Employer Sponsorship

Many potential graduate students seek support from their current employers to fund their degree.

Though your employer may not advertise funding for graduate studies, many employers know that helping employees develop their skills benefits the organization in the short and long term. Tell your employer about your professional development goals, and discuss what options and support are available to you.

We recommend you complete your application by the priority deadline to ensure there is enough time to organize your finances and make a strong case for support.

Here is a list of tips to help you request employer support:

Be Prepared

Contact your Human Resources Department to find out if your company has an educational benefits program or has covered educational expenses for employees in the past. Learn what your company’s requirements are or what steps you must take to receive sponsorship.

We recommend you prepare questions for HR/your manager in advance. Here are some sample questions that can help you start the conversation:

  • What kind of sponsorship or reimbursement opportunities are available?
  • Are there other employees who have taken advantage of those opportunities?
  • What is required to receive that support?
  • What amount of funding is available?

Show Your Commitment

Take the time to fully understand the Tufts University School of Medicine’s online MS in Health Informatics & Analytics program and its benefits to you and your company. Make sure you are prepared to explain other information, such as the program’s full cost, credit structure, and time commitment.

Make Your Case

List the reasons you think earning a master’s degree will make you more valuable to your organization. Include the short- and long-term benefits your employer will receive by supporting your education.

Explain that by earning this degree, you will be better prepared to

  • Navigate and manage information in health systems
  • Effectively identify, analyze, utilize, and communicate health information
  • Translate data into meaningful insights and solutions for healthcare organizations
  • Apply your understanding of current health information technologies and advanced information systems, including artificial intelligence for health and electronic health records (EHR)

Understand Your Employer’s Expectations

Employer support can be incredibly beneficial but may also mean you’ll need to adhere to new expectations or polices. Some employers require employees who are receiving financial support for graduate school to commit to a minimum employment period with the organization or to meet GPA requirements. Your employer may ask about additional funding options available to you or about tax implications; be prepared to discuss this information.

Provide Your Employer with Resources

Connect your employer with a Tufts admissions counselor if they have any questions about the program or the admissions process. Employers are also welcome to attend online information sessions about the program.

Take the Next Step

Request more information about funding your graduate education.