Information Session
Program Director Krisztina Fischer, MD, PhD, introduces the Master of Medical Sciences in Medical Education program, followed by live Q&A from prospective applicants.
May I complete the program part-time?
Students are permitted to complete the program on a part-time basis. We anticipate that most part-time students will graduate in four years instead of two but we are happy to have individualized discussions about attending part-time with interested applicants.
I would like to apply to the program, but I do not have a specific thesis project idea. Can I still apply?
Yes. We do not require students to have a defined thesis project at the time of application. We do, however, expect that students will have some experience in the field of medical education and the ability to articulate possible research projects/interests.
How much time would I need dedicated to the program and coursework?
We expect full time students to protect approximately 80% of their professional efforts, or approximately 4 days per week, to the program and coursework. Full time students take 16 credits per semester and the courses require significant effort. Students with excessive competing demands (e.g.: clinical work, outside entrepreneurship) often find the program too challenging. We are very pleased to speak with individual applicants about potential competing demands to ensure each of our students has the time needed to be successful and make the most out of the program experience. We expect part-time students to protect approximately 40% of their professional efforts, or approximately 2 days per week, to the program and coursework.
What careers do graduates from this program pursue?
We anticipate that our graduates will be leaders in medical education with a strong commitment to research and scholarship.
How much travel would I need to commit to? Would the program cover travel expenses?
This program is offered live virtually and does not require attendance at in-person events to complete the program. If a student opts to participate, there are three opportunities for travel to Boston, both of which students will need to pay for their own travel and related expenses.
- Students may travel to participate in an optional brief on campus learning experience at the beginning of the first year of the program and again at the beginning of the second year of the program.
- Students will have the option to come to Boston for graduation.
Can I obtain an F-1 student visa to undertake the program in the United States?
Unfortunately, we are unable to grant F-1 visas to students enrolled in the program.
When do your courses meet? Can I still maintain my work schedule and complete the courses asynchronously on my own time?
The program courses meet live synchronously 4 days/week for full time students in the morning of the Eastern Standard Time zone. While there is work associated with courses that is completed asynchronously, students are expected to be present at all live synchronous course meetings.
I have a non-doctoral degree. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, we do accept applications from interested students who do not have a doctoral degree but whose work as a health professional includes responsibility for education and training of others. If you do not have a doctoral degree but think you may be a good candidate, please correspond directly with program leadership to learn more.
I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply?
Yes, international students are eligible to apply to the program. Please see the admissions page for TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo Score requirements.
What materials are required for the application?
Please see the admissions page for updated application requirements.
Is financial aid available?
Some HMS Master's students are eligible to receive financial assistance. Please see the Financial Aid page for more information.
How should I submit my letters of recommendation?
You will be asked to provide email addresses for your recommenders in the online application system. The system will email your recommenders instructions for uploading their letters in the system.
Are standardized test scores required for the application?
The only standardized test score that we require is a TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo score for applicants whose native language is not English. Please see the admissions page for more information.
How should I send you my TOEFL score report?
Please see the admissions page.
Is it possible to defer admission to the program?
The MMSc-Med Ed has not granted a deferral to date. However, the program will consider a deferral for students for whom circumstances dictate a need.
When does your application open and when is it due?
To learn more about application deadlines and requirements, please visit our Admissions page.