Biomedical and Health Informatics
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Biomedical and health informatics is an interdisciplinary field that merges health, biomedicine, computer science and information technology to leverage data for enhancing human health. The goal of this program is to train researchers to contribute to the translation of basic science findings into patient care and ultimately into community standards and policy. Given the diversity of specialties that are included in the field of biomedical and health informatics, individual training will vary depending on the student’s career goals.
- Program Type: Doctorate
- Academic Unit: School of Graduate Studies
- Degree Type: Doctor of Philosophy
- Standard credit hours: 48
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 5 years
- Typical Course Load: 2-3 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $25,824
- * All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Why UMKC
Interdisciplinary approach
Benefit from a highly individualized program of study that blends biomedical and health informatics with biostatistics, clinical research and other disciplines you select.
Respected by employers
Our graduates have gone on to work for organizations like Yale University, Oracle, Partnership HealthPlan of California, Bionano Genomics Inc., Adela Inc., UMKC and more.
Real-world data and applications
Engage in interdisciplinary research using real-world clinical data to address complex health challenges.
After Graduation
Biomedical and health informatics merges multiple, specialized areas of study, preparing you for careers in a variety of industries that are crucial to improving societal healthcare outcomes.
Potential careers
- Clinical or IT leadership
- Biomedical or clinical research scientist
- Roles in public and consumer health
$106,954
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers (17-2031.00)
Potential Courses
Quantitative Aspects of Epidemiologic Research
Advanced training in the analysis of epidemiological data. Topics include the application of common measures of frequency and association, confounding, effect modification, bias, misclassification, an…
Clinical Research Methodology
This course explores the basic elements of clinical research. Course topics include conceiving the research question, study designs, questionnaire construction, research methodology, research ethics, …
Bioinformatics and Data Analysis
Methods and procedures for the storage, retrieval and analysis of information in biomolecular and biological databases. Emphasis is given to the use of database information in biological research and …
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
1. Prepare required documentation, including:
- Resume/CV (PDF format)
- A personal statement (PDF format)
- The statement should address your specific research interests and motivation to join the program.
- Three letters of recommendation (PDF format)
- You will provide referee contact information on the application site. The referee receives an email invitation to upload the reference letter to the site.
- Official college/university transcripts
- U.S. citizens or permanent residents may send official transcripts to:
-
- International applicants should submit transcripts to:
University of Missouri-Kansas City
International Student Affairs Office-Student Success Center
5000 Holmes Road, G-04
Kansas City, MO 64110
- Official GRE scores
- The GRE is required from all applicants to the Biomedical and Health Informatics Ph.D.
- The GRE is waived for students with an M.S., M.A., or similar degree, such as MPH, from an accredited U.S. institution (or equivalent).
- GRE scores must have been earned within five years of the application deadline.
- A minimum combined score of 300 (GRE Revised General Test) on the Verbal and Quantitative sections is required.
- GRE scores should be submitted electronically by identifying UMKC as a score recipient. The UMKC GRE code is 6872.
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores
- Only for international applicants whose native language is not English (Duolingo not accepted)
- TOEFL scores: a minimum score of 550 (paper-based exam), 213 (computer-based exam) or 79 (internet-based exam) is required. UMKC TOEFL electronic code: 6872
- IELTS scores: A minimum score of 6.0 is required for graduate level study at UMKC.
- Send IELTS scores to:
University of Missouri-Kansas City
International Student Affairs Office-Student Success Center
5000 Holmes Road, G-04
Kansas City, MO 64110
2. Complete the online application. Please be sure to pay applicable domestic or international program fees.
3. Make sure you meet other discipline-specific requirements, which are listed in the Academic Catalog.
Applying to the Program
- Applications submitted after the deadline will only be reviewed on a space-available basis.
- It is strongly recommended that applicants reach out to the program coordinator prior to applying.
- Applications received by the deadline will receive final admission decisions by Feb. 15.
Application Dates
First Consideration Fall Deadline
Apply by: Dec. 15
Talk to an advisor if applying after the Dec. 15 deadline.
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
$4,842
Resident Rate
(per semester)
$7,263
Midwest Student Exchange Program
(per semester)
$12,155
Nonresident Rate
(per semester)
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