Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics
May 15, 2026
August 25, 2026
Transform data into impact with an MS in Biomedical Informatics
Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics is a research-focused graduate program designed for students who want to deepen their academic expertise in health data science and pursue advanced study in biomedical informatics. This degree is not intended for professional practice preparation, but rather for those who seek to contribute to scientific discovery, data-driven innovation and academic research in health care.
The MS degree is a natural entry point for students planning to pursue a PhD, providing a strong foundation in informatics theory, biomedical data analysis and computational research methods. Students engage in rigorous online coursework taught by expert faculty from the College of Medicine and the College of Public Health, while collaborating on innovative research topics such as big data, artificial intelligence and biostatistics and their impacts on clinical and population health.
Through this program, you’ll build the skills necessary to conduct hypothesis-based research and complete a formal thesis — preparing you for future doctoral study or research-oriented roles in health, academia, industry and government.
Why choose Ohio State’s online MS in Biomedical Informatics?
This research-oriented MS is ideal if you:
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Plan to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Informatics or a related field.
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Want to contribute to academic research, biomedical data modeling or health-technology discovery.
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Are passionate about applying informatics to advance scientific understanding in health and medicine.
If you are a working health professional seeking to apply informatics in a practice environment — such as public health programs, health-care systems or clinical operations — Ohio State offers the Master of Public Health with a Biomedical Informatics specialization, designed specifically for applied and professional career paths.
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“I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me.”
Tomitha Zimmerman Ohio State Online Grad -
"I learned to embrace and appreciate the online format. It enabled me to continue to work full time, take advantage of generous employer tuition benefits, and progress toward my career goals while accommodating my family life."
Jane Ginther Ohio State Online Grad -
"Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program."
Derek Danek Ohio State Online Grad -
"I’ve made lasting relationships. I still meet my former classmates to discuss processes, improvements and research that we are conducting."
Larry Martin Ohio State Online Grad -
"Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others."
Cara North Ohio State Online Grad
Frequently Asked Questions
Biomedical informatics is an interdisciplinary field that integrates data science, computer science and health research to improve human health. It focuses on collecting, managing and analyzing biomedical and clinical data to advance scientific understanding, develop new tools and systems and support data-driven discovery in medicine and public health.
Yes. The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics from Ohio State Online is a 100% online program, providing the same rigorous education and faculty expertise as the on-campus experience. All coursework and research components can be completed remotely, offering flexibility for students while maintaining the program’s academic intensity.
This program is designed for students whose interests in Biomedical Informatics (BMI) are academically oriented rather than directed toward professional practice. It’s a strong fit for individuals who:
- Plan to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Informatics or a related field.
- Want to contribute to academic or translational research in data science, biostatistics or computational health.
- Are interested in developing the skills needed to conduct independent, hypothesis-driven research.
If you are a working professional seeking to apply informatics in a practice setting—such as in health systems, clinical operations or public health programs—Ohio State Online’s Master of Public Health with a Biomedical Informatics specialization may be a better fit.
Students can complete the online MS in Biomedical Informatics in approximately two years of full-time study or part time in three years. Because this is a research-focused program culminating in a thesis, time to completion may vary based on research scope and individual progress.
Students build advanced knowledge in biomedical data analysis, computational methods and research design. The curriculum emphasizes data-driven discovery, statistical reasoning and the ethical and methodological foundations of biomedical informatics research.
Coursework may include:
- Biomedical data analytics and visualization
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning in health care research
- Biostatistics and data modeling
- Clinical and population health informatics
- Research design, ethics and reproducibility
You’ll apply these concepts through an independent, hypothesis-based research project and thesis, guided by Ohio State’s expert faculty.
Graduates of the MS in Biomedical Informatics are prepared for research and academic career paths, including:
- Biomedical or health data researcher
- Research informatics specialist
- Computational biologist
- Data scientist in academia, industry or government research labs
This degree also serves as a foundation for PhD study in Biomedical Informatics or related disciplines. Students interested in applied or clinical informatics roles should explore Ohio State’s MPH in Biomedical Informatics specialization.
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Academic Calendar
The College of Public Health only admits students for this program one term each year. All students apply to begin study the following autumn semester.
The application deadline is May 15, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Academic Calendar
The College of Public Health only admits students for this program one term each year. All students apply to begin study the following autumn semester.
The application deadline is May 15, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Admission Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Strong background in computer/information science or life sciences
- Excellent recommendations
- Strong personal statement
- GRE test scores are optional
Applicants must apply through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS), which includes a $150 application fee.
Applications are reviewed, and admissions decisions are made, on a rolling basis.
Application Requirements
These document are required when applying to College of Public Health graduate programs.
$60 for domestic students and $70 for international students.
When you apply, you will submit the following materials with an application through the Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS). The SOPHAS application opens each August for an application deadline each May. There is a $150 SOPHAS application fee.
All applications must include an official transcript of all post-secondary course work where college credit was awarded. Transcripts must be sent by the institution where credit was received. Ohio State students applying to an Ohio State Public Health program must submit their Ohio State transcript through SOPHAS. Learn more about transcripts and the submission process.
Letters of recommendation should come from professional or academic references, or a mix of both. After submitting your application, an email will be sent to each reference inviting them to submit a recommendation through an online form. Applications through SOPHAS will require letters to be uploaded as a part of the application.
Prepare and submit a current resume or curriculum vitae as a part of the application process.
All applications for programs submitted through SOPHAS require a supplemental application ($60 domestic fee). This is emailed to you from The Ohio State University within a week after your centralized SOPHAS application reaches “verified” status. SOPHAS requires four to six weeks to verify an application.
Your personal statement gives you the opportunity to submit a tailored narrative describing your education, experience and professional career objectives. Please prepare a personal statement that addresses the following:
- Your reasons for interest in the field of public health
- Your reasons for interest in your specific program of study and/or concentration
- Your reasons for interest in this school or program
- Your career goals
Success at Ohio State depends upon your ability to converse in, write and understand English. For more information about English proficiency requirements, consult Graduate and Professional Admissions.
All coursework earned outside of the United States must reflect the equivalent of a U.S. four-year bachelor’s degree. The World Education Services, Inc. (WES) is the preferred agency to evaluate international education credentials.
The GRE is optional for all graduate degree programs in the College of Public Health. If you include official GRE scores as a part of your application, the codes for Ohio State are: SOPHAS – 4233.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Ohio State’s Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics will combine your interests in technology and medicine with an education that prepares you for a career as a researcher who makes a difference in health care and how it’s delivered to patients.
Career Outlook
Graduates of Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics are prepared for research-focused roles in academia, health care, industry and government. This degree emphasizes the analytical and computational skills needed to advance biomedical discovery, making graduates highly competitive for positions such as biomedical data scientist, research informatics specialist, computational biologist or health data researcher. Many students also continue their education in a PhD in Biomedical Informatics or related fields, pursuing careers as academic researchers, faculty members or scientific investigators. As the demand for professionals who can translate complex health data into actionable research continues to grow, graduates of Ohio State’s program are well positioned to contribute to innovations that improve patient care, health outcomes and medical knowledge.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
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.
Work Activities
Develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs. Communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports. Create novel computational approaches and analytical tools as required by research goals.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $54,500
- Mid Level: $93,330
- Senior Level: $159,780
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.6%
Related Careers
- Bioinformatics Technicians
- Biostatisticians
- Data Scientists
- Geneticists
- Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Job Sectors
- Biology
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Chemistry
What They Do
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.
Work Activities
Analyze or manipulate bioinformatics data using software packages, statistical applications, or data mining techniques. Extend existing software programs, web-based interactive tools, or database queries as sequence management and analysis needs evolve. Maintain awareness of new and emerging computational methods and technologies.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $40,330
- Mid Level: $71,490
- Senior Level: $154,140
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
6.9%
Related Careers
- Biological Technicians
- Data Scientists
- Database Architects
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars
- Statistical Assistants
Job Sectors
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Biology
What They Do
Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.
Work Activities
Draw conclusions or make predictions, based on data summaries or statistical analyses. Analyze clinical or survey data, using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis, mixed-effect modeling, logistic regression analyses, and model-building techniques. Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $60,390
- Mid Level: $103,300
- Senior Level: $170,700
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
11.8%
Related Careers
- Bioinformatics Scientists
- Bioinformatics Technicians
- Clinical Data Managers
- Data Scientists
- Statisticians
Job Sectors
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Medicine and Dentistry
What They Do
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.
Work Activities
Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software. Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such as sales, attrition, and healthcare use. Apply sampling techniques to determine groups to be surveyed or use complete enumeration methods.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $63,650
- Mid Level: $112,590
- Senior Level: $194,410
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
36%
Related Careers
- Bioinformatics Technicians
- Financial Quantitative Analysts
- Operations Research Analysts
- Statistical Assistants
- Statisticians
What They Do
Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.
Work Activities
Analyze and interpret statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships among sources of information. Evaluate the statistical methods and procedures used to obtain data to ensure validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy. Report results of statistical analyses, including information in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $60,390
- Mid Level: $103,300
- Senior Level: $170,700
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
11.8%
Related Careers
- Bioinformatics Scientists
- Biostatisticians
- Clinical Data Managers
- Data Scientists
- Mathematicians
Job Sectors
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
What They Do
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Work Activities
Review, classify, and record survey data in preparation for computer analysis. Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations. Produce documentation of the questionnaire development process, data collection methods, sampling designs, and decisions related to sample statistical weighting.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $36,950
- Mid Level: $63,380
- Senior Level: $118,730
Job Outlook
Below Average
Projected Growth
-0.2%
Related Careers
- Data Scientists
- Management Analysts
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Statistical Assistants
- Statisticians
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The Ohio State Online Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics provides a strong academic foundation for students interested in research and data-driven innovation in health care. This program is designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of biomedical data science and prepare for advanced research or doctoral study.
As a student, you’ll engage in a rigorous online curriculum that blends coursework in informatics, data analysis and research methods. To reflect the program’s research and academic orientation, the MS degree requires preparation and defense of a hypothesis-based thesis. Most students typically can complete the degree in approximately two years.
Required Foundation and Specialization Courses
The biomedical informatics master’s program builds on the College of Public Health and the Department of Biomedical Informatics’ foundational MS-BMI curriculum and competencies, which comprise 29 credit hours.
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
Students must take this 1 credit hour course twice for 2 credit hours.
3 credit hours
Ethics Course Requirement (3 credit hours)
Select one of the courses below:
3 credit hours
3 credit hours
Recommended Electives (9 credit hours)
Students should work with staff and faculty academic advisors in the Department of Biomedical Informatics to identify suitable electives.
BMI 5551 – Survey of AI/ML in Digital Health (3 credit hours)
BMI 5552 – AI/ML Applications in Medical Imaging (3 credit hours)
BMI 5553 – Predictive Analytics in Electronic Health Records (3 credit hours)
BMI 5554 – Natural Language Processing in Biomedical Research (3 credit hours)
BMI 5730 – Introduction of Bioinformatics (3 credit hours)
BMI 5740 – Introduction to Research Informatics (3 credit hours)
BMI 5750 – Methods in Biomedical Informations (3 credit hours)
BMI 5770 – Health Analytics: Data to Discovery to Dissemination (3 credit hours)
BMI 5780 – Programming for BMI (3 credit hours)
BMI 7040 – Clinical Informatics (3 credit hours)
BMI 7050 – Meta-Analysis in Health Science Research (3 credit hours)
BMI 7235 – Application in Machine Learnings for Bioinformatics (3 credit hours)
BMI 7530 – Proteomics Data Analysis (3 credit hours)
BMI 7810 – Research Design & Method Approaches (3 credit hours)
BMI 7830 – Systems Biology (3 credit hours)
BMI 8030 – Special Topics in Comp. Biology (credits vary)
BMI 8130.01 – Analysis and Applications of Genome-Scale Data (3 credit hours)
BMI 8140 – Measuring patient experiences and preferences (3 credit hours)
BMI 8150 – Rigorous and Reproducible Design & Data Analysis (3 credit hours)
PUBHEPI 6412 – Prin Clinical & Transl. Science (3 credit hours)
PUBHEPI 6413 – Conduct & Comm Research in CTS (2 credit hours)
PUBHEPI 6431 – Design and Implement Health Surveys (2 credit hours)
PUBHEPI 7430 – Epidemiology III (3 credit hours)
PUBHBIO 6250 – Regression Methods for the Health Sciences (3 credit hours)
PUBHBIO 6270 – Intro to SAS for Pub Hlth Students (2 credit hours)
PUBHEHS 6310 – Principles of Envi Health Science (3 credit hours)
PUBHHMP 7678 – Approaches to Health Services Research (3 credit hours)
PUBHHMP 7682 – Info Sys for Health Service Org (3 credit hours)
CSE 5231 – Software Engineering Techniques (2 credit hours)
CSE 5241 – Introduction to Database Systems (2 credit hours)
CSE 5521 – Survey of Artificial Intel I: Basic Tech (2 credit hours)
CSE 5522 – Survey of Artificial Intel II: Adv Tech (3 credit hours)
Thesis (6 credit hours)
6 credit hours
Sample 2-year Curriculum
Below is a sample curriculum plan for a student to complete the program in 5 semesters.
| Term | Course | Credit Hours | Terms Offered |
| Year 1 – Autumn | PUBHBIO 6210 PUBHEPI 6410 BMI 5710 ELECTIVE | 3 3 3 3 | AU, SP AU AU |
| Year 1 – Spring | PUBHBIO 6211 BMI 7810 ELECTIVE PUBHLTH 6010 BMI 7891 | 3 3 3 3 1 | AU, SP SP SP AU, SP |
| Year 1 – Summer | ELECTIVE | 3 | |
| Year 2 – Autumn | PUBHBIO 6000+ BMI 5760 BMI 7999 BMI 7891 | 3 3 6 1 | AU, SP AU AU, SP |
| Year 2 – Spring | BMI 5000+ ETHICS COURSE | 3 3 | AU, SP AU, SP |
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Program Faculty
The faculty in the Ohio State’s online MS in Biomedical Informatics program are experts in the fields of data sciences, computational biology and bioinformatics and clinical and translational informatics. They apply these methods to diverse research interests in medicine and public health.
Featured Faculty
Kellie Archer
Chair and Professor
“It is essential to conduct research, make evidence-based decisions and derive policies in public health using data from well-designed studies that are appropriately analyzed. Working as a biostatistician at Ohio State allows me to engage in a wide range of applications that are seeking to reduce disease burden and improve public health. Additionally, we are training the next generation of biostatistical researchers to advance methodologies for solving new statistical challenges posed by collecting complex, high-dimensional and high-volume data.”
Faculty
Rebecca Andridge
Professor
Eben Kenah
Associate Professor
Bo Lu
Professor
Andy Ai
Ni
James Odei
Clinical Associate Professor
Michael Pennell
Professor
Grzegorz A. Rempala
Professor
Patrick Schnell
Associate Professor
Fernanda Schumacher
Assistant Professor
Abby Shoben
Associate ProfessorYuzi Zhang
Assistant ProfessorTestimonials
Learn how Ohio State’s online students use what they have learned in their online coursework and applied it through a variety of professional lenses.
“The MPH in Biostatistics complemented my skills gained in medical training, leading to a positive impact on both my NIH-funded research and evidence-based patient care.”
“Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others.”
“This degree will give me more tools to do the work I’m doing with more impact and enable me to better respond to the health needs of the population I serve.”
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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