In addition to the requirements above, 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’s programs accept TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS Academic, or the Duolingo English Test. To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following minimum test score requirements:
TOEFL iBT: 5.0
TOEFL Essentials: 11
IELTS Academic: 7.5
Duolingo English Test: 130 and satisfactory programmatic review of the writing and video samples
Instructions to submit official test scores:
TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Essentials: Code 3151: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master’s Programs
IELTS Academic:
Contact the test center where you took the IELTS test to request that your scores be sent via E-Delivery to: admissions_masters@hms.harvard.edu
Account Name: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master's Programs Address: Graduate Education Master's Programs 436 TMEC, 260 Longwood Ave Boston, MA 02115 United States
Duolingo English Test: Search for “Harvard Medical School” and select the appropriate program.
Applications are open in November of each year, with a deadline date in April for international students, and May for domestic students. The Admissions Review Committee reviews applications on a rolling basis until all spots are filled.
IV. Academic Residence Requirements
The MMSc IMM requires that all didactic coursework and mentored research take place on Harvard’s campus (HMS or other Harvard Schools) or at an HMS-affiliated hospital.
V. Course of Study
1. The program currently does not offer concentrations.
1. Curriculum by term
Fall Term Year One
In
1.
IMMUN
Advanced
Credits:
Directors: Thorsten Mempel, Dan Dwyer
Prerequisites: A background in genetics and biochemistry strongly recommended.
Grade Criteria: Letter
This course provides an intensive and in-depth examination of a selection of fundamental concepts in immunology. It takes advantage of the unique expertise of members of our Immunology faculty to illustrate how these concepts have been established and continue to be developed based on seminal work in the field including contributions from their own laboratories.
MCB 169
Molecular and Cellular Immunology
Credits: 4.00 CREDITS (Required)
Directors: Shiv S. Pillai
Grade Criteria: Letter
The immune system is the frontier at which molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics intersect with the pathogenesis of disease. There is no area of modern biology that is as intimately linked to disease as Immunology. This field has given us the first rational therapies in medicine, actual cures for many cancers, and new innovative therapies harnessing immunology are being created at breakneck speed! In this course we will be examining the underlying scientific bases of how the immune system works and its contributions to disease pathogenesis, protection, treatment and prevention. We will discuss the biology of the host response to infections, autoimmunity, allergic disorders, primary immunodeficiency syndromes, transplantation, and cancer.
IMM701A
Methods in Basic and Clinical Immunology
Credits: 4.00 CREDITS (Required)
Directors: Gavin Porter
Grade Criteria: Letter
This course will enhance understanding of research methods commonly used in basic and clinical immunology. Experimental controls, data outputs, and sources of experimental variation will be key considerations in each lecture. Application of knowledge and enhancement of writing skills will occur through composing multiple drafts of a fellowship-style research proposal.
IMM703A
Deconstructing Immunology Presentations
Credits: 4.00 CREDITS (Required)
Directors: Gavin Porter
Grade Criteria: Letter
Students will study research from the invited speakers of the Immunology departmental seminar, the week before it occurs, and gain proficiency in interpreting the results of journal articles. Students will be prompted to propose future experiments and engage in dialogue with their peers about the research.
There are also opportunities to examine Immunology research and clinical developments in a historical and/or societal context. The course will culminate in a poster presentation to help enhance student’s design and presentation skills.
IMMUN 202
Immune and Inflammatory Diseases
Credits: 4.00 CREDITS (Required)
Directors: Wendy Garrett
Prerequisites: Immunology 201 or its equivalent.
Grade Criteria: Letter
IMMUN 202 builds on IMMUN 201 and explores fundamental principles of immunology in the context of immune and inflammatory diseases. Through a series of lectures and discussion, students will survey a broad range of diseases in which the immune system is essential. Topics will include not only diseases that mobilize classical immunity but also conditions to which we now know the immune systems contributes. Students will use oral (paper discussions) and written exercises (problem sets) to learn how to critically evaluate and synthesize major concepts and tools essential for the study of immunology.
IMM 701B
Methods in Basic and Clinical Immunology
Credits: 4.00 CREDITS (Required)
Directors: Gavin Porter
Grade Criteria: Letter
This course emphasizes current clinical research in Immunology and will prompt students to build clinical connections with their previous coursework. Students will also make case presentations, which will be good preparation for those pursuing further medical training, and hopefully add a human dimension on previous immunology, cell biology, genetics, and biochemistry material.
IMM 703B
Deconstructing Immunology Presentations
Credits: 4.00 CREDITS (Required)
Directors: Gavin Porter
Grade Criteria: Letter
This course builds on IMM703a to promote oral presentation and paper analysis skills. Each week, we will discuss an article related to the HMS Immunology seminar series speaker, which is supported by one or more background articles. As in the prior semester, we will conduct a critical analysis of the research paper with a focus on the figures, prior to the invited speaker’s presentation. We will continue to use collaborative annotation, and students will begin presenting the papers themselves, starting in the 3rd week of the course. Students will also deliver a TED-esque immunology talk, on a topic of their choosing, geared to a wider audience. The presentations made by students are indicative of greater responsibility and independence and also give an opportunity for creativity – a natural progression as you mature and grow in the program.
MMSc IMM students are expected to complete the MMSc degree in two academic years. Students may petition the program director in writing for an extension of time. Additionally, students must formalize any requested enrollment changes through the student information system. (See Section 2.06 for definitions of full- and part-time and Section 2.07 for the policy on length of time to degree.)
1. Requirements for graduation
Overall B average (3.0 GPA) for course work.
· Satisfactory progress as assessed by mentor and thesis committee
Successful defense of thesis
A degree will not be granted to a student who is not in good standing or against whom a disciplinary charge is pending. In addition, a student’s term bill must be paid in full before he/she is awarded a diploma.
VI. Advising
1. One-on-one meetings will be held every term with the program directors to discuss progress
2. One feedback session per term with program directors and other students at one of the monthly meetings held one Friday every month.
3. Thesis committee will meet twice in year two to assess progress
VII. Financial Aid
See Section 5.08 for financial aid information.
VIII. Internship Information
Internships are allowed at the following times:
1. During the Spring semester of the first year, as long as it's after class hours.
2. In the summer months between the Spring semester of the first year and the Fall semester of the second year.
3. In the Fall and Spring semesters of the second year, as long as the mentor confirms that the student has completed 40 hours of research each week.
The MMSc-Immunology program does not have a specific internship course, but students can enroll in the internship course, INDP 850, for CPT in the Summer before year two, and in the Fall and Spring semesters of year two if they meet the requirements mentioned above.