Emory University School of Medicine
Emory University School of Medicine
Department of Biomedical Informatics

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Department of Biomedical Informatics

Master's Degrees

The Department of Biomedical Informatics supports two master's degree programs at Emory, the MS in Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics and the MS in Clinical Research.

Master's in Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics

Emory’s departments of Biomedical Informatics, Computer Science, and Biostatistics and Bioinformatics jointly offer a Master of Science in Computer Science with a Biomedical Informatics concentration. The concentration is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in a related discipline such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a natural, physical, or social sciences subject.

This degree will prepare you for a next-generation career in industry, government, or public health, or for entering a doctoral program in informatics, computer science, biostatistics, or statistics.

Interested in applying? Please see additional application information and apply here!

Program Requirements

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.

Core Courses

Students must 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

Concentration Electives

In addition, students must take at least 3 concentration electives from the following list.

  • BIOS 510: Probability Theory I (4)
  • BIOS 511: Statistical Inference (4)
  • BIOS 540: Introduction to Bioinformatics (2)
  • BIOS 545: Introduction 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)

You may substitute, at most, one of these electives with a relevant course from Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biomedical Informatics, the Rollins School of Public Health, School of Medicine, or appropriate schools at Georgia Tech through the ARCHE program. When substituting courses, you must obtain prior written approval from your thesis advisor and CSI/BMI DGS/program director(s).

Degree Options

Students must choose one of the following options:

  • Thesis: An acceptable master’s thesis and oral defense (9 credit hours).
  • Project: Complete 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 your faculty advisor. The project result may be in the form of a report or documented software. Satisfactory completion of the project requires approval by your faculty advisor.
  • Coursework: Complete 9 additional electives hours. You may take courses outside the department (e.g., from the sciences, schools of medicine and public health, or the business schools) if they coincide with your degree objective. The Computer Science Committee must approve electives.

Practicum

All MS students must complete a practicum (CS596R: Computer Science Master's Practicum) involving a substantial project either under the direction of an Emory faculty member or a computer science/informatics expert in industry. This requirement is intended to give you practical experience with real-life projects — an essential element of an applied discipline such as Computer Science and Informatics.

In order to graduate, every MS student should successfully complete at least one CS596R. As an "R" designated course, you may repeat this once, and in exceptional circumstances, one additional time with permission from the director of graduate studies. 

Master of Science in Clinical Research

research investigator with student in lab

Emory’s Master of Science in Clinical Research (MSCR) degree program is sponsored through the Laney Graduate School at Emory University and provides didactic and mentored clinical and translational research training. The degree is designed for participants at Emory University, Georgia Tech, and University of Georgia who hold a doctorate or equivalent degree (such as physicians and PhD-level scientists) and have demonstrated a commitment to a career in clinical investigation. 

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) applicants apply at MSM. Pre-doctoral (medical or PhD graduate students at Emory University) may apply to the MSCR program through the TL1-Medical Scientist Training Program (dual-degree program).