Master of Science in Health Information Management

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Application Deadlines

Spring 2027 Priority Deadline: November 5, 2026
Spring 2027 Regular Deadline: December 3, 2026

No application fee for graduate applications submitted by the Priority Deadline.

Why earn your Master of Science (MS) degree in Health Information Management online at CUNY SPS?

The online MS in Health Information Management at the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) prepares students to lead at the intersection of healthcare, technology, data, privacy, and organizational strategy. As healthcare systems continue to rely on accurate, secure, and actionable information, health information management professionals play a critical role in improving patient care, supporting compliance, protecting sensitive data, and helping organizations make informed decisions.

This CAHIIM-accredited graduate program is designed for working professionals who want to advance into leadership roles in health information management, data governance, privacy and compliance, healthcare analytics, health IT, and related fields. Through advanced coursework in health information systems, privacy and security, analytics, law and ethics, leadership, and information governance, students build the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage health information across complex care environments.

About This Program

Format: Online, Asynchronous
Credits: 33 total
Time to Completion: Approximately 2 years, depending on course load
Start Terms: Fall, Spring
Tuition: $470 per credit for part-time NYS residents

Why This Program

CAHIIM-accredited master’s degree program in Health Information Management
Designed for working professionals seeking leadership roles in healthcare data, privacy, compliance, analytics, and information governance
Build advanced skills in health information systems, data management, privacy and security, healthcare analytics, law and ethics, and strategic leadership
Learn how to use health information to improve quality, safety, performance, and patient outcomes
Study with faculty who bring real-world experience in health information management and healthcare technology
Fully online format offers flexibility to balance graduate study with work, family, and other responsibilities
No GRE required for admission
Competitive CUNY SPS graduate tuition
Weekly virtual office hours are available for prospective students who want to connect with the program team and ask questions
Program outcomes include strong graduate satisfaction, RHIA exam success, and student retention

Who Is This Program For?

This program is ideal for professionals who want to advance in the rapidly evolving field of health information management. It is a strong fit for health information management professionals, healthcare administrators, clinical professionals, IT professionals, data analysts, quality improvement specialists, privacy and compliance professionals, and others who want to lead the secure, ethical, and effective use of health information.

The program is also appropriate for students from a variety of undergraduate majors and professional backgrounds. Applicants who do not have prior experience in health information management may be required to complete prerequisite or requisite coursework, as determined by the academic program.

Skills You’ll Gain

Manage and protect health information across healthcare settings
Evaluate health information systems and electronic health record technologies
Apply privacy, security, legal, and ethical standards to health data
Support compliance with healthcare regulations and information governance requirements
Analyze health data to support decision-making and organizational improvement
Use health information to improve quality, safety, performance, and patient outcomes
Understand healthcare finance, revenue cycle management, and performance improvement strategies
Apply healthcare clinical terminologies and classification systems
Lead projects and initiatives related to health information management, health IT, and data governance
Complete a capstone project that applies program concepts to a real-world health information management issue

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the MS in Health Information Management program are prepared for advanced and leadership roles such as:

Director of Health Information Management
Health Informatics Manager
Data Governance Manager
Privacy Officer
Compliance Officer
Clinical Data Quality Leader
Health IT Implementation Consultant
Revenue Cycle Manager
Health Information Systems Manager
Healthcare Data Analyst
Chief Health Information Strategy Officer
HIM Educator or Program Leader

Program FAQ and Admissions Information

What are the admission requirements for the MS in Health Information Management program?

To apply for the online MS in Health Information Management program, applicants must:

Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Submit a personal statement describing professional goals and interest in health information management
Provide a résumé or CV
Submit one letter of recommendation
Submit official transcripts from all institutions attended
Participate in an interview, if requested

Students who do not have prior background in health information management may need to complete additional prerequisite or requisite coursework as defined by the academic program. Applicants from a variety of undergraduate majors and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What are the MS in Health Information Management application deadlines at CUNY SPS and how do I apply for the program?: Apply now and view application deadlines here.

What are some of the courses in the program?: Courses include U.S. Healthcare Delivery, Healthcare Information Systems, Health IT Privacy, Security and Legal Issues, Healthcare Finance and Revenue Cycle Management, Performance Improvement Strategies in Healthcare, Healthcare Statistics and Research Methods, Healthcare Informatics and Data Analytics, Healthcare Strategic Management and Leadership, Healthcare Clinical Terminologies and Classification Systems, Information and Data Governance, and Capstone. You can view the full course catalog here.

Is the MS in Health Information Management program accredited?: Yes. The MS in Health Information Management program at CUNY SPS is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The program’s accreditation has been reaffirmed through 2030–2031.

What is health information management?: Health information management focuses on the collection, organization, analysis, protection, and use of health information. Professionals in this field help ensure that health data is accurate, secure, accessible, and used responsibly to support patient care, compliance, quality improvement, research, operations, and organizational decision-making.

How is health information management different from health informatics?: Health information management and health informatics are closely related, but they are not exactly the same. Health information management focuses on the governance, quality, privacy, security, compliance, classification, and management of health information. Health informatics often focuses more broadly on how technology and information systems are used to improve healthcare delivery, workflows, and outcomes. The MS HIM program includes both areas, with a strong focus on leadership, data governance, privacy, analytics, and health information strategy.

Do I need a background in health information management to apply?: Not necessarily. Students from a variety of undergraduate majors and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Students without prior background in health information management may need to complete additional prerequisite or requisite coursework as determined by the academic program.

Do I need to take the GRE?: No. The GRE is not required for admission to the MS in Health Information Management program.

Will I gain practical skills that I can apply at work?: Yes. The curriculum focuses on real-world health information challenges, including health information systems, data governance, privacy and security, analytics, healthcare finance, performance improvement, and strategic leadership. Students also complete a capstone course that brings together concepts and skills developed throughout the program.

What kinds of organizations hire health information management professionals?: Graduates may pursue opportunities in hospitals, health systems, insurance companies, government agencies, public health organizations, technology vendors, consulting firms, and other organizations that rely on accurate, secure, and well-managed health information.

Can this degree help me move into a leadership role?: Yes. The program is designed to help students build advanced skills in leadership, strategy, healthcare data, information governance, compliance, privacy, and analytics. These skills can support advancement into management and leadership roles in health information management and related fields.

General FAQ

Is this program fully online?: Yes. The program is delivered 100 percent online.

Are courses asynchronous and what does that mean?: There are no required live class sessions. Students complete coursework online on a set schedule with flexibility around timing.

Is this program designed for working professionals?: Yes. The fully online format and focused certificate structure are designed for individuals balancing school with work and other responsibilities.

How do I request information about the program or contact admissions?

You can request program information here or reach out to Admissions

Text: (646) 517-7876
Email: admissions@sps.cuny.edu
Phone: (646) 664-8544

When can I start?: You can start during the Fall or Spring term.

How long does it take to earn my online degree?: Most students complete the degree in approximately 2 years, depending on course load.

Is financial aid available?: Graduate financial aid options may be available to eligible students. Learn more here.

Are there scholarships that I can apply for?: Learn more about CUNY SPS scholarships, CUNY-wide scholarships, external scholarship opportunities, scholarships and grants for veterans, and general scholarship information here.

What support services are available for students?: Students have access to academic advising, career services, professional development resources, counseling, disability services, veteran services, writing support, tutoring, library resources, and a range of student support services.