Welcome to the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health!
Undergraduate
Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science in Health Data Science
Bachelor of Science in Health Data Science
Health data science is a burgeoning, interdisciplinary field requiring diverse skills to extract knowledge and insights from data. Health data scientists will be at the center of an estimated $300 billion value added to the American health sector annually by big data and analytics.
The Bachelor of Science in Health Data Science features an interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates biostatistics, computer science, and informatics to create an attractive package for employers working with health data locally, nationally, and internationally. Students will receive either a minor in computer science from the Department of Computer and Information Science, or a minor in informatics from the IU School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI.
Minors
In addition to its focus on health, and the deep analytical skills obtained through the Health Data Science curriculum, a unique characteristic of the degree is the availability of minors in computer science or informatics.
Computer Science
The minor in Computer and Information Science will focus on the use and modification of sophisticated software tools to provide students with the computational background necessary in developing the deep analytical capabilities necessary in their careers. This minor requires taking INFO-I453 and INFO-I425.
Informatics
The minor in Informatics will focus on combining principles from information systems, computer science, psychology, and sociology, to prepare students to tackle the challenges found in the health sciences. This minor requires taking CSCI-34000 and CSCI-36200.
Health Data Science competencies
Upon completing the Bachelor of Science in Health Data Science, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate computing knowledge and “hacking” skills (data capture and visualization)
- Analyze results using appropriate biostatistical methods (analytical skills)
- Think critically and creatively to solve problems and discover meaning in large data (open-mindedness, curiosity)
- Conduct biostatistical analyses ethically and responsibly (professionalism)
- Effectively communicate results of analyses to non- experts (communication, “story telling”, presentation skills)
Curriculum
To complete this degree, you will take a combination of general education courses, HDS required courses, HDS core courses, and a minor in computer science or informatics that together total at least 120 credits.
Students who are interested in this degree are encouraged to contact the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health Office of Student Services at (317) 274-2000 to speak with one of our friendly, helpful advisors who can answer questions about degree requirements, eligible classes, course substitutions, and course waivers. We’re here to help students successfully complete the program.
Academic requirements
Health Data Science majors must fulfill the IUPUI general education requirements corresponding to IUPUI's Statewide Transferrable General Education Core.
Health Data Science Public Health core courses
Take two courses for 6 credits
- PBHL-A 316 Environmental Health Science (3 credits)
- PBHL-E 322 Introduction to Epidemiology (3 credits)
Health Data Science major courses
Take all nine courses and internships for 27 credits
- PBHL-B 275 Probability for Health Data Scientists: A Computational Approach (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 280 Biostatistics for Health Data Scientists: A Computational Approach (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 285 Classical Biostatistical Regression Methods (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 385 Contemporary Biostatistical Regression Methods (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 401 Health Data Science Internship I (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 402 Health Data Science Internship II (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 420 Introduction to Biostatistical Learning (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 481 Introduction to Biostatistical Computing (3 credits)
- PBHL-B 490 Advanced Biostatistical Computing (3 credits)
Minor in Computer Science or Informatics
Computer and Information Science minor
Take six courses for 20 credits
- CSCI 23000 Computing I (4 credits)
- CSCI 24000 Computing II (4 credits)
- CSCI 34000 Discrete Computational Structures (3 credits)
- CSCI 36200 Data Structures (3 credits)
- CSCI 44300 Database Systems (3 credits)
- CSCI 48100 Data Mining (3 credits)
Required Informatics electives:
- INFO-I 223 Data Fluency (3 credits)
- INFO-I 453 Computer and Information Ethics (3 credits)
OR
Informatics minor
Take six courses for 21 credits
- INFO-I 101 Introduction to Informatics (4 credits)
- INFO-I 210 Information Infrastructure I (4 credits)
- INFO-I 211 Information Infrastructure II (4 credits)
- INFO-I 223 Data Fluency (3 credits)
- INFO-I 308 Information Representation (3 credits)
- INFO-I 453 Computer and Information Ethics (3 credits)
Required Computer Science electives:
- CSCI 34000 Discrete Computational Structures (3 credits)
- CSCI 36200 Data Structures (3 credits)
Electives
Take up to seven elective courses (21 or 22 credits), at least four from PBHL, CSCI or INFO up to a total of 120 credits.
- PBHL-B 452 Fundamentals of Data Management (3 credits)
- PBHL-A 316 Environmental Health Science (3 credits)
- PHBL-H 220 Policy and Management for Population Health (3 credits)
- PBHL-S 315 Community Health (3 credits)
- CSCI-N 241 Fundamentals of Web Development (3 credits)
- INFO-I 303 Organizational Informatics (3 credits)
- INFO-I 402 Informatics Project Management (3 credits)
- NEWM-N 220 Introduction to Media Application Development (3 credits)
- NEWM-N 230 Introduction to Game Design and Development (3 credits)
- COMM-C 180 Introduction to Inter-personal Communication (3 credits)
- COMM-C 223 Business and Professional Communication (3 credits)
- COMM-C 392 Health Communication (3 credits)
Degree electives
A minimum of 105 credit hours of required courses are listed for this curriculum. Typically, 39 credit hours are general education and preparatory courses and 12 credit hours public health courses. For those pursuing an informatics minor, 53 credit hours are required in the major and minor areas. For those pursuing a computer science minor, 54 credit hours are required in the major and minor areas. In addition, students must take a sufficient number of college-level elective courses to total a minimum of 120 credit hours. Contact the Office of Student Services at (317) 278-0753 for specific determinations.
Admissions criteria
Current IUPUI students
Direct admissions
In order to be admitted to this degree program a student must:
- Direct admission with test scores
- 2.8 cumulative GPA and 1000 on the SAT or 19 on the ACT
- Direct admission without test scores
- 3.0 cumulative
Intercampus transfer
In order to be admitted to this degree program a student must:
- Have earned a 2.5 undergraduate cumulative and previous semester GPA.
- Must maintain at least a 2.5 semester and cumulative grade point average (GPA) to remain in good academic standing and graduate from this program.
Updated: April 2023
