Data drive the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health interventions. The field of Public Health Informatics and Technology (PHIT) is focused on the business of collecting, storing, managing, analyzing, using, and sharing public health data in order to more efficiently and effectively impact population health. Experts in PHIT, often referred to as public health informatics specialists or public health informaticians, use data analytic and visualization skills, design information systems, use technology to innovatively solve public health problems, and much more.
The UMass Lowell Department of Public Health offers the only program in New England where students at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels can learn the PHIT knowledge and skills needed to advance health equity and drive population health.
The Department of Public Health offers several educational pathways in the PHIT field that are compatible to our current public health degree programs. Students can receive PHIT training in:
- The multidisciplinary Minor in Population Health Informatics and Technology
- The Master of Public Health, Healthcare Management, Epidemiology, and Social and Behavioral Sciences programs, PHIT focus area
- The Master of Science in Health Information Management, Health Informatics concentration
- The Health Informatics Certificate
Regardless of the pathway you choose, PHIT focused courses at all levels are carefully designed to help you build a unique mix of public health knowledge and information technology skills.
Public Health Informatics and Technology programs also offer internships as a part of a student’s academic training. This unique and empowering opportunity provides students with generous stipends so that students can do their best during their internship placements. In addition to financial support, students work with Internship Specialists to plan, select, and be placed in an internship at one of the program’s community health or industrial partners, or the organization of your choice.
Following the PHIT coursework and hands-on learning experiences, you’ll be prepared to enter this emerging field of public health and make a difference through work in health departments, nonprofits, community health centers and other health care settings, and more.
Read about the $3 million grant earned by Public Health Chair Dan Berlowitz and his team to develop more PHIT tracks.
For more information about the PHIT program, please join us at the PHIT Open House event on September 13, 2023, at 5pm, O'Leary Mezzanine Area. Please RSVP for the event where refreshment is served
Please contact us:
Email: PHIT@uml.edu
Phone: 978-934-6443