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Biomedical Informatics Admissions

At the Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI), there are three programs of graduate study available. To learn more about  each program and to determine which one is right for you, access the links below:

  • Master of Arts: This is the only program that can be completed on either a part-time or full-time basis on campus.  No classes are available on-line. It prepares students for practical, hands-on careers in informatics. Master's candidates are self-funded. Many work part-time in the local community once enrolled. For international students, the ability to work while pursuing the degree may depend upon VISA status. MA students constitute approximately 30% of the student body.
  • PhD: This is a fully funded 4-5 year program for international and US students that is part of the Coordinated Doctoral Programs in the Biomedical Sciences. The PhD program can be pursued only on a full-time basis at Columbia. PhD students make up approximately 55% of our DBMI student body.
  • Post-doctoral Fellowship (degree-granting): This program is intended for postdoctoral trainees with a health professional doctorate or a PhD in another field. All fellows in this program earn a degree in addition to their full-time research experience. Duration is 2-3 years when the fellowship leads to an MA degree, and four or more years when a PhD is being sought. Postdoctoral M.A. students constitute approximately 15% of our student body.
  • Post-doctoral Fellowship (non-degree): This program offers research training exclusively for individuals who have an earned PhD (or equivalent) in biomedical informatics or a closely related field (such as computer science, psychology, cognitive science, biomedical engineering).

Basic Requirements

The basic requirement for admission as a student in the Biomedical Informatics program is a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, biology, nursing, medicine, public health, information management, or similar discipline and the ability to complete the degree at Columbia.  No on-line courses are available. General requirements for admission are defined by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences . Students who lack background in computational methods should take at least one introductory course in computer science (not simply computer programming) before entering the program. Students who lack background in health science should consider taking a course in human anatomy and physiology, or in hospital systems and management. Some familiarity with social science and statistics is also helpful.

For further information please see the Biomedical Informatics Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) web page which can answer many of your questions

Application Procedure

Due to the manner in which the curriculum is structured, students are admitted only in the Fall term. On-line applications are due to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) by December 8, 2007, although we do accept Postdoctoral Fellowship applications from house officers (interns and residents) in January of their next-to-last year of clinical training, 18-20 months before their anticipated matriculation. Applicants seeking admission to the program are urged to submit a completed application and supporting materials as early as possible. The department conducts personal interviews with selected candidates. Final admissions decisions are made no later than April 15th.   You may begin the process of applying to our program by clicking here.

 

GSAS Application and Biomedical Informatics Supplement
GRE scores
Personal Statement
Three Letters of Recommendation
Official Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions
TOEFL scores, if applicable (see International Students section below)
Curriculum Vitae or Resumé

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores can be submitted in lieu of GRE scores for MA and Post-doctoral degree granting applicants only. The GRE is required for all PhD applicants and must have been taken within the last 5 years. Physicians are also asked to submit USMLE scores.

The FAQ web page also has information about the admissions process, GRE/TOEFL requirements, and degree program requirements.

If you have questions regarding the on-line application, contact the Office of Graduate Affairs at 701 West 168th Street, Hammer Health Sciences Building, Room 205, New York, NY 10032. Telephone: (212) 305-8058; Fax: (212) 305-1031, e-mail: biomedicalsciences@columbia.edu

Financial Aid Information for Applicants

Master's applicants seeking financial support should visit the Student Financial Services Office of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.Financial Aid website.

International Students

All international students whose native language is not English and who have not received an undergraduate degree from an institution in which English was the medium of instruction must submit scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The Department of Biomedical Informatics requires a minimum of 5 years of academic study in the US in order to waive the TOEFL exam. Questions regarding minimum scores and waiving of the TOEFL requirement should be directed to the Graduate School of Arts and Science Office of Graduate Affairs, telephone (212) 305-8058, e-mail biomedicalsciences@columbia.edu

Visit DBMI

If you are in the New York area, you may wish to visit our department especially on our seminar days (Thursdays) when you can attend a research talk presented by a student, faculty member, or guest speaker. This is an excellent way to learn more about the field and to interact informally with DBMI faculty and students.

Contact Us

For more information about our programs or to visit the Department of Biomedical Informatics, please email or call Marina Honablue, Graduate Program Coordinator, 212-342-1641.