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What is Medical Informatics?

The MCW/MSOE Master of Science in Medical Informatics Program emphasizes the applied aspect of using informatics (information science) in the health care setting. This is somewhat different than other MI programs where there is a stronger emphasis on theory. We strive to provide a practical education that prepares students to effectively participate in development, implementation, and management teams charged with producing information technology solutions that improve patient care and reduce the cost of care.

It is not the goal of the MSMI program to comprehensively cross train individuals from one medical informatics domain for another. We will not make doctors or nurses into network engineers or database designers or finance or management experts. Similarly, we will not prepare computer scientists or business experts for patient care.

Rather, our intent is to give our graduates the knowledge and skills to identify, recruit and work with expert resources needed for the successful project. Additionally, with 6 credits of electives, and a 6-credit internship/research project, students have the opportunity to gain additional expertise according to their individual academic and career goals.

Our Program is Unique

Emphasis on project management skills. Again, the projects that we are preparing our graduates to participate in and lead are large, expensive and complex. Successful development and implementation of information technology solutions in the health care environment requires a strict business discipline and strong project management skills.

Focus on the adult learner (non-traditional student). These are students that come with an education and several years of working experience usually in one of the three primary domains described in our working definition. They can immediately see the implications and applications of the Medical Informatics course topics. All of our core classes meet once a week during the evening so that working adults can fit the coursework into an already busy schedule.

The program is also appropriate for the traditional graduate student. These traditional students should expect to gain a knowledge base and skill set that allows them to participate effectively on project teams and is marketable in the industry.

An up-to-date Curriculum. The medical informatics program benefits from the guidance of its external advisory committee, a standing committee of business and industrial leaders who help ensure program offerings stay current.

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