Brown launches master’s degree in health informatics

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] - To meet a growing need for health care problem-solvers who are proficient in computer science, technology and data analytics, Brown University is launching a master's degree program in health informatics.

The goal of the two-year, on-campus master of science program is to equip learners with knowledge and skills to harness cutting-edge data analytics to improve the accuracy of patient diagnoses, create personalized treatment plans and coordinate patient care across health care teams and systems.

Elizabeth Chen, who co-leads the health informatics master's program, said that while the field of health informatics has been around for decades, it has recently expanded due to the explosion of health data, the advancement of technology and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.

"There is an unprecedented need for trained professionals who have an understanding of health data and computing skills, understand how to interact with people, and can bring this all together to come up with solutions to pressing health questions and propel advancements in medicine and science," said Chen, an associate professor of medical science and health services, policy and practice at Brown.

The program will offer coursework and practical experience in seven competency areas: health and health care, data science, social and behavioral science, health information technology and digital health, professionalism, leadership, and team science.

Students will have opportunities to work on a range of health informatics projects with faculty at Brown and its affiliated health care partners, said Neil Sarkar, an associate professor of medical science and health services, policy and practice who will also serve as academic chair of the program.

"It's a very exciting time to be launching this program here in Rhode Island, because understanding how to use data in a way that supports AI is underpinning many of the challenges of our health care system," Sarkar said.

Master's students will partner with Brown's affiliated health systems to help improve health and health care, Sarkar said, working with clinicians and health researchers to conduct hands-on projects involving AI techniques, including machine learning and natural language processing.

But the issues they'll face aren't unique to Rhode Island, he added.

"While engaging in hands-on projects with clinicians and researchers to make an impact locally, students will also be able to apply what they learn to address challenges that are happening on a national scale," Sarkar said.

Sarkar said the program will bring together students from a range of industries and career levels, from recent university and medical school graduates to professionals, to engage in diverse conversation and inquiry.

The health informatics master's program was designed and developed by leaders from the Brown Center for Biomedical Informatics in the Division of Biology and Medicine in partnership with the Division of Master's and Professional Programs in Brown's School of Professional Studies.

The program began accepting applications in Fall 2024 and the first cohort will begin in Fall 2025. Additional information about the program is available at https://bcbi.brown.edu/education/health-informatics-scm.

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