Applicants to the Master of Science in Clinical Research program should have a strong interest in evidence-based medicine and in developing the skills needed to critically appraise, interpret, and apply research findings to improve clinical practice and health care decision-making. The program is especially well suited for medical trainees, residents, fellows, junior faculty, clinicians, and health care professionals who are interested in clinical research, systematic review and meta-analysis, guideline development, quality improvement, policy development, or leadership roles in health care. Current medical school students, as well as applicants with relevant doctoral, master’s, clinical, or research training, will be considered.

Master of Science in Clinical Research is a residential program, and students are required to move to Boston for one year.

Applications Are Now Open

Applications for the cohort entering in July 2027 are now open. Early application deadline is February 17, 2027, and the final deadline is March 31, 2027. Start your application today.

Tuition Information

View an estimate of the total cost of attendance.

Application Requirements

Prerequisites: Medical trainees who are residents, fellows, or junior faculty; medical school students with a gap or scholarly research year; and other individuals who have already enrolled in or hold an MD or comparable doctoral degree from an accredited domestic or foreign institution. Eligible doctoral degrees include, but are not limited to, the following: DDS, DMD, DO, MBBS, MBChB, NP, and PA. Selected PhD and/or Master’s graduates are also encouraged to apply.

The following documents are required to apply for the program:

• Online application: This includes contact information, educational history, list of professional experiences, and unofficial transcripts.
• Curriculum Vitae: Provides a summary of your experience, education, skills, awards, and any research/medical publications.
• Transcripts: For all admitted students, official transcripts must be sent directly by the institution where you earned the degree or sent directly from a third-party credentialing agency (like Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse). Official transcripts MUST include the date of degree conferral. We do not need certificates or diplomas. If a transcript is sent directly by the student, it is not considered official.
  • Your educational institution or third party can send official transcripts via secure electronic transfer to admissions_masters@hms.harvard.edu.
  • Additionally, transcripts must be provided in English; if your institution does not provide a transcript in English, you must obtain a certified English translation through a credential evaluation organization. We will accept evaluations from any NACES member organization and recommend a “course by course” evaluation by World Education Services (WES.org), or a “course analysis” by The Evaluation Company. We cannot accept translations provided by a third party.
• Letters of Reference: During the application process you will be prompted to enter the name and email address of 2 references one of which should be a current or prior mentor and/or supervisor and address your suitability to the program.
  1. Letter of reference from current or prior mentor and/or supervisor.
  2. Letter of reference from current Department Chair or Division Chief
  3. References will be automatically emailed a request to submit a reference. However, it is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up with the referees to ensure timely submission of references.
• Research Interest Statement: Provide a summary (up to 250 words) describing your research interests.
• Research Training: List any formal or informal training you have received in research methodology. Include specific courses or experiences with biostatistics and/or epidemiology. If you do not have any research training, you may leave this section blank.
• Research Experience: During the application process, applicants will be asked to detail their participation in research studies. Clearly describe the setting, study type, mentor, specific tasks and responsibilities, and scientific output for each project.
• Optional: Official GRE or MCAT scores. To send your official GRE scores directly to the program, use code 3812. MCAT scores can be submitted to the online application as a Printable Score Report, which includes a verification code to verify the report’s authenticity.

International Candidates

Harvard Medical School is an international center of learning. We value and welcome the diversity and breadth of experience international students bring to the program. Our faculty collaborate with colleagues around the world, drawing students into their work and facilitating future connections.

English Language Proficiency for International Applicants

A language proficiency test is required for applicants for whom English was not the medium of instruction for their undergraduate or graduate degree. Harvard Medical School’s master’s programs accept TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS Academic and Duolingo English Test. Please note, English language proficiency tests are only valid for two years after the test date.

Applicants who have completed at least one year of full-time professional experience in the United States, in a setting where English is the primary language of communication, may be eligible for a waiver of the language proficiency test requirement. This includes clinical practice, research, or other professional roles that involve regular, direct communication in English. To request a waiver, please email admissions_masters@hms.harvard.edu with an employment verification letter that includes your name, job title, and dates of employment, and name, title, and contact information of the person providing the verification. Waivers are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

See our minimum test score requirements and instructions to submit official test scores below.

Minimum Test Score Requirements:

• TOEFL iBT: 103
• TOEFL iBT (new): 5.0
• TOEFL Essentials: 11
• IELTS Academic: 7.5
• Duolingo English Test: 130

Submitting Official Test Scores

TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials
Code 3151: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master’s Programs.

IELTS Academic
Contact the test center where you took the IELTS test to request that your scores be sent via E-Delivery to:

Account Name: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master’s Programs

Address: Graduate Education Master’s Programs
25 Shattuck Street
Boston, MA 02115
United States

Duolingo English Test:
Search for “Harvard Medical School” and select Master of Science in Clinical Research.

Visa Requirements

International students must fulfill visa requirements. International students can find more information via Harvard University’s International Office.

A non-refundable application fee of US $100 is required as part of the online application process and is payable by credit card only.

Only completed applications will be considered for review. Please have your CV, letter of interest, and reference contact information on hand when you apply.

All transcripts, test scores (if applicable), and letters of reference should be sent directly by the people or institutions providing them.

Harvard is required to certify that international students have funds to cover the full cost of tuition, fees and living expenses for the first year of their program before issuing an I-20 or DS-2019. To view the latest breakdown of tuition and expenses by program, please see the Financial Aid Cost of Attendance. Please visit the International Students webpage to view International Student Financial Certification Documentation Requirements.

Email SMCR@hms.harvard.edu with any further questions.

Financial Aid Resources

Master’s Program Tuition Discount for Faculty and Staff at HMS and Affiliated Institutions

Full-time, benefits-eligible faculty and staff at HMS and the affiliated institutions/hospitals are eligible for a scholarship equivalent to 10% of the full-time tuition rate for any of the HMS Master’s Degree Programs (tuition only). Please notify the program if you think you are eligible for this scholarship. Students who are also considering applying for financial assistance should notify the HMS Financial Aid office of this scholarship opportunity.

Types of Funding for Master’s Students

To learn more about institutional scholarships, including the Dean’s Scholarship for HMS Master’s Students, and external scholarships, fellowships, federal direct loans, and private loans, student employment, VA, and military benefits visit the Master’s Degree Financial Aid page.

For more information on financial aid, visit this website.

Information Sessions