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Graduate Certificate Program in Public Health Informatics and Technology

Tackle modern public health challenges using innovative technology and data-driven solutions with the Graduate Certificate in Public Health Informatics and Technology.

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Graduate Certificate in Public Health Informatics and Technology

The Graduate Certificate in Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) is designed for public health professionals looking to expand their technical skills, IT professionals interested in applying their expertise to health-related fields and healthcare administrators responsible for successful technology integrations. This program equips you with the technical and analytical skills needed to integrate health data, technology and public health practices to address real-world challenges.

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Complete in as Little as 9 Months

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One of the Most Affordable Tuitions in the Nation

Career Outlook

With the growing reliance on technology in health care and public health, this certificate positions you for success in a competitive and rapidly evolving job market.

High Growth in the New England Area for Medical Informatics Careers:

28,522
Jobs (2022)
+13.1%
% Change (2022-2033)
$99.5K/yr
Median Earnings
2,681/mo
Annual Openings
Source: Lightcast, 2024

Graduates of the PHIT program are prepared for roles such as:

  • Public Health Data Analyst
  • Health Informatics Specialist
  • Population Health Manager
  • Health Systems Consultant

Why Choose the PHIT Certificate at UMass Lowell?

  • Top-Ranked Institution
    UMass Lowell is nationally recognized for its academic excellence and research innovation.
  • In-Demand Expertise
    The PHIT certificate prepares you for careers at the intersection of public health and technology. It addresses the growing need for professionals who can manage health data, improve systems, and enhance public health outcomes.
  • Flexible Learning Options
    Courses are designed to accommodate busy professionals. Whether working full-time or pursuing additional studies, this program provides flexibility to fit your schedule.
  • Industry-Relevant Skills
    Gain practical knowledge in utilizing technology to solve public health issues, optimize health data management, and develop innovative solutions for modern health systems.
  • Expert Faculty
    Learn from experienced professionals and researchers in public health and informatics.
  • Value & Affordability
    According to payscale.com, UMass Lowell ranks #1 for lifetime return on investment among public research universities in Massachusetts. With competitive tuition rates, we offer one of the most cost-effective programs in the region.

One Success Leads to Another

Apply credits from lower credentials to higher ones. Our programs are designed to build upon themselves:

Curriculum Outline

-Total Courses Required: 4 (12 Credits)

Required Courses (2 Courses / 6cr)

  • PUBH.5310 Health Informatics (3cr)
  • PUBH.5600 Data Applications for Public Health Practice (3cr)

Electives (2 Courses / 6cr)

Population Health and Analysis (Choose 1/ 3cr)

  • PUBH.5010 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health (3cr)
  • PUBH.5750 Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3cr)

Health Systems and Technology (Choose 1/ 3cr)

  • PUBH.5060 Quantitative Methods in Health Management (3cr)
  • PUBH.5021 Public Health Policy (3cr)
  • PUBH.6070 Healthcare Information Systems (3cr)
  • PUBH.6390 Electronic Health Record Systems (3cr)

Course Descriptions

PUBH.5010 Social and Behavioral Determinants of Health (3cr)

This course introduces core concepts of social and behavioral determinants of health and provides a foundation for the analysis of social, political and economic influences on health and their role in contributing to health inequities. The core functions of public health and essential services are discussed as well as the history of public health, its philosophy and values. Upstream and downstream reforms to addressing fundamental determinants are evaluated. The influence of behavioral and psychological factors on health and disease are analyzed.

PUBH.5021 Public Health Policy (3cr)

The course focuses on expanding students' knowledge and skills for developing and evaluating contemporary public health policy in the United States and international settings. Students will gain information about the current US national health care system as it relates to emergent public health topics and priorities in the US and globally. This course will focus on competencies for designing, implementing, evaluating and advocating for evidence-based policy, program and practices.

PUBH.5060 Quantitative Methods in Health Management (3cr)

This course explores analytic methods that can be used to improve the decision making of management, clinicians and others within the healthcare industry. Students learn the conceptual foundations of quantitative analysis and common methods used in supporting decision-making; developing evidence-based practices; analyzing data and testing hypotheses. Students also learn how to use industry-standard data analysis software applications, statistical packages and common applications for the development and reporting of analytic findings.

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

PUBH.5310 Health Informatics (3cr)

This course introduces healthcare professionals to the power of data and the importance of analysis. Students learn how population informatics, consumer health informatics, translational bioinformatics, and clinical research informatics are essential components in selecting the techniques and systems used for transforming clinical data into information, knowledge and improved decision-making. The past, current and future role of healthcare IT is also discussed.

PUBH.5600 Data Applications for Public Health Practice (3cr)

Working with data is foundational to public health. This class will provide a practical introduction to how to think about and utilize data for a variety of public health functions Students will investigate sources of local, national, and global public health data, including health records, surveys, and vital statistics in terms of what data is available and how to access, manage, analyze, communicate, and use these data. Students will apply informatics and data sources to population health activities. Students will gain hands on experience working with data in practical ways through data visualizations and software used for public health informatics.

PUBH.5750 Epidemiology and Biostatistics (3cr)

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in human populations, and the risk factors associated with diseases. This course provides an introduction to epidemiology and the associated biostatistical methods that constitute the principal quantitative methods for disease prevention. Topics include: measures of disease frequency, measures of central tendency and spread, rates and risks, precision and validity, bias, simple linear regression, and the important study designs (population surveys, cohort, case-control and cross-sectional studies).

Requirements:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

PUBH.6070 Healthcare Information Systems (3cr)

This course provides a broad-range overview of the healthcare information systems industry, its history, recent developments and continuing challenges, as well as a practical understanding of healthcare information systems acquisition and implementation. Topics include EMR, Data, CMS Quality Programs, Clinical Integration and health information exchange.

PUBH.6390 Electronic Health Record Systems (3cr)

The course addresses Electronic Health Records (EHR) integration with patient care flow, clinical decision making and patient engagement, as well as patient registries and clinical quality reporting. Students also learn core EHR functions, strategies for EHR optimization, and how the EHR can be leveraged for population health management. The course uses industry-leading EHR software as a learning tool to demonstrate how electronic health record technologies are used in a healthcare setting.

Graduate Certificate Requirements

Students enrolled in graduate certificate programs through UMass Lowell must complete all courses indicated in the curriculum outline. Students may complete the certificate program at their own pace by registering for and successfully completing one or more courses each semester, depending upon his/her personal time constraints. Students are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.000 with no more than one course grade below B to receive the certificate.

Online courses meet throughout the year during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters (see Calendar for details). Online students generally log into their online course website one or more times per week to retrieve lectures and assignments or to participate in a chat session. Online students should expect to spend 6 to 10 hours per week engaged in course-related activities for each course. For more information on online courses, visit our online program home page .

Completing a Graduate Certificate Program

Graduate certificate courses must be completed within a five-year period with a minimum 3.000 grade point average and no more than one course with a grade below B. Once all courses for a graduate certificate have been completed, students must complete and submit the Graduate Certificate Clearance Form. Students must submit their clearance form to their coordinator. The coordinator will apply them in SIS, Graduation Tracking.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.

Spring 2025 Tuition

Cost Per Credit Cost Per 3-Credit Course*

Graduate

Online $600 $1,800
All other On Campus courses1 View Here
*Tuition is priced on the listed credit hour unless the contact hour is different. Tuition is then based upon the listed contact hour.
1Applies to graduate on campus courses excluding select courses

Additional Costs

Cost
Term Registration Fee $30
Returned Check Fee $30
Graduate Degree and Certificate Application $50

Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.

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Apply

For Graduate Certificate Programs, Please Submit:

  • An application
  • An application fee*
  • An official transcript indicating a completed bachelor's degree. If your bachelor's degree is from outside the United States, you may be required to take the TOEFL examination.
  • No Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for graduate certificate programs

F1 student visas are not issued for this program. Applications can be completed and submitted at any time during the year. Your application will be processed as soon as all admission materials have been received. You may apply to more than one certificate program but can only take 12 credits maximum before enrolling in an advanced degree. Learn more about specific application requirements for your program of interest.

*There is a $50 application fee to apply to this graduate program.

Count Your Graduate Certificate Toward a Master's Degree

Credits earned from a graduate certificate may be used toward a related graduate degree.

Graduate Program Admissions Requirements

Admission to all graduate programs at UMass Lowell is contingent upon successful completion of a bachelor's degree. In many cases, applicants may register for a course before formally applying to the program; however, students requiring financial aid may want to wait until they have been formally accepted into the program to ensure that their course(s) will be covered. Contact UMass Lowell's Office of Graduate Admissions if you have questions about the application process.

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Questions Regarding Your Graduate Application?

Email Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu or call 800-656-4723 (for U.S. students) or 978-934-2390 (for international students).

For General Assistance:

For general questions about registering for courses or to find out who the advisor is for your graduate program, call 800-480-3190. Our admissions and advising teams are here to help!

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