Below is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Biomedical and Health Informatics doctoral program. Contact chipinfo@unc.edu if you have additional questions.
PhD Program Overview
Program: Biomedical and Health Informatics Program
Degree: PhD in Health Informatics
Major Code: HLIN
Curriculum requirements:
- 55 credit hours of graduate level coursework
- Doctoral examinations (comprehensive exam and dissertation proposal)
- Dissertation and final defense
The doctoral program is a 100% residential doctoral program with course offerings delivered in a variety of formats – both online, in person and hybrid.
How long does it take to complete the PhD program?
Full-time students typically complete the Health Informatics PhD program is within 5 years. All doctoral students have up to 8 calendar years to complete a doctoral program, per the UNC Graduate School 'Time Limit' policy.
How much does the program cost?
Program costs vary depending upon the number of credit hours you are enrolled in, and your North Carolina residency status. Visit the University Cashier Graduate Tuition and Fees website for up-to-date fee schedules.
What are the admission requirements?
Visit the PhD in Health Informatics Admission Requirements website to learn about the PhD in Health Informatics admission requirements.
Are GRE scores required for admission?
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.
Are English Standardized exams (TOEFL/IELTS) scores required? (International Applicants Only)
Yes, unless an applicant is eligible for an exception.
A TOEFL score above 90 or an IELTS score above 7 is considered a competitive English Proficiency score.
Exceptions to the English Standardized exams are available to eligible international applicants. Additional details regarding submitting an exception request for the English standardized exam are available on the Graduate School Application Instructions website.
Is a GPA conversion required from institutions outside of the United States?
If you are an international applicant and have an educational background from an international university, please submit a GPA conversion document. GPA conversions are beneficial for the admissions committee to fully understand each applicant’s educational background. We recommend a WES or ECE evaluation. Evaluation results can be uploaded to the admission application or sent to chipinfo@unc.edu.
What is the application deadline?
The Health Informatics PhD program only admits new students during the Fall semester. Applicants interested in funding opportunities should apply 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. Click Here to view the current admission application deadlines.
Do you accept outside transfer credit toward the PhD program?
Up to 18 credit hours can be transferred into the health informatics doctoral degree program. The recommendation to grant transfer credit will be made on a case-by-case basis and will require the approval of the UNC Graduate School.
Are there research or teaching assistantship positions available?
Funding is not guaranteed with admission to the health informatics doctoral program. There are a limited number of assistantship opportunities within CHIP, however, our students do at times secure opportunities in other departments. The UNC Graduate Funding Information Center is a good place to start your search for funding. Many times, our students are identifying opportunities through their own investigation of other departments and outreach based upon specific areas of interest.