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HOW TO APPLY
Applicants interested in the Health Informatics PhD program are expected to have some background (from prior education and/or work experience) related to healthcare and basic technical knowledge/skills necessary to complete the program coursework. Applicants lacking sufficient preparation may be required to take additional coursework prior to admission.
Required Application Materials
1
Bachelors Degree & GPA
An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution GPA of 3.0 or greater
2
Transcripts
Unofficial copies of transcripts from all post-secondary education.
3
3 Current Letters of Recommendation
Three (3) strong letters of recommendation from advisors, previous instructors, employers, or mentors.
4
Standardized Test Scores
GRE test scores are NOT required but highly encouraged for all applicants.
Applicants who are already holders of research or professional doctoral degrees do not need to submit GRE scores.
5
Statement of Purpose
This 1–2-page typed statement should include:
- A description of previous research and professional experience (required)
- The applicant’s motivation for seeking PhD in Health Informatics, research interests and what type of research applicant hopes to pursue while in the program, as well as post-graduation career goals (required)
- Any additional information that would be helpful for application reviewers (optional)
6
Supplemental Questions
Applicants are required to respond to supplemental questions in their admission application:
- Financial Award Interest and External Funding – answer all questions that apply to you.
- Faculty Interest – Identify at least 2 CHIP Core faculty advisors you might like to work with and/or support your application.
Applicants are expected to clearly demonstrate an interest in the area of health informatics, as well as articulate plans for research to pursue as part of PhD studies and post-graduate career goals.
For International Students
7
TOEFL or IELTS Score
Score must be no more than 2 years old.
The required minimum total score on the exams:
- The Internet-based TOEFL exam = 90
- The IELTS exam = 7
Exceptions to the English Standardized exams are available for eligible applicants, per UNC Graduate School.
GPA conversions/evaluations are required for international applicants. We recommend a WES or ECE evaluation copy.
Deadlines
The Health Informatics doctoral program admits new students each fall semester. Applicants interested in funding opportunities should apply for admission by the Graduate school Fellowships and Academic Program Aid/Financial Assistance deadline to receive priority consideration for funding opportunities.
Applications submitted after the Graduate School Fellowships and Academic Program Aid/Financial Assistance deadline will not receive priority consideration for funding.
Visit the UNC Graduate School Website for the most updated application deadlines.
Fall 2025 application deadline:
All applicants:
- Financial Priority Deadline: December 10, 2024
- Final Application Deadline: February 11, 2025
Doctor of Philosophy in Health Informatics
- Degree: PhD
- Major Code: HLIN
Program Cost & Funding
Tuition & Fees
Tuition charges are determined by the number of credit hours a student is enrolled in, and their North Carolina residency status. International students are charged out-of-state tuition.
The health informatics PhD program charges the Graduate School academic rate (base rate). Visit the University Cashier Graduate Tuition and Fees website for up-to-date fee schedules.
Use the Tuition Estimator tool to estimate your yearly tuition cost. Helpful tip: the PhD in health informatics is a graduate program offered through the Graduate School.
Funding Opportunities
Funding is not guaranteed with admission to the health informatics doctoral program. Applicants who submit a complete application by the Graduate School Fellowship & Academic Program Aid deadline will automatically be considered for available funding opportunities. Prospective students may also find the following resources helpful in their search for funding:
