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MASTER'S PROGRAM

Master of Medical Sciences in Therapeutic Sciences

Application Deadline: February 26, 2027
Program Format: In-Person

Curriculum

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Curious about our program?

Discover where a master’s degree from Harvard Medical School will take you. Our brochure covers curriculum, faculty, thesis projects, and what graduates do next.

Sophia Schroeder student perspective

Experimental Foundations and Therapeutic Innovation

Curriculum

At Harvard Medical School, the Master of Medical Sciences in Therapeutic Sciences immerses students in research-intensive, hands-on coursework that prepares them to succeed in a wide range of research careers in biomedical research or to pursue further education. Completion of the residential, in-person MMSc in Therapeutic Sciences program requires 64 credits, with 36 credits dedicated to lab-based mentored research. Based on the desired area of scientific specialization and the thesis project, students select advanced training in either biochemical or cell biology-based methodologies. In their second years, students will primarily focus on their Mentored Research/Thesis work, including generating data, analyzing data, and writing and defending the thesis.

The MMSc in Therapeutic Sciences program curriculum covers the following key topic areas:

  • Fundamentals in biochemistry, cell biology, and assay development
  • Biophysical and biochemical mechanisms of protein function
  • Principles of cell biology
  • Scientific communication and data visualization
  • Data literacy
  • Professional skills development

The program also includes a seminar series and journal clubs that expose students to real-world experiences and case studies that reflect the newest developments, challenges, and trends in the industry.

Year 1

Fall
  • Fundamentals in Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Assay Development (8 credits)
  • Data Literacy (4 credits)
  • Seminar Series and Journal Club* (1 credit)
  • Thesis Research (2 credits)

*Full-year course

Spring
  • Scientific Communication, and Data Visualization (4 credits)
  • Biophysical and Biochemical Mechanisms of Protein Function* (4 credits)
  • Principles of Cell Biology* (4 credits)
  • Thesis Research (6 credits)
  • Possible elective(s)** (2-4 credits)

*Students will select between one of the courses: either BCMP 250 or CB 201
**Not required

Year 2

Fall
  • Professional Skills Development (2 credits)
  • Thesis Research* (14 credits)
  • Possible elective(s)** (2-4 credits)

*Occurs over Summer and Fall Sessions
**Not required

Spring
  • Thesis Research (14 credits)
  • Seminar Series and Journal Club* (1 credit)
  • Possible elective(s)** (2-4 credits)

*Full-year course
**Not required