BS in Health Data Science

Learn what you can do with a health data science degree

Upon completing the Bachelor of Science in Health Data Science, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate computing knowledge and “hacking” skills (data capture and visualization)
  • Analyze results using appropriate biostatistical methods (analytical skills)
  • Think critically and creatively to solve problems and discover meaning in large data (open-mindedness, curiosity)
  • Conduct biostatistical analyses in an ethical and responsible manner (professionalism)
  • Effectively communicate results of analyses to non- experts (communication, “storytelling,” presentation skills).
Career possibilities
With this degree, your job title might be:You might work at places like:
Data AnalystEli Lilly Co.
Data ScientistJohnson & Johnson
Clinical AnalystThe Clorox Company
Healthcare Data ScientistState Health Departments
Medical Data ScientistHospital Systems
Research ScientistHealth Centers
Informatics Specialists and Analysts
Health Information Technician
Health Information Manager
Health Informatics Specialist
Biostatistician
Bioinformatics Scientist

$98,230Median Annual Salary

19,800Projected New Jobs between 2020 and 2030

31.4%Job Growth between 2020 and 2030

Student internship profiles

Students in our Health Data Science program who have completed internships in the field have agreed to share their stories to help students like you discover a career path they'll love! Browse the student internship profiles to see what our students are up to.

Meet our health data science students

Minors

In addition to its focus on health, and the deep analytical skills obtained through the Health Data Science curriculum, a unique characteristic of the degree is the availability of minors in computer science or informatics.

Computer Science
The minor in Computer and Information Science will focus on the use and modification of sophisticated software tools, to provide students with the computational background necessary in developing the deep analytical capabilities necessary in their careers. This minor requires taking INFO-I453 and INFO-I425.

Informatics
The minor in Informatics will focus on combining principles from information systems, computer science, psychology, and sociology, to prepare students to tackle the challenges found in the health sciences. This minor requires taking CSCI-34000 and CSCI-36200. 

Curriculum

To complete this degree, you will take a combination of general education courses, health data science major and core courses, electives, and a minor in computer science or informatics that together total at least 120 credits.

Core Communication

Take 2 courses for 6 credits

  • ENG-W 131 Reading, Writing and Inquiry (3 credits)
  • COMM-R 110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3 credits)

Analytical Reasoning

Take 2 courses for 6 credits

  • MATH 15300 Algebra and Trigonometry I (3 credits)
  • MATH 15400 Algebra and Trigonometry II (3 credits)

Cultural Understanding, Social Sciences/Arts & Humanities

Take 1 course for 3 credits

Social Sciences/Arts & Humanities

Take 3 course for 9 credits

Life & Physical Sciences

Take 2 courses for 6 credits

General Education Requirements

Take 3 courses for 9 credits

  • ENG-W 231 Professional Writing Skills (3 credits)
    OR 
    BUS-X 204 Business Communications (3 credits)
    OR
    TCM 220 Technical Report Writing (3 credits)
  • MATH 165 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I (3 credits)
  • MATH 171 Multidimensional Mathematics (3 credits)

Take two courses for 6 credits

  • PBHL-A 316 Environmental Health Science (3 credits)
  • PBHL-E 322 Introduction to Epidemiology (3 credits)

Major Courses
Take all 9 courses and internships for 27 credits

  • PBHL-B 275 Probability for Health Data Scientists: A Computational Approach (3 credits)
  • PBHL-B 280 Biostatistics for Health Data Scientists: A Computational Approach (3 credits)
  • PBHL-B 285 Classical Biostatistical Regression Methods (3 credits)
  • PBHL-B 385 Contemporary Biostatistical Regression Methods (3 credits)
  • PBHL-B 401 Health Data Science Internship I (3 credits)
  • PBHL-B 402 Health Data Science Internship II (3 credits)
  • PBHL-B 420 Introduction to Biostatistical Learning (3 credits)
  • PBHL-B 481 Introduction to Biostatistical Computing (3 credits)
  • PBHL-B 490 Advanced Biostatistical Computing (3 credits)

Computer and Information Science Minor

Take six courses for 20 credits

  • CSCI 23000 Computing I (4 credits)
  • CSCI 24000 Computing II (4 credits)
  • CSCI 34000 Discrete Computational Structures (3 credits)
  • CSCI 36200 Data Structures (3 credits)
  • CSCI 44300 Database Systems (3 credits)
  • CSCI 48100 Data Mining (3 credits)

Required Informatics Electives:

  • INFO-I 223 Data Fluency (3 credits)
  • INFO-I 453 Computer and Information Ethics (3 credits)

OR


Informatics Minor

Take six courses for 21 credits

  • INFO-I 101 Introduction to Informatics (4 credits)
  • INFO-I 210 Information Infrastructure I (4 credits)
  • INFO-I 211 Information Infrastructure II (4 credits)
  • INFO-I 223 Data Fluency (3 credits)
  • INFO-I 308 Information Representation (3 credits)
  • INFO-I 453 Computer and Information Ethics (3 credits)

Required Computer Science Electives:

  • CSCI 34000 Discrete Computational Structures (3 credits)
  • CSCI 36200 Data Structures (3 credits)

Take up to seven courses (21 or 22 credits), at least four from PBHL, CSCI or INFO up to a total of 120 credits.

  • PBHL-A 316 Environmental Health Science (3 credits)
  • PBHL-B 452 Fundamentals of Data Management (3 credits)
  • PBHL-H 220 Policy and Management for Population Health (3 credits)
  • PBHL-S 315 Community Health (3 credits)
  • CSCI-N 241 Fundamentals of Web Development (3 credits)
  • INFO-I 303 Organizational Informatics (3 credits)
  • INFO-I 402 Informatics Project Management (3 credits)
  • NEWM-N 220 Introduction to Media Application Development (3 credits)
  • NEWM-N 230 Introduction to Game Design and Development (3 credits)
  • COMM-C 180 Introduction to Inter-personal Communication (3 credits)
  • COMM-C 223 Business and Professional Communication (3 credits)
  • COMM-C 392 Health Communication (3 credits)

Degree electives
A minimum of 105 credit hours of required courses are listed for this curriculum. 39 credit hours are required in general education and preparatory courses and 12 required credit hours in public health. For those pursuing an informatics minor 53 credit hours are required in the major and minor areas. For those pursuing a computer science minor 54 credit hours are required in the major and minor areas. In addition, students must take a sufficient number of college-level elective courses to total a minimum of 120 credit hours. Contact the Office of Student Services at (317) 278-0753 for specific determinations.

Advising

If you are interested in this degree, we encourage you to contact us at fsphinfo@iu.edu or by calling (317) 274-2000 to speak with one of our friendly, helpful advisors who can answer questions about degree requirements, eligible classes, course substitutions, and course waivers. We’re here to help you successfully complete the program.

Admissions

Apply

Learn what you must complete in order to be admitted to this degree program.

View the admissions criteria

Still have questions?

Our undergraduate recruiter, Natalie Noel, is available to meet with you virtually or in-person.

Contact Natalie