MASTER OF MEDICAL SCIENCES IN THERAPEUTIC SCIENCES
FAST FACTS
• A rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory experience aimed at early drug discovery.
• One-on-one mentorship with a Harvard Medical School faculty member to guide students through an in-depth thesis research project.
• Courses focused on biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, assay development, data literacy, scientific communication, and professional skills help students perform at a high level in the field of therapeutic sciences.
• This is a residential program at Harvard Medical School’s Boston campus to be completed fulltime over two academic years
Message from the Program Directors
Do you envision yourself at the forefront of scientific innovation, contributing to the development of groundbreaking therapies that can change the world? If so, the Master of Medical Sciences in Therapeutic Sciences at Harvard Medical School is designed for you.
Modern drug discovery is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field, offering unprecedented opportunities to tackle some of the most pressing human health challenges. The ever-expanding array of therapeutic modalities and incorporation of novel technologies demands a new generation of scientists with extraordinary technical, experimental, and analytical skills. Our program will immerse you in cutting-edge science and technology, preparing you to thrive in fast-paced, multidisciplinary teams.
As a student in our program, you will gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, working alongside worldrenowned scientists who are pushing the boundaries of biomedical science. You will learn the fundamental principles of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and
assay development. Additionally, you will complete a 14-month independent thesis project under the mentorship of a Harvard Medical School faculty member, honing your skills as an independent researcher and applying your training to real-world research challenges.
Our integrated curriculum, combined with personalized mentorship and professional skills training, will prepare you to excel in a variety of rewarding career paths, from academic research to industry. You will learn how to effectively analyze and communicate data, enabling you to convey complex topics and make data actionable in multidisciplinary environments
We invite you to join the extraordinary research community here at HMS and start your journey toward becoming an inventor of tomorrow’s medicines.
Mark Namchuk, PhD Executive
Director
Ralph Mazitschek, PhD
Academic Co-Director
MASTER OF MEDICAL SCIENCES IN THERAPEUTIC SCIENCES
Training the next generation of drug discovery scientists
The Master of Medical Sciences in Therapeutic Sciences program is a two-year master’s program that offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential areas such as biochemistry, enzymology, protein science, and molecular interactions. Students will gain a deep understanding of experimental design principles, including assay development and validation, and the use of advanced technologies and instrumentation. The program emphasizes the practical application of conceptual knowledge, enabling students to design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and communicate their scientific findings effectively.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be equipped with:
• A strong scientific background in biochemistry, enzymology, protein science, and molecular interactions, especially as they relate to therapeutic sciences.
• A deep understanding of experimental design principles, including assay development, validation, and relevant technologies and instrumentation.
• Data literacy tools and strategies to evaluate the quality of datasets, generate testable hypotheses, and perform statistical analyses.
• Data visualization, presentation, and
communication skills are needed to prepare progress reports, protocols, executive summaries, and manuscripts.
• Professional skills for managing time, projects, and teams; collaborating; and networking.
• Proficiency in rigorous, reproducible, and responsible conduct of research, accurate recordkeeping, and electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Expertise in conducting independent research, including assembling a final thesis and presenting key findings.
