Samford University’s School of Public Health has partnered with Auburn University to offer an accelerated program where students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a Preprofessional Concentration in Health Sciences from Auburn University and a Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics (MSHIA) from Samford University in just five years.
In doing so, the first year of Samford’s MSHIA course work will be accepted as transfer credits by Auburn University and applied to both degrees. Students interested in this program must be granted admission to both universities.
Application Process
Students must first apply and be admitted to Auburn University. Then, during their junior year, students can apply for admission to Samford University’s MSHIA program.
Admission Requirements
Auburn students applying for Samford’s MSHIA program must meet all admission requirements, including:
Applicants must:
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Be in good standing at Auburn University.
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Possess a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
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Submit official transcripts.
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Have completed an undergraduate statistics course with a grade of B or higher from a regionally accredited university.
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Have completed an undergraduate computer programming course with a grade of C or higher from a regionally accredited university.
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Submit three letters of reference through the application system. At least one must be from your advisor indicating you are in good standing and one from a current or previous professor. The references should provide a knowledgeable testament regarding character, ethics, responsibility, potential for success, and other attributes that predict an applicant’s favorable performance in the program.
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Submit an essay detailing the reason for seeking the MSHIA and a career goals statement.
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Submit a video interview.
- Submit a resume highlighting work experience, strengths and other accomplishments.
After the application is complete and verified, the Healthcare Administration and Informatics graduate admissions committee will review each application and make an admission decision. Exceptions to any admission requirements will be handled on an individual basis.
Plan of Study
Auburn University grants approval for the following courses to transfer and apply towards the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a Preprofessional concentration in Health Sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this program in-person or online?
The Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics (MSHIA) is an online program.
How do I apply to the Accelerated Master’s Program?
Current Auburn University students in their junior/third year may apply using this link: https://graduateadmission.samford.edu/portal/public-health-apply.
On your application, select Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics as your planned course of study and select “yes” when you receive the prompt asking: Are you a current student at Auburn University applying to the accelerated health informatics and analytics program?
Am I required to submit a GRE score?
Samford does not require a GRE score for admission as a part of this accelerated degree program with Auburn University.
How much does it cost to apply to the program?
The application fee is waived. Students accepted into the accelerated degree program pay a $500 nonrefundable deposit that is applied to their first semester’s tuition at Samford.
How much is tuition?
Students will pay tuition to Samford University and Auburn University for the courses taken at each respective institution. Samford tuition and fees will be charged at the graduate rate. Each institution may in its sole discretion offer and provide financial aid to students for study at that institution.
How do I register for my classes at Samford?
The School of Public Health Director of Student Services will register you for your Samford classes.
Am I eligible for scholarships?
Students in the accelerated program are eligible for graduate scholarships once they graduate from Auburn University and are classified as a full-time graduate student at Samford University. This is typically the first summer of taking graduate-level courses.
When will I receive my degrees?
Auburn University will award the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a Preprofessional Concentration in Health Sciences upon the successful competition of all degree requirements in the first four years of study, which includes the one year of study that also applies toward the Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics (MSHIA). Samford University will award the Master of Science in Health Informatics and Analytics upon the successful completion of all degree requirements, which is anticipated at the end of the fifth year.
