Master of Medical Sciences in Biomedical Informatics Degree Program

The Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) in Biomedical Informatics program trains students to contribute to the rapidly evolving use of biomedical data for revolutionary advances in scientific inquiry and technological development. This program is designed for students who want to develop data science skills in the context of medicine and biological science to improve human health. Through a rigorous combination of core coursework and a year-long full-time thesis research project, students will graduate with the computational, methodological, and data science skills to contribute to an ongoing revolution in biomedical discovery. 

How to Apply

The application for Fall 2025 admission is closed. 

The application for Fall 2026 admission will open in October 2025. 

Watch previous information sessions to learn more about the program. 

Please check the Admissions Page for details about the application process, program prerequisites, and to access the Application Portal.

Review our Frequently Asked Questions Page for answers to many questions about the program and application process. 

If you still have questions, please reach out to us at mbi@hms.harvard.edu. 

Program Format

The MMSc in Biomedical Informatics program is a full-time, residential program completed over two academic years (4 semesters) of study. 

Classes are held at the Harvard Longwood Campus in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Harvard University Main Campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

This program cannot be completed online or part-time. 

Program Curriculum

The Master’s program curriculum includes core foundational courses in computational and biomedical subject areas as well as opportunities to take elective courses in complementary subjects across Harvard University. All students will complete a year-long full-time research thesis in the lab of a Harvard faculty member. 

Please visit the MMSc-BMI Curriculum Page for more information about the program curriculum. 

Research Thesis

The Master’s Research Thesis provides students with the opportunity to commit a year to full-time research in the lab of their faculty research advisor. Students select their research advisor in consultation with the program, design a proposal, and conduct their research with regular milestones and check-ins with a thesis committee. At the end of the second year in the program, students defend their thesis work to their committee, program, and peers.

Please visit the MMSc-BMI Thesis Page for additional information about the Master's Research Thesis. 

Contacting the Program

Please send all admissions inquiries and application questions to mbi@hms.harvard.edu.

DO NOT email program faculty or staff directly. Emails sent directly to program staff and faculty will be forwarded to mbi@hms.harvard.edu, which may delay getting back to you or your email becoming lost. 

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

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Program Directors

Nils GehlenborgNils Gehlenborg, PhD

Director, Master of Medical Sciences in Biomedical Informatics (MMSc-BMI) Program

Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics

Aparna NathanAparna Nathan, PhD

Associate Director, Master of Medical Sciences in Biomedical Informatics (MMSc-BMI) Program

Lecturer in Biomedical Informatics

Program Staff

Rebecca FitzhughRebecca Fitzhugh

Senior Program Manager

Jesse EllisJesse Ellis

Education Program Coordinator