Frequently Asked Questions
Program Format and Details
How long is this master's program?
Our master's programs vary in duration. The Master of Science in Clinical Research is a one-year, full-time program, with a part-time option; both options require students to reside in Boston.
Will the program be offered online for the 2025-2026 academic year?
There may be some courses online. However, this is a residential program requiring students program will be held in person during the 2025-2026 academic year.
How many virtual class sessions will there be each week and what are the typical days and times classes are held?
The Master of Science in Clinical Research program holds 75 percent of coursework in-person with the remaining 25 percent as hybrid or virtual.
Is live attendance required at the synchronous class sessions each week and what is the time commitment to complete the program?
Class schedules differ by each program. An estimate of time allocation is outlined below. This can change at the faculty's discretion. Please note, the Harvard Medical School (HMS) attendance policy requires full attendance and participation in every scheduled class. Programs are held in Eastern Time (ET) and in the mornings. Students are required to attend synchronous class sessions every week.
Admissions and Application Requirements
What prior degree(s) do I need to have to qualify for a program?
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.
If you are unsure if your degree meets the application requirements, we suggest that you request a transcript evaluation from a service that provides credential evaluations for international students and immigrants planning to study or work in the U.S.
Can I get into the program if I do not have a terminal degree?
Yes, applications will be considered based on a combination of experience and education.
English is not my native language. What are the requirements for admission?
Students whose native language is not English must also include results of the Test of English as a Second Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Duolingo English Test. The only exemption from this requirement is anyone who earned a bachelor's or graduate degree from an institution at which English was the sole language of instruction.
Can I apply to more than one program at a time?
Although you may consider applying to more than one program, we encourage applicants to focus on applying to one program at a time.
When will I hear about an admissions decision?
Applications are reviewed only after we have received all required documents. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and timing of the decision depends on the volume of applications received.
Tuition and Financial Aid
How much does the program cost?
Students should check on the cost of attendance on our Financial Aid website.
Are there scholarships available?
The Financial Aid Office at Harvard Medical School is committed to providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about financing your Harvard Medical School education.
Student loans are available to help meet education expenses. U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for student loans from the federal government and/or “supplemental” loans, which are educational loans from private sources.
International students are not eligible for U.S. government loans, but they may be eligible for a private loan with options to borrow with or without a U.S. co-signer.
For information on financial aid please access that information here.
When are my term bills due?
Term bills are assessed semiannually (August/January); please refer to the Student Accounts site for additional information and the billing calendar. There are options to request monthly or quarterly payment plans.
What is the deferral policy?
You can defer until the next academic year, with approval from program directors. Deferral is only valid for one academic year and scholarship awards will not carry over to the next year.
Can I apply for credits from a certificate program to a degree program if I successfully complete the requirements?
We currently do not offer transfer credits to be applied to the master’s programs