Frequently Asked Questions

Program Format and Details

How long is this master’s program?

Our master’s programs vary in duration. MMSCI is a two-year program, which requires students to reside in Boston for its duration.

Will the program be offered online for the 2025-2026 academic year?

There may be some courses online. However, MMSCI is a residential program. The expectation is for students to move to Boston for the two years.

How many virtual class sessions will there be each week and what are the typical days and times classes are held?

MMSCI holds 75 percent of coursework in-person with the remaining 25 percent as hybrid or virtual for the academic year 2024-2025.

Is live attendance required at the synchronous class sessions each week?

Class schedules differ by each program. An estimate of time allocation is outlined below. This can change at the Faculty’s discretion. Please note, the Harvard Medical School (HMS) attendance policy requires full attendance and participation in every scheduled class. Programs are held in Eastern Standard Time (EST) and in the mornings. Students are required to attend synchronous class sessions every week.

Typically, MMSCI requires 8-10 hours per week of class time for students. The 30-35 hours go towards the mentored research experience.

Is MMSCI a residential or online program?

MMSCI is a residential program at Harvard Medical School and requires that students relocate to Boston for the entirety of the program.

Admissions and Application Requirements

What prior degree(s) do I need to have to qualify for a program?

To apply to any of our master’s programs you should have already earned a graduate (terminal) degree. Candidates must hold an MD, PhD, MBBS, DMD, DDS, PharmD, DNP or equivalent. The review committee will consider candidates with a master’s degree in a healthcare-related discipline. We encourage applications from a variety of health care settings.

Applicants must hold an MD, MBBC or an equivalent doctoral degree. We will consider candidates with a PhD degree for admissions on a case-by-case basis.

Can I get into the program if I do not have a terminal degree?

No.

English is not my native language. What are the requirements for admission?

Students whose native language is not English must also include results of the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Duolingo English Test. The only exemption from this requirement is anyone who earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction.

Can I apply to more than one program at a time?

Although you may consider applying to more than one program, we encourage applicants to focus on applying to one program at a time.

When will I hear about an admissions decision?

Applications are reviewed only after we have received all required documents. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and timing of the decision depends on the volume of applications received.

Who should I contact for help with my visa application?

Once a student is accepted into the MMSCI program, the program administrator will work with you to obtain an F1 visa. Requirements are on the Harvard International Office website.

Tuition and Financial Aid

How much does the program cost?

Students should check on the cost of attendance on our Financial Aid website.

Are there scholarships available?

The Financial Aid Office at Harvard Medical School is committed to providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about financing your Harvard Medical School education.

Student loans are available to help meet education expenses. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for student loans from the federal government and/or “supplemental” loans, which are educational loans from private sources.

International students are not eligible for U.S. government loans, but they may be eligible for a private loan with options to borrow with or without a U.S. co-signer.

For information on financial aid please access that information here.

When are my term bills due?

Term bills are assessed semiannually (August/January); please refer to the Student Accounts site for additional information and the billing calendar. There are options to request monthly or quarterly payment plans.

What is the deferral policy?

You can defer until the next academic year, with approval from Program Directors. Deferral is only valid for one academic year and scholarship awards will not carry over to the next year.

Can I apply for credits from a certificate program to a degree program if I successfully complete the requirements?

We currently do not offer transfer credits to be applied to the master’s programs.