone project from one of the following options:

1. Employer-based Project: Work on a data analytics project with their current employer that demonstrates mastery of the capstone learning outcomes.
2. Self-Selected Specialization Project: Choose a project based on their specialization and personal interest. This should involve real-world data and be geared toward deriving real-world insights.

For more information about this program, its course sequencing and descriptions, please visit the Empire State University's Academic Catalog.