The minor in health informatics prepares students to understand the expanding role of information technology in health care. Doctors, nurses, public health officials, and administrators all interact with information technology and, at times, are intimately involved in the design of information technology solutions to health care issues. Students in the minor learn about the possibilities and limitations of information technology, how its use is changing the health care profession, and how the design of information technology must be performed principally with the users and a range of domain considerations in mind.

The minor is ideally suited for students in programs such as nursing science, public health sciences, and pharmaceutical sciences, as well as students in Bren School majors who wish to gain strong exposure to the domain of health informatics.

The minor includes course work and fieldwork covering a variety of health care settings, including the hospital, doctor’s office, and home care. Students completing the minor will gain practical experience in understanding the health care needs of communities and individuals, and in designing information technology solutions that serve them better.

The minor offers flexibility in the courses that students choose to take, and does not require prior programming experience. While it is possible to enroll in more technical classes, it is also possible to complete the minor without taking courses in programming.