Distance Education MS in Biomedical Informatics
The Biomedical Informatics program offers the Honors Cooperative Program (HCP), or Professional Masters degree, a part-time, distance education Masters program. The Professional Masters program is for students interested in non-academic careers, however, the program requirements for the degree are identical to those for the Academic Masters program. The research component is replaced by the requirement for employment in the field of biomedical informatics or other highly-related field. There is no difference in scientific focus, and both result in granting of an MS degree from Stanford.
All of the coursework is on-line; no time at Stanford is required, although local students may attend classes in-person, if they choose to do so. Students receive course content and interact via the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD). It is highly recommended that candidates start by reviewing the information about this program on the SCPD website, especially their HCP student handbook. Applicants are strong encouraged to consider starting as a Non-Degree Option student (either a single course, or a three course certificate); such coursework can be counted towards the HCP MS should you later be admitted.
Download our brochure.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the MS program, candidates must be employed full-time and should remain employed throughout the duration of the program.
Prerequisites
Please see the prerequisites page.
Degree Requirements
Our graduate curriculum is described here.
Candidates may wish to begin with Certificate programs in Bioinformatics or Clinical Informatics, or individual courses through the Non-degree option, while completing some of the prerequisite requirements for the Masters program. Up to 18 units of academic credit from relevant Certificate programs may be transferred upon acceptance into the degree program.
Students spend on average 3.5 years in the program. The program must be completed within five years.
Tuition
The Stanford Center for Professional Development sets the tuition for all of the Honors Cooperative Programs.There is a three unit minimum enrollment per academic quarter. Check the latest tuition and fees at the Stanford Center for Professional Development website, especially their page on tuition and fees. The BMI program does not set rates or policies or collect tuition.
Funding
Some employers will support tuition for students enrolled in graduate studies while employed. Check with your Human Resources department for programs and policies. Students in the Professional MS program are not eligible for funding from many US government fellowships and other scholarships due to the required research component of the awards. Many student loan programs require full time registration status, which is not possible in the HCP MS program. BMI does not provide financial aid for this program.
Application Instructions
Review the information on the Bioscience Application website.
First, complete the Biosciences Application (same as PhD) online. Applications are accepted most of the year, and students can start any quarter except Summer. The deadlines for HCP applications are specific to this degree program, and are listed here.
Second, fill out the HCP Masters Program Supplemental Application Form. Once complete, this form must be uploaded with the rest of your admissions materials. Note that it requests two copies of each transcript be mailed to us.
Deadline
Applications are accepted for admission each quarter except summer. The application deadlines are listed on the HCP admissions page.
Frequently Asked Questions
See here.
