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HDS Prospective Student Booklet

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Message MASTER OF SCIENCEHEALTHDATASCIENCEOpen the door to a data-driven future

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Reasons5SLUHDSI s R i g h t F o r Y o uStudy with faculty who are innovatorsand researchers in the industry.1Learn from forward thinking curriculum enriched bypartners at top hospitals, research centers, and healthorganizations.2Solve real problems with data that make a difference,not just case studies.3Be part of the transformation of healthcare.4Join the supportive Saint Louis University communityfor the rest of your career and life.5

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Our program, housed within Saint LouisUniversity’s prestigious School of Medicine,prepares students to become leaders in thefast-evolving field of health analytics. Aspart of SLU’s nationally recognizedhealthcare ecosystem, students benefitfrom unique opportunities to collaboratewith experts in clinical research and datascience.HEALTH DATA SCIENCE PROGRAM“Saint Louis University uniquely focuses oncombining healthcare and data science, aligningperfectly with my goals. SLU is one of the fewuniversities in the U.S. that brings these areastogether.”-Raviteja Abbagalla, MS’24

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WHAT IS HEALTH DATA SCIENCE?Health Data Science is Gathering extensive datasets—oftenreferred to as "big data"—from varioussources such as electronic health records,clinical trials, and public health surveys. Analyzing datasets using advancedstatistical techniques and machine learningmodels to uncover patterns, predictoutcomes, and generate insights. Translating your findings into actionablesolutions that can inform healthcaredecisions and improve patientoutcomes.“I now have a clear visionof working as ahealthcare data scientistor public health analyst,where I can use data toinform policy decisions orimprove patient careprocesses.”-Reshmitha Mandava MS ’24#7#7Ranked HealthData Scienceprogram in the US

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ACCESS TO REAL WORLD RESEARCHA key hig hlight of the pro gram is its strong con nection to the Ad vanced HEAlthData (AHE AD) Institute, an interdisciplinary res earch hub focused on harnessingbig data for health innova tion and improved pati ent care. Through exposure tocutting-e dge projects and colla borations with he alth system leade rs working withthe AHEAD Institute, stude nts gain practical kno wledge that sets them apart inthe job m arket. Graduates understand how to blen d, synthesize, an d communicatecomplex d ata to inform cli nical decision-making, drive quality im provementinitiativ es, and contribut e to advancing modern healthcare.The AHEAD Institute brings leading edge analytics by:Hosting the HCSRN conference to bring leaders in the field to ourcampus. Creating and hosting the Big Data Symposium to encourage collaborationbetween health data scientists in multiple universities. Providing data access, analytics, and methods guidance to researchersacross the Saint Louis University’s campus - an R1 Doctoral University.Collaborating with Washington University’s Institute for Clinical andTranslational Sciences.

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WILL MY PROFESSORS KNOW ME?Dipti P.Subramaniam,Ph.D, MPHAssociate Professor,Director ofCurriculumDevelopment andStrategic OutreachFavorite CourseHealthcareOrganization, Mgt &PolicyResearch InterestsPatient healthoutcomes, healthservices anddisparities10:110:1StudentteacherratioLeslie Hinyard,PhD, MSWDepartment Chair,Professor,Executive Director,AHEAD InstituteFavorite CourseScientific WritingResearch InterestsOncology healthequity, access topalliative andhospice careDivya S.Subramaniam,PhD, MPHFavorite CourseCapstone Research InterestsHealth servicesresearch, healthdisparities, surveydesignAssociateProfessor, ProgramDirector, HealthData Science &Health OutcomesResearchPaula Buchanan,PhD, MPHProfessor,Associate Directorof AcademicAffairs, Director forAHEAD Consulting& Training ServicesFavorite CourseHealth Data MgtResearch InterestsDevelopment,progression,treatment, andoutcomes ofchronic & acuteillness“The faculty are the best part ofthe program. They absolutelylove it when you are proactiveand will go a long way to helpyou grow.”-Nitin Katakam MS ‘24

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SrikanthMudigonda, PhD,MSDir of Analytics,Assoc Professor,ComputerInformationSystemsFavorite CourseHigh PerformanceComputingResearch InterestsSocial phenomenamodeling, teaching& learningmethodologies foreducation incomputingJason Doherty,PhD, MScRAdjunct Professor& AHEADBiostatisticianFavorite CourseAnalytics andStatisticalProgrammingResearch InterestsAlzheimer's & agingresearch, metastaticprostate cancertherapiesBaharehRahmani, PhDAssociate ProfessorFavorite CoursePredictive Modelingand MachineLearningResearch InterestsArtificialintelligence,bioinformatics,machine learning &image processingNoor Al-Hammadi, PhD,MBChB, MPHAssistant ProfessorFavorite CourseAnalytics andStatisticalProgramming Research InterestsPredictive modeling& pharmacogenetics“As both a former student and now Department Chair, Saint Louis Universityhas been an integral part of my academic and professional journey. Mytenure at SLU is a testament to the deep-rooted connections andcollaborative spirit that define this institution. The relationships I have builtwith faculty, colleagues, and other departments have created a supportiveand dynamic environment—one that develops innovation, growth, andshared success. SLU’s commitment to excellence, combined with its strongpresence in the St. Louis community, makes it a truly exceptional place tolearn, teach, and lead.”-Dr. Leslie Hinyard, Ph.D., HCOR Department ChairYES! OUR PROGRAM SIZE FOSTERSINDIVIDUAL RELATIONSHIPS

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APPLIEDSTATISTICSPRACTICALCOMPUTINGHEALTH SCIENCEAPPLICATIONSBuild skills to ask critical questionsand draw conclusions from large,complex data with a variety ofanalytic methods, includingpredictive modeling, machinelearning and data visualization. Theprogram incorporates new softwareregularly to promote sharp andcurrent analytic skills.Learn a diverse set of open-sourceand proprietary software required tolink data from disparate sources suchas electronic medical records,insurance claims, operations data,patient registries and personalhealth devices. This softwareincludes R, Python, SAS, SQL,MapReduce, and Hadoop.Respond to the challenges of aregulated, dynamic industry byunderstanding unique health carecontexts such as privacy protection,government financing, riskcontracting, performance monitoring,and population health management.CURRICULUM OVERVIEWCAPSTONEEXPERIENCEStudents analyze real healthcaredata to drive actionable insights forpartners like hospitals or publichealth agencies. Our students oftenfind internships with organizationsthat focus on health analytics,hospital operations, and healthoutcomes. Additionally, students canuse a faculty-led research project aspart of their capstone, particularlythose aligned with improving patientoutcomes.98%98%Employment upongraduation from SLU’sgraduate programs

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HEALTH DATA SCIENCE CAREERSData ScientistData ManagerData AnalystStatisticianMachine LearningEngineerSoftware EngineerQuantitativeAnalystBiostatisticalResearcher$177,279$177,279Average Health DataScientist Salary(Glassdoor)SLU HDS Alumni Successful Careers“With the skills I havegained in the program,I can delve deeply intodata to identify issuesand explore solutionsfor enhancing thehealthcare system.” -Hadassah Oli Chinnam,MS’24Graduates of our program currently workwith companies such as Pfizer, Google, SSMHealth, EPIC, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

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Saint Louis University is located in the vibrant city of SaintLouis, Missouri, a city renowned for its robust healthcareindustry and cultural heritage. With numerous professionalopportunities for students, it is an ideal environment foracademic growth and community engagement. The city'sthriving research institutions provide a unique, enriching,and innovative setting for our academic community.Startups totaling $450million annually, focusedmainly in biosciences andtechnologyFastest growing city fortechnology jobs - FortuneMagazineIndustry hub forhealthcare, technology,and biotech companiesTop market for female-founded startups -PitchBookECONOMYLEISUREFestivals, world-classmuseums and zoo andextensive hiking andbiking trails in 200 parksUnique neighborhoodsand multi-cultural foodsceneHundreds of venues forinternational and locallive theater and musicMajor league hockey,soccer, and baseballteamsCAREER#1 Best city to launchyour career - LinkedInOrganizations, like theCortex InnovationCommunity, fosternetworking &collaboration#10 City in the nationfor new college gradsConnected and activeSaint Louis Universityglobal alumni network An Introduction to Our CityThe U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 36% increase in employment for datascientists from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the average for all occupations.

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Saint Louis University is a thrivinginstitution nestled in midtown SaintLouis which is always evolving andhome to business and technologyinnovation hubs. Founded in 1818,Saint Louis University seamlesslyintegrates ethics and service intoacademic life. We provide extensivecareer services and strong alumninetworks, ensuring students receiveguidance and opportunities to thrivebeyond graduation.An Introductionto our UniversityInterdisciplinary research with top-tier health,science, and technology programsInnovative environment that supports projectssuch as development of virtual data warehousesFollowing our Jesuit mission, the SLU communityvolunteers 1.6 million hours each yearUNIVERSITYSTUDENTSCAMPUS LIFEDevoted fan base for Billiken soccer, basketball,and moreRobust health and wellness programs Student employment opportunities Lively Midtown area with easy transportation torestaurants, theater, and musicSLU is home to over 15,000 students from 96countries with professional studies includingmedicine, law, and science and engineering.Training and networking with local businesses,alumni, and faculty mentors to launch your career

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PROGRAMUtilization of open-source and proprietary software suchas Python, R, SAS, SQL, and TableauIndividualized support at free tutoring labProfessional development training to build resumes,hone interview skills, and moreSpeakers, mentors, and researchers from industry &alumni ensure real-world applicationThe AHEAD Institute, our affiliatedresearch center, keeps us on theforefront of healthcare analytics,big data, and AI developmentHEALTHDATASCIENCECAREER 30-credit-hour programdesigned to developexpertise to improve thefuture of healthcare100% of full-time facultyhold the highest degree intheir field and activelyengage in researchFlexible course optionsDr. Leslie HinyardProfessor,Department Chair,Executive DirectorAHEAD instituteLearn the skills to join the exponentiallygrowing field of data driven healthcare. TheMaster of Science in Health Data Science atSaint Louis University School of Medicine issupported by a highly accomplished faculty,connected industry experts, and dedicatedsupport staff. With 100% of MS graduatesemployed in the field post-graduation, ourprogram is proven to prepare you for yourcareer.An Introduction tothe Master of Science inHealth Data ScienceSTUDENTSApproximately 300 studentsApproximately 20,800 data scientistpositions are expected to open annuallyover the next decade, driven by theneed to replace workers transitioning toother roles or exiting the workforce.#2 job in the US -Glass Door3rd fastestgrowing job in theUS - LinkedInEXTRAS

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Application form and feeTranscripts from most recent degree(s)Professional statementRésumé or curriculum vitaeOne signed letter of recommendation on letterheadIf you are an international student, please consult our website foradditional requirements. Applications to the program are considered on arolling basis. Students apply to start the program during either the Fall orSpring semester.Scholarships and financial aid are available to students enrolling in the MSHealth Data Science Program. For more information on scholarships,please contact our department at hcorgrad@health.slu.edu.For more information on financial aid, please contact Student FinancialServices at sfs@slu.edu.ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSSCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSIs the program more researchor career-oriented?Do you need a background inbiomedicine, health, or clinicalsciences?Are courses more focused onmedicine because of the"health" in health data science?The program is more career-orientedand is intended to be a terminal degreethat prepares students for a career indata science or a related field. The skillset learned can also benefit a research-oriented career or future Ph.D.No. Prior biomedicine, health, or clinicalsciences knowledge is not required foradmission, but is helpful as this degreefocuses on health-related data. Ourcurriculum is focused on statistics andcomputing with health scienceapplications.While our program emphasizes thehealthcare domain, it provides a solidfoundation in data science techniquesthat are highly transferable to otherfields. You'll gain skills in statisticalanalysis, machine learning, programming,and data visualization—skills that are indemand, not only in medicine, but also inindustries like finance, technology, andconsulting. Whether you choose to workin healthcare or pursue a career outside ofit, this program equips you with theversatile expertise needed to thrive inany data-driven field.A more comprehensive list of frequently asked questions is on our website.

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Health Data Science AcademicProgramAdmissions, curriculum, & programdetails hcorgrad@health.slu.eduSLU Health Data ScienceStudent Financial Services Tuition, scholarships, & financial aidsfs@slu.eduStudent Financial Services+1 (314) 977-2350Graduate Education Office Admissions support & studentresourcesgradadmissions@slu.eduGraduate Education at SLU+1 (314) 977-2500Technical SupportApplication portal & technicaldifficultieshelpdesk@slu.eduLive Chat+1 (314) 977-4000General University InformationSaint Louis University+1 (800) 758-3678International ServicesVisas, international student resources,& immigration supportinternationalservices@slu.eduOffice of International Services+1 (314) 977-2318 8:30 am–5:00 pm Central Time,Monday – FridayCONTACT INFORMATION

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THE NEXT STEP ON YOUR PATHScan the QR codeto enter theApplication PortalAre you ready toshapethe future ofhealthcare?Submit yourapplication today!