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  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Program Format and Details
     

    How long is this master's program? 

    Our master's programs vary in duration. MCSO offers both a full-time one-year option and a part-time two-year option. 

    Will the program be offered online for the 2022-2023 academic year? 

    Yes. The program will be held in a live virtual and online format during the 2022-2023 academic year.

    How many virtual class sessions will there be each week and what are the typical days and times classes are held?

    MCSO has synchronous class time about four times a week. The part-time program option has synchronous classes twice a week. Typically, classes are held in the mornings Eastern Standard Time (7 am- 12 pm).

    Is live attendance required at the synchronous class sessions each week? 

    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 HMS attendance policy requires full attendance and participation in every scheduled class. Programs are held in Eastern Standard Time (EST) and in the mornings. Students are required to attend the synchronous class sessions every week

    MCSO:  30-35 hours per week for the full-time program, 15- 20 hours total for part-time

    Admissions and Application Requirements

     

    What prior degree(s) do I need to have to qualify for a program? 

    To apply to any of our master’s programs you should have already earned a graduate (terminal) degree. Candidates must hold an MD, PhD, MBBS, DMD, DDS, PharmD, DNP or equivalent.  The review committee will consider candidates with a master’s degree in a healthcare-related discipline. We encourage applications from a variety of health care settings. 

    If you are unsure if your degree meets the application requirement 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, you need a least five years of clinical experience or requisite work experience in a clinical setting for the Clinical Operations Pathway and ten years of experience in a senior-level management role for the Executive Leadership Pathway.  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. MCSO students may deduct the living expense during the 2021-2022 academic year as the programs will run in a live virtual and online format.

    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

Application Information

Prerequisites: Applicants must hold an MD or an equivalent doctoral degree or an MBBS or advanced nursing degree.

We will consider candidates with a PhD degree for admission on a case-by-case basis.

The following documents are required to apply for the program:

  • Online application: All applicants must create a user account via Harvard Medical School's application portal at apply.masters.hms.harvard.edu/apply/
  • Curriculum Vitae: provides a summary of your experience, education, skills, awards and any research/medical publications.
  • Personal Statement: (Please identify in the first few sentences of your letter which track you intend to pursue).
    • This statement can detail academic, professional, or personal experiences. The only requirement is that the statement be limited to 500-750 words in length. 
  • 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.
  • Two 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. 
  • 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. Alumni with Harvard MCSO work in the United States and more than a dozen other countries around the globe.

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.

The Master of Science in Clinical Service Operations accepts TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, or the Duolingo English Test. Applicants must score a minimum of 100 (TOEFL), 7.5 (IELTS), or 125 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 Service Operations”.

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 PGME_Masters_Admissions@hms.harvard.edu with any further questions

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  • Financial Aid Resources

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

    Beginning for the entering class of AY20 (Fall 2019), 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.

    Scholarships available: Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research

    The Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research (DHFMR) can offer partial scholarships to a limited number of selected candidates. Priority is given to candidates from the United Arab Emirates, but candidates from the GCC and MENA region*, and candidates living and working in the GCC and MENA region, regardless of nationality, will also be considered. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit and financial need. To apply for DHFMR support, please select this option on your application.

    *The GCC and MENA region includes: Algeria | Bahrain | Djibouti | Egypt | Iraq | Israel | Jordan | Kuwait | Lebanon | Libya | Morocco | Oman | Qatar | Saudi Arabia | Syria| Tunisia | United Arab Emirates | West Bank and Gaza | Yemen

    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.