What is an MPH Degree and What Can You Do With It?
Health | 10min Read
Master’s in Health Information Management Online MS in HIM
Program Overview Why get a master’s in health information management?
Integrate some of today's in-demand knowledge areas – like business, data analysis and computer science – into the ultimate healthcare technology career in the online Master of Science (MS) in Health Information Management (HIM) program at Southern New Hampshire University.
Additionally, this program also meets eligibility requirements to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credential exam – which can help you open up even more opportunities for advancement.
Skills you'll learn:
- How to evaluate and create data management policies
- Technological patient data protection methods
- Healthcare enterprise planning techniques
- Models for managing revenue cycles
- Health information compliance program creation
Courses & Curriculum Online HIM courses that prepare you for your career
Develop practical health information management skills and experiences employers want to see in the master's in health information management program at SNHU. You'll use technology to protect patient data and solve healthcare needs while building on leadership skills, like critical thinking, communication and problem-solving.
Online master's in HIM degree courses
This 36-credit online health information management master's degree is the ideal next step for continued study of graduates of the bachelor's in health information management program or those looking to build on their skills and experience in healthcare.
You'll study advanced topics in information governance, data protection, health informatics, revenue management, compliance and healthcare law, ethics and analytics.
The master’s in health information management program at SNHU is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). As a CAHIIM-accredited program, our curriculum is built to prepare you for real-world success.
Courses May Include:
HIM Applications and Systems
Course ID:
HIM 510
Topics related to health information management, including revenue management, coding and compliance, developing professional identity, terminology and classification systems, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), and current trends are explored. Students tour a medical facility either virtually or in person.
Leading as a HIM Professional
Course ID:
HIM 520
This course explores leadership roles, change management, and key topics in the health information management industry through an overview of leadership in organizations, human resource (HR) management, training and development, ethics, process improvements, work design, and developing and revising policies. Students examine ethical concepts and learn first-hand what the role of a health information management professional entails.
Information Protection & Security in HIM
Course ID:
HIM 530
Building on the HIPAA foundation established in HIM-510 students learn how to create and revise working policies and regulations within organizations based on existing laws, and how to adapt infrastructures to support these policy changes. Students explore access of medical records and how to discern when access should be prohibited based on the policies in place.
Health Information Governance
Course ID:
HIM 540
Explore compliance for HIM professionals, regulatory requirements, and the relationship of coding and compliance, to develop an understanding of data governance pertaining to the significance of data integration, interoperability, and shared data. Learn how to assess the accuracy and standardization of data governance by reviewing various sections within the charts and their authorizations.
Data Management and Data Quality
Course ID:
HIM 550
Explore meaningful use of data and the management of patient-centered health information systems. Review data management policies, evaluate data from varying sources to create meaningful presentations/reports, design patient-centered health information systems, and manage virtual network communications. Learn how to collect data, evaluate it, and turn it into valuable information to present to various audiences.
HIM Informatics and Technology Infrastructure
Course ID:
HIM 560
Explore the technologies that support health information systems by examining different patient medical records and the various uses and steps in developing medical records. Create models of portals from a database-perspective.
Managing Compliance
Course ID:
HIM 600
Review the laws and regulations that are applicable to health information management professionals in regards to compliance, medical documentation, fraud, abuse, and penalties for documentation and coding violations based on governmental guidelines. Learn principles of medical auditing, medical record auditing skills, chart abstraction and perform a coding risk analysis.
HIM Strategic Planning and Financial Management
Course ID:
HIM 660
Explore the healthcare revenue cycle and financial principles relevant to strategic planning for the healthcare organization, including analytics, reimbursement models, forecasting the revenue cycle and methods of fraud detection.
Research Methods and Evaluation
Course ID:
HIM 675
Employ research methodologies, systematic processes for data collection to ensure data integrity, and data analysis to establish a framework for drafting the capstone project.
Advanced Topics in HIM I
Course ID:
HIM 680
Apply and expand on topics covered in previous courses in the MS Health Information Management program, including advanced classification systems, data governance, data management, and health information technologies such as data analytics and decision support. Apply theories learned in consumer informatics, and information integrity, contingency planning, as well as vendor management and enterprise information management.
Advanced Topics in HIM II
Course ID:
HIM 685
Apply and expand on topics covered in previous courses in the MS Health Information Management program, including strategic planning, and leadership roles in HIM. Apply theories learned in change management, work design, and project management.
Health Information Management Capstone
Course ID:
HIM 690
Integrate previous coursework and practical experience with a focus on authentic demonstration of competencies outlined by the program by synthesizing and integrating prior learning to design, develop, and execute a capstone project as a culmination of the M.S. Health Information Management program. Develop a well-thought-out, comprehensive project that applies knowledge in a complex and operationally-charged business environment.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MS in Health Information Management curriculum.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Get credit for your HIM certifications
Already a credentialed HIM professional? At SNHU, we've identified American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) certifications with a 1:1 correlation to our MS in HIM courses, helping you earn credits and waive courses with certifications you already have. Having even one of these certifications can save you close to $2,000 in tuition and 2.5 months of time.
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
- Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)
- Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)
- Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)
Learn more about getting credit for HIM certifications.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: Aug. 25, 2025 | Nov. 10, 2025
Next term starts:
June 9, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Supportive HIM faculty with real-world experience
Our faculty come to SNHU with years of experience — and many of them have been exactly where you are now. Bringing their firsthand perspectives to the classroom, your instructors will share professional insights that support your growth in the field of health information management.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Lynn Ward
Dr. Lynn Ward joined SNHU with decades of higher education experience and a multifaceted background in health information management. Beyond her role as an associate dean, Ward is a certified online instructor, registered health information administrator and certified professional in healthcare information and management systems. She has presented for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Position
Associate Dean of Health Professions
Joined SNHU
2016
Education
- EdD from Capella University
- MA in Healthcare Administration from St. Joseph’s College
- BS in Business with a concentration in Human Resource Management from SNHU
__________
What our instructors have to say
Hear what some of our SNHU instructors have to say about our online MS in HIM degree program:
"Health information management is a rapidly growing profession with many specialized areas as the implementation of electronic health records increases. This growth will affect those who work in healthcare analysis and big data analysis, in addition to those who work in academic settings. Many HIM professionals do not usually consider working as an educator, but there is a need in this area, and they are prepared to take on these roles."
Andrea Johnson-Mignott, clinical faculty for health professions at SNHU
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
The Health Information Management accreditor of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). The university’s accreditation for the Master's degree in Health Information Management has been reaffirmed through 2030. All inquiries about the programs’ accreditation status should be directed by mail to CAHIIM, 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago, IL, 60601; by phone at 312.235.3255; or by email at info@cahiim.org.
MS Health Information Management Achievement Data
Student Achievement Data
CAHIIM requires accredited programs to provide achievement data which is reported below:
Enrollment: 133
Total number of full time and part-time MS Health Information Management students enrolled in at least one course during the August 1, 2023-July 31, 2024, timeframe.
Student Satisfaction Rate: 85.7%
The percentage of full and part time MS Health Information Management students who responded to the 2024 student satisfaction survey and indicated they were satisfied with their overall educational experience. Out of 73 students surveyed, 7 responded.
Graduation Rate: 43.4%
The percentage of full and part time MS Health Information Management students (first year and transfer) who graduated within 3 years of starting their program. This percentage is based on a cohort of 53 students that reached the 3-year mark between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024.
Employment Rate: 100%
The percentage of MS Health Information Management graduates who responded to the 6 months post-graduation survey and indicated they were employed. Out of 24 students who graduated between July 2022- June 2023, two responded to the survey – both were employed.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377
If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Receive an online tuition discount if your organization has partnered with SNHU for educational benefits. See if your organization partners with us.
Career Outlook What can I do with a Master of Science in Health Information Management?
Whether you're a new college graduate or a long-term healthcare system employee, understanding data systems and analysis can open up career paths that are on track for big growth in the coming years. And with big data being used to inform health interventions and population healthcare approaches, there's a great need for skilled health information managers.
By completing the health information management program at SNHU, you'll prepare yourself for a variety of HIM positions with a specific focus on compliance, privacy or clinical data analysis.
Industries
Health information – such as diagnoses, medical histories, lab results, prescriptions and surgeries – is used in more environments than one may expect. This means patient data needs management and protection in many different work environments, including:
Hospitals
Direct the design and implementation of electronic medical records systems to increase efficiency.
Insurance Companies
Oversee teams that review claims and communicate with submitters to minimize inaccurate reimbursements/billing.
Nursing Homes
Manage patient information to help facilitate care of residents in a nursing home.
Outpatient Clinics
Manage a department's policies, reports/budgets and staff training on electronic health record (EHR) best practices.
Primary Care Offices
Take charge of the maintenance and security of all patient records and data.
28%
Increase in medical and health services managers through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$110,680
Median annual pay for medical and health services managers as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a master's in health information management?
As health information management (HIM) continues to expand, so do career opportunities. Professionals in this fieldwork across all healthcare providers and departments – from hospitals, clinics and surgery centers to behavioral health facilities, governmental agencies and even healthcare technology companies.
With a master's (MS) in HIM, you can become a leader in a wide array of settings in the field. While overseeing documentation practices is one of the hallmarks of the HIM profession, you'll potentially manage many other key aspects of health information including collecting, reporting, analyzing and protecting health data.
And, since health information management is a program where technology and healthcare coincide, advances in medical technology will continue to change the healthcare industry in the digital age for years to come. This leaves plenty of career opportunities wide open for someone with their MS in HIM.
According to the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), some advanced roles within HIM include2:
- Chief Data Officer
- Chief Health Informatics Officer (STEM)
- Chief Privacy Officer (STEM)
- Clinical Data Manager (STEM)
- Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Manager
- Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Quality Assurance Auditor
- Coding Supervisor/Auditor
- Compliance Manager
- Data Governance Manager
- Director of Revenue Cycle Management
- Health Equity Manager
- Health Information Management Director (STEM)
- Revenue Cycle Trainer
What's the difference between health information management and health informatics?
While both of these career paths aim to transform healthcare through technology and data, there are a few key differences to be aware of.
Health information management focuses on medical records. It's the practice of acquiring, analyzing and protecting digital and traditional medical information vital to providing quality patient care. Think of it as a combination of business, science and information technology.
Health informatics focuses on applied information technology. It's the science that defines how health information is technically captured, transmitted and used. Health informatics focuses on information systems, informatics principles and information technology as it's applied to the continuum of healthcare delivery.
How much do health information managers make?
While earning your master's in health information management can create new opportunities for you, salaries can range depending on various factors including credentials, experience, industry and job level.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual pay for medical and health services managers was $110,680 in 2023.1
In 2019, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) surveyed health information professionals about their salaries. It reported that the top 5 average salaries by job setting included life sciences, association/professional societies, vendor companies, laboratories/research and consulting firms.2
Is health information management a hard major?
Going back to school for any degree program takes hard work and dedication, and it depends on a number of factors, including how you learn and where your passion lies. If you enjoy working with data, consider yourself a detail-oriented person who strives for precision and has high regard for ethics and helping others, health information management (HIM) may be the perfect fit for you.
That said, we offer excellent resources, such as academic advising, to make earning your degree as stress free as possible. If something pops up that you can’t figure out on your own, we’ll be there to help you.
Getting your online master's in HIM from Southern New Hampshire University also offers additional perks:
- Benefit from several free books and resources – saving you money
- Gain a free membership to the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), which offers networking, career information and more
- Join one of the country's only online HIM master's programs, filled with content that leads up to a real-life simulated experience
Is health information management in demand?
Yes. As technology continues to gain momentum in the healthcare world, the demand for highly educated professionals with a background in health information management will only continue to grow. With a master's degree in health information management (HIM), you can be prepared to take on management and leadership roles within large healthcare settings, while also being qualified to manage the technology, security and compliance needs of your organization.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in health information management?
At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), you'll need to meet our admission policy, which requires a conferred bachelor's degree and a minimum GPA. However, you don’t need to be a medical professional or even have an undergraduate healthcare degree to pursue an health information management (HIM) education.
Whether you’re re-entering the workforce or seeking a new career path, HIM is a broad field open to all experience levels. In this field, you can help others by improving the quality and integrity of health data, provide leadership in the planning, design, selection and implementation of health information technologies, perform data analytics to optimize business operations and manage projects to achieve specific organizational goals.
If you've worked in information technology (IT), management or tech, SNHU can help turn your current skill set into your HIM education foundation.
Health information management is currently filling roles in:
- Compliance and risk management
- Data privacy, confidentiality and security
- HIM operations management
- Informatics, data analysis projects and research
- IT and infrastructure
- Health information exchange
- Patient identity management and more
You can build on your existing knowledge and skills as you pursue HIM coursework in several emerging areas in healthcare, including mobile health, data and information analytics, consumer informatics and healthcare policy.
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm (viewed June 11, 2024).
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2American Health Information Management Associations (AHIMA), on the internet, at:
- https://www.ahima.org/career-mapping/career-map/ (viewed June 11, 2024)
- https://www.ahima.org/media/betc41er/salary-snapshot.pdf (viewed June 11, 2024)