The mission of the Professional Science Masters (PSM) Program in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics (HIB) is to educate and train graduates for leadership roles in healthcare and research institutions, pharma- and biotechnology industries and other sectors of the life sciences by providing them with interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and experience to use computer technology in managing and analyzing information in healthcare and the life sciences, and to create a qualified workforce for the future needs of the regional industry. We also require training in understanding ethical, social, and legal issues. We serve health and bioinformatics professionals and consumers by participating in relevant professional societies and continuing education programs, while maintaining informatics leadership in the community. We seek to attract diverse candidates from all backgrounds and experiences.

To enable students to attain these educational goals, the faculty have two primary responsibilities. First, we will offer a solid conceptual foundation required for a career in health informatics and bioinformatics. Second, we will provide direct, experiential knowledge of the technology necessary to be a productive user/producer of information technology in healthcare and the life sciences.

To achieve these goals we:

• Work continuously to keep our curriculum relevant to our mission.
• Ensure that work-relevant experience is part of every class.
• Establish and nurture industrial contacts.
• Establish an integrated, supported internship experience for our health informatics and bioinformatics students.

Three years after graduation, our typical alumni are expected to be professionals who:

• Continue to develop their knowledge and skills after graduation.
• Use technical, communication, and teamwork skills to solve problems in managing and analyzing information and to build and manage effective organizational systems.
• Use technical, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills to function productively, professionally and ethically.

• Concepts - Understanding of and ability to apply computing fundamentals, informatics and statistical principles to solve problems.
• Tools - Ability to use analytical tools for data analysis and management.
• Systems - Understanding of the organizational processes and contexts in which healthcare or bioinformatics information systems are developed, deployed, and maintained.
• Ethics - Understanding of professional, ethical, and social responsibilities; and the ability to analyze the impact of computing in a global context.
• Teamwork - Ability to function effectively on teams.
• Communication - Ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
• Professional Development - Recognition of the need for, and ability to engage in, continuing professional development.