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Health Informatics and Bioinformatics

Master of Science (M.S.)

Graduate Major

Grand Rapids • Face to face • Hybrid • Online (?) • 36 Credits

Health informatics and bioinformatics involves the use of computer technology to manage and analyze information in health care and the life sciences.

Overview

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics at Grand Valley is a Professional Science Masters (PSM) program. This program integrates strong data analytics, teamwork, business, communication, project management, and ethics components. It also includes an intensive internship in health or life sciences, preparing students for professional leadership roles in the field.

The program covers a wide range of topics essential for health informatics and bioinformatics professionals. Students will gain a solid conceptual foundation through core courses, participate in an internship, and complete a culminating Capstone experience. The program is designed to provide interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the demands of the industry.

The Health Informatics and Bioinformatics program is tailored for working professionals with flexible class schedules, including evening meetings. It provides access to a high-performance computing lab and is led by qualified faculty with extensive industry experience. Additionally, the program's integration of university coursework with business and health industry internships ensures that students are prepared for future career opportunities in this growing field.

College of Computing

[email protected]
(616) 331-2060

Program Director

Suhila Sawesi, Ph.D.

Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Deadlines for international students are May 1 for fall and October 15 for winter; domestic student deadlines are July 1 for fall and December 1 for winter. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.

Career Opportunities

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 59,112.68 10%
$ 77,669.94 25%
$ 98,818.91 50%
$124,506.02 75%
$147,608.24 90%

Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic or other biological information.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Learning
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 60,153.03 10%
$ 62,379.25 25%
$ 65,568.14 50%
$ 72,264.93 75%
$ 94,417.61 90%

Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 48,037.57 10%
$ 63,155.33 25%
$ 80,378.85 50%
$111,834.86 75%
$134,401.88 90%

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 52,020.38 10%
$ 60,002.48 25%
$ 70,247.88 50%
$ 86,061.92 75%
$101,816.69 90%

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 48,037.57 10%
$ 63,155.33 25%
$ 80,378.85 50%
$111,834.86 75%
$134,401.88 90%

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

Top skills
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 62,757.43 10%
$ 81,794.57 25%
$111,781.29 50%
$156,175.67 75%
$195,938.09 90%

Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic or other biological information.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Learning
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 40,086.07 10%
$ 52,215.10 25%
$ 71,293.03 50%
$102,086.35 75%
$154,485.94 90%

Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 53,843.05 10%
$ 67,322.79 25%
$ 92,785.15 50%
$121,484.53 75%
$161,556.45 90%

Investigate the growth, structure, development, and other characteristics of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, algae, or fungi. Includes medical microbiologists who study the relationship between organisms and disease or the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 50,878.62 10%
$ 63,578.57 25%
$ 87,029.58 50%
$120,765.49 75%
$151,611.39 90%

Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.

Top skills
  • Science
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 53,843.05 10%
$ 67,322.79 25%
$ 92,785.15 50%
$121,484.53 75%
$161,556.45 90%
117K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
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A Unique Degree
One of Six Programs in the U.S.

Professional Science Masters

The professional science master's (PSM) degree is an innovative graduate degree to allow students to pursue advanced training in science and technology, while simultaneously developing workplace skills valued by employers. PSM programs consist of two years of academic training in an emerging interdisciplinary area, closely tied to the scientific workforce needs of business/industry, with an intensive internship experience. 

Program Overview Video

Watch Health Informatics and Bioinformatics program director Suhila Sawesi, Ph.D., MPharm, BPharm present an overview of this innovative program.

Watch the Overview

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Page last modified June 9, 2025