Samford University's School of Public Health has launched an undergraduate major in health informatics and analytics, designed to prepare graduates to be the critical link between health care providers, payers and patients by analyzing data for decision-making.

"Health informatics and analytics have become a priority in health care due to technology and a reliance on electronic data for decision-making," said Lakesha Kinnerson, assistant professor in the school's Department of Healthcare Administration and Informatics.

The program's curriculum integrates hands-on learning with traditional classroom education, requiring all students to complete at least one internship with an organization relating to the field of health informatics and analytics.

In addition, students will earn a Geographic Information System certificate from Samford and a Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety through the Institute for Health Improvement. The program also prepares students to sit for certification as a Health Data Analyst through the American Health Information Management Association.

Students with this major also have the opportunity to add a concentration in sports injury prevention analytics. The concentration was created in response to the growing demand of using predictive analysis and tracking metrics to prevent injuries in athletes.