Admissions

The Master of Science in Media, Medicine, and Health program operates on rolling admissions, meaning the admissions committee meets to review applications monthly between January and March. The committee meets after each admissions deadline listed below to review applications and make decisions. The program then notifies applicants of decisions.  Prospective students should submit their application as early as possible to not only ensure materials are promptly reviewed, but also to increase chances of securing a spot in this highly selective program before all available slots are filled.

Deadline for review at January’s admissions committee meeting: January 12, 2025

Deadline for review at February’s admissions committee meeting: February 9, 2025

Final application deadline: March 14, 2025

Application Requirements

  • Application: The application for the cohort entering in 2025 is now open.
  • Transcripts: Applicants will upload unofficial transcripts to the online application. Transcripts must be in English or accompanied by an official English translation. 
  • Recommendations: Three letters of recommendation are required. These will be requested and uploaded as part of the online application.
  • Personal statement and CV: Applicants will upload a current CV and a personal statement. The personal statement is limited to 250 words in length and tells the admissions committee about your fit for the program.
  • Writing/Creative Sample: Applicants will upload a sample of their work. Examples of what applicants could submit include:
    • A reference to online work (i.e., YouTube video or another social media work)
    • Excerpts from something they have written, e.g., poems, music, etc. (please limit submissions to no more than 20 pages). This work does not need to have been published
    • Photo essay
    • Link to a podcast or talk they have given
  • Interview: Our admissions committee may suggest an interview. If so, you will be contacted to set up a time to meet.
  • Standardized test scores: The Master of Science in Media, Medicine, and Health does not require standardized test scores.
  • English proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Applicants demonstrate English proficiency by submitting a transcript for a four-year undergraduate degree or a two-year graduate degree where the language of instruction is English. If you cannot submit a transcript as noted above then you will be required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores. 
  • Application fee: All Harvard Medical School master's programs require a $100 application fee.
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  • More details on standardized tests

    Standardized test scores are not required for admission with one exception: to ensure an applicant has the necessary English language skills for success in the program, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English.

    A language proficiency test is required for applicants for whom English was not the medium of instruction for their undergraduate or graduate degree. Harvard Medical School's master’s programs accept TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS Academic, and Duolingo English Test. Please see our minimum test score requirements and instructions to submit official test scores below. 

    Minimum Test Score Requirements:

    • TOEFL iBT: 103
    • TOEFL Essentials: 11
    • IELTS Academic: 7.5
    • Duolingo English Test: 130

    Submitting 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:  

    Account Name: Harvard Medical School Graduate Education Master's Programs  

    Address: Graduate Education Master's Programs
    25 Shattuck Street
    Boston, MA 02115
    United States 

    Duolingo English Test:
    Search for “Harvard Medical School” and select the appropriate program.

Program costs

Program costs for each HMS master's program are found on the HMS Master's Programs Cost of Attendance page.

Financial Aid

Please review the HMS Financial Aid Office website for details on financial aid options beyond those listed below.

Master’s Program Tuition Discount for Faculty and Staff at HMS and Affiliated Institutions

Beginning for the entering class of AY20 (Fall 2019), full-time, benefits-eligible faculty and staff at HMS and the affiliated institutions/hospitals are eligible for a scholarship equivalent to 10% of the full-time tuition rate for any of the HMS master's degree Programs (tuition only).  Please notify the program if you think you are eligible for this scholarship.  Students who are also considering applying for financial assistance should notify the HMS Financial Aid office of this scholarship opportunity.

Contact Us

If you have additional questions, please email the program at mmh@hms.harvard.edu.