The David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science offers a one-year course-based master’s program leading to the degree of Master of Health Informatics. The objective of this program is to equip students who already have a computer science, software engineering, information systems, systems design engineering or other similar undergraduate degree with the domain-specific technical expertise needed to successfully apply computer science concepts in the health domain. The Master of Health Informatics program is intended to help address a critical shortage of skilled professionals who are able to bridge the fields of medicine and computer science by providing graduate level experience that will equip students to work in this complex field. The program will consist of three academic terms with a one-term optional co-op placement in the field.
Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements for admission to the Master of Health Informatics program are:
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an Honours Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Systems Design Engineering, or equivalent with at least a B+ standing (78%)
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three letters of reference, at least two of which should be from academic sources
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proof of competency in English (if applicable). A score of 600 is required on the paper version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and 4.0 on the TWE. A minimum score of 250 is required on the computer version of the TOEFL and a score of 100 is required on the on the Internet version of TOEFL. (See
Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification for other acceptable tests of English.) Most successful applicants have scores higher than these minima.
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GRE general test report for all applicants who have completed their post-secondary education outside of Canada or the United States.
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David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science Supplementary Information Form, available during the on-line application procedure.
Students who do not meet the academic requirements outlined in the first item above may be considered for admission to a transitional, probationary or qualifying program depending on their academic background.
Application Deadlines
Applications for the Master of Health Informatics program are normally accepted only for the Fall term (September). The application deadline for September admission is December 15th of the previous year. Late applications are accepted, but to receive full consideration, the application should be complete by the December 15th deadline.
Degree Requirements
The program includes seven required courses plus two electives.
Required Courses:
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HSG 611 The Health Care System
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CS 792 Health Informatics I - Data Structures and Standards
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CS 793 Health Informatics II – Application Domains
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CS 640 Principles of Database Management and Use
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CS 645 Software Requirements Specification and Analysis
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CS 655 System and Network Architectures and Implementation
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STAT 631 Statistical Methods in Health Informatics
Elective Courses:
Two graduate courses chosen from Computer Science or, with permission, from course offerings in Statistics and/or Health Studies.
Students who have previously earned credit in a course equivalent to one of the required courses above can replace the required course with another Waterloo graduate course in the same general area, subject to the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies in the Cheriton School of Computer Science.
Master of Health Informatics - Co-op Option
The Master of Health Informatics program may be undertaken on a co-operative basis, enabling a student to combine graduate studies with some work experience. The usual pattern of study and work consists of two academic terms in which courses are taken, a one-term work placement, and a final academic term in which the courses are completed. Students may indicate an interest in the Co-op option in their application and can apply for the Co-op option during their first or second term in the Master’s program after securing a work placement.
The degree requirements are the same as for the regular Master of Health Informatics program. The work placement must be related to the student's research topic and requires the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies. The student will need to provide a work term report when they return to campus.
Contact information and further details about the Master of Health Informatics program can be found on the program website maintained by the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science.