Biomedical Informatics
    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    USD 21,249 / term
    Next IntakeJune 24, 2064

    Biomedical Informatics

    About

    The Biomedical Informatics Program is interdepartmental and offers instruction and research opportunities leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Biomedical Informatics. All students are required to complete the core curriculum requirements, and also to complete additional course work to fulfill degree requirements and pursue their technical interests and goals as specified for each degree program.

    The program can provide flexibility and can complement other opportunities in applied medical research at Stanford. Special arrangements may be made for those with unusual needs or those simultaneously enrolled in other degree programs within the University. Similarly, students with prior relevant training may have the curriculum adjusted to eliminate requirements met as part of prior training.

    The GRE is not required for admission.

    The University requirements for the M.S. degree are described in the Graduate Degrees section of this bulletin.

    Advising

    Upon entering the program, each student is assigned an academic adviser to help with course selection and monitor progress towards program milestones and degree requirements. Each research-track (academic) M.S. and Ph.D. student conducts research under the primary mentorship of a faculty supervisor, who guides their scholarly and professional development. Further details about the adviser roles and responsibilities are found in the BMI Student Handbook and in the Biomedical Informatics Advising section of this Bulletin.

    Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (Academic)

    This degree is designed for individuals who wish to undertake in-depth study of biomedical informatics with research on a full-time basis. Normally, a student spends two years in the program and implements and documents a substantial project by the end of the second year. The first year involves acquiring the fundamental concepts and tools through course work and research project involvement. Academic M.S. students are expected to devote 50 percent or more of their time participating in research projects. Research rotations are not required, but can be done with approval of the academic adviser or training program director. Graduates of this program are prepared to contribute creatively to basic or applied projects in biomedical informatics. This degree requires a written research paper to be approved by two faculty members.

    Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (Professional/Honors Cooperative Program)

    This degree is designed primarily for the working professional who already has advanced training in one discipline and wishes to acquire interdisciplinary skills. Although many classes necessary for the degree are available online, some requirements may be fulfilled through implementation of an alternative plan to be approved by the program. The professional M.S. is offered in conjunction with Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD), which establishes the rates of tuition and fees. The program uses the honors cooperative program (HCP) model, which assumes that the student is working full-time and is enrolled in the M.S. on a part-time basis. Students who live locally may attend their courses on campus. Students have up to five years to complete the program. Research projects are optional; if interested, the student must make arrangements with program faculty. Graduates of this program are prepared to contribute creatively to basic or applied projects in biomedical informatics.

    Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics (Coterminal)

    The coterminal degree program allows Stanford University undergraduates to study for a master's degree while completing their bachelor's degree(s) in the same or a different department. See the Coterminal Master's Degrees section of this bulletin for additional information. For University coterminal degree program rules and University application forms, see the Registrar's website.

    The coterminal Master of Science program follows the same program requirements as the Master of Science (Professional), except for the requirement to be employed full-time. The coterminal degree is available only to current Stanford undergraduates. Coterminal students are enrolled full-time and courses are taken on campus. Research projects are optional; if interested, the student must make arrangements with program faculty. Graduates of this program are prepared to contribute creatively to basic or applied projects in biomedical informatics.

    Whether as a full-time student or as a working professional and part-time student, you'll undertake an in-depth study of biomedical informatics. The Academic program divides your time between coursework and a research project. The Professional program focuses on coursework with the option of adding a research project. Both interdisciplinary programs prepare you to contribute creatively to basic or applied biomedical informatics projects.

    The program in Biomedical Informatics emphasizes research to develop novel computational methods that can advance biomedicine. Students receive training in the investigation of new approaches to conceptual modeling and to development of new algorithms that address challenging problems in the biological sciences and clinical medicine. Students with a primary interest in developing new informatics methods and knowledge are best suited for this program. Students with a primary interest in the biological or medical application of existing informatics techniques may be better suited for training in the application areas themselves.

    Disciplines

    Biomedical Informatics

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    At Stanford, we practice holistic admission. Each piece in your application is part of an integrated and comprehensive whole.

    One piece tells us about your background and life experiences, another about your school and your academic achievement. We learn from others about your character and intellectual contributions. In your essays, we learn about your ideas and interests, and what is meaningful to you.

    Each year we aim to enroll a class of diverse backgrounds and experiences, talents, academic interests, and ways of viewing the world.

    In a holistic review, we seek to understand how you, as a whole person, would grow, contribute and thrive at Stanford, and how Stanford would, in turn, be changed by you.

    Academic Excellence

    The primary criterion for admission to Stanford is academic excellence. We look for your preparation and potential to succeed. We expect you to challenge yourself throughout high school and to do very well.

    The most important credential for evaluating your academic record is your high school transcript. Please know that our evaluation goes beyond any numerical formula. There is no minimum GPA or test score, nor is there any specific number of AP or honors courses you must have on your transcript in order to have your application reviewed or be admitted to Stanford.

    For more complete information on our curriculum guidelines for first-year students, please visit our Academic Preparation page.

    Intellectual Vitality

    We want to see your commitment, dedication and genuine interest in expanding your intellectual horizons, both in what you write about yourself and in what others write on your behalf. We want to see the kind of curiosity and enthusiasm that will allow you to spark a lively discussion in a first-year seminar and continue the conversation at the dinner table. We want to see the energy and depth of commitment you will bring to your endeavors, whether that means in a research lab, as part of a community organization, during a performance or on an athletic field. We want to see the initiative with which you seek out opportunities and expand your perspective.

    Extracurricular Activities

    Learning about your extracurricular activities and nonacademic interests helps us understand your potential contributions to the Stanford community. Students often assume our primary concern is the number of activities in which a student participates. In fact, an exceptional depth of experience in one or two activities may demonstrate your passion more than minimal participation in five or six clubs. You may also hold down a job or have family responsibilities. These are as important as any other extracurricular activity. In general, we want to understand the impact you have had at your job, in your family, in a club, in your school or in the larger community, and we want to learn of the impact that experience has had on you.

    In some cases, exceptional abilities in athletics may influence our decision if the applicant is otherwise well qualified, but such abilities never, by themselves, ensure admission to Stanford.

    Context

    Just as no two Stanford students are the same, each applicant to Stanford is unique. This means that as we review each application, we pay careful attention to unique circumstances. We take into account your background, educational pathway, and work and family responsibilities. By focusing on your achievements in context, we evaluate how you have excelled in your school environment and how you have taken advantage of what is available to you in your school and community.

    It is important to know these variables are not listed in order of importance in our evaluation and selection process. We review applications holistically. No portion of the application is considered without the rest of the application.

    English Requirements

    • TOEFLMin 100

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    21,249 / term
    Application Fee 90

    How to Apply

    Start Your Application

    1. Click the Apply Now button above.
    2. Click Create Account under First-Time Users. If you are a current Stanford student or affiliate, you may use the Login with SUNet ID option and you will not need to complete the remaining steps below.
    3. Enter your email address, first name, last name, and birthdate. Click Continue.
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    4. Follow the instructions in the email you just received to establish your account password.
    5. Log in and click Start New Application.

    Return to Your Application

    You may save your application anytime by clicking Continue at the bottom of any application page.

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    Submit Your Application

    Navigate to the Review page to ensure you have completed all submission requirements and to preview your application PDF.

    Click Finalize and Pay only when you are completely satisfied with your application and before 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on your program’s application deadline. You may not edit your application after submission.

    Biomedical Informatics

    Stanford University

    Stanford University

    United States of America

    United States of America, Stanford