Master of Medical Sciences in Clinical Investigation 

Theory and Practice of Biomedical Research for Tomorrow’s Independent Investigators

Harvard Medical School’s Master of Medical Sciences in Clinical Investigation degree program is now accepting applications. The course provides world-class training in the methods and conduct of clinical discovery and hands-on training for the next generation of independent investigators, including a mentored research experience at a Harvard-affiliated lab in Boston.

The program is designed to stimulate critical thinking and help students develop practical skills, network, and learn new approaches to handle uncertainty in patient-oriented research. To achieve these aims, students from both tracks—Clinical Investigation and Translational Investigation—learn together. In the second year, students in each track then customize their learning along with their interests. Case studies and laboratory exercises help reinforce the theory, while skills are developed and refined with practice-oriented tasks.

Who Should Apply

The Master of Medical Sciences in Clinical Investigation program is designed for the next generation of independent investigators. Medical professionals applying should hold an MD, PhD, MBBS, MBBCh, or comparable degree and be currently working in clinical or translational research. 

Upon graduating from this program, our students become independent investigators, pharmaceutical industry leaders, directors of research, chief medical officers, or advance in clinical science as translational doctors

Clinical Research and Translational Research Tracks

This master's program offers two customized learning tracks: a Clinical Investigation track and a Translational Investigation track. Within the Clinical Investigation track, we offer an additional choice between two pathways: the Comparative Research pathway and the Clinical Trials pathway. Across all tracks and pathways, students learn about ethical conduct, how to frame a research question, construct and test hypotheses, implement a study, analyze and interpret data, and communicate the results of their study. The concurrent mentored research experience requires the development and presentation of two published papers.

Earn a Master’s in Medical Sciences Degree at Harvard Medical School

• A two-year intensive, mentored research experience at a Harvard-affiliated laboratory in Boston
• Renowned research faculty from Harvard and other Harvard-affiliated organizations
• Students become leaders and gain practical experience with individual research projects, scientific writing and statistical programing
• Course work that stimulates critical thinking with technical training and knowledge in hands-on research
• Contemporary pedagogical approaches, team-based learning and development of critical thinking skills
• Specialized tracks and pathways for individualized learning
• An experienced biostatistician will be available to work directly with students

Master's Program Request Information