Online Master of Science
Summary
The 60-credit Online Master of Science program is completed over four semesters, with full-time study in the first academic year, followed by part-time study in the second. Students gain essential skills needed to advance public health work through rigorous quantitative research and analysis.
Students will engage through asynchronous online courses, optional synchronous sessions, and peer-to-peer learning. Questions about the program? Contact onlinesm@hsph.harvard.edu.
About
Students complete their 60-credit Master of Science (SM) degree over four semesters in a fully online format offering the flexibility to earn a Harvard degree without the need to relocate. The program is structured with full-time study in the first year, followed by part-time study in the second year, allowing students to balance academic and professional commitments.
Courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students from all over the world to learn on their own schedules. The program also provides students with optional opportunities for synchronous interaction, fostering real-time engagement with faculty and peers to enrich the learning experience.
Students take courses in a variety of public health areas designed to progressively build research skills that culminate in a master’s thesis. In the first semester, students learn foundational skills in epidemiology and biostatistics while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the public health landscape to contextualize their future research. The curriculum includes required courses in emerging and topical areas such as health data science and artificial intelligence. Starting in the second semester, students choose from a range of electives allowing them to tailor their learning toward their specific interests. Students in the Online SM program will gain skills necessary to support the practical and technical aspects of research, which include responsible conduct, academic writing, and publishing.
Online (Fall start) • Full-time (First year) • Part-time (Second year)
Curriculum
Public Health Core:
- Foundations for Public Health for SM
- Health Systems
- Leadership and Communication
- Social, Behavioral and Structural Determinants of Health
Field of Study Courses:
- AI & Research
- Confounding Control: A Component of Causal Inference
- Core Principles of Data Science I
- Core Principles of Data Science II
- Introduction to Epidemiology Methods I
- Introduction to Statistical Methods OR Applied Regression Analysis
- Scientific Integrity and Good Research Practices
- Study Designs
- Writing and Publishing Scientific Literature
Master’s Thesis:
- Master’s Thesis I
- Master’s Thesis II
- Applications of Epidemiology
- Decision Science for Public Health
- Design and Conduct of Trials in Preventive Medicine
- Interventions for Global Health: Concepts and Methods
- Introduction to Implementation Science
- Introduction to Machine Learning and Risk Prediction
- Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods for Public Health
- Investigating Outbreaks
- Linear and Longitudinal Regression
- Practical Scientific Methods for Improving Health and Heath Care
- Survey Research Methods for Public Health
- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
| Fall 2025 | Total: 17.5 credits |
|---|---|
| Field of study courses | 12.5 credits |
| Public health core | 5 credits |
| Spring 2026 | Total: 17.5 credits |
|---|---|
| Field of study courses | 12.5 credits |
| Electives | 5 credits |
| Fall 2026 | Total: 12.5 credits |
|---|---|
| Electives | 10 credits |
| Master’s Thesis | 2.5 credits |
| Spring 2027 | Total: 12.5 credits |
|---|---|
| Electives | 10 credits |
| Master’s Thesis | 2.5 credits |
Competencies
- Design research studies in medicine and public health (e.g., study design and population selection, sample size justification, data analysis plans, methods of data acquisition and organization, data management methods, and protocol development).
- Analyze and interpret quantitative data for scientific inference (e.g., graphical and tabular displays and visuals, descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and choice of appropriate statistical software for the data analysis).
- Critically evaluate and apply principles of epidemiologic methods, including exposure and outcome measures, measures of association, bias and confounding, and study design options.
- Collaborate and communicate effectively with research scientists in related disciplines.
- Disseminate new knowledge in a research discipline through the preparation of a written report, comparison of different methodologies, and oral presentation of results.
Our Community
Online Master of Science students are a vital part of the School’s dynamic community. Through virtual student groups, discussion forums, and synchronous sessions, students stay connected with peers and faculty. From participating in engaged mentorship during the master’s thesis to collaborating on course projects, there are many ways to stay involved and build meaningful connections throughout the program.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Online Masters of Science degree will have a wide range of pathways to a meaningful and impactful career across diverse industries, including:
- Academic institutions
- Biotech/pharma
- Government
- Health care organizations
- Non-profit/Non-government organizations
- Public health agencies
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants for the Online Master of Science must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or non-U.S. equivalent
Application Requirements
All applications must be submitted through SOPHAS – the centralized application for schools and programs of public health. As part of the application, you must submit:
- Statement of purpose and objectives
- Standardized test scores (optional)
- English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo English Test), if applicable
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resumé/curriculum vitae
- Post-secondary transcripts or mark sheets (World Education Services credential evaluation for applicants with degrees from outside of the United States.)
Application Deadline: December 1
Applicants may apply to only one degree program for either full- or part-time status at the School. Applications are reviewed in their entirety and decisions are released via email in late February/early March. Decisions are not released until all application components are received.
