Overview
Each student at GSU has an academic advisor. Kerri O'Shea, serves as your advisor to assist you in pursuing the MSHI degree. The following FAQ will also be an excellent source to answer most of your questions.
Q: How do I apply to the MSHI Program?
Q: Is the MSHI program a STEM program?
A: Yes, the MSHI program is a STEM program.
Q: Do I need an undergraduate degree in health informatics to be admitted into the MSHI program?
A: There is no restriction on the type of undergraduate degree a student must have. However, the MSHI program at GSU requires all entering students to demonstrate proficiency in certain areas, such as computer literacy. Students are required to take deficiency courses if a deficiency exists.
Q: Is the program, or some of its courses, offered online?
A: HSHI courses are offered either online, hybrid, or in-person. All courses are enhanced with the use of Blackboard. In addition, four courses, HLAD 7102, HLAD 7106, HLD 7109, and 8106, are currently offered online or hybrid.
Q: How many credit hours are required to complete the degree?
A: 33 (10 courses) plus prerequisites.
Q: What are the degree requirements other than keeping a GPA of 3.0 to earn the MSHI degree?
A: Students must meet all university requirements for a master’s degree. In addition, the MSHI degree requires that no more than one course with a grade of “C+, C, or C-“can be applied to the MSHI degree. When a student makes a second grade below a C+ in a class, the student must repeat the course only once to meet the degree requirements.
Q: How long does it take to complete the degree?
A: In general, for a full-time student, it takes up to 2 years. For a part-time student, it may take longer.
Q: If I am an international student, how many courses must I take to keep a full-time status?
A: According to U.S. Federal regulation, international students studying at the U.S. University must keep a full-time status. You must take at least three courses (9 credit hours) each semester if you are an international student to keep your full-time status.
Q: What if I have only one or two courses left for the final semester as an international student?
A: If you are an international student, you can apply for a reduced course to GSU OIS GSU at ois@govst.edu. You can only be approved for a course load reduction if it is a final semester.
Q: Can I take all online courses?
A: If you are an international student, you can only take one online course in a semester (per 9 credit hours). The other two courses must be in-person or hybrid. As a domestic student, you can take a course in any format.
Q: What happens if a course I want to register for is full?
A: Let your advisor know.
Q: How do I register for HLIN 8900, the field experience course?
A: You must fill out the application to HLIN 8900 and submit it to your course instructor for approval. You must also submit your Study Plan with your HLIN application for eligibility approval. After you are approved, you can register for HLIN 8900.
Q: What is the Study Plan? Why should I have it?
A: A study Plan is a blueprint that maps out the courses for your entire MSHI degree study. It helps you stay on track and plan for each semester in advance.
Q: Am I responsible for registering for courses each semester? If so, how do I know what courses to register for?
A: Yes, as a graduate student, you are responsible for registering for courses each semester based on your study plan. You can find MSHI information at www.govst.edu/mshi/. You can also find course information and registering in your student portal.
Q: Who can I contact regarding course registration questions or for advice?
A: You can contact the following individuals for further information:
Ms. Kerri O'Shea, MSHI Academic Advisor
Department of Health Administration and Informatics
Office: G-178
Phone: 708.534.6980
Email: koshea@govst.edu
Dr. Ning Lu, Department Chair
Department of Health Administration and Informatics
Office: G-180
Phone: 708-534-4916
Email: nlu@govst.edu
If you need to contact another Department of Health Administration member, please refer to our faculty directory.
Important: Please remember not all courses are offered every semester. Based on the course offerings, your academic advisor will help you select the appropriate courses.
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