Admissions

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

Tuition Information

View an estimate of the total cost of attendance.

Application Information

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.

International Students: Applications for international students are due by February 18th, 2025. This includes all applicants who will be studying in the U.S. on a student visa. For more information about the visa process, please visit the Harvard International Office website.

All applicants must create a user account via Harvard Medical School's application portal at apply.masters.hms.harvard.edu/apply/.

The following documents are required to apply for the program:

  • Curriculum Vitae

    Provides a summary of your experience, education, skills, awards, and any research/medical publications.

  • Transcripts

    All applicants must submit Undergraduate and Graduate transcripts. A transcript is an official document issued by the institution you attended that lists all subjects taken and grades earned for each year of study.

    All international applicants must submit transcripts in English or accompanied by an English translation.

    Unofficial transcripts may be submitted at the time of application; however, accepted applicants must provide official copies from their graduating institutions before matriculation. Please do not submit copies of degree diplomas or certificates. These will not fulfill the transcript requirement.

  • 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

    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.

Additional Information

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 theprogram. 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. Please note, English language proficiency tests are only valid for two years after the test date.

The Master of Science in Clinical Research accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or the Duolingo English Test. Applicants must score a minimum of 103 (TOEFL), 7.5 (IELTS), or 130, and a satisfactory programmatic review of the writing and video samples (Duolingo English Test) to be considered for the program. 

To submit TOEFL scores, use code 3151: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master’s Programs.

To submit IELTS scores, 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

To submit Duolingo English Test scores, search for “Harvard Medical School - Master in Clinical Research”.

Visa Requirements:

International students must fulfill visa requirements.

International students can find more information via Harvard University's International Office.

Additional Requirements:

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions.
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Questions?

Please view our comprehensive frequently asked question section for this master's program. 

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  • 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.