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 2024-2025 academic year? 

Yes. The program will be held in a live virtual and online format during the 2024-2025 academic year.

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

The full-time program 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). Class schedules differ by each program.

Is live attendance required at the synchronous class sessions each week and what is the time commitment to complete the program? 

Yes, 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 should expect to spend 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 at 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 2024-2025 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