For most of human history, discovering a new therapy was a game of chance. It was only in the late 20th century that we started to design drugs rationally—primarily by translating scientific knowledge about the immune system into therapies. Today, we are able to cure many cancers, neutralize most infectious diseases, and improve clinical outcomes across nearly every class of disease.
The mission of the Master of Medical Sciences in Immunology Program is to provide a solid, instructional, and research-based foundation in both basic and clinical immunology. Courses will start with the fundamentals and rapidly progress to cutting-edge knowledge, all taught by world-renowned faculty members in the Immunology program at Harvard. This program serves the needs of both students with a strong undergraduate biology background with an interest in medicine or fundamental research and seeking deeper knowledge of immunology, as well as of academic physicians from a range of specialties who seek an in-depth knowledge of immunology to further their professional goals and research expertise.
Program Goals
The Master of Medical Sciences in Immunology is a two-year program with two primary goals:
To give students a solid foundation in Basic and Clinical Immunology to better understand how a new revolution is currently occurring in the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions, including immunodeficiencies, allergies, chronic inflammatory diseases, transplantation, and cancer.
To provide students with comprehensive tools and protected time to engage in mentored research on important issues in either Basic or Clinical Immunology, depending on their inclinations. This will entail working with leading Harvard faculty and will culminate in a Master’s thesis.
Eligibility
The HMS Master of Medical Science in Immunology program is open to individuals with a Bachelor’s degree with a strong background in biology and an interest in Immunology or biomedical research, as well as to individuals who already possess a medical degree, such as an MD or an MBBS, or to individuals who have a degree in a health professions-related field.
