Master of Biomedical Informatics

Master of Biomedical Informatics Program

The Master of Biomedical Informatics (MBI) program at Harvard Medical School is designed to advance the use of biomedical data, information, and knowledge for scientific inquiry, problem-solving, and decision making. This program is created for students who are looking to develop skills in data science in the context of medicine and biological sciences to improve human health. Our students graduate with the computational, methodological, and data science skills to contribute to an ongoing revolution in biomedical discovery. 

To receive information about the MBI program and deadlines, please fill out the form at the following link: MBI Information Sign Up

We welcome and encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in health-related sciences (Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, American Indians or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders), individuals with disabilities, and individuals from disadvantageous backgrounds. 

Harvard Medical School’s Diversity Statement can be found here.

Harvard’s resources on racial and social justice can be found here

The MBI Program is fully residential with classes held at the Harvard Longwood Campus in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Harvard University main campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. There is no option for completing this program online.

There are two routes to earning the MBI degree depending on a student's previous academic training:

Master’s Program (48 credits)

• For students who hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree but do not hold a Doctoral degree.
• Completed in 3 full-time semesters, with a summer break away from coursework to pursue internship or research opportunities.
• Aimed at students who have demonstrated aptitude in a quantitative field, either through an undergraduate degree or other significant training. 
• Click here to learn more about the 48-Credit Program

Accelerated Master’s Program (36 credits)

• For students who hold a Doctoral degree or are enrolled in an MD program
• Completed in 2 semesters full-time OR 4 semesters part-time.
• Aimed at postdocs and MD students who are interested in gaining didactic training in data science and informatics for advancement in their research or clinical careers. 
• Click here to learn more about the Accelerated MBI Program

Both programs include a range of foundational courses in quantitative and biomedical subjects, as well as courses in emerging areas such as precision medicine, data science, and data visualization. All students complete a capstone research project with a Harvard faculty member.

How to Apply

Please visit the Apply tab to access the application portal and for additional application information.  Sign up to our mailing list to receive reminders and information about the program.

• Early Decision Deadline for Clinical Fellowship and Biomedical Informatics and Data Science Research Training (BIRT) Fellowship Applicants:
  • November 5, 2021
• Regular Decision Deadline for all programs, including BIRT Fellowship applicants who have missed the early decision deadline:
  • January 13, 2022

MBI Admissions Information Sessions

We will hold admissions information sessions for Fall 2022 over Zoom on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 3:00 pm ET and Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 6:00 pm ET. Please check out the MBI Info Session Page to sign up and for more details!

Contacting the Program

Please send all admissions inquiries and application questions to mbi@hms.harvard.edu. Emails sent directly to program staff will be forwarded to this address and may take longer for us to get back to. 

For more information about the program please subscribe to MBI program mailing list to get reminders and updates about dates for info sessions, application deadlines, and other information about the MBI program.