Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Master of Science in Health Data Science (SM-HDS) – Program Overview
Jul 3
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In today’s data-driven world, the demand for health data scientists is growing rapidly across public health, biomedical research, and the global healthcare industry. One of the most prestigious programs in this field is the Master of Science in Health Data Science (SM-HDS) offered by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
In this article, we provide an in-depth overview of the program, including curriculum highlights, admission requirements, and career prospects, to help prospective applicants make informed decisions.
Program Summary
Degree: Master of Science in Health Data Science (SM-HDS)
School: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Department: Department of Biostatistics
Program Length:
Full-time: 1.5 years (starting in the Fall)
Part-time: 3 years
This 60-credit professional degree program equips students with rigorous training in statistical methods, computing, and data science with a direct focus on health and biomedical data applications.
Key Learning Outcomes
Students in the SM-HDS program will develop core competencies in:
Statistical inference and applied regression
Machine learning and statistical computing
Big data processing and computing for biomedical data
Epidemiology and health data interpretation
Effective data visualization and scientific communication
Statistical consultation and collaborative research
These competencies prepare graduates for professional roles in the health data science field or for further doctoral studies in biostatistics or related computational disciplines.
Curriculum Overview
📘 Core Courses
Students complete a series of required courses, including:
BST 222 – Basics of Statistical Inference
BST 260 – Introduction to Data Science
BST 261 – Data Science II
BST 262 – Computing for Big Data
BST 263 – Statistical Learning
💻 Computing and Computer Science Courses (choose 5 ordinal credits)
Options include:
BST 221 – Applied Data Structures and Algorithms
STAT 220 – Bayesian Data Analysis
BMI 713/715 – Biomedical Computing Courses
CS 124 – Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 182 – Artificial Intelligence
MIT 6.7940 – Dynamic Programming and Reinforcement Learning
🎓 Elective Courses (22.5 ordinal credits)
Examples include:
BST 214 – Principles of Clinical Trials
BST 283 – Cancer Genome Data Science
EPI 286 – Database Analytics in Pharmacoepidemiology
BMI 706 – Data Visualization for Biomedical Applications
Student Community & Resources
Harvard Chan School fosters an inclusive and collaborative learning environment:
Access to renowned faculty in biostatistics and epidemiology
Opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborations
Career services and networking support
Technical workshops in coding, reproducibility, and communication
40+ student organizations dedicated to public health and global issues
Academic support is also available through resources such as the Countway Library of Medicine and academic coaching programs.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the SM-HDS program are well-positioned for careers in:
Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies
Healthcare analytics and hospital systems
Government agencies (e.g., CDC, WHO)
NGOs and international organizations
Research institutions and universities
Public and private healthcare enterprises
The program is designed as a terminal professional degree, but it also serves as a strong foundation for PhD programs in biostatistics or data science.
Admission Requirements
📌 Eligibility
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field such as:
Mathematics
Statistics
Computer Science
Economics
Other allied fields
Additionally, applicants should have a demonstrated interest in health science. Some candidates may be required to take supplementary coursework depending on their background.
📑 Application Materials
Online SOPHAS application
Statement of Purpose and Objectives
Three Letters of Recommendation
CV or Resume
Official transcripts (WES evaluation for international degrees)
English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable)
⏰ Deadline
Application Deadline: December 1
Decision Release: Late February to Early March
Note: Applicants may apply to only one program per cycle, for either full-time or part-time study.
Final Thoughts
The SM in Health Data Science at Harvard is a world-class program that combines technical depth with real-world health applications. Whether you're aiming for a data science role in the healthcare industry or preparing for doctoral research, this program provides the interdisciplinary foundation and professional training necessary to make an impact in the field.
💼 Need Support with Your Application?
At Kim Consulting, we specialize in guiding international applicants through every step of the graduate school admissions process—from program selection to SOP editing, recommender strategy, and interview preparation.
If you're planning to apply to top programs like Harvard's SM-HDS, contact us for expert one-on-one guidance at admissions@kimconsulting.org.
