Biomedical Informatics

The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics at Emory University is a comprehensive and innovative program designed to prepare students for the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of healthcare technology and data management. This program combines principles from computer science, information technology, healthcare, and biomedical sciences to equip graduates with the skills necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate advanced informatics solutions that enhance patient care, support clinical decision-making, and foster biomedical research. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including clinical data management, health information systems, medical imaging, data analytics, machine learning, and health informatics policies. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application, students gain hands-on experience through projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners and healthcare institutions. The program also focuses on the ethical, legal, and social implications of biomedical data handling and technology use, ensuring that graduates are prepared to navigate complex regulatory environments and promote data privacy and security. Designed for individuals with backgrounds in science, technology, or healthcare, the Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics at Emory offers a flexible learning environment with full-time and part-time options, allowing students to tailor their studies to their professional commitments. Graduates from this program are well-equipped to pursue careers in various sectors, including healthcare delivery organizations, biomedical research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. They play critical roles in developing healthcare information systems, analyzing complex biomedical data, and advancing personalized medicine initiatives. Through its rigorous curriculum, mentorship from leading experts in the field, and strong connections to the vibrant healthcare and research communities in Atlanta and beyond, Emory University’s Biomedical Informatics program prepares students to lead innovation in healthcare and biomedical sciences.

Students are required to take the following 4 core courses:

• BMI 500: Introduction to Biomedical Informatics (2)
• BIOS 506: Biostatistical Methods (4)
• CS 526: Algorithms
• CS 534: Machine Learning

In addition, students are required to take at least 3 concentration electives from:

• BIOS 510: Probability Theory I (4)
• BIOS 511: Statistical Inference (4)
• BIOS 540: Introduction to Bioinformatics (2)
• BIOS 545: Introduction to to R Programming (2)
• CS 540: Software Engineering
• CS 563: Digital Image Processing
• CS 570: Data Mining
• CS 581: High Performance Computing
• CS 584: Topics in Computer Science
• IBS 523: Cancer Biology I (4)

Students are required to choose one of the following options:

• Thesis:
  An acceptable masters thesis and oral defense (9 credit hours).
• Project:
  ​Completion of one approved elective course, and a faculty supervised project, formally taken by registering for CS598 (for up to 6 credit hours).  The project may be external as long as it is approved and co-advised by the faculty advisor. The project result may be in the form of a report or documented software.  Satisfactory completion of the project requires approval by the faculty advisor.
• Coursework:
  Completion of 9 additional electives hours.  Courses outside the department (e.g., from the sciences, schools of medicine and public health, or the business schools) may be taken if they coincide with the degree objective of the student.  Approval of electives will be by the Computer Science Committee.

Students may substitute at most one of the above electives with a relevant course from Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biomedical Informatics, the Rollins School of Public Health, School of Medicine, and appropriate schools at Georgia Tech through the ARCHE program.  When substituting courses, a student must obtain prior written approval from the thesis advisor and CSI/BMI DGS/program director(s). Students must complete their core courses with a grade of B or higher and complete all coursework by year two with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Transcripts: We will need copies of transcripts from each post-secondary institution you have attended, including your current one. They must be in English. and issued by the registrar's at your university. We do not  require official transcripts (issued by the registrar's at your university) as part of the application process, only if and when you are offered and accept admission.
• GRE scores: We will need your official GRE general exam score to be sent to us (institution code 5187). 
• Statement of purpose: Write candidly about why you want to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science and informatics, what kind of questions you have worked on in the past, what you intend to focus on in your studies and how you plan to use the research experience in your longer-term plan. 
• Curriculum Vitae: Provide a document listing relevant experiences and accomplishments, such as internships, awards and research experiences, that you believe will strengthen your application.
• Recommendation letters; We require three professionals with knowledge about your academic performance to write letters that evaluate your research potential and your teaching experience. Your application cannot be processed before we have received these letters.
• Application fee: The application fee is waived ($0) before October 31 (midnight PST). Starting November 1, the application fee is $75. 
• International applicants whose native language is not English must also complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Scholarships

In the M.S. programs, partial tuition scholarships are available on a competitive basis. There are no teaching assistantships available for those programs. 

The Master of Science in Biomedical Informatics at Emory University is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data science. This program emphasizes the development of skills in managing, analyzing, and applying biomedical data to improve patient care, research, and healthcare systems. The curriculum integrates principles from computer science, biology, and medicine, offering a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex healthcare problems. Students gain proficiency in electronic health records, health data standards, data mining, machine learning, and health informatics technologies. The program is tailored to meet the needs of aspiring professionals who wish to work in hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or health IT organizations. It combines coursework, research projects, and practical experience to ensure graduates are well-equipped for the evolving healthcare landscape. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, collaborate with faculty engaged in cutting-edge biomedical research, and participate in internships that provide real-world exposure. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations, data security, and regulatory issues pertinent to biomedical informatics. Graduates of the program often pursue roles as clinical informaticists, data analysts, research scientists, or health IT consultants. The program's flexibility allows students to tailor their education toward areas such as clinical informatics, public health informatics, or bioinformatics. Overall, Emory’s Biomedical Informatics program aims to develop leaders capable of leveraging technology to advance medical research, improve healthcare delivery, and contribute to the field’s innovative growth.