Brandeis Online
Dr. Trenya Garner on the new MS in Health Informatics at Brandeis Online
Date xx, 2026
Health Informatics is one of the newest master's degrees at Brandeis Online. Hear from Dr. Trenya Garner about what makes the program stand out.
What is your current job title? How would you describe your role?
I serve as the program chair for the Health Informatics program at Brandeis Online. My role is a blend of academic leadership and student advocacy. I oversee curriculum development, support our faculty, and ensure academic quality to create an environment where students can thrive and feel supported throughout their learning journey.
Why did you decide to get involved in the leadership of the Health Informatics program at Brandeis Online?
At some point, everyone interacts with the healthcare system, and technology is a major component in nearly every part of that experience. I was drawn to this role because health informatics sits at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and human impact. It can transform the way clinicians provide care and improve patient outcomes. Brandeis has a long-standing reputation for academic rigor, and I wanted to help shape and lead a program that prepares students to make meaningful contributions in a rapidly evolving field.
“Health informatics sits at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and human impact. It can transform the way clinicians provide care and improve patient outcomes.”
What makes Brandeis Online’s MS in Health Informatics unique?
The Health Informatics master’s at Brandeis Online has many great features, including a fully online, asynchronous learning experience. Courses are designed to focus on real-world application and provide opportunities for peer collaboration and teamwork. All courses are taught by seasoned industry leaders who bring many years of hands-on health informatics experience to the classroom. In addition, Brandeis’ mission-driven approach keeps equity, ethics, and patient-centered care at the forefront.
What courses in Brandeis Online’s MS in Health Informatics are important to highlight and why?
As this is a constantly evolving area of study, our courses address the fundamentals, real-world digital technology systems management, and industry challenges. Each course provides a holistic view of how technology impacts healthcare.
For example, Introduction to Health Informatics: Clinical Foundations and Healthcare Workflows course sets the stage by grounding students in the core concepts and challenges of the field. Electronic Health Record Systems provides a simulated platform where students can have interactive, hands-on experience with sample datasets.
Healthcare Cybersecurity and Risk Management is needed as cyber threats increase; the security of patient data is indispensable, and Clinical Data Science and Machine Learning reviews how artificial intelligence impacts the analysis of healthcare data.
“Courses are designed to focus on real-world application and provide opportunities for peer collaboration and teamwork.”
Why is pursuing a Master’s in Health Informatics important now?
Healthcare is undergoing a profound digital transformation. From telehealth to AI-driven diagnostics to population health analytics, informatics is at the center of nearly every innovation. The industry needs professionals who understand both the technical and human sides of healthcare. This program prepares students to bridge that gap at a time when the demand for skilled health informatics professionals has never been higher.
What skills will Health Informatics graduates gain that will make them competitive in the workforce?
Students leave the program with an understanding of healthcare systems, workflows, and regulations. They will also have data analytics skills, knowledge of electronic health records systems, project management skills, and the ability to immediately contribute effectively as leaders in health informatics.
“The industry needs professionals who understand both the technical and human sides of healthcare. This program prepares students to bridge that gap at a time when the demand for skilled health informatics professionals has never been higher.”
What career paths could graduates of the MS in Health Informatics pursue?
There are so many opportunities to pursue within health informatics. After completing the program, graduates can pursue careers as Chief Medical Informatics Officers, Health IT Project Managers, Population Health Analysts, Informatics Consultants, Privacy and Security Analysts, health systems operations, or quality improvement roles. The field is broad, and our graduates can find opportunities in hospitals, research institutions, government agencies, health technology companies, and consulting firms.
What are you most looking forward to about the Health Informatics program?
I’m most excited to watch students grow into leaders, innovators, and strong health informatics professionals who are fully prepared to embark on the challenges of the industry.
What types of students would do well in the Health Informatics program at Brandeis Online?
We welcome students from both information technology and healthcare backgrounds, as well as those who bring strong critical-thinking skills. Learners who thrive in this program are motivated, passionate about improving healthcare systems, and eager to engage with new ideas and emerging technologies.
If this sounds like you, then the MS in Health Informatics at Brandeis Online might be right for you. To learn more about the program, visit our website or contact Dr. Trenya Garner at garnert@brandeis.edu.