Skip to main content
HIMSS logo
Masters in Health Informatics logo
Learn at Your Convenience - Courses 100% Online
REQUEST MORE INFO
Doctorate in Health Informatics (DHI) Student Group Photo

What is the doctorate in health informatics?

  • The Doctorate in Health Informatics (DHI) is a unique terminal degree specifically designed for healthcare informatics professionals.
  • The curriculum focuses on executive-level skills and integrates Learning Health System (LHS) principles, preparing students to use data-driven approaches for continuous improvement.
  • Offered by the McWilliams School of Biomedical Informatics at UTHealth Houston, a HIMSS Approved Education Partner (AEP), the DHI degree is from an accredited institution.
  • Students gain essential skills in evidence-based practice and apply them to a real-world project within their organization.
  • Instead of a research dissertation, DHI students complete a translational project paper, detailing evidence-based practices, project design, and impactful results.

Difference between DHI Projects and PhD Dissertations

DHI PhD
Translational Project-based Research based
No hypothesis testing Hypothesis testing
Follows the Project Management Institute framework Creates new scientific evidence
Evidence-based practice project Dissertation format
Focused on an organizational problem Generalizable knowledge

What makes McWilliams' DHI program unique?

  • LHS-Aligned Curriculum: Designed for healthcare professionals focused on data-driven improvement.
  • Flexible, Four-Year Structure: Online, executive-style courses tailored for working professionals.
  • Cohort-Based Learning: Join a collaborative network with multiple cohorts in progress.
  • 63 Credit Hours: Complete with a relevant MS degree.
  • Translational Project in Place of Dissertation: Apply evidence-based methods to real organizational challenges.
  • Industry Networking: Connect with leaders across informatics and healthcare sectors.
  • Peer Engagement: Collaborate with diverse professionals in healthcare.
  • In-State Tuition for Non-Residents: Competitive scholarships for students outside Texas.

Competitive scholarships allow students living outside of Texas to earn in-state tuition

Why It’s Better

Picture of certificate
Curriculum Designed for Working Professionals
Picture of a piggy bank
Scholarships Available
Picture of a person messaging on a computer
Flexible, Online Learning Environment
Picture of people networking
Network with Industry Leaders
Picture of a institute
An Accredited Institution
Picture of project manager tools
Large-Scale Translational Project

Tuition*

$25,300
TX Resident
$63,650
Non-Resident
*Based on current tuition rate, may be subject to change
Image of Doctorate in Health Informatics (DHI) Employees Training
DHI Orientation Informational Webinar Image

Is the DHI Program Right For Me?

  • Seek an online, part-time terminal degree in health informatics.
  • Have 3+ years of management experience in informatics or healthcare IT.
  • Prefer a project-based degree focused on practical, real-world applications.
  • Aim to drive meaningful impact within your organization.
  • Want to earn new credentials and industry recognition.

Join our Informational Webinar

Information Session for Prospective Students


Upcoming Webinars