Health Data Science Program Now STEM Eligible

Thomas Jefferson University, College of Population Health’s MS in Health Data Science (HDS) program recently earned the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) designation. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): “The 2019–29 employment projections show that occupations in the STEM field are expected to grow 8.0 percent by 2029, compared with 3.7 percent for all occupations.” 

Commonly used in education and policy discussions to emphasize the importance of these four disciplines in the fields of education and in the workforce, STEM education aims to integrate its subjects into a cohesive learning paradigm, encouraging students to develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and innovation.

The focus on STEM education has gained prominence in recent years due to the growing demand for individuals with expertise in these areas, which are crucial for technological advancements and economic development.

“The MS-HDS program is a perfect example of what STEM designation is meant to emphasize” states Richard Hass, PhD, director of the MS-HDS program. “Students must think locally and globally about how to turn raw data structures into actionable health information. This requires a blend of scientific know-how, technological savvy, engineering prowess, and mathematical fluency that we foster in them through our innovative curriculum.”

Prospective students who have additional questions are welcome to contact the Office of Admissions.