Admission Criteria and Processes

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree with an overall grade point average of B or above.
2. A graduate level statistics course (may be completed prior to admission or during the first semester of enrollment)
3. Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Score Please provide code 6895 to your testing location so that the results are forwarded to KUMC.
4. Satisfactory criminal background check

Applications are considered twice a year, September 1st and March 1st. All applicants are considered on an individual basis. If the above admission requirements are not met, opportunities may be provided for admission with a condition that must be removed before attaining regular graduate status.

Criteria for Application

The University of Kansas endeavors to fulfill its responsibilities to the changing needs of society by selecting applicants who, in the judgment of the admissions committee, demonstrate the academic achievement, maturity, integrity, and motivation necessary for successful advancement. In addition, the committee looks for applicants who will contribute academic, nonacademic, and socioeconomic diversity to the class. The committee is interested in evidence of capacity for mature and independent scholarship. One of the essential functions of a university is to help all individuals realize their potential. In an effort to foster this activity the Center for health Informatics subscribes to the following document.

University of Kansas Policy on Diversity of the Student Body

The University of Kansas values diversity in its student body and believes that the intentional creation of a diverse learning environment is essential to achieving the university’s educational mission. The University fosters a multicultural environment in which the dignity and rights of the individual are respected.

To build a diverse community, the University considers, in addition to academic credentials, the following criteria for student admission decisions, scholarship recognition, and program participation. While each factor is significant, no one factor will be considered determinative in the decision process:

• Bilingual or multilingual abilities
• Cultural background
• Ethnicity
• Evidence of commitment to diversity
• Evidence of leadership skills
• First generation college student
• Geographic diversity
• Financial, social, family, physical or educational hardships
• Previous career before pursuing higher education
• Race
• Service to community
• Socio-economic status
• Urban/rural backgrounds
• Other unique contributions

Guidelines for Admission to the Master of Science in Health Informatics

Applications are considered twice a year. If you do not complete your application for the semester you indicate on your application, your file will become inactive. It will be your responsibility to notify us if you wish to apply for a subsequent semester.

The following materials are needed to complete the application:

1. Application to the Graduate School
2. Letter clearly stating applicant’s detailed personal objectives and specific career goals
3. Three letters of reference on the forms provided in the application packet. Preferably, the references will be from a former instructor, current employer, and professional colleague
4. Official transcripts of all colleges records (these must be sent to the Center for Health Informatics from the colleges)
5. An informational telephone interview with a Center for Health Informatics representative. To schedule an appointment, call 913-588-3362.
6. Statistics Prerequisite Course form (provided in application packet)
7. Resume
8. $60.00application fee (non-refundable). Please send the check or money order payable t the University of Kansas Center for Health Informatics.

Guidelines for Foreign and International Students

In addition to the regular graduate materials, international students must complete the International Graduate Student Application form. If you carry a Resident Alien “green card” or military visa, please include a photocopy of your cards with your application materials. If you do not have a Resident Alien card, you must complete an Affidavit of Support form and submit it as well. The KUMC International Programs Office must have this form in order to issue a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20 form).

All students from abroad and all students whose first language is not English must submit official copies of Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Please go to http://www.kumc.edu/international/esl_req.html to get more information TOEFL and admission criteria.

Computer Competency and Standards

Students entering all programs of study at the University of Kansas Medical Center are expected to have basic skills in using a computer. Please refer to http://www2.kumc.edu/ir/operationalprotocols/personal_pc_standards.asp for the recommendations for purchasing computers. During your studies in health informatics you will be participating in simulations in Second Life (www.secondlife.com) so be sure you have a microphone/headset and a video card that can handle the graphics in Second Life. You will be expected to have access to Microsoft Office, Microsoft Access, and Microsoft Visio in order to complete assignments.